York City FC - York City South - YCFC - YCS: 2011/12 YCS Programme Page

Southern Connections

2011/2

Read again our branch's contribution to the City programme throughout the season.

Mansfield (May 3 2012 (PO S/F) / Joel Stern)

End Of Season Review

Good Evening! Looking back to last August we wouldd have been delighted to have known that we would be here tonight facing the first of a two legged promotion playoff semi final with an FA Trophy final to play as well. It has really been a great season and credit must go to Gary Mills and the players as well as Jason McGill, Sophie Hicks and their staff. It has been a good season for York City South too! There's been lots going on since I took over from Alastair Smith as Chairman at the AGM last May and I am grateful to the committee for their dedication and support in helping me find my feet. We started the season in typically generous fashion, sponsoring James Meredith's boots as well as Youth Team Player Danny Middleton. York City South have always tried to contribute to the club where possible and we see this as a key part of the remit of any supporter's group. We'll also be sponsoring a barrel at the Bootham Crescent Beer Festival this summer. We had 50 fans turn up in a pub in Camden to watch City take on Fleetwood at Highbury and this increased to over 60 for our Christmas party which we tagged onto the televised game with Kidderminster in December. March saw us take advantage of Bootham Crescent's exceptional corporate hospitality when we took an executive box to honour our former chairman, Alastair Smith - including an on-pitch appearance to pull the half time 50/50 draw. Our membership has been solid throughout the season with 65 members signed up with some coming from as far afield as New Zealand, Nigeria and California! If you are an exiled Minsterman, living in the South, do come along and get involved.

Forest Green (April 28 / Dot Brown)

Walk The Walk - Sponsors Welcome

Dot, Secretary of York City South, and 3 other members - Sally, Julie and Jude - are doing the half marathon MOONWALK in Central London on the evening of Saturday 12 May - yes on the same evening after the FA Trophy match at Wembley - in aid of breast cancer charities. If you would like to sponsor her then you can go on line and check her fundraising page and look out for her at Wembley wearing her 'walk the walk' pink hat. Thank you.

Hayes And Yeading (March 3 2012 / Joel Stern)

Thank You Alastair

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!

Gateshead (February 22 2012 / Dot Brown)

Home Away

Tonight a few of us 'down south' not able to get to the game will be gathering in the "The Sheephaven Bay" public house, 2-3 Mornington Street, Camden, London NW1 7QD (nearest tube station is Mornington Crescent) from 7.30 pm, to catch up on news and to watch tonight's match on TV. We know it is not the same as being at Bootham Crescent but listen out for some loud cheering from North London - Come on City!

Stockport (February 18 2012 / Peter Beasley)

Seeing Red at Wembley

A German survey concluded that teams wearing red, win on average 10% more games. It may explain why Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have been so dominant over the decades ¨C the vibrant blood colour giving greater confidence and putting fear into opponents. Encouraging for York and a plus point for those who defend the decision to ditch the maroon shirts in the late ¡®70s. But wait a minute. How many World Cup Final winners have worn red? Well, one (1966). Spain who triumphed last time round, didn¡¯t do it in their normal red and Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Italy and Germany ¨C the five nations who have always dominated the finals, wear yellow, blue or white. It could be argued that international teams play fewer games than club league sides so the survey sample is smaller. Hopefully City will be triumphant at Wembley at least once this season. But is wearing red at the new national stadium unlucky? On the evidence of the 2010 divisional play-off finals you might think so. None of the victors that season achieved it wearing red. York and Rotherham lost to Oxford and Dagenham respectively and Swindon and Blackpool, who normally wear red / tangerine, mysteriously changed to alternative white shirts, even though there wasn't a clash with the blue of Millwall and Cardiff. I'm not remotely superstitious, but maybe it is time to prepare for "Come on you blues" ... just in case.

Mansfield (January 1 2012 / Dot Brown)

Happy New Year

We enjoyed our Christmas Party in the Sheephaven Arms on December 19th, with many thanks to the landlord and his staff for looking after us during the evening. We enjoyed our buffet and mince pies [the mince pie eating competition was cancelled] and all had a good time. The only down side was the final score. We have a new Chairman this season, Joel Stern, taking over from Alastair Smith a founder member of the York City South branch. During the evening, Andy Naylor [Vice Chairman] presented Alastair Smith with a certificate to appoint Alastair as an Honorary Life President of York City South and to award him with Life Membership in recognition of founding the branch and 15 years of sterling and dedicated work as Chairman with special thanks from all the past and current membership. Thank you Alastair!! Happy New Year 2012 to you all. If you are 'down south' then please come along and join York City South - your subscriptions include your membership of the York City AFC 1922 Supporters Club and also help York City South to fund sponsorships plus contributions to the club. Lots of information on our website.

Kidderminster (December 19 2011 / Dot Brown)

Christmas Wishes

For some southern based fans not able to travel to the game tonight - we shall be enjoying watching the match on Premier TV in the warmth of the Sheephaven Arms in Camden, North London. We will be cheering the team on and also enjoying a buffet and after the match encouraging participants in the mince pie eating competition. With best wishes from York City South to all the fans, staff and team at York City FC for a lovely Christmas and a great New Year 2012. If you are 'down south' then please come along and join York City South - your subscriptions include your membership of the York City AFC 1922 Supporters Club and also help York City South to fund sponsorships plus contributions to the club. Lots of information on our website.

Kettering (December 3 / Ray Goodearl)

Car Sharing To Forest Green

On what was hopefully our last trip to Forest Green (unless they get promotion with us), I introduced a car full of York fans to the Cotswolds for the first time. Having admired the Red Kite invasion through the Chilterns, we then carried on through Oxford, Burford, Bibury (with trout stream) before stopping off at the village of Barnsley for a liquid lunch with a great choice of local ales. On then to Cirencester, over the cattle grids and the narrow streets of Minchinhampstead, before passing the llamas into Nailsworth, then up the hill to the ground where more local ales were on hand in the clubhouse. On course for three points until the dual defensive and costly errors two seconds from the end. A partially subdued quick trip back lamenting the lost two points - otherwise a terrific day out. Next social evening - Monday 19 December. Our next social evening will be held at "The Sheephaven Bay" public house, 2-3 Mornington Street, Camden, London NW1 7QD (nearest tube station is Mornington Crescent) from 7.30 pm, for our Christmas party including watching the YCFC v Kidderminster match on Premier TV.

Wrexham (November 5 / Neil Rank)

Meet The Manager

A number of York City South fans had the pleasure of meeting with Gary Mills in the team hotel on the evening prior to the Hayes and Yeading game. The team were late arriving at the hotel, being held up in traffic on the infamous M25 but all credit to Gary, he got off the coach, dropped his bags in his room and immediately proceeded to give us his undivided attention for the next hour and a half. A number of questions were posed and Gary gave his views on many topics including the building of the team spirit in the squad, working with the Youth Team and the challenge of keeping all the players involved and happy. His key objective remains to take York City FC back into the football league. In closing the meeting, Gary thanked York City South for their support which he and the players very much appreciated. Thank you Gary for your time to meet with us and answer our questions. Next social evening - Monday 19 December. Our next social evening will be held at "The Sheephaven Bay" public house, 2-3 Mornington Street, Camden, London NW1 7QD (nearest tube station is Mornington Crescent) from 7.30 pm, for our Christmas party including watching the YCFC v Kidderminster match on Premier TV.

Wrexham (November 1 / Dot Brown)

THE LOST GAME

If you are 'down south' then please come along and join York City South- your subscriptions include your membership of the York City AFC 1922 Supporters Club and also help York City South to fund sponsorships plus contributions to the club. Lots of information on our website. Next Social Evening - 3 November - Change of venue Our next social evening will be on Thursday 3 November from 7.30 pm. Please note the change of venue - we will now be meeting at "The Old Doctor Butlers Head" public house [in restaurant area on first floor], 2 Mason's Avenue, Moorgate, London EC2V 5BT. A Shepherd Neame pub with a good selection of real ales. All welcome! This article was intended for a possible FA Cup replay with Wrexham but was not required.

Braintree (October 7 / Dot Brown)

York City South Update

If you are 'down south' then please come along and join York City South - your subscriptions include your membership of the York City AFC 1922 Supporters Club and also help York City South to fund sponsorships plus contributions to the club. Lots of information on our website. Social Evening - 3 November Our next social evening will be on Thursday 3 November from 7.30 pm. We will be meeting up at "The Sheephaven Bay" public house, 2-3 Mornington Street, Camden, London NW1 7QD (nearest tube station is Mornington Crescent) - all welcome!

Luton (September 24 / Dot Brown)

York City South Update

Darlington (September 20 / Dot Brown)

Youth Team Sponsorship - Danny Middleton

York City South have recently finalised the sponsorship of one of the York City Youth Team, Danny Middleton, for the 2011/12 season. We wish him well in his education and football training. Good luck to all the Youth Team for the current season. Please check out their website at www.yorkcityyouthteam.co.uk for information on all their players, fixtures and social events. If you are 'down south' then please come along and join York City South - your subscriptions include your membership of the York City AFC 1922 Supporters Club and also help York City South to fund sponsorships plus contributions to the club. Lots of information on our website.

Bath (September 13 / Dot Brown)

The Game On TV

Our first social gathering of the season was centred around watching the Fleetwood match on Premier TV in the 'Sheephaven Bay' public house in Camden, North London. The Manager made us very welcome on a busy Friday evening where the York game was given preference on the majority of screens in the pub - and the bar maid was wearing a YCFC shirt [with thanks to John Moran for organising the evening]. This was a great opportunity to catch up on news [and to pay subscriptions for the new season]. Several supporters in the pub were visiting down south to watch the Rugby League Cup Final at Wembley the following day - and had read about our social evening on 'There is only one Arthur Bottom' [with thanks to Josh Easby] - all welcome! One of our new members was over from the USA with his two sons [all wearing YCFC shirts] to visit friends in Yorkshire and to see a live football at Bootham Crescent later on their visit. A great evening - lots of chat - and a good result against tough opposition.

AFC Telford (August 20 / Dot Brown)

YC On TV: Our Next social evening

For those not able to travel north to Fleetwood - our next social evening will be on Friday 26th August to watch the match on TV. We will be meeting up at "The Sheephaven Bay" public house, 2-3 Mornington Street, Camden, London NW1 7QD (nearest tube station is Mornington Crescent) to watch the game on Premier Sports. Last season we had a really good turnout here to watch the Darlington game so if you want a seat, make sure you get there early. Food and a good selection of beers are available.

Barrow (August 16 2011 / Joel Stern)

Welcome Back

So, the season 2011/12 is upon us and I think we are all looking forward to seeing how Gary Mills side fare in the Blue Square Bet Premier this year. Fingers crossed we will have something to celebrate come April! As with the team, there have been some changes at York City South and I am delighted to have been elected as Chair. As a branch, I hope we can continue to support the club and provide a great social hub in London for supporters who are based in the south. Enjoy the season.

Website Check out our York City South web site for all the latest branch updates [with thanks to Chris Forth our webmaster]. Review the latest edition of 'New Frontiers', try the 'Arthur Bottom' quiz, download City Fixture posters to promote home matches ....... and much more! Also, email us or find us on Twitter at @YCFCSouth or on Facebook, search for York City South. In person, look out for us at matches and come and say Hi. Want to see your name in print? The branch is invited to write a short article in every City home programme. The more people who contribute, the more varied and better our page becomes. Email Dot, our programme page co-ordinator with your words. As always a photo helps, but isn't necessary. Most things City related go, so write now, write here.