CHRIS Brass was today sacked as York City manager.

The 29-year-old player-boss was stripped of his managerial duties in a "unanimous decision" by the club's board after the Minstermen lost 3-1 to Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.

But Brass will continue to play for York City, while assistant manager Viv Busby will now take the reins as caretaker manager.

Saturday's home defeat to a side which was bottom of the Conference was the final straw, following a start to the season that has seen City languishing near the bottom of the table claiming just 16 points from 16 games.

Cries of 'Brass out' filled the air during the match, and the centre-half was booed every time he touched the ball towards the end of the game.

York City's managing director, Jason McGill, said: "Following Saturday's home defeat to Forest Green Rovers and due to a disappointing start to the season, the board of directors made the unanimous decision to relieve Chris Brass of his role as first team manager. Viv Busby will take on the position of caretaker manager with immediate effect.

"On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank Chris Brass for all his hard work and commitment to York City Football Club during his time as player-manager."

Brass stepped up to the player-manager role in July 2003 with no cash to spend, but still started with four straight wins, and he was offered a new three-year-deal in February of this year. Brass has led his team to only 14 wins out of a possible 67 League and Cup matches in his 523 days in charge, a record which consigned City to relegation from the Football League for the first time in its history.

The club's Supporters Trust declined to make any comment on the situation, and Brass was unavailable for comment.

Updated: 10:22 Monday, November 08, 2004