Russ Wilcox: York City name ex-Scunthorpe boss as manager

Russ Wilcox guided Scunthorpe to automatic promotion from League Two last season

York have appointed former Scunthorpe boss Russ Wilcox as their new manager.

The 50-year-old takes over from Nigel Worthington, who resigned on Monday with the Minstermen one place above the League Two relegation zone.

Wilcox guided Scunthorpe to promotion from League Two last season but was sacked last week after a poor start to the season.

"There are people in place here to move this club forward," Wilcox told BBC Radio York.

"I like to get the ball down and play football but the bottom line is winning matches and building from that."

Having taken over at Glanford Park following Brian Laws' departure in November 2013, Wilcox went on to beat the record for the longest unbeaten run at the beginning of a managerial reign, going 28 matches without defeat.

In his first managerial role, Wilcox was rewarded for his achievements with the League Two Manager of the Year accolade, having guided Scunthorpe to second.

However, hampered by an injury crisis that he called the worst he had seen in 30 years, the Iron won just four of their first 15 matches in all competitions this season and the former Northampton and Hull defender was sacked.

Worthington, 52, took over at Bootham Crescent in March 2013 and guided the club away from relegation danger in their first season back in the Football League.

They finished seventh last season after ending the campaign on a 17-match unbeaten run, but were knocked out of the play-offs by eventual winners Fleetwood.

After starting the new season with five successive draws, a win at Stevenage in September stretched their unbeaten run in regular league matches to a club record 23.

However, that remains their only league victory of the season to date and Saturday's loss at Newport left them above the League Two drop-zone only on goal difference.

"Russ has excellent managerial experience and a track record of success in League Two. We believe he is the right person to take this club forward," said York chairman Jason McGill.

"He is a hardworking individual and an excellent motivator and someone who shares our vision for the club now and in the future."

York have confirmed that Steve Torpey will remain at the Bootham Crescent as Wilcox's assistant, with the pair having worked together previously at Scunthorpe.