York City chief executive Keith Usher admitted that he has left the club "with much sadness" after 18 years' service.

Usher has tendered his resignation for personal reasons, having first joined the club in July 1987 and performing chief executive duties in recent years.

During this time he has experienced many ups and downs at the club and witnessed both promotion and relegation campaigns.

Usher, 63, has also enjoyed memorable moments such as the play-off final victory at Wembley in 1993 and the dramatic 3-0 League Cup win against Manchester United at Old Trafford in 1995.

He said last night: "I am leaving the club with much sadness. I have enjoyed my 18 years with the club through all the peaks and troughs.

"I wish the club all the best in the future and will follow their progress with interest, hopefully back into the Football League."

Prior to his time at KitKat Crescent, Usher was a key player in local football as secretary of both the York & District League and the York & District FA and a member of the North Riding County FA.

City managing director Jason McGill said: "On behalf of everyone associated with York City Football Club, I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to Keith for his dedicated service to the club over the past 18 years.

"He has played an important role during his time here and has contributed greatly to operations at the club. We wish him well for the future and hope he will be a regular visitor at KitKat Crescent."

The club will now discuss how administration at the club will be handled in the future at Wednesday's board meeting.

City's trip to Carlisle United has been put back seven days to Tuesday, April 12. The new date was agreed by both clubs, with Carlisle now playing Hereford United on April 5.

The Minstermen's reserve game at Notts County has been brought forward seven days to April 6.

Updated: 10:13 Saturday, March 19, 2005