THE odds-on favourite for the vacant York City manager's job, Sam Hird, has turned down an approach made by Minstermen chairman Glen Henderson.

Bolton Wanderers first-team coach Sam Hird was heavy favourite for the position, having been priced at 2/5 by BetVictor this afternoon.

Hird was in conversations with York chief Henderson but opted to stay at Bolton rather than move to City. The new York manager is expected to be announced on Friday.

Bolton manager Ian Evatt revealed: “I have had a conversation with Sam today (Wednesday), he was approached by York, spoke with their chairman and has politely declined.

"He said he was extremely happy here. He is pleased to be a part of what we are doing and loves being a part of this football club, thinks the world of the way we do things.

“He politely declined their approach and that speaks volumes for what we are doing here, also that the word is getting around. 

“The biggest thing for me is that there is clarity and honesty and Sam had that conversation with me, told me everything, there is nothing underhand here.

"I am so pleased for him that he has got some recognition. I am over the moon for him, but I am also over the moon that he is staying.” 

Former Leeds United, Doncaster Rovers and Chesterfield defender Hird began his coaching career with Barrow.

He became Rob Kelly’s number two in February last year and steered the then-bottom Cumbrian club to safety from relegation in Sky Bet League Two.

Four months later, he joined Bolton Wanderers as first-team coach and reserves manager, relinquishing the latter role in May.

At the time of writing, Hind remains the 2/5 frontrunner, with Chesterfield assistant manager Daniel Webb the second-favourite at 4/1.

Former Motherwell, Fleetwood Town and Scunthorpe United boss Graham Alexander is at 8/1.

Providing an update on the search for a new manager, York said that, having received 60 applications, they are aiming to appoint a successor to John Askey, who was sacked earlier this month, “in the coming week”.

In a statement given to BBC Radio York on Tuesday, City said: “York City Football Club would like to provide an update on the recruitment of a new first-team manager.

"In the past two weeks, the club have received applications from over 60 candidates who offer a diverse range of skills and experience within the game.

“From the outset, the club have adopted a robust process to access all applications.

“This has included the review of all CVs and candidate presentations, in-depth desk research, statistical analysis, taking up of references and formal interviews.

“Every candidate has been assessed and rated against an extensive set of key criteria.

“We have been impressed by the high calibre of the candidates and would like to thank each of them for showing a keen interest in working with the football club.

“We are now in the final stages of the process and expect to make an announcement in the coming week.”

After the shock sacking of Askey, York stated that they aimed to name a successor to the former Macclesfield Town boss "by the end of the month".