York City chairman Jason McGill insists it’s absolutely vital there is now stability following the appalling shock of a second consecutive relegation.
Therefore an immediate offer has been made to manager Gary Mills to continue in the role, although on terms commensurate with a club playing in the lower division, and a decision is required from him by Wednesday.
The Minstermen will also definitely continue operating as a full-time concern in National League North next season with a current top-three budget.
“There are many things to consider following the ignominy of relegation and a further statement will be issued in due course, but one of the first things to resolve is the managerial situation at the Club going forward,” McGill admitted in a club statement. “It is imperative that the Club has stability and a recruitment plan in place for next season at the earliest opportunity.
“The Football Club had, at its discretion, following relegation, the option to part company with Gary Mills without financial implication to either party,” McGill revealed. “I decided, however, to make an offer to Gary, immediately after the game on Saturday, of further engagement as YCFC manager for season 2017/2018.
“The offer is commensurate with the status of a Club playing in the National League North and has certain criteria and goals that must be achieved at key points during the season.
“Following discussions with other National League North clubs, the proposed YCFC playing budget for next season would have been in the top three, based on this season’s figures. For the avoidance of doubt, the Club will remain full-time next season.
“I have given Gary until Wednesday this week to make his decision, as I believe the Club cannot have managerial uncertainty, by leaving a decision until after Wembley. The manager needs to begin recruitment for next season immediately and we do not need to be playing catch-up with other teams in the league.
“It is great to see York City Football Club playing at Wembley in the FA Trophy Final, but it is more important to begin our campaign for promotion next season now.”
Meanwhile, the York chairman continues to firmly back controversially appointed CEO Jackie McNamara despite openly conceding that his original selection as first-team manager in November 2015 had directly led to City’s tragic demise.
“The appointment of Jackie McNamara as manager, in hindsight, did not work and, as a consequence, has been a major cause for the current situation,” McGill added. “Jackie has, however, made some important behind-the-scenes changes, since becoming CEO at the Club and more importantly, feels responsible and wants to help put things right.
“It would have been easy for him to walk away and not take the abuse, but he wants to assist with implementing changes to the non-playing side of the business. I must focus on running the parent company, because without J M Packaging there would be no financial support for York City Football Club.
“Trust is very important for me and I trust Jackie McNamara to represent my interests in the day-to-day running of the Football Club.”
A further statement will follow from the club when the current managerial situation is clear.
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