TONY McMahon’s temporary reign in charge at York City is not expected to last long.

The former Bantams defender was promoted from his role as first-team coach with the struggling National League side following yesterday’s sacking of Neal Ardley.

York pulled the plug on Ardley following their 2-0 defeat at Barnet at the weekend.

The Minstermen have won just once in seven games and sit just a point above the drop zone. Ardley was in charge for 34 matches.

York face Wealdstone on Saturday and it is thought that co-chairs Matt and Julie-Anne Uggla are keen to make their third permanent appointment of the season as soon as possible.

McMahon, who played 128 times for City and scored 14 goals, joined York last year. He had also done some coaching with Middlesbrough, Darlington and Scunthorpe.

He had a previous match as caretaker boss in August following the exit of Mikey Morton. York were beaten 4-1 by Ebbsfleet.

The bookies have made former boss John Askey the early favourite to return. He has been out of a job since leaving Hartlepool at the end of December.

Askey remains hugely popular with York fans after leading them to promotion from the National League North in the 2021/2022 season. He was sacked the following November with the club in 12th place.