Jackie McNamara is new manager of York City

York City have appointed former Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara as their new manage. Picture: Kirk O'Rourke/PA Wire.

McNamara, who was dismissed by Dundee United last month, replaces Russ Wilcox.

The former Scotland defender will be joined at York by Simon Donnelly, his assistant at United.

McNamara joins the club after a poor run of form so far this season, with the Yorkshire side picking up only two points from their last eight games, and sitting third from bottom and three points above the relegation zone in League Two.

A statement on York City’s website said: “The new manager will take charge of first team affairs in North Yorkshire with immediate effect, overseeing his first training session on Thursday morning before leading the side for the first time on Saturday in the FA Cup first round tie at Accrington Stanley. Everyone at York City Football Club would like to welcome Jackie and Simon to Bootham Crescent and look forward to their contributions.”

Having made his name as a player at Dunfermline Athletic, McNamara, 42, enjoyed a decade of success and silverware at Celtic, winning four SPL titles, three Scottish Cups, and reaching the 2003 UEFA Cup final.

McNamara started out his managerial career at Partick Thistle in 2011. He reached the Scottish Challenge Cup final in his second season as manager, and reached second place in the First Division in 2012-13 season, before joining Dundee United at the end of January 2013.

He helped the Tannadice club to two cup finals but lost them both. United were beaten by Celtic in last season’s League Cup final and St Johnstone in the 2014 Scottish Cup final.