Former Valiants – players condemn “outrageous” sacking of former Vale manager
(Updated) York City players have condemned the sacking of manager John Askey with the club lying in twelfth place in the National League.
The former Port Vale manager has spent a year at the club delivering promotion through the Vanarama National League North play-offs, an Isuzu FA Trophy semi-final spot and mid-table safety thus far in the National League.
Under Askey’s guidance, York currently sit 12th, eight points clear of safety from relegation in their first season back in the fifth tier.
A club statement said: “Given John’s popularity and his incredible success last season, we understand that many fans may be upset and confused by this decision. However, after taking numerous factors into consideration the board are confident that it is in the best interests of the football club.”
The news has prompted condemnation from some York players. Commenting on York’s confirmation of the news on Instagram, defender Michael Duckworth slammed the move as an “outrageous decision” while fellow defender Ryan Fallowfield described the sacking as “madness.”
Following the reaction to their initial statement, the York City released a further statement which somewhat bizarrely claimed Askey wanted to leave but was “unable” to resign. It commented that Askey said “he didn’t wish to remain at the club but was not in a position to resign due to his personal circumstances.” It also claimed that Askey pulled out of a meeting to discuss club finances at short notice and after that the decision was made to sack him.
The Askey Months
Read about the highlights and lowlights of John Askey’s 23 month managerial spell at Vale Park.