ADAM HINSHELWOOD couldn’t turn down the York City job despite his affiliation with Worthing; and has Football League ambitions with the Minstermen.

Neal Ardey departed York on Monday afternoon after 34 matches in charge, leaving City just one point above the Vanarama National League relegation zone with a return to regional football a danger to the football club.

Co-chair Matt Uggla moved quickly to bring in Ardley’s successor, appointing former Brighton & Hove Albion stalwart Hinshelwood on a long-term contract.

Hinshelwood is yet to appear in front of the City media whilst he gets his affairs in order, but produced an honest and open interview with the Worthing media team after ending a six-year stint with the Mackerel Men.

The 40-year-old explained what drew him to the York job, outlining his ambitions to return City to the English Football League.

“It’s been a whirlwind of a weekend really!” Hinshelwood told the Worthing media team.

“I was taking the under-15’s at Eastbourne away, and then got a call from Nathan on the way back from there to say that there was some interest from York.

“Things have just snowballed from there really, it’s been a real whirlwind 24 to 48 hours.

“ As soon as I spoke to the owner up at York, it really aligned with the vision that I have got.

“I’ve had a few offers in the last 12 months, but for whatever reason they haven’t really surfaced, but this one really aligned with a lot of things I’m looking for.

“ It seems like an unbelievable opportunity, and one which is too good to turn down for myself and my family.

“It comes with a bit of sadness as well, there’s a really good football club here and it feels like a bit of unfinished business with 12 games to go.

“Speaking to the owner, it’s very similar to George (Dowell, Worthing owner) here, a young owner with real high ambitions for the club.

“The ambitions of the club match my own, reaching the Football League and getting one step closer for that.

“The resources they have got up there in a magnificent stadium, they average between four and five thousand per home games and their training ground.

“I’ve said to Worthing for a while now that I am so grateful for the opportunity here and working with all of the different age groups, but to just focus on one team day-to-day and be that full-time bread and butter, that’s something I feel ready for. It’s a big call and factor to be able to do that. 

“There’s lots to be cheerful for, I’m just enormously grateful for everyone that has been part of it.

“There has been some real people behind-the-scenes, it’s not just myself, I can’t take credit for it all.

“A lot of people have given up their time to see the club’s success going up the leagues, and to every player that has put on the Worthing shirt. 

“Ultimately, it is down to them, I am getting this move and this opportunity because of what they put out on the pitch.

"I’m just enormously grateful for everyone who has played for Worthing in that time, all of the staff and everyone behind-the-scenes who have given up so much time and effort. 

“There’s an enormous amount of sadness really, making the drive here today is one I’ve done near enough everyday for the last six years or so, and it was sad just doing that. 

“There’s some really good people at this football club and I sort of feel like I’ve developed and grown with the club, when I first came there was no 3G pitch here and the stand was fallen down. 

“Where George, Barry (Hunter, Worthing chairman), Keith (Mitchell, Worthing General Manager) and that are looking to take the club, it is very exciting times. 

“The allure of York was too great for me to turn down at this stage of my career.”

The newly-appointed City boss also spoke on his memories with Worthing, and confirmed that he would be one day returning to the club, but only as a supporter.

“I’m hoping to be in the shed come April for the play-off games. 

“I’ll definitely be coming back as a supporter and to watch the progress of the club, and it will be the first result that I look out for on a Saturday afternoon. 

“There are so many good memories. They won’t need me to give them a message, they will come in and feel what this club is all about and I am sure they will get that connection with the supporters.

“It’s a really good place to learn your trade and I am so grateful for the opportunity that has been given to me, and I am sure that the next manager will have lots of applicants, because it is the biggest non-league club in Sussex. 

“The form would show that as well, and it was always the dream when I took over.

“I’m pleased that I’m leaving it for the next manager, and I hope that they have just half of the amount of joy that I have had here.”