MARTIN GRAY has been sacked as manager of York City just five games into the new Vanarama National League North campaign.

The club today released a statement saying they had "parted company" with the 47-year-old, less than 24 hours after his team were held to a 1-1 draw at home by part-timers Curzon Ashton.

Assistant-manager Sean Gregan has also been axed.

The Press understands youth team manager Sam Collins will be approached to take over as caretaker boss.

Dave Penney, who first arrived at Bootham Crescent as Gray's number two before moving upstairs, is not a candidate to take over the managerial reins.

The Minstermen currently sit eighth in the table with two wins, one draw and two defeats, although it is understood the decision to axe Gray took into account performances as well as results, plus City's form at the end of last season, when they picked up only one point from the last six games to plummet out of the play-off places.

The club statement said: "York City Football Club has today parted company with manager Martin Gray.

"The club has informed Martin that his contract will not be renewed and he has now left his post with immediate effect.

"The club's board of directors would like to thank Martin for his services and wishes him all the best for the future.

"The board of directors provided Martin with all the necessary financial support to rebuild his squad this summer after the team had missed out on last season's promotion play-offs.

"Regrettably, it is felt that a change is now needed.

"Assistant-manager Sean Gregan is also leaving with immediate effect and the board thanks him for his services and wishes him all the best for the future."

The statement added that club chiefs would be making "no further comment at this stage".