YORK City sporting director Dave Penney has departed the club by mutual consent.

Penney has been at York since 2017, when he was appointed alongside former manager Martin Gray by ex-chairman Jason McGill.

The following year saw the former Doncaster Rovers, Darlington, Oldham Athletic and Bristol Rovers manager named on the club's board.

While continuing with his sporting director title, Penney's role shifted to taking charge of the day-to-day running of the club alongside fellow board members Steven Kilmartin, Ian McAndrew and Richard Adams.

As the only member of the board to earn a salary from the club, Penney proved an unpopular figure among City fans as the side managed mid-table finishes in successive seasons following the 2017 relegation to the Vanarama National League North, the club's lowest ever standing.

After an unsuccessful promotion campaign in 2019/20 under Steve Watson, John Askey was named as interim manager in November and led City back to the National League through the play-offs.

Glen Henderson and the York City Supporters' Trust completed the takeover of York in July, with Penney removed from the board, although remaining as an employee, before his now-announced departure.

A York City statement read: "We would like to place on record our thanks to Dave for all his hard work and many achievements over the last four years.

"Since the takeover he has provided great support and advice to the new board of directors, both his professionalism and personal integrity will be missed by all connected with York City.

"We wish Dave all the best in his future career."

Manager Askey added: “When I came in, Dave was a big help and supportive.

“It’s always nice to have someone who has been a manager previously, because they understand, especially when you’re losing, what you’re going through. 

“I’ve always been able to have a chat with Dave and we had a good relationship. 

“I wish him all the best and I’ll hopefully see him again in football.”