York City fans have been left ‘underwhelmed’ as the club quickly appoint sacked Notts County head coach Stuart Maynard.
It comes just hours after they parted company with Adam Hinshelwood, who was in the role for 18 months, kept the club up in his first season, then achieved a second-placed finish with 96 points.
On the 22nd of May, Pete O’Rourke reported that York City were looking to sack Adam Hinshelwood after the club lost in the National League play-off semi-finals to eventual winners Oldham Athletic.
On the same day, BBC Sport North Yorkshire then tweeted: “BBC Radio York understands that Adam Hinshelwood has NOT been sacked. He is still the manager of York City, however, he has so far declined to sign a new contract. His current deal has a year left and Hinshelwood is exploring his options. The club say they won’t stand in his way, if he wants to move into the EFL.”
But his time has come to an end with the club, who are currently 12th after 4 games (W1 D3 L0), with 6 points, and are already 7 points behind leaders Forest Green, since appointing Stuart Maynard.
Also on the 22nd of May, Maynard was axed by Notts County after 16 months in charge, following a failed promotion bid from League Two.
The decision came five days after a play-off semi-final loss to AFC Wimbledon, amid a poor end to the season, finishing sixth with just one win in their final eight matches, including boos after a defeat to champions Doncaster Rovers that dashed automatic promotion hopes.
Owners Chris and Alex Reedtz said the decision to sack came off the back of underwhelming results and performances in the crucial final weeks, despite Maynard’s improvements to the defence this season.
Maynard, who took over in January 2024 as his first full-time role (previously part-time at Wealdstone while working as an engineer), but faced backlash from ans since last season’s 14th-place finish.
We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Stuart Maynard as the new first-team manager of York City FC.
Welcome to York City, Stuart!#YCFC🔴🔵
— York City FC (@YorkCityFC) August 28, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Stuart Maynard as the new first-team manager of York City FC.
Maynard began his coaching career back in 2012, working as an assistant manager for Hemel Hempstead under then-manager Dean Brennan. He followed Brennan as assistant to Billericay Town and Kingstonian before arriving at Wealdstone in 2019.
In their first season, they led the Stones to automatic promotion from the National South. Brennan departed the club in 2021, which left the door open to Maynard as his successor.
Initially taking over as interim manager before being given the job permanently, Stuart guided Wealdstone to survival in his first few months as manager before taking the club to their highest league position in over three decades in the National League.
A hugely successful 23/24 season for Maynard and Wealdstone earned him a move to League Two side Notts County. He took Notts to the League Two play-offs last season following a 6th place finish.
He now joins the Minstermen, speaking on his arrival, co-chairs Matt & Julie-Anne Uggla said, “We are thrilled to have Stuart with us as the new first team manager.
“He comes with a high pedigree of football knowledge and holds the same ambition as ourselves in taking this football club to the EFL.
“We know all supporters will join us in welcoming him to the club, and we cannot wait for this next chapter to begin next weekend.”
Stuart added, “I’m very delighted to join such an ambitious club in York City. The direction this club has taken since Matt and Julie-Anne took over aligns with my goals to make York a successful club. The foundations have been built for long-term success, and I cannot wait to get started.”
He will be joined by new assistant manager Joao Alves, who worked under Maynard at Notts County. Gary Elphick will remain at the club as a first-team coach.
Welcome to York City, Stuart and Joao!
As mentioned, York fans were left ‘underwhelmed’ as the club quickly appoint the sacked Notts County head coach, here’s the social media reaction…
@WillCrisp13: To make a call sacking Hinsh this early surely you’ve got to have a bigger statement of intent lined up than the guy who couldn’t get a league one level Notts county side promoted
@OliCCFC: How is he better than AH? My bet on you guys to win the league is in serious trouble
@sam_ycfc: This feels a little underwhelming
@YCFC_Coops: Think there was a similar reaction from City fans when Hinsh was appointed 😂
@Cameronf071: Sack Hinsh and appoint Maynard most sideways move ever. Cheers Matt 🤦♂️
@chipshopsteve: Don’t get comfy, Stu.
@tomventro03: Not good, thanks Matt 👏
@rickard_louie: 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@0l1v3r_Sp3nc3r: Willing to give him a chance of course but getting rid of Hinsh and not putting our money where our mouth is and signing a top top efl manager is disappointing
@connorncfc1: lovely bloke wish him all the best. Unsure about this appointment for yous. Hope it works out.
@adam_loydall: Lovely guy, hope he takes you up!
@Garysparrow88: I don’t think this will end well. Downgraded there i’m afraid. Mind boggles how a manager is sacked not losing a game this season
@morganzwynne: Really? Not impressed
@JWG_24: After spending the day thinking about who next, this is underwhelming… 😕 Can only give the guy a chance though and hopefully he is the one to take us up 🙏🏼👍🏼
@GeorgeKirk36299: Wow…… ummmmmm… great
@iandwightbenton: Adam’s seat was still warm….
@Garysparrow88: Wow. Underwhelming to say the least. Personally this is a downgrade on Hinshelwood. Yes Maynard managed League Two but his style of football didn’t win over many. Will certainly be an interesting few months for York and their promotion ambitions
@tommyf1996: Hahahah 😂 For me this is Uggla getting his yes man and him being chairman/director of football. Opportunity missed. The speed of the appointment shows Uggla wanted Hinsh out in the summer but kept him due to fan pressure #ycfc
@Rob_hay9: Not like #ycfc fans writing off a manager before he’s even through the door 👍
@moxon_will: There it is! Not overly surprised at it being Maynard but they have moved so quickly. Clearly something was off. Shame the way it went with Hinsh but we move forward I guess. Maynard has at least a full week to get his ideas across #ycfc
@KRennicks40: On a personal note, I’m delighted for you @stumaynard. Quite comfortably one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met in this industry so far. Wishing you absolutely nothing but the best at York City. 🖤🤍
@J_849: Hope that he’s ready to do exactly as he’s told or else
@George_Coultish: First time in my life i felt like i supported a normal football club was last season and i thought it would stay that way for a lot longer than it did. #ycfc
@lotslottie16: You didn’t mess about. Not sure this is the flex you think it is. Very disappointing indeed.
@yorkiecherry64: Poor bloke being written off before he has started 🤣
@Downhill2ndHalf: Given what they had, this is one of the worst managerial appointments since we announced you-know-who. (I know there are several candidates for this).
@OscarB___: To be fair he’s obviously not a bad manager, did a good job at Wealdstone and was always going to be difficult at Notts coming in after the very entertaining and much loved Williams.
🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/HRqesOe2aG
— (P) Harry (@Harryj4_) August 28, 2025
Happy to see @stumaynard back in the National League.
Plays attractive football and with the squad he’s got to his disposal he should be able to get the best out of them. https://t.co/kWWzgRvBzd
— Luke Walsh Football Podcast (@LukeWalshFCHT) August 28, 2025
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