York City claim John Askey wanted to leave before sacking
Askey had been in the job for just over a year, gaining City promotion to the National League
York City have claimed John Askey told them he wanted to leave the club, before the shock decision to sack him as manager.
In a statement released to give supporters "clarity", the board claimed Askey had told directors Alastair Smith and Mike Brown he wanted to leave on November 3rd.
It said: "On 3rd November, John reached out to directors Alastair Smith and Mike Brown to express 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."
The statement went on to say that Askey had cancelled meetings on the club's budget and wider finances at short notice.
The board said after legal meetings, it decided it was in "everyone's best interest" to ask Askey to leave the club.
Players describe move as "madness", fans in shock
York City player Ryan Fallowfield described the move as "madness" in an Instagram comment, while his teammate Michael Duckworth called the decision "outrageous".
Fans have also reacted to the news with shock, with fan Michael Miles telling us the club has "shot itself in the foot."
The club said it knows supporters will be "shocked and confused" by the news, but hopes people understand the situation and can get behind the squad on Saturday.