MARTIN GRAY has been sacked as manager of York City, less than a year after leaving Darlington to join the Bootham Crescent club.

Assistant-manager Sean Gregan has also been axed, just five games into the National League North campaign.

Brian Atkinson, Gray’s assistant throughout his five years with Quakers, who also went to York last season, last week joined West Auckland’s management team.

York released a statement on Sunday morning, a draw after drawing 1-1 at home to Curzon Ashton, saying they had "parted company" with the 47-year-old.

It was after a defeat against Curzon in September last year that Gray quit Quakers for York, where he replaced Gary Mills but was unable to guide the Minstermen into the play-offs.

One point from the last six games saw them drop out of the top seven.

They currently sit eighth in the table with two wins, one draw and two defeats.

The club statement read: "York City Football Club has today parted company with manager Martin Gray.

"The club has informed Martin that his contract will not be renewed and he has now left his post with immediate effect.

"The club's board of directors would like to thank Martin for his services and wishes him all the best for the future.

"The board of directors provided Martin with all the necessary financial support to rebuild his squad this summer after the team had missed out on last season's promotion play-offs.

"Regrettably, it is felt that a change is now needed.

"Assistant-manager Sean Gregan is also leaving with immediate effect and the board thanks him for his services and wishes him all the best for the future."

Former Darlington manager Dave Penney, who first arrived at Bootham Crescent as Gray's number two before moving upstairs, is not a candidate to take over the managerial reins.

It is understood that York youth team manager Sam Collins, the former Hartlepool United defender, will be approached to take over as caretaker boss.