YORK City chairman Jason McGill has issued an apology to fans after results "hit new lows" - and committed himself to steering the Minstermen "out of the rut we are in".

McGill’s statement comes in the aftermath of York’s game against Bradford Park Avenue on Tuesday night, when 2,759 fans watched an insipid City slump to a 3-0 defeat and remain 14th in National League North.

The chairman - who played a significant role in saving the club from extinction just under 20 years ago - paid tribute to a loyal fanbase who remain with a club at the lowest level in its history and reassured them that he is "still passionate" about the club.

He also gave his backing to interim boss John Askey, who replaced former manager Steve Watson in November following sub-par results and performances, McGill wrote, and said supporters can expect changes to the squad "in the coming weeks".

McGill concluded by calling for united backing of the team "whatever your concerns" about the board.

His statement reads: "As chairman of the football club and on behalf of the board of directors, we would like to issue and apology to our loyal fanbase.

"We know our supporters are hurting and we are too. I have been a supporter for 48 years, attending my first match when I was eight, and have stayed with the club through thick and thin, donating £50,000 when the club was on the brink of extinction in 2003 and providing funding to the club as Chairman since 2006.

"The majority of current board members are also lifetime supporters of the club and work in a voluntary capacity.

"The fans deserve better from what has happened since season 2015/2016 and this season the results on the playing side have hit new lows.

"I think back to the recent highs of winning at Wembley twice in 2012 and reaching the League Two playoffs in 2014. We need that feeling back at the football club and I am determined to steer the club in the right direction and out of the rut we are in.

"I am still passionate about York City Football Club.

"Having sat down individually with each staff member across all departments over the past few weeks, I have seen first hand the work and desire to improve our situation.

"It was the correct decision to change manager in November, because it showed on the pitch that the results and performances were not good enough and we were falling behind what we consider acceptable with the level of our playing budget for the division. A change was needed sooner rather than later.

"The sporting director, Dave Penney and I are in constant communication with John Askey to support him with the playing side, with John having the final say. The signs have been positive with players leaving and fresh blood coming into the club. They have been identified, analysed, and trialled behind closed doors before signing.

"Further investment into the playing squad has been approved and supporters can expect changes in the coming weeks to allow us the best chance of promotion this season. We believe John is the best man to take this football club forward in the second half of this campaign. It has proved to be a difficult task to recruit new players while the transfer widow is open and hopefully this will improve next week.

"I must also highlight that your support throughout this period has been incredible. The fact that we can still bring 2,800 through the gates on a Tuesday night against Bradford Park Avenue and average an attendance some Football League clubs would dream of is remarkable. This is a testament to your loyalty and the bond you have with the club.

"I ask that every section of the fanbase get behind the team on the pitch for a big game this Saturday against Gateshead.

"Whatever your concerns are about the current board of directors, it is in everyone’s interests that our great club win the on-pitch battle and progress in the right direction.

"Thank you for your continued support."