 In September 1990, York player David Longhurst collapsed and died after suffering heart failure during a home match against Lincoln City. A few months later, a newly built, covered stand at the Shipton Street End of Bootham Crescent was named after him. York were the Fourth Division's second lowest scorers in 1990 – 91, as they finished twenty-first in the table. Douglas Craig, who had been on the board since 1978, succeeded Michael Sinclair as chairman in June 1991. York had won two of eleven matches by mid-October 1991; Bird was sacked and was replaced in November by Aston Villa assistant manager John Ward. York continued to be placed in lower mid-table, and finished fourth from bottom for the second year running in 1991 – 92. They started 1992 – 93 with a club-record start of four wins, and led the table until late-December 1992. Ward left for Bristol Rovers in March 1993, shortly after a mid-season slump in which York won only one of thirteen matches. Ward's assistant Alan Little took over and York finished the season in fourth place. They played Bury in the play-off semi-final, drawing the first leg 0 – 0 at Gigg Lane before winning the second leg 1 – 0 at home with a goal from Gary Swann. In the final at Wembley Stadium, York beat Crewe Alexandra 5 – 3 on penalties, after the score had finished 1 – 1 after extra time. Wayne Hall scored the decisive penalty as York won promotion into the third tier, now named the Second Division after the formation of the Premier League in 1992.
