Harriers' Duane Courtney off to York

Kidderminster Harriers right-back Duane Courtney has left the club to join Blue Square Premier rivals York City on a one-year deal.

The 25-year-old was unveiled by the Minstermen yesterday as their new signing, ending a one-season stay at Aggborough after joining from Welsh club the New Saints last summer.

Courtney had yet to be offered new terms by Harriers, as the club are still finalising their playing budget for the year ahead, but a specialist in his position had already come into Aggborough this summer with the capture of AFC Telford defender Lee Vaughan.

It's unlikely both would have been retained, although Courtney can also play in the centre, so with no offer on the table the Birmingham-born defender has decided to accept what was offer at KitKat Crescent.

The former Blues trainee has played at a level as high as the Championship with Burnley and, with York play-off contenders last season, believes he stands a better chance of playing at a higher level with Martin Foyle's men.

Courtney becomes the fifth player to leave Aggborough this summer after last season's top scorer Brian Smikle, Darryl Knights, Dean Coleman and Jasbir Singh.

He said: "I think success brings me to York. They've done well in the play-offs and I want to do well next season and progress in my football career.

"I've had a taste of playing in the Championship and I want a taste of playing in it again. I think with the way my new gaffer wants the team to play and what he wants out of the club is suited to that.

"That is what I want and that's what brought me here."