THE early favourites to replace York City boss Neal Ardley have been revealed by BetVictor, with a former manager of the Minstermen the odds on favourite.

Ardley was dismissed from his post as York manager on Monday afternoon after 34 matches, with City sitting precariously above the Vanarama National League relegation zone by just one point.

His tenure ending means that co-chairpersons Matt and Julie-Anne Uggla are beginning an immediate search to hire a third permanent manager of the season, with first-team coach Tony McMahon placed in temporary charge of the first-team.

But who are the current favourites to replace the outgoing Ardley?

Tony McMahon - 4/1

Unsurprisingly, current caretaker boss McMahon is the current joint-favourite for the role.

This move is unlikely to be happen, even until the end-of-the-season, with the Uggla's keen to appoint a permanent new manager with the search already underway.

McMahon has had previous experience in coaching capacities with Scunthorpe United, Darlington, Middlesbrough and York, but suffered a 4-1 defeat to Ebbsfleet United in his previously match as caretaker boss in late-August, following the departure of Mikey Morton.

John Askey - 4/1

A manager with previous experience of the division and the football club, Askey is currently joint-favourite to replace Ardley.

Askey guided City to promotion from the Vanarama National League North in 2022, but was surprisingly sacked by former majority shareholder Glen Henderson is testing conditions.

The 59-year-old has since held the managerial post with Hartlepool United, but was unable to keep the Poolies from suffering relegation from Sky Bet League Two.

Suggestions have been made that Askey could return to the football club until the end-of-the-season, earning himself the permanent position should he impress.

Russ Penn - 12/1

Another name who is constantly linked with any vacant managerial jobs at the Minstermen is former player Penn.

Penn is a York icon having made a combined 112 appearances over two spells with the football club, and since retiring has gained experience in the managerial hotseat with Kidderminster Harriers.

Kidderminster made the difficult decision to part ways with Penn last month, with the Harriers sat in the National League relegation zone, despite boss steering his side to promotion from the National League North last season.

Penn knows the club and has had brief experience with Kidderminster at this level in the past, but is he the right man to take York forward?

Nigel Adkins - 14/1

We're not really sure what to think of this one. Adkins, currently in charge in League Two with Tranmere Rovers, is also being tipped for the job.

The 58-year-old boasts experience having been the boss at eight football clubs over a 31-year managerial career, most notably working with Southampton, Scunthorpe and Hull City.

Adkins has never managed at National League level, and only took the job with Tranmere in September, seeing the Merseyside club currently sat in 17th position in a comfortable position.

Jonathan Woodgate - 14/1

Boasting experience at a playing level with Leeds United, Newcastle United, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, Woodgate is also one of the bookies' tips.

Woodgate has had previous managerial stints with Middlesbrough and AFC Bournemouth, predominantly working in a Head Coach capacity, and currently works as an assistant manager with the Cherries.

His win rate with Bournemouth is impressive, at 56.52 per cent, but with Middlesborugh it is less than desirable, at 21.95 per cent, with Woodgate only managing for a total of 16 months in his career.

He also has no prior experience at this level, and therefore will have a task on his hands if he is to steer City to safety.

Brian Barry-Murphy - 14/1

Currently manager of the Manchester City Elite Development Squad, Barry-Murphy is a name which may surprise York supporters.

Barry-Murphy has held one managerial position at first-team level with Rochdale, managing the now-National League club for two years from 2019 to 2021, holding a win rate of 31.2 per cent.

He has a lot of experience in developing academy players and has adopted a possession-based style of play with Man City.