Rushden & Diamonds sign York City striker Michael Gash

Gash failed to live up to his �55,000 transfer fee at York

Rushden & Diamonds have signed York City striker Michael Gash on loan until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old, who scored just once in 17 appearances for York this season, will make the move on 1 January.

Manager Justin Edinburgh told BBC Radio Northampton: "We want players who can give us the push to remain competitive in and around the play-offs.

"I'd like to bring in a midfielder and a defender, and the play-offs is a realistic target."

Gash joined York in a £55,000 deal from Ebbsfleet United in July 2009 but failed to make a major impact at Bootham Cresent. He has also previously had spells with both Cambridge United and Cambridge City.

Edinburgh has not ruled out further moves in and out of the club, after left-back Kurt Robinson joined Chelmsford on loan and striker Tim Sills returned to parent club Stevenage.

I'd imagine that next week we'll tie up the loose ends and get my new contract signed

Justin Edinburgh

But they will not be bringing in players from Kettering Town, who have been forced to cut their wage bill and look set to lose squad members in the January transfer window.

"Maybe one or two will go out, and maybe I'll look to bring two more players into the club," said Edinburgh.

"If there's a player out there who'll enhance the squad, it doesn't matter who he's played for. But there's no-one I'm looking at from Kettering."

Diamonds' top goal-scorer Rene Howe is set to return to his parent club Peterborough United in January.

"We're in discussions but we know there's possible interest from other clubs," Edinburgh said. "That's the downside of having someone do well on loan for you. We want him to stay but we wait on Peterborough's say-so."

606: DEBATE

Hasn't been worth the money at all. Feel like Ebbsfleet did us over good and proper

rocknrollnobody

Meanwhile, Edinburgh expects to sign an extension to his contract with the club imminently.

"Once we get the next two games out the way and Dale Roberts' funeral, I'd imagine that next week we'll tie up the loose ends and get it signed," he said.