[8] He scored Darlington's equalising goal away to Kidderminster on 17 January 2004, halting a run of five 1–0 defeats out of six matches for the team during 2003–04,[9][10] which helped them avoid relegation from the Third Division.

[15] Despite York hoping to extend his loan,[16] he returned to Darlington following its expiration on 19 October 2004 and played against Swansea City in a 2–1 away defeat on 17 November, with manager David Hodgson saying he "did very well".

[17][18][19] McGurk picked up an injury to his knee cartilage, which was operated on in December 2004,[20] and after progressing well in his recovery made his return against Notts County on 12 February 2005, scoring Darlington's goal in a 2–1 home defeat.

[32][35] Following this "hugely successful" loan spell he made his last appearance of the season with Darlington after starting in a 1–1 home draw with Wrexham on 6 May 2006 to cover for the suspended Matthew Clarke.

[36][37] York manager Billy McEwan hoped to re-sign him following the end of the season and McGurk declared he wanted to join the club permanently.

[47] He started 2008–09 as an ever-present in the team before pulling a calf muscle during an FA Trophy second round match away to Oxford United on 13 January 2009, which ruled him out for three weeks.

[51][52] During the period of his injury, York signed defender Shaun Pejic, whose form alongside Daniel Parslow in central defence resulted in McGurk being unable to reaffirm his place in the team.

[57] He captained York during their 2–0 home victory over Southern League Division One Midlands team Bedworth United in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round in October 2009, which was his 200th appearance for the club.

[68] He handed in a transfer request in November 2010 having expressed his desire to join Luton, after they had a number of bids for him rejected and he had turned down a contract extension with York.

[69] His transfer request was rejected by manager Gary Mills and McGurk explained he wanted to join Luton as he believed they offered him a better opportunity of achieving his ambition of returning to the Football League.

[70] Luton manager Richard Money eventually gave up on signing McGurk due to York demanding what he called a "ridiculous fee" for the player.

[76] McGurk retired from professional football in May 2014 as a result of injury problems, but remained playing as a part-timer after signing for Conference North club Harrogate Town on 2 June.

[83] McGurk signed for newly relegated Northern Premier League Division One North club Hyde United in June 2016 on a one-year contract, as a player and as assistant manager to Darren Kelly.