York City have sacked Russ Wilcox as manager after a string of poor results.
Wilcox’s assistant, John Schofield, is also going.
Russ joined York City in October 2014.
At the time club chairman Jason McGill said he was the “right person to take the club forward” as the man who had guided Scunthorpe United to promotion to League One.
And Wilcox did achieve the board of directors’ original modest target of securing League Two status at the end of last season.
After a strong final push, the team finished 11 points clear of the relegation zone.
But a statement issued by York City this morning said:
“Sadly, however, due to the team only attaining 12 points so far this season, the board felt they had to make a managerial change in order to give the Club the best chance of necessary progress in the league.”
York City Chairman, Jason McGill said:
He has been a pleasure to work with and is an honourable, decent individual who has given his all to his role at the club.
The board would also like to thank John Schofield for his hard work and enthusiasm on the training ground. Like Russ, he has also shown a high level of commitment to the Club during his time here.
Everyone at York City Football Club wishes both Russ and John the very best for the future.
Poor season
City have had a terrible start to the season. Just two wins and seven defeats in their first 15 games left them with a mere 12 points.
That puts the club only three points clear of the two relegation places.
The last straw for the board was a pitiful home performance against AFC Wimbledon which City lost 3-1.
Frustrated fans have met the end of recent games with a chorus of boos and calls for “Wilcox out”. But the manager said he wouldn’t resign.
The search now begins for a manager who can revive City’s fortunes in what looks to be their last full season at Bootham Crescent.
Cresswell in charge
A fans’ favourite from his playing days, Cresswell is now head of football operations and first team coach at City.
He will be assisted by youth team manager Jonathan Greening and goalkeeping coach, Andy Leaning.
Meanwhile the board has invited applications from anyone eager to be the new York City manager.
Applications should be sent by email to club secretary Lisa Charlton.
The club said:
We would appreciate your patience and support for the team during this period.