PADDY McLaughlin has left Hartlepool United to join York City on loan.

The midfielder moved to Pools in the summer from Gateshead and he becomes the first signing at Bootham Crescent for new Minstermen boss Steve Watson – McLaughlin’s manager last season.

Out of favour of late at Pools under former manager Richard Money, the ex-Newcastle trainee has been allowed to leave under new Super 6 Stadium boss Craig Hignett.

McLaughlin is a former York midfielder and he played for Pools reserves in their Durham Challenge Cup win at Darlington on Tuesday evening.