YORK City boss Jackie McNamara has stepped down from his position at Bootham Crescent.

Unusually, though, McNamara will continue to train and prepare the team until a suitable candidate has been found to replace him - a process the club expect will take up to a fortnight.

The decision came after McNamara challenged his players to prevent him from tendering his resignation with a "positive result" at Braintree following last week's 6-1 midweek debacle against Guiseley.

City subsequently conceded a last-minute penalty to share the spoils during a 1-1 draw in Essex, prompting the following club statement to be issued this morning: "Further to the statement last week regarding the future of York City manager Jackie McNamara and following the game on Saturday, it has been decided in the best interest of York City Football Club, that Jackie McNamara step down as first-team manager.

"After purposeful discussions, it was agreed that results and performances, in the main, have not been acceptable nor have they achieved the high standards expected."

On the club's plans moving forward, the statement went on: "In order to assist the managerial transition period and to accommodate a thorough identification, interview and appointment process, the chairman has asked Jackie McNamara to train and prepare the team until a suitable candidate has been determined. This process should be completed within two weeks."