MARTINA EXIT’S NO ‘ALI DIA’ TO MILLS

YORK CITY boss Gary Mills has hit back at the coverage of the swift departure of Derwin Martina.

The 22-year-old former Ajax youngster was an unused substitute for the Minstermen’s game against Eastleigh last weekend and then played 80 minutes in a reserve game in midweek.

Mills decided to release the defender after that game, leading to some labelling him their ‘Ali Dia’.

In 1996, Southampton famously signed the striker but substituted him after he himself had come on as a substitute and he left after just 53 minutes of game time.

Boss Mills, whose side are in FA Trophy semi-final first leg action against Lincoln City on Tuesday night before Saturday’s second leg, thinks it’s all been blown out of proportion in the national media.

“To be honest, it’s gone ridiculous,” Mills said. “Derwin came into the football club on a sort of trial basis, on a non-contract. He was on the bench for us last week, we’ve had the reserve game and following the reserve game I’ve decided not to take it any further, it’s as simple as that.

“When someone’s on a non-contract it is, nine times out of ten, on a trial basis. That’s why Derwin is not with us any longer, because we can terminate that contract at any time.”

Also leaving the club is Daniel Nti. The winger joined in the summer from Worcester City but has only started 16 games and has had a spell on loan at FC Halifax Town.