York United FC announced on Tuesday afternoon that the club has relieved head coach Martin Nash of his duties, effective immediately.

Mauro Eustáquio will take over the reins as interim head coach, including for this Friday night’s match against Halifax Wanderers FC, while the club begins a search for a permanent replacement.

After Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Cavalry FC, York United are currently fifth in the table with a 2-1-3 record and seven points.

“We would like to thank Martin for his contributions to the club,” said Ricardo Pasquel, General Manager and President, York United FC. 

“The decision has not been taken lightly but we feel it’s a necessary step. We wish Martin and his family the very best with the next chapter.” 

Nash had been at the helm for York since December 2021, taking over in his first head coaching position after working as an assistant at Cavalry FC. In two full seasons plus six games to begin 2024, Nash had a 22-13-27 record in league play, making him the winningest coach in the club’s history to date.

The 48-year-old led York to their most successful CPL campaign in 2023, with a club-record 38 points, although they landed fifth in the table and bowed out in the first playoff match (second in club history) to Pacific FC.

In 2022, York also had a memorable Canadian Championship run to the semifinals, losing to the Vancouver Whitecaps after beating both Atlético Ottawa and Pacific on penalties.

Nash, born in Saskatchewan but raised in Victoria, B.C., also had a successful career as a player, earning 38 caps for the Canadian men’s national team and playing a role in Canada’s 2000 Concacaf Gold Cup triumph.

Interim head coach Eustáquio, 31, takes over after spending the last two years as an assistant under Nash. He also has experience as a player, including in the CPL for Cavalry FC, and he has a UEFA B Coaching License. York United’s next match will be at York Lions Stadium on Friday, May 24 when they take on the Wanderers (7 p.m. ET).

The club’s president and GM Ricardo Pasquel is expected to address the media on Wednesday.