20-year-old McLaughlin joined Town from rivals Harrogate Railway last season but had also been training with Bradford City.

Stuart McCall approached Town to take McLaughlin on a permanent basis and Town general manager Alan Williams revealed releasing McLaughlin to the Bantams was always a possibility.

Williams also backed McLaughlin to reach the very top, Town likely to face the shotstopper when Bradford visit Wetherby Road for a pre-season friendly on Wednesday, July 16.

“He was training with Bradford City and the chairman told him when he came that he was on contract but that if Bradford City came in we would release him as he was training with them,” said Williams.

“If it was another big club they’d have paid a fee for him but we’ve done the honourable thing for him.

“If he’s going to the top then we’re glad Harrogate Town has been part of his build up.

“He’s done a fantastic job for Town, we wish him all the best and hope to see him back here with Bradford on July 16.”

Town have other pre-season friendlies in the pipeline while boss Neil Aspin and chairman Bill Fotherby are in the process of forming a squad for season 2008-09.

lee.sobot@ypn.co.uk