CHRIS HOLLOWAY has left his role as manager of York City Ladies.

The 49-year-old has parted ways with the football club after yesterday's abandoned match with Barnsley Women, making the difficult decision due to personal reasons.

Holloway delivered success during his time with York, lifting the Interior Design Women's County Cup in May after a captivating 10-0 victory over Thornaby Womens at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium. 

The Minsterbelles also retained their Tier Four status under Holloway's tutelage, confirming their safety on the final day in a shock 2-0 triumph over Middlesbrough. 

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Holloway issued one final message to supporters after his departure was confirmed, and spoke on the emotions he was feeling on saying goodbye to the players, fans and club after an 'enjoyable' stint in charge of York.

"It's been a bit of a surreal day really with the abandonment of the game," Holloway told the club media team.

"First of all, I want to say well done to both sets of physios, staff and players for the way that they handled that, I wish the Barnsley girl a speedy recovery. 

"Yes, this is my final game as manager of York City.

"Things change on a personal level, with my full-time job and we agreed that today would be the final game that I will be in charge of the girls. 

"It's obviously been fairly short, shorter than we all would have hoped.

"It's been quite emotional, it's been tough in that dressing room, lots of tears and stuff like that.

"It's with a heavy heart, hopefully the players can look back upon my time as manager and say that we achieved superbly at the end of last season.

York City Ladies lifted the County Cup under boss Chris Holloway.York City Ladies lifted the County Cup under boss Chris Holloway. (Image: Ian Parker)

"Staying up, the County Cup win, and even this season.

"The performances in the last couple of games, in fact there has only been one bad performance which was Cheadle away.

"We've competed and today we were winning when the abandonment came.

"Hopefully we can look back and say that it was an enjoyable time under myself. 

"It's been superb, every home game, seeing the couple of hundred fans here, the families here.

"It's been an absolute pleasure getting to know them, and I want to thank them again from the bottom of my heart for all of their support and positiveness.

"Every Sunday, the noise that they bring for the girls to push them over the line, and certainly during my time here, that has been the difference when they have got behind the girls.

"They've made it a difficult place, and the girls have given everything."

The club commented on Holloway's departure, saying in a club statement: "Following a very difficult day yesterday, with the medical incident and match abandonment, players and staff met to discuss the decision of first team manager, Chris Holloway, leaving the Club.

"We are incredibly sad to see Chris leaving after such a short tenure, but we fully respect his decision and wish him and his family our very best.

"In that tenure, Chris and his team have continued to build on the strong foundations of the Club to develop our first team, maintaining our Tier 4 status and winning the County Cup at the end of last season, and we have had a fruitful recruitment for the start of this seasons campaign which has hugely enhanced the team.

"We would like to say a huge thank you to Chris, Pat Wilson, Danny Sellers and Danny Lamb for their hard work and commitment on behalf of everyone at YCL.

"We’ve shared some incredible memories and promise to do you proud going forward."