A founder member of the branch, John served as Secretary and committee member for many years before returning to Yorkshire. Despite poor health, he was a regular at City games, home and away. Invariably, John, as our Honorary Life Vice President would join us in our hospitality box at Bootham Crescent every season. John will be fondly remembered for his friendly demeanour as well as his fanzine, “Oh What A Shambles” and his annual 1990s City travel guide, essential reading for many City supporters, in an era when such things were not readily available elsewhere.

Alastair Smith recalls, "John was the inspiration behind York City South, he had an idea about creating a York City Supporters Club in London and the South and put plans into motion. He somehow recognised a few faces at Southern away games and made contact. We held our first AGM at the Blue Posts Pub in Soho to create the branch on 8th July 1996. In attendance were John, Paul Hilton, Phil Howden, and myself. Simon Newton couldn’t make the meeting but we had already twisted his arm to be Treasurer.

We thought we may have around 20 members, that first season we recruited 63 members, our second season 118 thanks to actively pressganging supporters at Southern matches. John was very active in shaping the Branch in those early days and members from this time will have many great memories of it him. We held monthly meetings initially and when we were double booked one evening we all decamped to John’s office which was just round the corner. John also drove to many matches, he had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the best fish and chip shops, unfortunately that often meant driving many miles out of their way just to get some good fish and chips, even on Tuesday night games!! When we played Everton in the League Cup John hired a minibus and drove us to Liverpool, the bus appeared to be limited to 50mph, and John insisted on driving round London to drop everyone off at their home, being the last stop I arrived home just in time to see my neighbour heading off to work. These stories sum John up for me, he was a great guy who would do anything to help other people".

2020

December 18 YCS win the £75 2^nd prize in the latest Vice Presidents "200 Club" draw.

December 12 With some coronavirus restrictions being lifted, 400 2019/20 season ticket holders fans are allowed back into Bootham Crescent for the first time this season. Their numbers included 5 YCS members.

August 13 Given coronavirus, the AGM (due May 2020) was not held. Officials for 2020/1 were determined in August 2020 via a series of emails between members and committee and will be formally elected at the delayed AGM. With Derek Feasby returning to live in York, the outcome was that Alastair Smith was elected Chairman, Ray Goodearl as Vice Chaiman and Andy Naylor as Treasurer. See full list of officers.

July 25 Football returns (wish it hadn't) to Bootham Crescent. City go down 2-0 to Altrincham in the NLN play off semi final. With coronavirus restrictions meaning no fans are allowed, 2 YCS flags and a number of us in cardboard cut out format did make it into the ground.

June 20 YCS support City's #Promote2 campaign and write the following to Brian Barwick and the National League in support of the campaign, "We strongly believe that the National League should maintain the 4 down / 4 up principle of relegation between the national and the regional divisions. It is the principle that all teams understood at the start of the season and played towards throughout the season until it was curtailed in March. For the National League to move to a system where just one team is relegated and 2 are promoted is a betrayal of trust of all 68 teams, their players and their supporters and does not put either the National League or its title sponsor, Vanarama, in a good light. Indeed, it makes the National League a laughing stock if it can change its own rules mid season and casts doubts on the integrity of the National League. Additionally, it sets The National League on a different path to the English Football League who have upheld the principles of promotion and relegation between all divisions. Equally, by rewarding failure and penalising success, it sets a dangerous precedent of stagnation. The only fair, sporting and equitable decision is to conclude the season on the same basis as the English Football League. Any other outcome would call into question the integrity of the competition for many years to come. This method would maintain solidarity with the English Football League. The English Football League has been flexible in how it decides the full complement of promotion and relegation places between its divisions. All we are asking is that the National League adopts the same flexibility to determine how best it fills its full quota of promotion and relegation places. We hope you re-consider your decision and seek a solution which sees all 8 relegation and promotion places filled."

April 11 YCS donate £1,000 to York City. With our hospitality box game postponed, those due to attend and the committee decided to make the donation, covering the box monies due and an additional £195 from YCS funds. The donation was publicly acknowledged by director Richard Adams a day later. That makes a total of £2,500 donated by the branch in the last year.

April 4 Lockdown also saw YCS run polls for the Best Ever City Team (the arguments still rage whilst Dave Batters won the pull to determine the Best Ever City Book.

March 26 With lockdown under way and no football, YCS launch an "Either Or" twitter quiz, it was to run weekly, every Wednesday, until June 10 and the return of Premier League football.

March 14 City's game against Altrincham postponed due to coronavirus thus denying YCS to the opportunity to host a hospitality box and present our 2019/20 player of the season award to Sean Newton.

March 4 Andy Naylor was unbeaten as he won the YCS darts competition to retain the Steve Beck Memorial Darts Trophy. Ray Goodearl was runner up and James Daniels finished 3rd. The evening was enjoyed by all, everyone won at least 2 matches in a tense competition, enlivened by a spot or 2 of lifting and shifting and plenty of crawling on knees to retrieve lost darts.

2019

November 13 A good turnout for Pizza With Parslow at The Sheephaven Bay. Daniel gave a really interesting talk on his career, recalling the best (and worst) managers he played under, some team mates, his career ending concussion injury and maybe a story or 2 he shouldn't, but you had to be there to hear them all. All told the evening raised £400 for Daniel's testimonial fund. Many thanks to all those who supported the evening and / or purchased the latest issue of new frontiers fanzine. Read More

October 19 YCS host a showing of City's classy 2-0 televised win over Stockport in The FA Cup at The Sheephaven Bay.

October 17 Dean Kiely makes a very welcome return to be our YCS guest speaker at The Sheephaven Bay. Read More

May 30 YCS donate £1,500 to fulfil an ask from Steve Watson and the academy coaching staff. The money has allowed City to buy a state of the art camera with attached i-pad which will be used mainly by the academy team at the training ground, although it will also be available to the senior squad. It will allow training sessions to recorded from above. It will be installed and ready for use when the players return for pre season training. YCS wish to thank everyone who has contributed to our fund raising efforts to allow us to make this donation. A few months later, Dan Wilson, Head Of Youth contacted YCS to say, "The camera is excellent and will be invaluable moving forward. It allows us to film games from a high level for our U14's - U16's and our youth team. We have a team of analysts from York St John University that operate the cameras. As they get better we will be able to do even more in terms of feeding back to the players. We will also be able to do more highlights packages which you will be able to see on the club website and social media. Thanks again for your support. Read More.

May 22 AGM. Regrettably Hyla announced he was standing down as secretary due to changed personal circumstances. Derek presented Joel with his member of the season award again, allowing Joel to enjoy the moment without being distracted by his 2 youngsters.

April 19 YCS hosted a hospitality box for the Spennymoor match. Before the game, Derek Feasby presented Daniel Parslow with a momentum in recognition of his many years’ service to City. Daniel spoke about his time with City but doubted whether he'd be around next season. Also, Derek presented Joel Stern with his member of the season shield. After the game, Jordan Burrow came up and was rewarded with our Player Of The Year trophy. He spent a good 10 minutes chatting with us, about the game just finished and he is already looking forward to next season when he expects it to be a good one. Fully focused on his football, Jordan drives up from his Chesterfield home every day for training and matches without ever having any time to explore the city. Spennymoor Sponsored Game - All The Pics

March 28 Guest speaker Paul Barnes recounts his footballing career. Read More

February 28 Andy Naylor was crowned YCS Darts Champ for the first time when he beat the holder Ray Goodearl in the final. A tense final went down to the wire, it was close all night long with 4 contenders in the line for the final entering the final round of darts.

January 30 After 8 successive away league defeats for City, Andy & Katherine Naylor forego the delights of Alfreton and go to Bridgetown, Barbados in search of an England test win.

January 8 YCS members Hyla Campbell and Ray Goodearl invited to take part in the Radio York, "How Do You Turnaround A Club Like York City" debate.

2018

December 15 YCS Bootham Crescent commemorative scarves (pre-ordered) dispatched. All remaining scarves were sold within 4 weeks. Well done Joel Stern.

November 8 Guest speaker Richard Adams updates YCS on his roles as a YCFC director and Chairman of the Vice Presidents. Read More

October 4 Guest speaker Dale Banton recounts his footballing career. Read More

August 4 First City Predictor closes. 38 supporters have a chance to win cash prizes if they can successfully predict the outcome of City's season.

May 30 Giving everyone a chance to raise funds for YCS / YCFC at no cost to themselves, YCS launch an Easy Giving account.

May 10 A rather sombre evening given the passing of Dot earlier in the week.

May 8 Dot Goodearl passed away today. Dot was a lifelong City fan and attended her first match in 1969. A long time member of York City South, she had been the Secretary of our Supporters Group since May 2003. Her tireless work in the cause will never be forgotten and Dot continued to fulfil her duties until her final days. Dot was one of the very best, it was a pleasure and honour to know her and an absolute delight to be in her company. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.

April 21 YCS hosted a hospitality box for the final home league game of the season and presented Jon Parkin with his YCS Player Of The Year award. New board member Richard Adams paid us a visit and outlined some of the challenges facing any board whilst Aidan Connolly and Daniel Parslow also came up to speak to us after the game. Read More

March 22 Congrats to Ray Goodearl who regained the YCS darts championship. He beat Andy Naylor in a play off final by 2 legs to one. Andy & Ray both won 3 of their 4 games in the final 5 shoot out. Thanks to all for coming and once again to the Sheephaven Arms and publican Pat Logue for their continued support.

March 1 Dale Banton was due to be our guest speaker, but given the beast from the east (I thought Jon Parkin came from Barnsley - Ed), it was cancelled, a new date will be announced shortly.

2017

December 7 Christmas social at The Sheephaven Arms. Mince pies and more (big screen, Christmas party food, party games, City chat and Yorkshire Quiz with thanks to Ray G and congrats to winner Chris F (with 22 out of 29). A good evening was had by all, even if it was tinged with sadness as long standing member Mel made her farewell appearance before moving back to Yorkshire.

October 19 Graeme Crawford, our guest speaker, enthralled 11 members when recounting his football career. Which teammate was the first to have a phone at home and which world famous player was rejected by Liverpool alongside Graeme in 1966.

June 20 Another slow day at Lords for YCS members and friends as Yorkshire set out to once again get the better of Middlesex.

May 11 The new lightweight York City South flag is unveiled at the AGM. Many thanks to Rosemarie Feasby for her efforts in making the flag.

April 27 Joel Stern put his name on the darts trophy, The Steve Beck Memorial Darts Trophy, the first time we've had a trophy. Ray Goodearl (4 wins) was runner up. Joint 3rd were Dot Goodearl, Andy Naylor and Derek Feasby with 3 wins each. A fun evening with thanks to Derek for organising the event and arranging the trophy.

April 1 YCS hosted a hospitality box for the Braintree game and presented our Player Of The Season award after the match to Sean Newton. Read More

March 24 Meet The Manager. YCS met Gary Mills and Darren Caskey in the team hotel before Dagenham game.

February 9 Our guest, ex City striker and now Radio York match summariser, Chris Jones, gave an insightful talk on his footballing career. Read More. Many thanks to Chris plus Terry and David for making the evening a great success.

2016

December 7 Christmas social at The Sheephaven Arms. Mince pies and more (big screen, Christmas party food, party games, City chat, Yorkshire Quiz and darts).

October 13 Our guest, Radio York's David Ward gave an informative talk on his time reporting on City for Radio York. It was a lively and packed (24 present) social evening. It turned into a round table discussion and although David had his own thoughts and opinions, he had no earth shattering revelations (or solutions to our recent woes beyond noting 3 straight wins and getting the new stadium build confirmed would go a long way towards making things look much better). He finds his role much more enjoyable when City are doing well and bemoaned the increased presence of the national media around the club when they sensed bad news. Many thanks to David and his dad Terry, for taking the time out to travel to see us in London.

September 20 Branch members out in force at Lords as Yorkshire start their bid for a third consecutive county title. Many stayed the full 4 days.

July 11 Brollies to the fore as YCS enjoy a rain interrupted opening day of Yorkshire's county championship game at The Oval.

May 11 Derek Feasby is elected branch chairman as Joel Stern steps down due to family commitments and the imminent arrival of his second child.

April 30 YCS hired a hospitality box for the last game of the season and presented Jeff Miller with a long service award to mark his 30 years with the club.

April 7 Darts Night. The group stages saw some closely fought matches as the semi finalist were decided. Joel and Derek fell by the way side in the semi finals leaving a Goodearl local derby final. After some high quality arrows, Dot overcame Ray to retain her title.

2015

December 3 Christmas social at The Sheephaven Arms, 2-3 Mornington Street, Camden, NW1 7QD. Big screen, Christmas party food (plus the return of the mince pie eating competition), party games and darts. What more could you want?

October 16 Under the arches and along the back streets of Southwark, navigating closed pubs and avoiding Friday night yuppies, YCS members explored craft beer on London's Beer Mile. A good time was had by all.

September 11 YCS swapped sports for the day enjoying a day at Lords as Yorkshire cemented their Championship title by going through the whole day without losing a single wicket.

April 25 26 YCS members and guests enjoyed City's hospitality for the last home game of the season. We presented Keith Lowe with his Player Of The Season trophy. Pity about the 0-2 result. When we presented Keith with his trophy, one of its arms fell off, however, we noted Keith had glued it back on when he was pictured with his trophy haul at the end of season awards' dinner. Top man.

April 16 A welcome return to our branch meeting for Sophie McGill. Read More

March 6 YCS meet Russ Wilcox and Steve Torpey at the team's hotel on the eve of the AFC Wimbledon game. Read More

February 5 Dot Goodearl narrowly beat Ray Goodearl with Andy Naylor in 3rd place in the YCS annual darts competition.

2014

December 16 Christmas social and the opportunity to meet up with fellow YCS members at The Sheephaven Arms. Big screen, Christmas party food (plus the return of the mince pie eating competition), party games (including Wembley, the classic 50s board game) and darts.

October 30 A new venue, but same story as guest speaker Ashley Chambers has to send his apologies at the last minute. Sub Nick Pope couldn't step in, he was filming his TV show (as Division 3 reserve keepers do!).

Summer Andy Naylor reaches the final of Channel 4's Countdown. He successfully navigated 8 rounds, a quarter final and semi final before going down in the final.

May 16 3^rd trip to the Sheephaven Arms in a week for the 3 play off games with Fleetwood, in total 130 plus City supporters turned up.

March 27 The York City South Darts evening was re-introduced this season after a lapse of many years. A round robin format was agreed amongst those members who were willing to play. First wins were recorded by Helen Ferguson (her first ever game) and Jim Tindell. Joel Stern and Dot Goodearl each won twice whilst Derek Feasby and Ray Goodearl won 4 games each. Although Derek had beaten Ray in the head to head, it was decided by a majority vote to have a play off final, in which Ray Goodearl triumphed in a hard fought battle and takes the York City South Darts Champion crown for 2014.

March 15 20 YCS members and guests enjoyed City's hospitality as we beat Wycombe. We presented Lanre Oyebanjo with his Player Of The Season award and David McGurk with a memento in recognition of all the sterling service he has given City. David told us of his impending retirement, a credit to him that he was prepared to reveal to a group of people, many he barely knew, in advance of the official announcement and a credit to all present for not breaking the news in advance of David's own announcement.

March 7 Another very successful Meet The Manager evening in Surbiton before the win at AFC Wimbledon. Many thanks to Nigel Worthington and Steve Torpey.

February 25 10,000^th visitor to the YCS web site since we first started to count visitor numbers.

February 6 Branch social cancelled twice. Our first guest speaker, Simon Hood, author of Bicycle Kicks had to cancel a week beforehand due to a diary clash. A neat piece of footwork by our chairman Joel and we had David Stockdale lined up as replacement. Day before, with the tube strike on, unfortunately David had to cancel for fears of not being able to get home in time to beat the Fulham curfew. At least it avoided him having to explain the FA Cup home defeat against Sheffield United the night before.

2013

December 4 Christmas social at The Sheephaven Arms. Due to an over supply of sandwiches, the mince pie eating competition turned into a damp squib.

September 12 Social with the opportunity to meet up with YCS member, Dr Ron Wagner-Wright who was visiting London from Hawaii at The Prince Of Wales 8, Kensington Church St, London, W8 4EP.

August 27 Social, catch up with YCS members John Williams and his family who were visiting from California at The Allsopp Arms, 137-143 Gloucester Place, London NW1 5AL.

April 15 We met up with one of our newest, most far flung members, Dr Ron Wagner-Wright from Hawaii at The Devonshire Arms at 37 Marlowes Road, W8 6LA in Kensington.

April 6 Branch host box at home game to Accrington. A great day out spoilt by late Accrington equaliser. Joined by a host of City players throughout the day with a special word of thanks to Jon Challinor. The day resulted in presentation of 3 YCS branch player of the year awards. Matty Blair for 2011/2 and a tie between Daniel Parslow and Michael Ingham for 2012/3. 2012/3 voting was the first branch foray into online POTY voting.

2012

May Party Party Party. 2 Wembley wins, 2 big breakfasts in the City (thanks Woody) beforehand and our AGM, champagne included. More next year please.

March 3 City 2 Hayes & Yeading 0. The branch host a box to mark Alastair Smith’s contribution to the success of our branch. "Thank you Alastair" by Joel Stern, Chairman, York City London & Southern Supporters Club. Good afternoon and here's to an exciting game ahead and another 3 points on the board. On behalf of York City London and Southern Supporter's Club, we are delighted to be at Bootham Crescent today, enjoying the VIP treatment in one of the club's hospitality boxes. Whilst we are usually well represented at home games by the Southern contingent, we wanted to celebrate the last 15 years of our supporter's club and pay homage to a man who has been a cornerstone (or should that be corner flag?) of our branch. Alastair Smith was one of the founding members of York City South and came together with 4 other exiled City fans in a London pub in 1996 to form a social and logistical hub for exiled Minstermen. He took on the chairmanship of the branch and held the position for fifteen years until his retirement at our AGM last May - although he is still on the committee. We were delighted to award him the position of Honorary Life President at one of our social evenings last December, where over 60 York City South members attended our annual Christmas party. It is not often that somebody like Alastair comes along - a dedicated and enthusiastic individual who works tirelessly for others to ensure that there is a benefit for the greater good. Whilst I was delighted to be elected only the second Chairman of York City South, I am under no illusions that I have big boots to fill in order to maintain the level of activity that this branch has seen over the years with numerous trips to matches, car sharing, social evenings and talk-ins as well as donating a significant amount of money to York City Football Club and other related causes. On behalf of the membership of York City South - both past and present - I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Alastair for all of his efforts over the years and hope he will continue to work with us to ensure that the branch keeps on growing and evolving. Enjoy the game!

2011

October 21 Another Friday night meet the manager. This time in deepest Surrey before our win at Woking (against Hayes & Yeading) the next day and after a 90 minute coach delay, Gary Mills went out of his way to entertain us.

May 19 After 15 years, Alastair Smith stepped down as branch chairman. Joel Stern was elected chairman.

February 25 Gerrards Cross was the venue for a Friday night in the company of Gary Mills who gave us his thoughts on the challenges ahead as City stayed overnight in preparation for the game at Hayes & Yeading a day later. What was supposed to be one hour soon turned into 3 as after he left us to go to get his delayed dinner, Club Secretary Nick Bassett spent another hour plus with us. An evening repeated in South London in October that year before the trip to Woking to play Hayes.

February 10 Jon Champion made a very welcome return to our branch and gave an enthralling talk to our members. Read More.

January 8 Another full mini bus from Wembley for the Bolton game.

2010

December 9 We finished the year with our annual Xmas party cum branch social cum Hyla farewell. We enjoyed mince pie races, 'pass the orange' challenge [with thanks to Joel] and a Christmas YCFC quiz [thanks to Chris]. It was also our chance to wish one of our committee members, Hyla 'Bon Voyage' for his new job overseas - good luck!

September 27 City fans gather for the first time at The Sheephaven Bay in Camden to see City draw 0-0 with Darlington on Premier Sports TV.

February 25 Old Doctor Butlers Head social to mark Arthur Bottom's 80th birthday.

Various Somehow this page wasn't maintained during 2010, so apologies if you thought we had a quiet year. Anything but the truth. We kicked off with a mini coach to Stoke in early January. Quickly followed by a special evening to celebrate Arthur Bottom's 80th birthday and all time record, a stonking 3 quiz nights in one year.

2009

November 20 Sophie McGill (Hicks), no introductions necessary, is the special guest speaker at the branch's monthly meeting.

October 31 Branch invited to City's Gatwick hotel on the evening prior to City's game at Crawley to meet the manager Martin Foyle and the players.

October 1 Nick Bassett, our club secretary is the special guest speaker at the branch's monthly meeting.

May 7 AGM with guest speaker, Josh Easby, on a flying trip from New Zealand to see the City's FA Trophy Final game with Stevenage. AGM agreed to double annual membership to £10.

May 6 Bad news. Got a letter from Wembley today, they've told us that they've rescinded permission for the branch to present our annual Player Of The Season award on the pitch before Saturday's game. So sorry, no award this season.

2008

September 2 City fans gather at The Old Doctor Butlers Head to see City draw 1-1 with Mansfield on Setanta TV.

August 28 City fans gather at The Old Doctor Butlers Head to see City draw 1-1 with Torquay on Setanta TV.

August 14 City fans gather at The Old Doctor Butlers Head to see City beat Wrexham 1-0 on Setanta TV.

July 13 Once again the branch was represented at Bootham Crescent for the club's annual open day. Thanks to all for their efforts, especially Shirley and Tyla.

June 28 A small contingent of us made our way to the annual points fest that is London Skolars v York City Knights. Another high scoring game was anticipated as York have regularly won in a canter, usually scoring 30+ points in the process. We saw another 78 points as the Skolars recorded their first win of the season (44-34). Roll on footy.

May 10 Despite losing in the semi finals, City were represented in the FA Trophy Final at Wembley. Branch member Shirley scored a centre page spread in the match day programme.

March 10 YCS see City beat Exeter 3-2 on Setanta TV in London's Old Doctors Head. The evening was marred by the unsavoury behaviour of one of our guests, an APFSCIL Plymouth delegate who was ejected from the pub for being obnoxious, rude and arrogant to the bar staff. As no apology was forthcoming from Exeter's APFSCIL representative, YCS tendered its resignation from APFSCIL.

2007

October 21 23 City London South fans forsake Lewis Hamilton's Brazilian woes to see City live on Setanta underneath the arches at Waterloo. The start of another 10 year winless run on TV?

September 27 YCS fans see City come from 2 goals down to beat Halifax 3-2 on Setanta TV.

August 30 18 City London South fans see City further extend their winless record when live on TV (excluding Live TV friendlies) as we twice lead only to lose 2-3 in London's Old Doctors Head.

August 24 Friday night in Tottenham, York City Knights at London Skolars. After our foray into Division 1, we were back on familiar ground, familiar results, albeit only 34-0 and not our usual 50+ points. Unfortunately, The Knights didn't take part in Part 2 of The London Rugby Weekender a day later preferring to leave St Helens and Catalan Dragons to fight it out for The Challenge Cup.

August 20 26 fans (including a couple supporting Exeter) witness City extend their winless record when live on TV (excluding Live TV friendlies) as we get our first point of the season in a 1-1 draw at Exeter.

June 3 We entered the APFSCIL (Association of Provincial Football Supporters Clubs in London) 5-a-side tournament along with 11 other teams representing clubs from across England and Scotland. York City South worked their way to the semi-finals and earned a stunning plaque for the City South trophy cabinet. In the group stage the City South team faced Hibs, Stoke, and Southampton. Hibs were despatched 2-0 before a harsh 0-4 defeat by Stoke that was not helped by all the City South players attacking trying to get back in the game rather than having anyone defend. Southampton were then thrashed 4-1 to ensure qualification. Praise to David Ward who scored all 4 goals against the Saints, as well as one against Hibs, the other being scored by Chris Sutherland. In the quarter finals City South played Norwich City and rushed into a 4-1 lead, 2 more goals from Ward, 1 from Neil Borthwick and another from Chris Sutherland. However, this was nearly thrown away as Norwich came back to 4-3 and City managed to withstand a strong Norwich finish. The semi-final saw a weary City South play another Hibs team who despatched our tired heroes 4-0. Stoke went on to win the tournament but York City South took pride in their performance and deserved their success. Well done to all involved, especially to Marcus Cerny for organising our entry. Contact Marcus Cerny for all the details.

May 7 Biggest Yorkcitysouth cavalcade, numbering more than 2 figures, since Everton hits the motorways from all points south (Devon, Essex, Brighton, London plus) en route to Morecambe. Meanwhile, 45+ members congregate underneath the arches at Waterloo to watch City's play off game at Morecambe. City's bad reputation has reached The Met as one of their finest kept a watchful eye over us.

January 4 Over 25 members turn up at our Sydney (Australia) branch launch.

2006

October 12 Good turn out at Josh Easby's last meeting before departing down under.

June 7 - 10 Summer marathon. 4 days in Southgate cheering Yorkshire onto victory over Middlesex. Thanks to Yorkshire's valiant efforts, we didn't need to turn up on Saturday. Instead, YCS members flew off to Germany to see England beat Paraguay. YCS - We Go Everywhere.

May 20 Cancelled. Assuming we don't catch Accrington, branch trip to play off final (Leicester KO 5:30pm), overnight stay anticipated.

May 11 Cancelled. Assuming we don't catch Accrington, branch trip to play off semi final second leg.

May 6 or 7 Cancelled. Assuming we don't catch Accrington branch, trip to play off semi final first leg.

April 6

Guest speaker Billy McEwan addressed the meeting via conference phone to The Old Doctor Butlers Head.

March Branch purchase brick for City's wall, costing £93.75 for the corporate version, no jokes at the back about it being better value than our red shirted wall. Individual bricks cost £9.95 in black lettering or £7.50 in gold lettering. You will also receive a certificate. Replica bricks are available at £9.95 in black and £7.50 in gold for you to keep at home. The wall will be built in such a way that it can be transferred to the new stadium.

February 10 Guest speaker Josh Easby enthrals all with his life and times with There's Only One Arthur Bottom and City director.

2005

October 13 With crowd congestion outside, the kick off was delayed by 15 minutes as branch members found their seats. Once underway, City showed no fear of United. Despite an all international back 4 and England Under 21 keeper behind them, City could have easily been 3 up in the first 20 minutes. Instead, a well worked move saw a Barnes thunderbolt hit the back of the net after 25 minutes. With Beckham at his best, wild tackles, first in line to rebuke the ref and drifting inside from his wing, City worked hard to maintain the advantage. After the break, a rejuvenated United were first denied by City and then stunned as City struck twice more in the first 10 minutes. Even when Paul Baker was sent off for 2 silly bookable offences, 10 man City continued to boss the game. Nerves jangled as the game entered the last 5 minutes, but unlike recent games the rearguard held out until the final whistle. Everyone enjoyed their night watching the recently released DVD of City's 3-0 win at Old Trafford in 1995.

August 29 28 supporters watch City on the big screen at The Hole In The Wall (Waterloo, not Petergate).

June 12 Summer Rugby League outing - London Skolars v York City Knights. The branch keeps up its 100% record when supporting The Knights. Why can't we do the same for The Minstermen? Sharing special guest status with The Minstermen was the cast of "Little Britain" filming a sketch for a future show, stick to acting boys, the outtakes were numerous as they proved just hard it is for a disabled rugby player in a wheelchair to intercept a pass, sprint and swallow dive over the line.

June 5 APFSCIL 5 a side in Battersea Park. City South prove to be the proud of Yorkshire but not quite good enough to clinch the big prize.

May 12 Branch AGM.

April 23 Branch donate £1,000 to help save the reserves and also provide the mascot for the game against Farnborough. Meanwhile, congrats to branch member David Ward and his bride, Philippa Gooder, on their wedding today. PS What's he doing writing to Arthur the next day?

April 17 Too much excitement at the quiz? Well we reconvened at The Oval as the first branch outing of the summer expected a snooze in the sun enjoying the gentle tap of leather on willow, vaseline (not Yorkshire) and beer as Yorkshire took on Surrey at The Oval. How wrong could we be, a run fest ensued and kept us on our toes as Yorkshire ran out convincing winners. On his toes in a different manner was Paul Hilton completing his first marathon around the streets of London.

April 14 Congrats to Andy Naylor, our 2005 York City quiz king. Try the quiz now and see if you can beat Andy’s 26 out of 36.

April Your chance to VOTE NOW for the branch’s City Player Of The Season. Remember folks, your vote really does count!

March 14 An even bigger turn out than for the Morecambe game, enjoy our regular venue as City go down 2-0 at Halifax. At last we kept dry and one person enjoyed the night.

January 12 Breakaway branch meeting at Stamford Bridge. Put off by £20 tickets, disgraceful scenes in the tunnel, sitting in the gods and bored to death by tactics, the miscreants endure Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Manure before seeking forgiveness at the following night's branch meeting.

January 8 City supporters make a small fortune at Stevenage. The ground bookmaker offered 9-1 Robinson as the first scorer. Nogan was 7-1 and various home players as short as 2-1. He didn't even know we had 2 Robinsons. Paul nets the first goal and City supporters celebrate 3 figure pay outs. The following Monday, City announce Jon Maloney actually got the last touch.

2004

November 11 Steve Beck attends the monthly meeting (The Camel, 121 Lower Marsh, Waterloo, SE1 7AE)) and gives us the inside story on the week's big news. What's Chris Brass been doing in his first 3 days since losing the manager's job, what made the board act when they did, Steve's regret on his decision to stand down as club chairman and what's our budget for next season were just some of the questions answered on the night in a no holds barred session. Read Steve's best bits.

November 1 Start of the new minimum £500 spend policy sees YCS move on from The White Horse (16 Newburgh St, Soho, W1F 7RY).

October 16 The branch's annual match sponsorship. Canvey Island 0-0. At least the game wasn't postponed as it was last season.

October 5 43 of us watch City's Sky TV game on the big screen at The Elusive Camel in Waterloo. The locals didn't know what hit them. Even the local William Hill got in on the act, proudly displaying outrageous odds for the day's big match in the shop window. 66/1 on the double, Bryan Stewart to score first and City to win 3-1. On a more sombre note, it was founder member Lawrence Fray's last meeting before he left London for the west country.

August 29 The branch’s second annual trip to Tottenham. London Skolars v York City Knights. Couldn't quite beat last season’s 66-6 win, but certainly better than watching Spurs and not as crowded as the Notting Hill Carnival.

August 1 Arundel was so good we thought we’d do it again to see Yorkshire CCC play Middlesex. No one told us there's no castle in Southgate.

June27 The branch enjoys a day out at Arundel supporting Yorkshire CCC against Sussex. Great game and 4 points. When was the last time we could say that about City.

May John Catton, maintaining his year on year improvement over the last 5 years, eventually wins the YCFC Quiz to add to his collection of 6 XXXL York City South sweatshirts. He got 24 got of a possible 29, click here to see if you can do better.

May Darren Dunning wins the branch Player Of The Season award by just one vote.

March 20 City v Yeovil postponed. Yet another branch sponsored match called off. At least the food and drink were plentiful, you had to be there to see who sat on Chris Brass' knee and hear all the inside news.

2003

Summer YCS member Marcus Cerny raises £1,000 for YCST from the sales of a limited edition print of Bootham Crescent. Bax Ward produced the original oil painting.

July 20 YCS members meet up with York City Knights fans in Tottenham as the Knights overcome London Skolars 66-6.

January 9 Dean Kiely is our guest speaker. He gave an insightful talk about his time with City and later, naming Stan Ternent as the best manager he played under.

2001 - 2003

Pre 2003 Minibuses to Lancashire, dubious dives in Livingstone, Douglas Craig, Dean Kiely, Sky TV and John Champion. You don't know what you missed.

May 9 2002 7^th Branch AGM at The White Horse. At that time, we had monthly meetings at the White Horse on Newburgh St, parallel to Carnaby Street.

February 23 2002 YCS present a near 6,000 signatory petition to the Football Association at their Soho Square HQ. It demanded an investigation into "asset stripping" of City by Bootham Crescent Holdings.

January 27 2002 Branch host Fulham supporters at City's training ground a day after the teams played each other in The FA Cup.

October 27 2001 City beat Macclesfield 1-0 as the game is featured on ITV Digital's "Football Third" show and features YCS members.

April 2001 Two Go Training. Gluttons for punishment (us or them?). Branch members Steve Beck and John Catton win an auction to train with City. A full training ensued, even if there was a little sitting down on the job. Read More.

January 6 2001 One of the original YCS flags goes missing at Filbert Street.

1997 - 2000

1997 - 2000 Branch malaise sets in. Few events of note to report. City relegated, we have a good moan at our meetings, or at least we did until our venue host does a runner and we're left venue less.

October 14 2000 Branch organise "Ginner Dinner", a testimonial evening in support of Wayne Hall's testimonial year. After an afternoon game at Southend, Wayne is the guest of honour at a dinner in the City Of London in "Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese" pub. Where was Ginner at 2 in the morning? A large donation to his testimonial fund will secure all the details.

August 28 2000 The week saw the launch of our Branch's first web site. Elsewhere City launched ycfc.net in the same week.

May 1 1999 YCS sponsor the last home game of the season (v Bournemouth).

March 1 1999 YCFC chairman, Douglas Craig, is the YCS guest speaker. His talk was very well received. The meeting was held at The Leopard, 39 Seward St, EC1V 3PA.

February 28 1999 YCS host Fulham supporters a day after Fulham had run out 3-0 winners in the encounter at Bootham Crescent. YCS took the lead before losing 2-1 on a wind lashed Knavesmire. City donated an old set of kit to YCS.

October 24 1998 YCS match sponsorship thwarted when game is postponed.

August 1998 John Catton publishes the YCS annual travel guide, a publication that ran for a few years.

March 22 1998 YCS beat Fulham 9-1, this was the day that Alan Little turned up at 9 o'clock on a Sunday morning to unlock the training ground and donate a set of old City kit to YCS.

February 28 1998 YCS beat Brentford 2-1, City complete the double in the afternoon in south west London.

November 8 1997 YCS lead protest against moneybags Fulham.

July 19 - 20 1997 Another weekend in Livingston and City win the 4 team tournament which featured on Live TV appear. 7am Saturday morning saw a bleary eyed YCS contingent, including Woody and Paula, Ross Wilson, Sando, Paul Hilton, Dave Hattee, Alastair, John and a few others catch the train from King's Cross to Edinburgh. If my memory serves me well, it was 97 (see the Spring 97 entry), but happy to be proved wrong, on the Sunday morning, YCS played Hearts supporters.

12 April 1997 The branch presents its first ever Player Of The Season award to Andy McMillan pitchside at Vicarage Road before the game. The celebrations must have gone to the player's heads as City crashed to a 4-0 defeat to Watford.

Spring 1997 The branch's football side draw their first ever game 1-1. Lack of fitness and lack of a goalscorer told as we failed to turn our domination into goals. Our opponents, The Household Cavalry hosted us in Kensington Gardens, the grounds of Charles and Di's London pad, kick off being put back to allow Charlie's chopper to launch from the centre circle. Post match canapes and wine were much appreciated. Our next game was in the shadows of Wormwood Scrubs!

1996

October 9 1996 OWAS notes that its editor, John Catton, was giving £20 vochers in prizes from his OWAS quiz at the YCS monthly meeting at The Rugby Tavern, Great James Street, London.

September 18 1996 YCS runs first coach to Coca Cola Cup game to Everton. Driver John Catton provided a drop off service with the last drop off at 5 in the morning in Reigate.

Autumn 1996 Branch launched at The Citte Of Yorke pub in Chancery Lane.

July 20 - 21 1996 Weekend debauchery in Edinburgh as City compete in Livingston's 4 team trophy (plus Hearts, Ayr and York). John Catton drives a car full of City fans up to Scotland. You had to be there to know how John "Twinkle Toes" Catton wooed the fair maidens of Edinburgh in his disco outfit.

July 8 1996 York City South was founded in the Blue Posts Pub (Broadwick St, London,W1) in Soho after John Catton first suggested and kicked off the idea. John, Paul Hilton, Phil Howden (our ex-YCFC SLO) and Alastair Smith met in a Soho pub to kick off the branch. Tommy Sheridan was quickly signed up post the formal AGM. Our hope was to find 20 York City supporters based in London and the South who would be interested in joining us, we could provide news from Bootham Crescent (the internet and social media were in their infancy back then), travel sharing, and fundraising for the club. We had 63 members after one year and 118 a year later. Writing in 2020, Paul Hilton recalled, "From memory at that very first meeting in the Blue Posts pub in Berwick St it was I, John Catton, Alastair Smith and one other who escapes me (believed to be Phil Howden - Ed). I'm thrilled the branch is still going strong, I made lots a friends from it and usually through the five a side Monday nights in Brixton. I'm still here in London so might get the opportunity to come along again".

27 April 1996 As news of plans to launch a York City South branch spread, Brighton fans invade The Goldstone Ground, rushing the length of the pitch to offer their fivers to become founder members. Referee forced to abandon game in the rush.

Pre YCS

Pre YCS Even before York City South was founded, as with many provincial clubs, many supporters migrated to London.