RELEGATED York City will step up their bid to land Darlington midfielder Gary Pearson after missing out on Cambridge's Justin Walker.

City boss Chris Brass is expected to turn his attentions to Pearson as an alternative to Walker, who has rejected the chance to join the Minstermen on a permanent basis following a successful loan spell.

Walker's decision to pen a new one-year deal with the Us comes days after Brass was rebuffed in his attempts to sign Pearson's Quakers teammate, Ian Clark.

The 29-year-old turned down a two-year contract to move to Bootham Crescent, opting to remain with Quakers until 2005.

However, Brass may have more success in his pursuit of Pearson, who is available on a free transfer, as he plots a quick return to the Football League next season.

The tough-tackling midfielder is out of contract this month and has been told he will not be offered a new deal by Quakers. Darlington player of the season Matt Clarke could be joining Pearson out the door after Notts County announced they expect to complete signings "over the next few days".

But, despite reports Hodgson is resigned to losing the 6ft 3in stopper, County boss Gary Mills has denied they are in a position to offer Clarke a significant pay rise.

Meanwhile, the club last night confirmed they will be reverting back to its old club crest next season. Recently appointed chief executive Andy Battison told Northern Echo SPORT the move is aimed at bringing back a "swift return to roots" as part of the clubs rebuilding process.

Battison also revealed next season's home shirt will be available to buy from the club shop in early July, with the away to follow at a later date.

* Former Quakers defender Stuart Whitehead has joined Shrewsbury.