Former York City player Darren Kelly has been named as the club’s new general manager tonight (Tuesday).
The club said in a brief statement: “York City is delighted to announce that former player Darren Kelly has agreed to join the Minstermen as the club’s new general manager.
“Kelly joins the club off the back of a spell with Hartlepool United, where he was sporting director and played a key role in first team player signings as well as working with wider football operations.”
At Hartlepool he worked with first team manager John Askey, the man who was sacked so controversially as City manager after guiding the club to promotion. Hartlepool are currently fourth in the league, and City 23rd.
Hailing from Northern Ireland, Kelly began his career at hometown club Derry City.
The centre back joined York City in 2007, and played with the club for two years.
He began his managerial career with Oldham Athletic in League One in 2015. Stints as manager of Halifax Town, Hyde United and Scarborough Athletic followed.
It was in February this year that Kelly was appointed sporting director of Hartlepool United. On 31 July, it was announced that Kelly would step down from that position next month.
Hartlepool’s website said: “The club and Darren have been in conversation about this for some time and have mutually agreed due to Darren’s personal circumstances and his need to spend more time with family at this point.”
Kelly was seen sitting with York City co-owner Matt Uggla during Monday’s home defeat to Rochdale, after which manager Mikey Morton was sacked.
Matt Uggla described him as “an absolute top guy who fits the culture we are trying to build perfectly”.
Talking to the club website, Kelly described his role as “a sort of general manager, sporting director type of role where your support in recruitment, or in the office, the administration side and work closely with people.
“You look at the size of the football club, it shouldn’t be, in my opinion, where it is in the National League.
“So we’ve got to work hard all together, with me in support, to try and get the club back into the Football League.”
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