YOUTH-TEAM manager Sam Collins has been confirmed as York City's caretaker chief following the departure of Martin Gray.

He will be assisted by City's strength and conditioning coach Stuart Parnaby.

Collins, 41, played nearly 600 senior games as a defender for clubs including Huddersfield Town, Bury, Port Vale, Hull City, and Hartlepool.

He arrived at Bootham Crescent in the summer after previously working as professional development coach at League One outfit Bradford City.

Previously, Collins has stood in as caretaker-manager at Hartlepool on three occasions.

Former England under-21 international defender Parnaby, 36, played in the Premier League for Middlesbrough and Birmingham City before joined City this summer.

The pair accepted the roles this morning and are now prepare the players for the Bank Holiday weekend fixtures against Brackley Town and Blyth Spartans.