Blogs

York City Appoint Stuart Maynard to Replace Axed Adam Hinshelwood

The Minstermen have made a bold, controversial choice to relieve Hinshelwood of his duties following an unsatisfactory opening to their National League campaign. He will be replaced by former Notts County manager Stuart Maynard.

We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Stuart Maynard as the new first-team manager of York City FC.

Welcome to York City, Stuart!#YCFC🔴🔵
— York City FC (@YorkCityFC) August 28, 2025

The 41-year-old who joined in February 2024 following an impressive spell at Worthing, dragged York to safety after a dire first half of the season. The summer following included impressive coups of Harrison Male, Joe Felix and Ollie Pearce all formerly managed by Hinshelwood who were pivotal in the exciting campaign to later unfold.

The later transfers of the likes of Malachi Fagan-Walcott formerly of Tottenham Hotspur, guided York to a second placed finish and a play-off position behind dominant champions Barnet, yet fell painfully short to soon-to-be-promoted Oldham Athletic.

It is difficult to not look into this decision deeper than simply performance related, as Hinshelwood has launched York City into security and beyond with a stunning 96 point haul. Is there a chance that the Yorkshire outfit's appointment of Maynard will enable them to gun for the Football League? or will this ultimately prove to be a premature mistake from the board?

It is fair to say that the initial fan reaction to the departure of the Oxford born manager has been negative, and there is an underwhelming reaction towards the new appointment - a good name in Maynard, to say the least, but he will have a lot to live up to in order to win over the York faithful.

Would just like to go record and thank Adam for everything he did for us at York City. He gave us one of our best seasons ever and gave us all great memories.

I wish him all the very best for his future as I’m sure he will be a success elsewhere. #ycfc pic.twitter.com/yK3yKWOyWn
— Y Front (@YfrontFanzine) August 28, 2025

York City fans will be desperate to continue watching the likes of Pearce and Felix strut their stuff at the LNER Community Stadium, but as an era comes to an end in North Yorkshire, it is possible that a few feathers may be rustled within the squad with Hinshelwood's successor Maynard, who will have to deal with some unrest.

When it comes to prospective job opportunities for the departing Hinshelwood, the Yeovil job will need to be filled following their decision to sack Mark Cooper, a manager who guided The Glovers through excruciating ownership problems. Yeovil Town are a club with similar aims and ambitions this season to York in gunning for an eventual return to the Football League.

Possibly another option for Hinshelwood, a return to Woodside Road. Worthing find themselves struggling at the beginning of this campaign picking up only five points in five games. After falling just short of promotion last season, the Sussex outfit will be desperate to go a step further into the top tier of Non-League and stay up, which is evident that Hinshelwood is capable of during the conclusion of the 2023/24 season with York.

It’s never dull is it 😳 If it’s possible, I’m shocked but not surprised #ycfc
— Guy Mowbray (@Guymowbray) August 28, 2025

The shock of the Non-League world towards this decision shows that whichever club ends up with the former Brighton and Hove Albion defender will be fortunate and graced with a manager with experience in damage control, success and everything inbetween, not to mention the catalogue of players he will be able to attract and get the absolute best out of.

Maynard begins the next chapter in his managerial career with a trip to Yeovil next Saturday, a game for both teams to potentially reignite their bid for success this season.