JOHN ASKEY reflected on his time with York City after returning to the LNER Community Stadium as boss of Hartlepool United on Saturday. 

The Hartlepool manager enjoyed his side's 3-1 victory over York in the Vanarama National League, returning to the club that fired him in controversial fashion one year ago. 

Askey guided City to the National League after a play-off victory in the Vanarama National League North, but confessed he had 'mixed emotions' upon his return due to his strong connection with the Minstermen's supporters.

“It’s mixed emotions,” Askey admitted to the Hartlepool Mail.

“I wasn’t really looking forward to coming. The supporters here were really good to me and when they did release me the support I got was fantastic, so it’s a club that I really liked.

"I enjoyed being here.

"But I was desperate to get a win and when you come away and put a performance in like that in front of 1,500 (Hartlepool supporters), it’s probably been a while since that’s happened with Hartlepool when so many have come away with us, and to give them something to shout about going home, I’m really pleased about that.

“I got a good reception and it’s really nice to come back because I had huge support when I left, not only from supporters but from players as well.

"It was a funny time. I don’t think most managers would have got the sack under those circumstances, and the way it was done as well.

"But that was nothing to do with what I would call the club.

"But it’s gone now and I’ve been treated really well by Hartlepool supporters as well, and the chairman, and I really appreciate that and I want to try and repay the faith that they’ve put in me to try and achieve something.”