Former Sheffield United player Joe Shaw was appointed in November 1967, but he could not prevent York having to seek re-election after 1967–68. Shaw resigned for personal reasons in August 1968, and was succeeded by former Huddersfield Town manager Tom Johnston in October. Another re-election bid came after 1968–69, but Johnston gradually improved the team; after a midtable finish the following season, York were promoted to the Third Division in 1970–71. York avoided relegation on goal average over the next two seasons, before winning promotion to the Second Division in 1973–74 with a third-place finish. Johnston resigned to return to Huddersfield Town in January 1975; club historian David Batters described him as "arguably the most successful manager in York City's history".