Dudgeon nearing Scarborough move

The 22-year-old is being given a break in the semi-pro game following nearly two years out of football with post-viral fatigue syndrome.

The debilitating disorder looked likely to threaten the defender's career, and the former Scotland Youth international has drifted in and out of action over the past two seasons at Oakwell.

But having impressed previously at Barnsley and Lincoln City, Slade hopes that Dudgeon will use the summer to build up his fitness and stake a claim in Scarborough's promotion-chasing Conference side next season.

"He needs a good pre-season, which he will get, and then hopefully he will be back to where he was 18 months ago, when Barnsley thought very highly of him," said Slade.

Slade has also secured the services of defender Steve Baker, with the 24-year-old agreeing a new season-long deal at the McCain Stadium.

The former Middlesbrough player has also featured for Hartlepool United, Darlington and Huddersfield Town.