YORK City chief executive Jackie McNamara has insisted it was not a “knee-jerk” reaction to sack Gary Mills and that the parting was made amicably.

Mills was relieved of his duties with the new season less than two months old, but the Minstermen lie 11 points off the top of the National North League table and were knocked out of the FA Cup at South Shields in the former European Cup winner’s last match in charge.

Less than 24 hours after Mills’ departure, City’s new manager Martin Gray and sporting director Dave Penney were appointed and, explaining the weekend’s activities, McNamara said: “The game against Harrogate (a 2-0 league defeat) was disappointing, as was going out of the Cup to South Shields, but it wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction (to dismiss Mills).

“We wanted to hit the ground running after last season and have been disappointed at the way it has gone with the amount of players that were kept on and the money spent. We have one of the biggest budgets in the league and that should be reflected in results and performances.

“We needed to make a change to give us the best chance of promotion and I believe the two appointments that have been made will be good additions. The chairman told Gary on Saturday night after the game.

“He took it well and I think he was expecting it with the way results have been going. I had a good relationship with Gary and didn’t interfere with anything.

“Even though one or two are still here, I did my best to get the players out he didn’t want and every player he asked for we got in. The chairman has always been one to give people a chance – I know that from my own experience.

“After the first game of the season, Gary said judge me after ten games and the chairman gave him 12, but he goes with our best wishes.”

Following the arrivals of Gray and Penney, former Scotland international and City boss McNamara went on to insist that he would continue to work behind the scenes and concentrate on being successful in his administration role, having now brought his family down to North Yorkshire, where they are renting a house but have no plans to buy and lay down permanent roots.

“I miss certain bits of management, but not other things that are out of your control and I’m hoping to leave my imprint on here when I do leave,” he reasoned. “I’m doing my best for the football club to try and make it better in the chairman’s absence.

“I will have no influence on signings or players going out and I’m just looking to improve things behind the scenes. We’ve now got four Pro Licence holders in the building and we have changed the medical side of things, as well as how we operate commercially.

“Everything is in place to be a Football League club with the stadium also starting to be built soon.”

Expressing his optimism with Gray and Penney at the helm, McNamara added: “Martin has got hunger and it’s the right time for him to go full-time. Dave will be looking at recruitment and I think that and our scouting network has been the most important thing to look at over the last few years.

“They both bring energy, excitement and enthusiasm. I don’t think Martin will take any prisoners with his approach either and I feel that’s needed. Dave’s experience will also help him.”

While funds will be made available for the management team, McNamara went on to warn that the club must remain financially prudent.

“We have to be sensible,” he pointed out. “Last year, we had a big turnaround in players and that comes at a cost and that’s why the chairman needs to concentrate on his business, because that pays for this business.”

City will need to agree a compensation package, though, with Darlington following Gray’s switch to North Yorkshire, with McNamara revealing: “I have spoken to their chief executive David Johnson and we will be sorting some things out. They are really disappointed to lose Martin, which is a really good sign for us.”