FORMER York City manager John Askey has joined Sky Bet League Two side Hartlepool United as their new first-team manager.

It’ll come as a bitter pill to swallow for York fans, who had backed Askey to replace the recently-sacked David Webb at City.

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Askey was in charge of the Minstermen from 2021 to 2022, where he helped guide the club to a much-needed promotion from the Vanarama National League North, before being harshly sacked by majority owner Glen Henderson in October 2022.

But following a toxic spell under Webb as Askey’s successor, many supporters were hoping the City hero would return to the club following Webb’s dismissal, after voting in a Press poll run last week which saw Askey receive a 79 per cent vote to return to the helm.

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It throws a spanner into the works for York, who are currently backing interim manager Michael Morton to lead the club.

In Morton’s second spell as interim manager, he has managed an Isuzu FA Trophy victory over Southend United, as well as a Vanarama National League defeat to Wealdstone and a draw with Boreham Wood on Tuesday night.

BetVictor have suspended the odds on who could now replace Askey, with Morton, Russ Penn, Ian Burchnall and Graham Alexander previously the frontrunners.

In Askey’s move to Hartlepool, he has elected not to bring former assistant manager Kingsley James to the Suit Direct Stadium, despite having previously worked with James at York.

Hartlepool have gifted Askey a difficult challenge in the Football League, with the club currently dangerously lingering above the relegation zone by sitting in third bottom, and are just one point above 23rd positioned Crawley Town.

With just one win in their last seven matches, Askey has been brought in to replace the outgoing Keith Curle, who has previously managed Northampton Town and Oldham Athletic.

Askey spoke on his move to Hartlepool with the club media team, saying:

“This is an exciting project to be involved with but everyone has to buy into that project.

“It is a quick turnaround but one we are relishing. 

“We ask the fans to stick with us and back the players. 

“We will make sure that every player is giving their all for the shirt and we look forward to seeing you all this coming Saturday.”