York City today announced that Russ Wilcox was no longer their manager after he was relieved of his duties. Eight games without a win and a performance on Saturday over AFC Wimbledon which Wilcox described as ‘shambolic’ meant he was dismissed today. We focus on four potential candidates to be the next York City manager.
Richard Cresswell
He is currently in the box seat as he was confirmed as the new caretaker manager hours after Wilcox left Bootham Crescent. Also, he is number one in the betting with a few different firms to become the permanent successor with the League Two strugglers. Clearly he has York City firmly in his heart. Not only did he start his career with them, but he ended his playing days with them as well. He is now first-team coach and also head of football operations. He initially joined as a commercial, academy and community consultant, but in March was promoted to the coaching staff by Wilcox. Whilst he is low on managerial and even coaching experience, he would be popular amongst the fans. Plus, if he is successful as caretaker, then he could well be worth being given the job until the end of the season. Although the club are inviting applications from the outside, Cresswell can earn this job.
Danny Wilson
There was speculation last night that Wilcox would be sacked as York City manager this manager, which turned out to be true. There was also some talk that former Barnsley boss Wilson was being lined up as a replacement. There is a strong possibility that Wilson will apply for this role, especially given he has a history of managing Yorkshire clubs. In addition to that, he is one of the many managers out of work currently looking for a route back into the game. Nigel Worthington, a former Northern Ireland boss was recently in charge at Bootham Crescent, so this is an attractive job to someone. Wilson is part of the elusive 1000 Game club, where he has managed over 100 competitive matches. He certainly provides experience and probably isn’t an exciting name, but he does tick a lot of boxes. There is a strong possibility that he will at least earn an interview.
Nigel Clough
Interestingly he is very short in the betting with one market. Betting markets can sometimes be a good guide for impending appointments, whilst at other times they can provide false hope. Nevertheless, he is out of work and looking to get back into the game. With the greatest respect to York City, Clough may feel as though he could gain a job much higher up the footballing pyramid. He was previously in charge of Sheffield United, guiding them to the play-offs and the latter stages of some of the domestic cup competitions. But don’t forget, he made his name as a manager with Burton Albion. He guided them through the leagues, so he isn’t unfamiliar with the lower divisions. He was born in Sunderland, which isn’t realistically too far away from York so he should have a family home close-by. He can galvanise a club and get them to overachieve, perhaps York could be the perfect match for him.
Stuart Gray
Two former Sheffield United managers are being linked to this role, so it only makes sense an ex-Wednesday one is in the frame as well. Stuart Gray is amongst the top three in the betting with a few different firms. He possessed plenty of managerial and coaching experience, but he is another keen to get back into the game. It was slightly harsh, but not unexpected to see him leave Sheffield Wednesday following a takeover by Dejphon Chansiri, who wanted to bring in his own man. Gray has managed in the lower leagues with Northampton Town and played over 100 times for Barnsley, so is familiar with the ‘Yorkshire scene’. He was born in Withernsea, not too far from York so like Clough, could have connections in the region. Although he last managed a Championship club, he is still a realistic target for York City.
