• York boss talks of "difficult decision" - says departure will give players "ample" time to ensure club finishes in good position
  • Board express "great sadness"

YORK City manager Nigel Worthington has resigned due to team performances not being up to his “high standards”.

The decision has come in the aftermath of Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Newport, which left City with a record of one win in 17 matches – against ten-man Stevenage last month.

Worthington said: “After Saturday's result and in the best interests of York City, I have made the difficult decision to leave the club with immediate effect.

“I feel the timing of my departure will give the players ample number of games to gain the points needed to ensure York City finishes in a good position in League Two by the end of the season. In recent weeks, performances have not been up to my high standards and I take full responsibility for this as manager.

 

“I would like to thank the Board and the McGill family for their tremendous support during my time at the club. We have had a great working relationship and they have given me all the assistance I have needed.

“The supporters and the players should be very grateful to them for their loyalty, commitment and hard work in trying to take this football club forward. I have enjoyed a wonderful time at York City over the past 18 months.

“The fans have been fantastic throughout and I have appreciated all their support. The experience would not have been the same without the friendship of all the staff at the club.

 

“In particular, I would like to thank my assistant, Steve Torpey, for his loyalty and dedication to me and York City Football Club. It has been an absolute pleasure and honour to have been manager of York City and I very much wish the club every success for the future.”

In a statement on Worthington’s resignation, the club’s board of directors said: “It is with great sadness that Nigel Worthington has decided to leave the club.

“He has been a pleasure to work with and we could not have asked for a more professional and hard working manager. We will always be grateful to him for the huge contribution he made in maintaining our Football League status and for the great times we had reaching the Play-offs last season.

“We respect the decision he has taken and understand it has been made in the best interests of York City Football Club. We thank Nigel for all he has achieved in making York City a better football club and the legacy he leaves.

“He has been a gentleman throughout his time at the club and will be missed by us all. We now must focus on the appointment of a new manager and ensuring we secure the services of the right person to take York City Football Club forward.”

Remember when Worthington joined the Minstermen? Relive his first press conference below.