York United Assistant Coach Barry Smith Leaves Club

York United has parted ways with assistant coach Barry Smith through a mutual termination of contract.

The Scottish coach, a Dundee FC icon who suited up some 433 times for them and would later hold a two-and-a-half year stint coaching the Dee – had joined the Nine Stripes last season, arriving as a new recruit alongside Martin Nash.

It was the tenth coaching stop of the 49-year-old, and his third as an assistant. He stood beside Martin Nash in the technical area through 46 matches, and even took the lead in a match against Valour last season when the head coach was ill.

“It’s been a wonderful time at the club and I’ve enjoyed it immensely,” Smith reflects. “Getting to work with a group of terrific players and watch their development over our time together has been genuinely enriching, and now we’re seeing all of that hard work paying off. It’s been a great first half of the season and I know there’s plenty more to come from the squad.”

This May saw the club embark on a wonderful stretch of form, procuring four wins in five matches whilst going undefeated. While things haven’t gone as smoothly since, Smith’s former side still find themselves in a coveted playoff position.

“I need to express my deepest gratitude to Martin, who brought me in and trusted me from the very start. It was an honour to stand alongside him, Mauro, Camilo, and the rest of the technical staff and I’ll look back fondly on what we’ve accomplished. I’d also like to express my thanks to Angus McNab for affording me this opportunity and to the front office staff for their support too.”

Smith believes that Canada’s domestic game is growing at a rapid rate, and is a firm believer that the CPL has achieved aplenty in a very short space of time. Looking back on it, he says he’s proud to have contributed to it and leaves with memories he will cherish.

Barry – who’s coaching career is perhaps best highlighted by the time he helped Dundee finish mid-table in 2010 despite the side receiving a 25 point deduction after entering administration – seems like he will be missed greatly by York United, who are still seeking out a new owner following their club sale.

“Immersing yourself in a new country can be a difficult process to navigate but a big thank you to the fans for making the transition much easier. Hopefully, we’ll all see each other again somewhere down the road,” adds Smith.