GARY THORNTON has urged York City Knights fans to continue their "fantastic support" of the club.

The new Championship One Coach of the Year, whose contract at York is not to be renewed, wrote an open letter to fans following "a wave of messages and support" since his departure was exclusively revealed on The Press website on Monday.

In it, he reiterated there had been no fall-out with chairman John Guildford and offered his best wishes to his successor - widely expected to be assistant-coach James Ford, who is retiring as a player.

He wrote: "I'd like to thank you all for your terrific support and kind words. My time at York is filled with so many memories and it has been my pleasure to have coached such a fantastic club.

"It hasn’t all been rosey, and relegation in 2013 was the lowest point of my career. However, that drove me on even harder to ensure 2014 was as successful as I could possibly make it.

"Unfortunately, despite finishing as league champions, we could not get over the final hurdle and gain the promotion we so desperately wanted.

"As low as 2013 was, 2014 has definitely been one of the highlights. Some players and coaches will never experience winning a league title in their careers. To be called champions is an honour, so we should not underestimate what this team has achieved.

"In previous seasons and in future seasons, being champions would have earned us (the ‘us’ will eventually turn to ‘you’, but I still feel a strong affinity to the club) promotion, but because of the league re-organisation, this season it earned us nothing.

"Call it bad luck, bad timing, whatever – those were the rules in 2014.

"I am very sad to be leaving and would like to have been given chance to work further with a terrific group of players.

"John Guildford has a three-year plan to take the club forward within the budget constraints he has to work to. Unfortunately I didn’t fit into those plans and John has chosen a different man to take the club forward.

"However, this is your club, and no matter who plays for it, coaches it, or runs it, I urge you to get behind them and give them the same fantastic support you have given me. You are a massive part of your club and do not underestimate the role you play and the support they need.

"This has been a special group of players. They were all genuinely good mates and had a terrific team spirit, and were a fantastic group to work with.

"I hope they will remember their time at the Knights and that their memories will be as special as mine are. However, as we know, players are starting to leave already, so next season’s squad will have a different look to it.

"I only hope John can keep as many of them as possible and add the experience needed to achieve his goals for 2015."

He added: "I have no fall-out with John. I have thanked him for giving me the opportunity to coach such a fantastic club, which has allowed me to create so many personal memories.

"He is working to a tight budget and has the future of the club at heart. If it transpires that James (Ford) does take over, I’d like to wish him all the best. He’s a very driven, ambitious young coach and I hope he can take the club to the next level."

Thornton also lauded the contribution of his backroom staff and added: "I genuinely hope the Knights are successful in 2015. Singing and celebrating with you in the Pop Stand after our fantastic victories created a bond that will take some breaking."