JOHN ASKEY has signed a new deal with York City that will keep him at the club until the end of next season.

Askey led York from mid-table obscurity to promotion through the Vanarama National League North play-offs last season after succeeding Steve Watson in November, initially as interim manager before becoming the club’s permanent boss in March.

Last month, Askey turned down an approach from Sky Bet League Two club Rochdale in favour of staying at City.

Askey’s loyalty and the Minstermen’s promising start to life back in the National League - having lost just two of their first seven matches - has seen the boss rewarded with a renewed contract.

“I’m really pleased to sign,” said Askey. “Things have gone well since I’ve come in, it has been an enjoyable time so far.

“Hopefully I can continue to give the club that bit of stability and we carry on being successful.

“We want to try and build something at this football club, and I hope I’m the right person to do that.

“That’s why when I got offered the job at Rochdale, I decided to stay. Hopefully it will be exciting times.

“Since I came in, we’ve obviously been promoted, been to the semi-final of the FA Trophy and started this season off reasonably well. We just want to try and keep that going.”

City chairman Glen Henderson added: “We are delighted to announce that John has agreed a new contract, preferring to stay with us instead of joining Rochdale in the Football League.

“Everyone has seen the progress that has been made at the club since he arrived, with promotion to the National League and the good start that we have made this year, so we look forward to seeing it continue.

“The fact that he has committed to a longer stay here is evidence of the work that we’re doing to keep progressing the club sustainably.

“We look forward to creating more memories with John at the helm.”