THERE’S a new odds-on favourite for the York City managerial vacancy - with a former Sky Bet Championship boss now leading the way.

According to BetVictor, ex-West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore is the new favourite to make the move to the LNER Community Stadium.

Michael Morton was relieved of his duties on Monday evening after City’s 3-1 defeat to Vanarama National League newcomers Rochdale, but has been offered a new role internally.

Originally handed the top job following the sacking of David Webb in February, Morton was appointed permanently during the summer but has now been relieved of his duties following City’s winless start to the new season.

The former manager took to social media this morning for the first time since his sacking, thanking supporters for their well-wishes, and insisting that the club was moving in the right direction.

Chairman Matt Uggla has ruled Southend United manager Kevin Maher, who was among Tuesday’s favourites at 8/1, out of the running due to the relationship between the clubs, but has not yet commented on any other possible candidates.

The search for Morton’s successor began immediately but is still ongoing, with BetVictor releasing their updated odds for York’s next manager.

Darren Moore - 4/7

Moore was not included in the top five for the City job on Tuesday, but shot to the top of the bookmaker’s rankings overnight.

The 49-year-old has been out of a job since his shock departure from Sheffield Wednesday earlier this summer, having guided the Owls to promotion to the Sky Bet Championship via the play-offs last term.

His side also impressed across the regular season, their third-placed finish - in which they accumulated 96 points - the most a side have ever earned in the third tier without being automatically promoted.

Before taking over at the Owls in March 2021, Moore enjoyed successful spells at both West Brom and Doncater Rovers.

Danny Cowley - 5/2

A popular appointment among Minstermen fans appears to be former Huddersfield Town and Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley.

Forming a formidable partnership with brother Nicky, the pair led Lincoln City to promotion from the National League to Sky Bet League One, pulling off an Emirates FA Cup giant-killing at Burnley along the way.

Cowley however is the odds-on favourite for the vacant Charlton Athletic role, so it remains to be seen whether he could be tempted away from The Valley by the project at the LNER Community Stadium, and the potential wage and playing budget offered by Uggla.

The South London Press reported that he is to be interviewed alongside Michael Appleton for the vacant position at the capital club this week, which will be one for City fans to keep an eye on.

Neal Ardley - 6/1

Ardley is another manager proven at this level, and is also available for no compensation after departing fellow National League side Solihull Moors during the summer.

The 50-year-old is known for being keen to develop youth in his squads, having previously worked in the academy set-up at Cardiff City, which could play into City’s hands with the likes of Zanda Siziba, Thierry Latty-Fairweather and Middlesbrough loanee Jack Stott at his disposal.

He also has promotion experience with AFC Wimbledon and a stint at Notts County under his belt, and recently told the Non-League Paper that he was ready to get back into management.

Phil Parkinson - 12/1

Another fellow National League manager, Parkinson has slipped from odds of 5/1 to 12/1, but is still among the favourites for the top job.

If York were to opt for his services however, they’d have to pay a fee to Altrincham, who currently sit sixth in the table after an unbeaten start that has seen them earn two wins and four draws so far this year.

He is a manager that has proved to be a thorn in York’s side, with the Minstermen not having beaten Altrincham since 2019 - a run that stretches back seven games.

Parkinson has also proved to be a success story in the lower leagues, guiding the Robins from the Pitching In Northern Premier League to the National League over the last six years.

Now steadying Altrincham’s ship in the fifth tier, and their transition from semi-professional to a full-time outfit, Parkinson also has experience lower down the pyramid at Nantwich Town.

Mike Williamson - 12/1

Current Gateshead manager Williamson was the favourite to replace Morton on Tuesday, but has now joined Parkinson at odds of 12/1.

He is another manager not afraid to put his faith in young and exciting players at this level, and has made a name for himself with an exciting style of football at the North East club.

At just 39, he’s the youngest on the list, but has been in charge at The Heed since 2019, with his side gaining promotion to the National League in the same season as York.

Not just boasting a playing career for the likes of Southampton and Newcastle United, he also has a 46.7 per cent win ratio in the 165 matches that he has managed.