Scott Lindsey succeeds Stuart Maynard at York City just 19 days before League Two return

York City have appointed Scott Lindsey as head coach after making what the club admitted may appear a “strange” decision to part company with promotion-winning boss Stuart Maynard just 19 days before the new League Two season.

Maynard, who guided York back into the Football League last season, left with immediate effect on Sunday.

The decision came after the club’s board, which includes co-owners Julie-Anne and Matt Uggla, decided his plans no longer aligned with their own.

The 45-year-old masterminded a 108-point National League campaign, with promotion confirmed by a dramatic final-day draw against title rivals Rochdale.

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Difficult decision

Josh Stones etched his name into York folklore with an equaliser in the 13th minute of stoppage time after Rochdale thought Emmanuel Dieseruvwe’s late strike had secured the title, but just over three months later Maynard has been cast aside.

A statement from the club yesterday afternoon read: “York City Football Club can confirm that Stuart Maynard will be leaving his role as first team manager, with immediate effect.

“This has not been an easy decision, and it is not one the board has taken lightly. Ultimately, it comes down to a difference in direction and vision for the football club.

“We recognise that, from the outside, this may look like a strange or difficult decision to understand.

“But we believe that in the long term, the football club will be in a stronger position because of it, another step towards the vision we, as custodians of this club, believe will deliver sustained success.

“Like every one of you, we love this football club, and we would never make a decision we didn’t believe was in its best long-term interests.

“We hope our track record of improving year on year has earned us a degree of trust, and we understand that not everyone will agree with, or fully understand, this decision right away.

“We would like to thank Stuart for his contribution to York City FC and wish him well for the future.”

Experience

Less than 24 hours later, Lindsey was confirmed as Maynard’s successor.

The 54-year-old arrives with extensive League Two experience, having managed Swindon Town and enjoyed two spells in charge of Crawley Town, while also serving as head coach of Milton Keynes Dons.

During his first spell at Crawley, he guided the club to promotion via the League Two play-offs in 2024 before leaving just months later to take over at MK Dons for the 2024-25 campaign.

He later returned to Crawley that season, but his second spell came to an end in March after a 10-game winless run in League Two left the club one point above the relegation zone.

Lindsey will be assisted by Joao Alves and Gary Elphick, who will take charge of Tuesday’s friendly against Peterborough United before the new head coach oversees his first competitive game against former club Crawley on Monday, August 3.

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