Chris Smith returns to York City on loan from Mansfield

Smith has made 11 first team appearances for Mansfield this season

York City have signed Mansfield Town defender Chris Smith on loan until the end of the season, new boss Gary Mills' first signing for the Minstermen.

The 28-year-old joined the Stags on a one-year deal in the summer from Tamworth, where he played under Mills.

Smith left York in 2004 after a three-year spell and could make his return in Saturday's FA Cup tie at Kidderminster.

Mills told BBC Radio York: "I'm sure he'll do well for us and I'm delighted to have him here."

Former Reading trainee Smith also played for Stafford Rangers and Worcester City before linking up with Mills at Tamworth.

The new Minstermen boss added: "He was my skipper at Tamworth for last season so I know all about Chris.

"I'm delighted to have him in to be honest. He's become available which surprised me. He's done superb at Mansfield. I've watched him a few times and I know how well he's been doing.

There's no point in me having bodies here just for the sake of it that I know, and possibly even they know, are not going to be involved on a Saturday afternoon

Gary Mills

"Things have changed at Mansfield. They've had a big influx of money. They've decided to get some more centre-halves in and he's become available."

Mills warned that although he has brought in Smith, he still feels that the squad is too big and some players are likely to be leaving Bootham Crescent.

"We have got too many and that's not being disrespectful to anybody we have," he said.

"I don't feel that it's healthy and for some players they need to get out there and play. You can't have people at York not playing week-in week-out and enjoying the life of a footballer.

"Yes, we have to have a big enough squad to cope with the rigours of this league.

"But also there's no point in me having bodies here just for the sake of it that I know, and possibly even they know, are not going to be involved or certainly not going to get in the XI on a Saturday afternoon. That's got to change."