We are pleased to announce that Michael Duckworth and Paddy McLaughlin have both committed to the Minstermen for the 2023/24 season.
31-year-old Duckworth, who came through the club’s academy, is about to enter his fourth season as a City player, having re-joined the Minstermen ahead of the 2020/21 campaign from FC Halifax Town.
The defender showed his versatility last season, playing in a number of positions across the backline. In total, he made 22 appearances last campaign and scored two important goals, firstly against Woking on the opening day, and then in the crucial 3-1 win at Chesterfield in April where he found the back of the net from the halfway line.
On continuing with the Minstermen, Duckworth said: “I’m delighted to extend my contract with my hometown club.
“I feel really settled here and I love the club and city I grew up in. We have an unreal fanbase who follow us home and away and hopefully we can have a promising season this year.
“I can’t wait to get back at it already. My wife recently gave birth to a new baby boy, so I’m going to have my hands full for a few weeks.”
McLaughlin has also agreed to put pen-to-paper on a new deal with the club, heading into his eighth season as a Minsterman, in which he will continue in his dual role as Strength & Conditioning coach.
Like Duckworth, the 32-year-old former Northern Ireland U21 international is also in his second spell with the club, having re-joined the Minstermen in 2019 on loan from Hartlepool United, before making a permanent return to the club later that summer.
McLaughlin made 21 appearances for the club last season, which saw him surpass the milestone of 200 appearances for City, scoring his only goal of the season in the win away at Chesterfield.
On his renewal, Mclaughlin said: “I’m delighted. There wasn’t really ever any doubt in my mind.
“I wanted to stay around, I want to stay here for as long as I possibly can, and I’m very, very pleased to get it signed and get it all done.
“I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running next season.”
The midfielder added on his dual role: “It’s been enjoyable for me to look at that type of thing for potentially when I finished playing, but I’m still fully focused on being a player.
“Whilst I can do the two and it doesn’t impact on my playing then that’s great.
“I’m looking forward to continuing both roles.”
Deals are subject to National League and FA approval.