York City update: Club say John Askey ‘asked to leave the club because he was so unhappy’
York City have issued a further statement following the outpouring of anger and dismay from fans over the departure of manager John Askey.
As we reported earlier, the board have ended his contract with immediate effect.
He turned the club around and gained promotion after just a year in charge.
This decision shocked supporters – including Guy Mowbray who asked for his donation to the York City Supporters’ Trust ‘boost the budget’ fund back.
In response to the anger, the board has now issued a ‘clarification’.
On 3 November – two days after chairman Glen Henderson had aired his differences with the manager on a BBC Radio York phone in – they say that Askey spoke to directors Alastair Smith and Mike Brown.
He told them of his “unhappiness in his role at the football club. He went on to explain that he didn’t wish to remain at the club but was not in a position to resign due to his personal circumstances.
“Both directors expressed their desire to retain John as manager, find solutions to improve lines of communication and working practices within the club. John indicated that he felt there were no possible solutions or remedies.”
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The board said they had previously invited the manager to a meeting to discuss finances “but unfortunately John cancelled the meeting at short notice.
“We felt that this had been a prime opportunity to improve understanding and build a better working relationship with John with the ultimate aim of improving performance.
“Given John’s desire to leave the club and his belief that the situation was irretrievable, after seeking legal advice, the board unanimously agreed that it was in everyone’s best interest to part company with John.
“We believe that presented with such circumstances any business would have reached a similar conclusion.”
They said the board recognised “the huge support and love” felt by the fans to John Askey.
“We share those emotions which meant that we could not take this decision lightly and made every effort to avoid having to make it.
“Sometimes things happen behind the scenes of many football clubs that require the board to make difficult decisions.”
And they urged fans to get behind the squad at Saturday’s home game with Wealdstone.