RUSS Wilcox has been sacked by York City.

The Minstermen have parted company with the former Scunthorpe chief following Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat to AFC Wimbledon and his assistant John Schofield will also be leaving the club.

Wilcox has been relieved of his duties having presided over a run of nine Sky Bet League Two games without a win and with the club fourth-bottom in the table after 15 games.

He did, however, succeed in keeping the club in the Football League last season having taken over from Nigel Worthington last October following a sequence of one victory in 17 matches.

Commenting on Wilcox’s departure, chairman Jason McGill said: "The board would like to thank Russ for his hard work, commitment and endeavour during his time as York City manager. He has been a pleasure to work with and is an honourable, decent individual who has given his all to his role.

"The board would also like to thank John Schofield for his hard work and enthusiasm on the training ground. Like Russ, he has also shown a high level of commitment to the club during his time here. We wish both Russ and John the very best for the future."

City fans made renewed calls for Wilcox’s dismissal at different intervals of Saturday’s game and also at the final whistle.

The Press understands that communications director Sophie McGill informed Wilcox of his fate shortly after the game but, out of respect to the former Northampton and Doncaster defender, delayed an announcement until after his 12-year-old daughter’s birthday yesterday.

Her brother Jason was not at the game as he was watching son Gabby play for the England Independent Schools’ football team. It is believed that remaining coaches Richard Cresswell, Jonathan Greening and Andy Leaning will now take over the team in a caretaker capacity, while the club invite applications from interested candidates.

City made no approaches to potential successors while Wilcox was struggling for results but the likes of Graham Alexander, Danny Wilson, Nigel Clough and Lee Clark will inevitably be linked with the vacancy.