York City Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Tony McMahon as Director of Football, marking a pivotal step in the club’s ongoing development.
McMahon, who joined the team in March 2023, has already played an integral role, and his promotion reflects his contributions to the club’s progress under the ownership of Matt and Julie-Anne Uggla.
As Director of Football, McMahon will oversee various responsibilities, including player contracts, academy management, and first-team operations, aiming to drive the club’s ambitions forward. Here’s a deeper look into McMahon’s new role and the impact it is expected to have on the club.
Tony McMahon’s transition to Director of Football
In his new role, Tony McMahon expressed excitement about the opportunity, highlighting how honoured he feels to have earned the trust of the club’s owners. His enthusiasm for the challenge was clear as he stated:
“It’s a big role but one that I’m really looking forward to. I feel really honoured to be honest to be asked by the owners to step up to the role. I’ll give it my all like I have throughout my career. I’ve been well known for working hard and this role is one I’ll be working really hard on.”
This promotion comes after McMahon’s initial role as assistant manager at York City, a position he took before the arrival of the Ugglas, where he transitioned to a coaching role. His dedication and commitment to the club were quickly recognised, making him the natural choice to take on the Director of Football responsibilities.
The role and responsibilities
According to Matt Uggla, co-chair of York City, McMahon had already been handling much of the day-to-day duties related to the first team and academy, alongside managing contracts. Uggla praised McMahon’s summer efforts, crediting him for York City’s current stability:
“It’s a lot of the day-to-day stuff around the first team, the academy, contracts, and all other stuff that ‘Macca’ has already been doing all summer.”
By stepping into this formal role, McMahon’s influence on the club is expected to grow, and his experience and skill set will be essential in shaping the team’s future.
McMahon’s influence during a challenging year
Reflecting on McMahon’s journey with the club, Uggla acknowledged that when they first purchased York City, they faced significant challenges. They had limited knowledge of the league and found themselves struggling to navigate their way out of a difficult situation. Uggla credited McMahon with helping the club during its most challenging moments:
“The person who we turned to at that point, which fell into place, was ‘Macca’. He was absolutely instrumental in the summer to turn us around to where we are right now, which is in a far, far better place than we were 12 months ago, and even towards the end of last season.”
McMahon’s pivotal role in steering the club to its current, more secure position has earned him the trust and admiration of the owners, players, and fans alike.
The vision for the future
Uggla further elaborated on the qualities that made McMahon the ideal candidate for this key position. He emphasised that the club’s recent progress stems from a commitment to surrounding themselves with individuals who put York City first. In McMahon, the Ugglas have found someone who shares their vision for long-term success:
“In ‘Macca’ we have someone who has been here since the day we came in and has been fantastic every step of the way. Anything he’s been asked to do, he’s stepped up and done it and done a fantastic job.”
The partnership between Uggla and McMahon is seen as essential for the future of York City, with the co-chairman expressing his confidence in their working relationship:
“We’ve spoken at length, and this is something which isn’t a short-term project. It’s someone who I like working with, and who I think can really drive the club forward.”
Looking ahead for York City FC
The appointment of Tony McMahon as Director of Football is a significant moment for York City Football Club. With McMahon’s hands-on experience and leadership, the club is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory. His work ethic, along with his deep understanding of the game, will be critical as he takes on the responsibility of shaping the club’s future both on and off the pitch.
As York City fans look forward to the upcoming season, McMahon’s leadership is set to be a key component in the team’s success.
