2023/4

Another Season: Big Hopes / Slow Start

... *** THIS PAGE IS WORK IN PROGRESS THROUGHOUT THE 2023/4 SEASON *** ... *** THE FINAL ISSUE WILL BE SUMMER 2024. UNTIL THEN, SOME CONTENT / SECTIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR WILL REFERENCE PREVIOUS SEASONS *** ...

Season - Preview

When previewing the season, about the only thing that can be said with certainty is that it will not be a quiet season for City. Either on the pitch or off the pitch, something will not be right, somewhere or with someone. Last season, we entered the season with new hope, it proved to be unfounded, this season, again new hope (and new money).

Having retained the core of the squad that made a flying start last season only to become embroiled in a relegation dog fight, anything could happen.

With Wrexham and Notts County promoted, Hartlepool and Rochdale relegated, City lose 2 of last season’s top 3 crowd pullers.

City also lose the 2 longest away trips of the season (Torquay and Yeovil) in a league and featuring 13 teams based in the south east (an area bounded by Southend, Oxford City and Eastleigh) plus Kidderminster and Solihull Moors representing the midlands. The league includes 12 former Football League clubs. Only Oxford City are first time opponents for City.

Early summer dragged on as rumours of a Glen Henderson sale persisted and new recruits were slow to arrive. In June, Mikey Morton noted that he was unclear on his budget and that the sale of Glen Henderson's shares was hampering progress, adding that by this stage, he would expect to be further forward in assembling his squad. David Stockdale (who noted that he’d had interest from 2 Division 1 clubs but Mikey Morton (who he already knew) sold him the vision) and Cedric Main being the only announced signings before pre season training started. Neither was universally acclaimed, Stockdale’s impact on Ryan Whitley’s future and the career history of Main, mainly at a lower level than City being the main focus of ire. That said, season ticket sales remained robust, over 1,800 sold before the discount period ended, not too far short of the previous season’s total.

Then, on June 28, 2 days after pre-season training had started, it was announced that Glen Henderson had sold his shares to “394 Sports Ltd”, a company fronted by Matt Uggla (son of a billionaire) and his mother Julie-Anne Uggla. They joined City’s board as Co-Chair alongside Alastair Smith and Mike Brown. The Trust retained its 49% shareholding. Read More on the takeover.

Matt Uggla’s initial thoughts were that he was wanting to bring in his own manager, but speaking with Mikey Morton, he quickly noted "new school, data and stats based, on everything we talked about we were completely aligned". He told Morton that Zanda Siziba was the only Yeovil player worth signing.

Within days of the takeover, there was a flurry of signings, some raised eyebrows as players were scouted from far and wide, often from divisions below City as the concept of a development squad was mooted, the first season was expected to play just friendly games. Eyebrows were further raised as 4 (Quevin Castro, Thierry Latty-Fairweather. Levi Andoh and Kevin Joshua) were all clients of Eyeconic Sports Management Ltd owned by Arfan Rehman. On July 7, City signed Tyler Cordner for an undisclosed fee, but believed to be £100,000, his release clause. Matt Uggla spoke of the difficulty of making signings as clubs and players raised their demands.

On an in house interview (July 5), Morton spoke about the 3 Cs, Condition, to be one of fittest teams in the league and has been using Premier League resources, Control, the ability to control all phases of the game and Confidence. He spoke about last season’s side not having his identity and a desire to be one of the most physical teams in the league. He noted various behind the scene aspects weren’t in place last season, specifically he has upped the focus on fitness. Paddy McLaughlin has done a lot of work with the players and last season’s squad were sent on their summer holidays with specific summer fitness enhancement programmes whilst David Stockdale’s recruitment role will help to identify new players before they are needed. He wants his squad players to push for first team places. Last season, squad players and the under 19 team had little chance to push for first team places. He is looking for good talent, good backgrounds, players who have still got something to develop and has a slightly bigger squad than imagined with more players still expected. He said nothing earth shattering, just plain common sense.

The signings continued throughout pre season. 2 of the latter ones being marquee signings, Dipo Akinyemi who joined City after a season in Scotland with Ayr United, netted 20 goals and seven assists in the Scottish Championship last season. The 26-year-old won the PFA Scottish Championship player of the season award after playing regularly in England throughout his career. As revealed by Daily Record in January, Ayr turned down a deal worth £240,000 from an unnamed Sky Bet League One side for Akinyemi. Sky Bet League Two outfits Gillingham and Walsall as well as Carlisle from a league higher were also rumoured to have been interested in the forward this summer, so his move to the Minstermen is expected to be for a hefty fee. Speculation put it at £300,000, no doubt with sell on clauses attached and believed to be all money paid upfront. It is to be hoped that such a fee is justified for a player who has rarely played at Conference level and only really found his scoring boots 2 seasons ago. I might have been happier spending that amount of money on a player dropping down a league or 2 like Wrexham did with Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer. That said, his video profile / scoring reel is impressive. There were rumours that his partner was unhappy to be so far away from her family in London, let's hope she is fine with York. Some social media reports put his wage at up to £4,500 a week, nearly twice what was believed to be City's best ever paid player. If so, it more than doubles the record fee paid for a player by City (£140,000). A few days later, City's long pursuit of the free scoring Andrew Dallas, a free agent after his Solihull Moors deal had expired, ended when he joined Division 1 Barnsley on a 3 year deal. A couple of days later, Alex Woodyard, who'd been a Division 1 regular for AFC Wimbledon last season, joined City when his Dons contract was ripped up with a year to go. He arrived with an impressive stats as a defensive midfield player although some questioned his fitness throughout last season (a six month spell out meant his first game of last season was in October 2022, however he went on to play 34 league games) and others compared his attitude to that of Sean Newton.

Akinyemi and Woodyard didn't make their first City appearances until the second half of City's last official pre-season friendly at Accrington. Akinyemi's arrival was accompanied by a delay to his international clearance which meant he had been unable to play in 4 friendly games after he joined City.

A day before the Accrington game, Yeovil chairman Martin Hellier re-ignited, in a most unsavoury way, a fued with Matt Uggla, some of the tweets attributed to Hellier seemed worthy of investigation by football's authorities. Read More and More. On the same day, David Bujara announced himself as City's new Chief Scout.

If Chesterfield overcome play off defeat disappointment, they can be expected to be challenging again (especially as if as a Trust owned club, they can afford to pay Danny Rowe a reported £2,500 a week, a figure way beyond City's financial capability last season). We can expect the likes of Bromley, Woking and Boreham Wood to punch above their weight whilst the well supported Oldham and FC Halifax will look to push on from their FA Trophy success. Equally, Gateshead will hope to push on from a stong second half of last season.

Given the turmoil of relegation, both Hartlepool (even with John Askey) and Rochdale are more likely to be nearer the bottom than the top. As in recent years, most of the promoted sides might struggle, (expect AFC Fylde to be the best placed). Having released a number of players, it might be a hard season for Solihull Moors. Maidenhead and Dorking with limited resources might both face another season of struggle. I wonder how much longer can Wealdstone continue to perform above their weight whilst Southend will face another season of struggles, off field issues hampering on field results.

Once again, season ticket details were slow to emerge, they went on sale on May 26 when season tickets holders had a 2 week period in which to renew at last season’s price. On general sale, prices rose by 10%. There were the usual problems with the online ticketing system. City announced over 1,000 were sold within the first week (June 2) by June 8 (with one day of the discount window remaining) over 1,500 had been sold. Subsequently Glen Henderson stated “over 1,800” sold and when Matt Uggla‘s takeover was confirmed it was stated that City were on target to beat last season’s tickets (2,218 being the last published figure). City announced 1,860 sold on July 2. By July 20, that number had grown to "over 2,000". Elsewhere, on June 2, Notts County announced "season ticket sales have already equalled our 2022-23 total of 4,000” and at a similar date, Oldham had sold over 3,000. City’s sales were about 3 times as many as Harrogate. City introduced differential match day ticket pricing, a £2 increase on last season if bought at the turnstiles or £1 if bought in advance.

2 of the more heralded signings arrived carrying / managing injuries. Quevin Castro arrived with a doctors' note from WBA advising City how best to manage his back injury with which he'd struggled with when on loan at Gateshead and Callum Harriott had a painful foot injury which restricted him to just the Middlebrough pre-season friendly.

By the last friendly, City had 33 registered professional players. Talk of a development squad was rife although given the lateness of Matt Uggla' arrival and City's new direction, it is envisaged that for 2023/4 season that the development squad would be restricted to friendly games and players being found loan moves.

Roll on City's "promotion train", a phrase coined by Matt Uggla shortly after our big money purchases although David Stockdale was just one of those who tried to rein back the sentiment.

From various ad hoc polls amongst City fans, around 8% of us thought City would be champions, around 55% more had us in the play off places and very, very few had us in the bottom half.

The Squad

Once again, details of the 2023/4 squad were slow to emerge and only picked up momenteum when Matt Uggla's takeover was announced. With the late signings of Dipo Akinyemi and Alex Woodyard, City had 33 professionals. By the time pre-season training, City had an almost complete squad. By the end of July, given the quantity and quality of signings, it seemed like a “top” budget (City claimed it was the 8th or 9th top) with Akinyemi arriving despite strong interest from an unnamed Division 1 side and newly minted Division 2 Gillingham and Woodyard being prepared to rip up a Division 1 contract to join City. By the big kick off, City had 13 new signings (excluding the 2 scholars who earned professional contracts).

David Stockdale will possibly start in goal whilst many felt Ryan Whitley had finished last season strongly. Tyler Cordner and Callum Howe look to be a strong centre back partnership. Michael Duckworth and Ryan Fallowfield provide stability down the right, neither seemed to stay fit for long enough last season to make the right (wing) back shirt their own.

Alex Woodyard should assume the defensive midfield role leaving the likes of Olly Dyson, Quevin Castro and Dan Pybus to fight for other central midfield berths. Out wide, we could be spoilt for choice with Maz Kouhyar, Alex Hurst and Callum Harriott as leading contenders, maybe with one being deployed in a more central role.

Dipo Akinyemi will lead the line with Lenell John-Lewis around to provide support when needed.

The likes of youngsters Finlay Barnes, Levi Andoh, Thierry Latty-Fairweather and Zanda Siziba possibly did enough in pre–season to suggest they will be around the first team.

Last season, Mikey Morton was keen to swap formation, he said to match up with the opposition. Pre-season, he had invariably used 433. It remained to be seen whether this was o be the regular formation. Given the size of the squad, it is to be hoped that we don’t need to slot players into unfamiliar positions and that a large squad doesn’t mean a much changed line up every game.

Given City’s large playing pool it will be interesting to see how the “development squad” progresses. Believed to have been assembled too late to play league football in the 2023/4 season, they will be restricted to friendly games and sending players out on loan. It is to be hoped that the friendly games give those players a real opportunity (and motivation) of pushing for a place in the first team squad.

Equally, our outgoing loanees need to be playing regularly for clubs at, or just beneath, City’s level to give then the necessary level of experience to come back to stake a claim for a place in City’s first team. The first to move out on loan was Sam Sanders who joined Truro on a 6 month loan deal in July to play National League South football having had his City contract extended just before he moved out. That will mean he has 3 years as a City contracted player to become a first team regular.

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City went into the season with 33 professionals. a far cry from Mikey Morton's early indication that he wanted to work with a small squad.

The start of the season didn't mean an to the signings, 4 new players (Dan Batty, another marquee signing, the highly Scottish youngster Kai Kennedy, Rory Watson and Jack Stott (loan)) joined City in the 48 hours before the August bank holiday weekend. Neal Ardley's arrival saw the introduction of 2 further loanees.

By the time of the visit to Chesterfield (October 24), City had 38 registered professionals (including 3 loanees and 9 young pros who'd not make a start between them). However, with 8 players out on loan and a further 9 injured, City went into the game with just 21 fit professionals. By the end of the week, 2 more had arrived (making 36 contracted and 4 more on loan).

SQUAD

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Final random thought(s):

  • A large squad (and Mikey Morton's penchant for changing formation) led to a constant change in line up and formation leading to a difficulty in gelling the side and getting results over the first 6 games
  • Later, Neil Cox mentioned that the large squad might have contributed to low early season fitness levels
  • Neal Ardley arrived and noted the lop sided nature of the squad, especially at left back and striker. His first signing was Aiden Marsh, a young striker at Barnsley and 3 days later, after Tyler Cordner picked up a one game suspension for 5 yellow cards, he signed Will Smith on loan from Harrogate with Sanders and Joseph out on loan and other possible options (Duckworth and Andoh) injured.

Season - Review (TO COMPLETE)

At the start of the 2022/3 season, many would have taken survival as a result. They got their wish, survival was all but mathematically ensured in the penultimate game and a week later, City drew 1-1 at Notts County in front of an 11,336 crowd which included 1,433 City supporters (when was the last time we took such a big following to an away league game?). The point saw City finish 19th, 3 points and 2 places above the relegation zone.

With crowds standing up well at the LNER despite all City’s turmoil, imagine an ownership model that works, maybe the sky is the limit (but capped by what an 8,500 capacity stadium offers).

Along the way, there was evidence that the side was capable of a much higher finish whilst City went out of both cup competitions in disappointing fashion.

Great expectations lasted for about the first hour of the season. A slick start at Wealdstone saw City lead, but they were unable to put the game to bed. As City ran out of steam, Wealdstone hit back to score twice and win 2-1. Mikey Morton was sacked afer 6 games (3 draws and 3 defeats) following a 3-1 Bank Holiday home defeat to Rochdale.

They had already been discontent in the camp. On August 22, Dan Pybus left to join Dorking on a 3 year contract (with no fee assumed). It had been rumoured that he was unhappy and wouldn't play again after Askey had been sacked, so it had been rather surprising that he signed a new 2 and a half year contract in Janaury 2023. Matters appeared to come to a head before the Altrincham game (August 15). He and Alex Hurst were not in the 16 man squad, both are believed to have refused to play. With Woodyard sustaining a calf strain in the pre matchh warm up, City could name name 4 substitutes from the provisional 18 man squad. The YCFC web site reported it as "York City FC can confirm that Dan Pybus has left the club. Subject to league and FA approval. Later, Mikey Morton noted "The discussion we had on the night of that game was when his head wasn’t in the right place, that’s fine and we made the decision not to play him". A month later, Alex Hurst left the club.

Next manager betting was not dissimiliar to Charlton who were looking to replace Dean Holden with the likes of Michael Appleton, Danny Cowley and Darren Moore being high up in both markets. Neal Ardley, Phil Parkinson (Altrincham) and Mike Williamson were also leading City candidates according to the betting market. Darrell Clarke was cut from 33-1 to 4-1 on morning of September 4 and 2-1 by early that afternoon before drifting out to 5-1 later in the day. That day, both Karl Robinson (not listed at 50-1 or shorter) and Sol Campbell (who suddenly appeared at 12-1 having been mentioned on several social media posts during the day) were also rumoured to be in contention. The lLower reaches of the betting market incuded a lot of names who'd been quoted in recent City managerial vacancies. Betting was suspended on several occasions, including Tuesday 5th (PM) as Ardley tightened to 1-4.

Neal Ardley was named as manager on Wednesday September 6, he had 2 days with his players before his first game. The first half of that game pointed to a more structured and discipline approach but familiar frailties crept in as the game wore on. City twice lead but had to settle for a 2-2 draw. His first few weeks saw a horrendous injury list amid several comments that his players needed to be fitter. He noted the lop sided nature of his squad and that he wouldn’t expect to see his team to be playing his way this season having missed out on pre-season. Defensive problems persisted and he wasn’t afraid to point out the team’s shortcomings in his interviews.

The players were not Ardley’s players. At times, it seemed they were either unable or unwilling to play how he wanted them to do. That said, so many players that seemed so encouraging in pre season seemed to turn out so poor.

As with many new City managers, there was a very limited new manager bounce. Neal Ardley spoke about the need for a pre-season and potentially strengthening the squad. There were some encouraging signs early in his first game, but over the following weeks, previous failings persisted. Contrast that to Unai mery, he took over a struggling Aston Villa in late October 2022, without the benefit of being able to sign players immediately, he quickly changed Villa, so much from being strong relegation candidates when he arrived, he oversaw qualification for Europe, his record being that of a top 4 club.

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230811 New YCFC website live (Mike Brown's handiwork)

230828 MM sacked, offered an internal role, see MM relieved of duty.

230829 Darren Kelly - General Manager.

230914: York City FC is delighted to welcome Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka on board as the club’s new back of shirt sponsor, apparently the previous sponsor, Easy Communications, had reneged on their deal. The Minstermen’s home and away shirts will wear the logo for the 2023/24 season with immediate effect.x

231106: Matthew Lever starts, so we’ve got a Head of Recruitment (David Stockdale), a Head of Scouting Organisation, and a Chief Scout (David Bujara). Really going to need an organogram.

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On 29/Sept/2023, in reply to a question posed by John Clark on Facebook, Matt Uggla replied, "Dipo has a long contract with no release clause. He’s not going anywhere. Plus knowing him well I know how much he loves the club and city".

231018 PMI Neil Cox noted too large a squad may have contributed to a lack of fitness

231026 GSK arrive - 94 consecutive games for BPA. 231028 - Poised to be City's 5th keeper of the season, the first time that has ever happened 2002/3, 14/5, 16/7 17/18 - 4 each season, Upd xdb-kp10 page

231026 Cox reveal Hancox turned down a loan move 2 weeks earlier

231115: JA / M Uggla presentation, they revealed: £2.5m investment (not loan) to date consisting of purchase price, paying off inherited debt, salary increases for certain existing employees, new players and new backroom staff, effectively all the spend. No indication whether this was all to cover costs incurred to date or if it factored in any committed future spend.

231120: Bad day for the Trust? First Mike Brown posts on Facebook about the increase in the wage budget and the disparity between the top and lowest earners in the dressing room and then Jim Calverly posts on R&B about Neal Ardley's adult daughter. Despite City (and others) constantly citing confidentiality and non disclosure agreements for not being specific, a very recent ex Trust chairman / YCFC board member (who'd resigned less than 2 months previous) feels free to put into the public domain information he would probably have known when a serving club director, admittedly, anyone with Football Manager 24 might be able to gleam something similar. Then Jim Calverley (2023/4 Squad, P343) re-posts a Neal Ardley social media post, about one of his daughters who Ardley has barely referenced during his time as City manager and another Trust member replies before the post is partly deleted.

231122: Barnsley were expelled from the FA Cup after a 3-0 Round 1 replay win at Horsham 8 days earlier for playing Aiden Marsh. He was ineligible as he was on loan with City when the original game was played and was recalled 2 days after it.

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Neal Ardley - The worst thing a manager can do is talk up the opposition before a defeat. He does it every week.

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On 29/Sep/23 it was reported on social media that Companies House noted "The SMC has been acquired by Greenwich Leisure Limited (ownership of shares – 75% or more).

  • 29 Sep 2023 Notification of Greenwich Leisure Limited as a person with significant control on 28 September 2023
  • 29 Sep 2023 Cessation of York City Football Club Ltd as a person with significant control on 28 September 2023
  • 29 Sep 2023 Registered office address changed from York Community Stadium Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross Drive Huntington York YO32 9AF England to Middlegate House Seymour Street London SE18 6SX on 29 September 2023"
  • 231010 - https://yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/sale-of-smc-to-gll-completed/
  • Pre Needham Market (12/Oct/2023), on Callum Harriott's latest tight hamstring, "club and culture and (due to) things we haven't been doing in trainin,the bodies couldn't handle it".
  • For the FA Cup, from when City entered the competition, winning prize money per game was:
    • Fourth Qualifying Round: £9,375
    • Round 1: £41,000
    • Round 2: £67,000
    • Round 3: £105,000
    • Round 4: £120,000
    • Round 5: £225,000
    • Quarter Final: £450,000
    • Semi Final: £1,000,000
    • Winners: £2,000,000

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Along the way:

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  • dev.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/new-club-website-launches/
  • 230918: Last day of Mike Brown on YCFC board, James Daniels replaces him as a YCST representative, see https://www.ycst.org.uk/new-trust-appointee-to-club-board/
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Sadly, as ever, during the season, City lost some ex players, xxx xxxxx (dd/Mmm/202n), xxx xxxxx (dd/Mmm/202n), xxx xxxxx (dd/Mmm/202n), and xxx xxxxx (dd/Mmm/202n) , former club Secretary Tom Hughes (18/Sep/2023), plus supporters Ciaron Forrest, Dan Lydiate (19/Jun/2023), Harry Lydiate (29/Jul/2023), Dave "Dickie" Barton (18/Sep/2023), Bruce McIntosh (dd/Nov/2023, aged 97) and xxxxx (dd/Mmm/202n) xxx and xxxxx (dd/Mmm/202n) xxx and xxxxx (dd/Mmm/202n) xxx and xxxxx (dd/Mmm/202n) xxx and xxxxx (dd/Mmm/202n) included.

Looking forward:

  • Saturday December 23: Festive fixtures
  • Tuesday December 26 (Boxing Day): Festive fixtures
  • Monday 1 January 2024 (New Years Day): Festive fixtures. Clubs will be permitted to switch to Saturday 30 December if agreed by both clubs
  • Saturday 20 April 2024: Last day of league fixtures
  • Tuesday 23 April 2024: Play-Off Eliminator A (5th v 6th)
  • Wednesday 24 April 2024: Play-Off Eliminator B (4th v 7th)
  • Sunday 28 April 2024: Play-Off Semi-Finals
  • Saturday 4 May 2024: National League Promotion Final
  • U19 Pre Season
  • Tuesday July 25: Hartlepool (H)

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Training, Fitness and Conditioning

The season started with big questions over the fitness of the City squad.

City started with 33 contracted professionals, 22 had been announced by the time that pre-season training started on June 26, meaning that 11 were announced after that date. Whilst some definitely signed for City after that date, it is unclear whether others had joined City by the start of pre-season training with their signings being drip fed in the build up to the new season.

Mikey Morton had given last season’s returnees, numbering 20, a 4 week pre pre-season training schedule as he sought to play a high energy game with a team with “Premier League” levels of fitness. Quite, frankly, I’ve never understood (pampering and dedication aside) why any full time professional can’t be as fit as a Premier League footballer.

Meanwhile, it is reasonable that the later signings were either training with their previous clubs or, if free agents, keeping fit in readiness for a new club and contract. They should have arrived at City and hit the ground running.

After 6 weeks of pre-season training, Michael Duckworth said that he was “shattered” by 65 minutes of the opening game at Wealdstone, the game was played on a cool day with City largely on top for most of that time.

Indeed, the early games saw City struggle to match their opposition for fitness.

Game 3 (Altrincham, home) saw Alex Woodyard pull up in the warm up with a calf strain before what was intended to be his second City start.

Game 4 saw City play at Aldershot, home fans thought Tyler Cordner looked unfit and over weight. In his post match interview, Mikey Morton indicated that the squad would be split into 2 for Monday’s training session, presumably one group working on fitness and another on technique.

After the Altrincham game, Mikey Morton had given an insight into his squad selection and deployment. He’d named an 18 man squad, but for various reasons, he could only name 4 substitutes, meaning that 3 players dropped out. Woodyard was injured whilst it is understood that Pybus and Hurst were the other 2, here is not the time or place to speculate why they didn’t appear but both had left the club within one month. The point is that Morton said that other players had done a specific set of conditioning work and so is wasn’t appropriate to put them into match action after their day’s training.

Given the modern ways of a quiet day before and after a game, with 8 pre-season games, of the 30 week days of pre-season training, then on only 16 days were the full squad available to be put through their places.

In former days, pre-season consisted of weeks of cross country runs and fitness work ending with an open practice match on the Saturday before the season starts. Nowadays it is a procession of friendly games as City look to swell their coffers with prestige friendlies against higher league opposition and return the favour with a trek around a number league Yorkshire amateur sides. Which is better?

Speaking on October 2, a day before the Dagenham trip, Neal Ardley noted a lot of niggles have arisen from the run of Saturday / Tuesday games due to pre-season conditioning not being there, he noted Alex Woodyard as a case in point. All in all, more questions than answers about pre and early season fitness levels.

Season - Game By Game

  1. 230805 Wealdstone (A) L 1-2: On top for one hour, lead, but couldn't take our chances or put game to bed. In the last 30 minutes, were City overrun or did The Stones negated City's style of play?
    • Mikey Morton had expresed a summer desire to have a super fit squad (pre pre season training programmes), but a high energy / high press first half soon disappeared, with reports of players being shattered by full time
    • Anecdotal evidence included, "Duckworth told him (a friend) his back pass was a "lazy one" and he was absolutely "shattered" at that time"
    • Played 352 after mainly 442 in pre season
    • It seemed a much bigger side than last season
    • Despite the new player influx, 7 of last season's players were in the starting line up
    • Of the debutants, Callum Howe impressed the most (in both boxes) before a dubious straight red card
    • Akinyemi had quick feet and made a couple of sharp turns, but blazed a couple of shots well over from outside the box
    • Of the post Uggla marquee (fees paid / dropping down) signings, Akinyemi and Howe started, Castro and Woodyard were on the bench and Harriott and Cordner were injured
    • 7 and 10 minutes' added time
    • Very little chanting.
    • Richard Herring's match report.
  2. 230812 Kidderminster Harriers (H) L 0-1: 4 changes with a 541 formation including Siziba and Kouhyar as defensive wingbacks, Pybus and Castro the more advanced of the 4 central midfield players "supporting" Akinyemi who looked lost upfront. Boos at half time and full time. Morton said "staff and players got it wrong" in the opening words of his post match interview. Selection, tactics and post match interview all bore too close a resemblance to David Webb for comfort.
  3. 230815 Altrincham (H) D 2-2: An improved performance saw City lead twice but pegged back on both occasions.
    • Open, end to end game, City's defence looked very open despite reverting to the pre-season favoured 442 formation for the first time in a league game this season and the first pairing of City's 2 marquee centre backs, Cordner and Howe
    • From the published line up, Woodyard (starter, calf) and Pybus (sub, Morton wouldn't confirm that he refused to play) didn't start. McLaughlin was promoted to the team and Hancox added to bench leaving City with just 4 subs. It appears someone else (believed to be Hurst) in City's 18 man squad wasn't ready to play whilst Morton stated that the players outside the 18 player match day squad had done a full day's conditioning work and so he didn't consider adding one of them to the squad
    • Stckdale originally named captain, McLaughlin wore armband as he was promoted to the team
    • Morton noted 6 players in the team weren't fit enough to play 90 minutes
    • Fourth official put up the wrong number for each of City's 3 substitutions.
  4. 230819 Aldershot (A) D 1-1: Definitely a point gained rather than 2 dropped with The Shop's injury time equaliser. After about 30 minutes, Scott Barrow, summarising for Radio York noted "anything we do in training is not executed ... just nothing there ... again, jogging, jogging, jogging", 10 minutes later, "so, so sloopy", just before half time, "sloppy, sloppy, sloppy" and at half time "work ethic, poor".
  5. 230826 Dorking (A) 2-2: An improved performamce with a stiffened midfield, a game where both sides might consider they dropped 2 points.
    • Change from recent away trips with the "full" squad travelling for the overnight stay rather than just an (approximate) 18 man match day squad
    • Debuts for Batty and Stott
    • City broke the downwards journey with a training session in Northampton and will have got home after midnight
    • David Webb in attendance
    • In his post match interview, Mikey Morton noted that he expected more players to leave on loan shortly, stating the need for players to get match day action and also fewer players would allow him to put more detail into training sessions.
  6. 230828 Rochdale (H) 1-3: Another poor defensive display as City's backline was regularly torn to shreds whilst both sides will have cause to rue an inept display by the referee making his National League debut.
    • Darren Kelly in attendance sittng next to Matt Uggla, his role as City's new General Manager was confirmed a day later
    • Ryan Fallowfield named captain, a first in his career and he kept the armband when McLaughlin came on
    • All City's back 4 got a card
    • Widespread booing and "Morton Out" chants towards the end. His departure was confirmed later that evening.
  7. 230902 Ebbsfleet (A) 1-4: Possibly the worst performance of the season so far from a very lacklustre City.
    • Change in captaincy for the 4th successive game with Paddy McLaughlin regaining the armband he'd worn 3 games previously before handing it over to Lenell John-Lewis who passed it onto Ryan Fallowfield
    • After assuming the managerial reins / hot potato on Monday evening, Tony McMahon gave the players the next 2 days off (Wednesday is a standard day off) leaving just Thursday to do specific match preparations before setting off for the Ebbsfleet game
    • Telling comments from the home side's local radio commentary re the deficencies in City's formation and general performance
    • Meanwhile Zanda Siziba's great first half equaliser was barely celebated on the pitch.
  8. 230909 Boreham Wood (H) 2-2: A Strong opening 25 minutes (Ardley's influence or the new manager bounce that never seems to come our way, discuss) saw Cit take the lead before slipping back into old ways and conceding 2 very sloppy goals.
    • Ryan Fallowfield named as captain in a largely familiar side. No sub keeper named with Alex Hurst returning to the bench and no place in the 16 for Mitch Hancox
    • A slight change to the start of the pre-match warm up, the players split into pairs and did some ball work before starting their stretching exercises
    • Match delayed just before half time for a couple of minutes when an assistant referee disappeared down the tunnel, apparently an eye issue (conact lens problem, fly or sweat in his eye, you decide)
  9. 230916 Southend (H) 3-0: After a very slow start, City grew into the game and were well on top before Southend exploded.
    • Matchday programme curse struck again as Callum Howe, pictured on the front cover, missed the game through injury
    • A day after stating he strongly believed in naming a full bench of 5 outfield substitutes, Neal Ardley put keeper Rory Watson on the bench
    • Southend named just 3 substitutes as a result of restrictions placed on them due to their financial situation
    • Known for the number of red and yellow cards he's brandished this season, referee Paul Copper showed 2 red cards to Southend players in the second half, the second as full time approached appeared to be the result of mistaken identity and prompted around 20 Southend fans to invade the pitch knocking over one lady steward
    • Fingers crossed for the next 7 months that Southend survive and that their results are not expunged
    • City recorded the day's biggest non league crowd (4,679) ahead of Hartlepool United (4,214), Kidderminster (3,016), Bromley (2,571) and Rochdale (2,568)
  10. 230919 Oldham (A) 0-2: Disappointing result after Saturday's win, its possibly fair to say the performance was better than the result, that'll please Neil Ardley
    • TLF should hold his hand up for the first goal and Crookes was outmuscled for the second
    • Dips had his worst game so far for City and LJL one again proved he can't play 2 games in 4 days, together resulting in some neat build up play not getting any reward
  11. 230923 Woking (A) 2-1: A deserved win over another "top" team
    • Neal Ardley bigged up Woking before the game
    • Both sides named just 3 outfield players and a keeper on the bench
    • Ardley named an 18 man travlleing squad on Thursday. The named players turned up for Friday training with their overnight bags. Castro hurt his ribs in training and didn't travel. Ardley decided not to replace him. Overnight, Dyson and Kennedy went down with a tummy bug meaning just 15 players were named in the matchday squad
    • With Woking's red / white shirt clashing with City's red and white change shirts (and no 3rd change kit), Woking wore their black / charcoal shirts, their 3rd choice kit
    • Post match, Tyler Cordner responded to personal media abuse
  12. 230926 Barnet (H) 2-4: Second half collapse against a team some observers felt were the best visiting side to play at the LNER
    • Neal Ardley bigged up Barnet before the game
    • Line up included the only 4 fit defenders plus 4 midfield players on the bench due to a lack of numbers
    • LJ absent through "personal / family reasons", a similar situation occurred at Wealdstone last season
    • Switched 442 to 352 at half time, in an attempt to change the course of the game, some observers noted the second half display was reminiscent of the worst of the Webb / Morton era
    • Ardley noted poor body language as City went behind and that Barnet were "better than us in all areas", that he wanted City to play like Barnet. He noted a lack of "openness or legs" and that 6 of the match day squad had been impacted sickness / diarrhoea. Start delayed by a couple of minutes as one player (believed to be TLF, who 2 days after the game, Ardley called out as still suffering stomach cramps) was in the toilet. Maybe the performance needs to be viewed through that lens
    • Post match, David Stockdale's role as Head Of Recruitment came under more scrutiny than usual
  13. 230930 Solihull Moors (H) 2-2: Lead and come from behind to earn a draw in front of the lowest home crowd, so far, this season. More defensive woes.
    • 3 wingers, a striker and keeper on the bench due to sickness
  14. 231003 Dagenham and Redbridge (A) 2-1: Defensive woes (mainly first half) gave way to 2 late goals
    • Plenty of slopping first half defending ("really really poor in the first half" - Neal Ardley), often initiated from playing out from the back. At 1-0 down, City were caught on the break by a 1 - 5 overload
    • 2 substitutes used by the start of the second half as Ardley sought to change the team formation to get City back into the game. An early switch saw Mclaughlin moved to left wing back in favour of Siziba and then John-Lewis replaced Marsh (38') and Harriott replaced Siziba (HT). Later City went 442
    • Scott Burgess' late cameo, his first appearance since December helped to turn the game
    • City's following of 176 was the biggest in the National League one the night, beating the Rochdale following at Solihull Moors by one
  15. 231007 Boreham Wood (H) 2-2: Payback time as City concede an equaliser deep into stoppage time.
  16. 231014 Needham Market (H) 0-0: City appeared to be slow and lacking in intensity throughout the game in a game of few chances
    • City named just 6 of the 7 allowed substitutes, including Scott Barrow on his return from his ACL injury suffered against Boston in the NLN Final in May 2022. No academy graduates included
    • In a scathing post match interview, Neal Ardley noted (last season), by playing the channels, Andrew Dallas (22) on the left of a front 3 and Joe Sbarra (17) from number 8 scored goals, maybe a pointed reference to Dipo Akinyemi's performance on the left, "they didn't do the game plan" he said, he talked about "high energy". Only Ryan Fallowfield merited a good word.
  17. 231017 Needham Market (A) 1-0: A late winner in City's first ever game in Suffolk in another scrappy game. 7 subs named. Ardley left the dressing room a good 5 minutes before the team at the start of the second half and looked a forlorn figure as he walked across the pitch to the dug out
  18. 231021 Eastleigh (A) 1-3: More defensive issues in a game where City were often outplayed although Neal Ardley noted City missed some "great chances" (particularly Marsh and Fallowfield) and that City "played some good stuff between both boxes". Dipo Akinyemi, the last ever present of the season missed the game through injury
  19. 231024 Chesterfield (A) 0-4: After a bright start (City had 3 corners in the first 12 minutes), it went downhill as Chesterfield got into the game. Goalless at half time, Chesterfield tweaked their formation and ran out 4-0 winners. Rory Watson (and the defence in general) didn't cover themselves in glory
    • Chris Marples who kept goal for both sides noted, "I thought York worked hard first half but Chesterfield’s quality came through in the second after scoring straight after half time. This is a good side who have won 13/16 games. Sometimes you need to take your medicine. The kid on goal got no help from his back line what so ever. Yes didn’t have his best game but first half kept score to 0-0. Get off the players backs they need your support more than ever in these difficult times whilst the manager needs time to sort it out and he will if given the support from the chairman. Just finally find it disgusting and not showing class which the supporters always (did) were whilst I played there singing about people losing their homes to floods over the past few days. The good times will return I’m sure but stick together as one"
    • Top 4 away NL away followings on the night were:
      • Oldham - c. 1300 (at AFC Fylde)
      • York - 554
      • Woking - 289 (at Eastleigh)
      • Hartlepool - 273 (at FC Halifax)
  20. 231028 FC Halifax (A) 1-1: Young debutants George Sykes-Kenworthy and Olly Green stood out as a late City goal, old guard left wing back Paddy McLaughlin popping on the edge of the 6 yard box up in the 93rd minute to give City an equaliser
    • 2 debutants, George Sykes-Kenworthy, making it a club record 5 keepers in a league season and Olly Green equalling a club record by wearing the 39 shirt, the highest number worn in City's and previously worn by Jake Hyde
    • Live on TNT Sports
    • In his TNT Sports post match interview, Neal Ardley was asked, "why so many players injured", his response was "well I could tell you why they're injured" before swiftly moving on. The interviewer didn't press further. On BBC Radio York Sport, he mentioned it was up to the squad payers to impress in training to earn a first tem berth, Mitch Hancox was named but Ardley was keen to stress that his reply wasn't Hancox specific
  21. 231104 Chester (A) 0-0: A more workmanlike display, City were generally solid but rarely looked like hurting Chester. Until Dips came on, City looked blunt up front with Fallowfield being our most potent option. The home side pressed City in the last 10 minutes without really threatening.
    • BBC Radio York commentary was unavailaable due to "technical issues" despite David Ward / Iain Dunn being loud and clear pre match. The link broke as the game started, possibly as a result of the BBC's contract which does not allow overseas commentary, no different to the situation they find themslves in with all Harrogate's games.
  22. Just after the hour mark as Chester relieved pressure on their defence, a breakaway saw them "go close", causing screeches from the Chester FC ("Seals Live") in house commentator, he was brought back to earth by his co-commentator noting the shot had gone out for a throw in. Shortly afterwards, the commentator noted Aldershot were leading at Swindon, "to keep it polite, by the odd goal in 7", he said, it was 7-0 at the time.
  23. 231111 AFC Fylde (A) 2-0: An assured "full 90 minute performance" gave City a comfortable 2-0 win with many City man of the match candidates, Alex Woodyard possibly just edged the vote.
  24. 231114 Chester (H) 2-1: A Lenell John-Lewis brace gave City a 2-0 goal lead befoe Chester scored with 20 minutes to go. Not as impressive as the Fylde game, but generally, City were in control
    • City named 9 susbstitutes for the first time ever in a game
    • The win earned City £41,000 in prize money and guaranteed a £60,000 "appearance" fee from the BBC who will show the Round 2 game against Wigan live on BBC2
    • John Askey and Mark Goodlad were in attendance ahead of Saturday's game against Hartlepool
    • Large queues outside the ground before the game (and after kick off) with a reduced number of open turnstiles due to the expected crowd size and scanner issues. SMC tweeted to say "wet tickets" were a problem.
  25. 231118 Hartlepool (H) 1-3: The curse of the big crowd struck again with home supporters up in number by about 500 and 1,502 fans from Hartlepool. A lethargic City went down to a home defeat after a feel good week, both on and off the pitch
    • John Askey got the better of City on his first return as a manager
    • From the off, Callum Howe looked off the pace and a 3rd appearances in a week for Lenell John-Lewis seemed one too many for him
    • Post match, Neal Ardley said he saw it coming during training on the previous day and noted during the game that "both ends failed" whilst the midfield showed energy. He went on to say that "before games, (he) was having to ask players to runaround with intensity" and that he has an "experienced back line of people that don't talk". He said it was "the first club he's been at where he's worried whether his players will run around" (with intensity, speed and aggression) and it was an "awful, awful, disgusting performance".
  26. 231121 Oxford City (H) 2-0: A much improved performance. Early goals from Tyler Cordner (a 35 yard screamer) and Will Davies put City 2 up inside 17 minutes and in command
  27. 231125 Maidenhead (A) 1-1: With 11 men, City might have been disappointed with a point, but with 10 men for 70 minutes it was a well deserved point
    • Alex Woodyard received a straight red card after 20 minutes, it appeared that the fourth official gave it, just about the only person in the ground who thought it warranted a straight red card, even looking back at the highlights, there was little demand from the Maidenhead fans for a red card
    • Again, Ardley showed his tactical nous, re-shaping his formation and line up with a 41st minute substitution and 2 more personnel changes at half time
    • Despite being a player down for most of the game, Maidenhead were largely restricted to long range efforts
    • Moan #1: Some thought the Maidenhead penalty was offside
    • Moan 21: Will Davies felt he was impeded by the referee in the build up to Maidenhead's goal (although the defence seemed to easily part ways) and it took a wicked deflection
    • Another Burgess assist and goal from Callum Howe, again, showing how difficult it is to defend a cross deep into the 6 yard box.
  28. 231201 Wigan (H) n-n:
  29. 231209 FC Halifax (A) n-n:
  30. 231209 FC Halifax (A) n-n:
  31. 231209 FC Halifax (A) n-n:
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  40. 2023/4 Lineups (last updated 20/November 2023).
  41. Watch all season's highlights.
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Awards and cards

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2022/3 - The Players (2023/4 - TO DO)

  1. Scott Barrow Didn’t play following his injury in the 2022 play off final. Was a member of the coaching staff. Out of contract, contract negotiations ongoing. (Apps: 0 Subs: 0 Goals: 0)
  2. Scott Boden Released by Boreham Wood, they didn't invoke their option on his second season (after 13 goals in 49 appearances during his first year season with them). An early summer signing, he failed to score in his brief City career and was offloaded to Buxton where his career long struggle to find the back of the net continued. He's probably happy, he swapped a one season contract with City for nearly 2 at Buxton. Left in September 2022. (Apps: 1 Subs: 3 Goals: 0)
  3. Jacob Bulmer Made the bench in the FA Trophy game against Chelmsford, he was a regular for City's Under 19 side and had a month on loan at Redcar Athletic. YP. (Apps: 0 Subs: 0 Goals: 0)
  4. Scott Burgess Rarely seem in the second half of the season. With a 2 year contract, expect him to be around next season, unless we can offload him. Contracted for 2023/4 season. (Apps: 1 Subs: 10 Goals: 0)
  5. Maison Campbell A surprise signing from AFC Telford in January, retuning to City, he made his debut as substitute a few days when replacing the concussed Ethan Ross at Oldham. Didn't let anyone down, but with Ryan Whitley recalled from his loan spell, he became a regular bench warmer. Highly rated by the management team. Contract extension triggered. (Apps: 0 Subs: 1 Goals: 0)
  6. Adam Crookes Quietly goes about his job and doesn't make too many mistakes. Consistent. One of the side's quicker defenders . Contracted for 2023/4 and 2024/5 seasons. (Apps: 25 Subs: 1 Goals: 3)
  7. Ben Dale The only young professional to have been given a City first team squad number. No City first team action but enjoyed a 4 month early season loan spell with Redcar Athletic (Northern League, Division 1 (Tier 9)) where he won several man of the match awards and generally earned good reviews. YP. (Apps: 0 Subs: 0 Goals: 0)
  8. Michael Duckworth Injury prone but technically gifted who liked to celebrate his rare goals. Performed well in a back 3, that may be his best position going forward allowing Fallowfield the wing back role. Worth a new contract. Out of contract, contract negotiations ongoing. (Apps: 21 Subs: 1 Goals: 2)
  9. Manny Duku Got a few important goals (but needs to score more) and very inconsistent, it is easy to see why he has had so many clubs in his career. When he came on as sub, he often made an impact, enough to start the next game when he invariably he disappointed. Another new club beckons. Out of contract, released. (Apps: 15 Subs: 21 Goals: 7)
  10. Olly Dyson Clubman of the season who was often the best of our midfield and he chipped in with a few goals as well. Our most creative player who can dribble, pass and drive forward but needs to make his presence felt in every game. His fine form was rewarded when he played as a substitute for England C (Non League side) against Wales C (March 21,2023 (Altrincham’s J. Davidson Stadium)). At 23, we're still waiting for him to bulk up . Contracted for 2023/4 season. (Apps: 46 Subs: 2 Goals: 6)
  11. Mark Ellis Old school centre half. Had the occasional poor match but was often our best central defender. However, after we played at Torquay in April, one Torquay web site (TorquayTalk) noted, “Mark Ellis wasn’t generally regarded as one (bad signing) when we brought him in on loan (August 2022). But just go and look at the stats when he was here, and then go and look at the way he failed to deal with hat-trick hero Aaron Jarvis and Frank Nouble on Saturday. Some of our worst defensive displays of the season happened when the veteran stopper returned to the Gulls and our goals conceded went through the roof. Ellis did little but moan at referee Ryan Atkin during Saturday’s game (for good reason on occasion) but his only real contributions came with long throw-ins and losing Jarvis for the opening goal”. His distribution was often old school ”boot it”. Came with the bonus of a potent long throw. Mikey Morton noted that Barrow helped us out with a “really good deal” and the cost (“family lives in Crewe, we put him up in a hotel”) whilst expressing an interest in him for next season.. Return to parent club. (Apps: 14 Subs: 1 Goals: 0)
  12. Ryan Fallowfield Good, consistent player. Started slowly but very worthy of a place down the right (struggled when deployed, out of position, down the left). Turned in a string of pleasing performances, but suffered several niggling injuries. Contract extension triggered. (Apps: 39 Subs: 2 Goals: 2)
  13. Shaqai Forde Arrived on loan from Watford in late December having missed the first part of the season through injury, his seasonal debut being just 2 weeks before he arrived at City. Added goals to the side after Christmas, maybe enough to ensure our safety. His progress was hampered by being played in a number of different positions in different formations whilst he suffered a spell of niggling injuries in his first couple of months with City. Undoubted talent, if only his application matched it. His talent was way above that usually seen in City strikers, some of his movement in the box and passes were exquisite. If he wants to make it at Watford, he needs to grow up quickly. Let’s hope his career progresses much further than Diego de Girolamo. Return to parent club. (Apps: 16 Subs: 7 Goals: 9)
  14. Anthony (AJ) Greaves Personally I had high hopes for him, a midfield enforcer in the making. Unfortunately, his energy was often mis-directed and after a broken jaw in October he was rarely seen. He ended the season on loan at Spennymoor . Out of contract, released but invited back for pre-season training. (Apps: 1 Subs: 5 Goals: 0)
  15. Jonny Haase No City first team action. Started the season on trial at Bradford PA (Tier 6) and then, moving down the tiers, had loans spells with Guiseley (Northern Premier League, Premier Division (Tier 7)), Eccleshill United (Northern Counties East Premier Division (Tier 9)) and Northallerton Town (Northern League Division 1 (Tier 9)). At Eccleshill, Social media reports stated that he’d had difficulties getting into team as the manager was reluctant to drop his own players who would lose a 3 figure appearance fee and could join another club with 7 days’ notice. Accepted new contract. (Apps: 0 Subs: 0 Goals: 0)
  16. Mitch Hancox Always popular, he struggled to significantly add to his hatful of goals in the previous season. Our talisman, when he played well, the whole team seemed to play well. 10 yellow cards meant a 2 game ban in February and a post match red card at Torquay saw him miss the last 2 games of the season . Contracted for 2023/4 and 2024/5 seasons. (Apps: 33 Subs: 10 Goals: 3)
  17. Ethan Henderson Whatever his ability (and contractual status), he needs regular game time. Only 21 in May 2023, he is still young enough to make an impact, it might be stretching the imagination for him to make the same impact as John Byrne and Richard Cresswell did when they eventually earned regular first team spots aged 21 having spent the previous 3 years struggling around the reserve and first teams. Unknown. (Apps: 0 Subs: 0 Goals: 0)
  18. Alex Hurst Arrived with a lot of good feedback from Port Vale fans. Good steady worker with a turn of pace. Final product was rarely good (and that can be said about all of City's wide men). Contracted for 2023/4 season. (Apps: 26 Subs: 10 Goals: 2)
  19. Luke James It seemed a strange signing, dropping down from Barrow in late July. Again, good in parts, but no end product  . Out of contract, released. (Apps: 9 Subs: 10 Goals: 1)
  20. Lenell John-Lewis Full of energy, application and focus working for the team. Defends set pieces like a warrior and often ploughed a lone furrow upfront. Finishing isn’t always his strong suit, if it was, he wouldn't be in the Conference. After we played at Torquay in April, one Torquay web site (TorquayTalk) noted, “I’d be all for us trying to sign Lenell John-Lewis. I thought he gave our defence a torrid time on Saturday and his captaincy was excellent. No moaning, unlike some of his team-mates and 100% professionalism at all times. I rarely am impressed by an opposing player, but I’d be delighted to see him forming a 3 headed rotating giant with Jarvis and Nouble in 2023/4’s perfect world”. Voted YorkPress player of the season. Contract extension triggered. (Apps: 43 Subs: 2 Goals: 17)
  21. Fraser Kerr Slow, steady and ponderous. Decent in the air but prone to mistakes. Out of contract, released. (Apps: 24 Subs: 3 Goals: 3)
  22. Maziar Kouhyar Missed about 4 months through injury and was largely a sub on his return. Like most of City's wide attacking men, he looked good in parts but failed to deliver. Given his lack of end product and injury spell, I'd nominate him as my disappointment of the season, but with 2 years left on his contract there is plenty of time to turn it around. Contracted for 2023/4 and 2024/5 seasons. (Apps: 22 Subs: 11 Goals: 1)
  23. Maxim Kouogun For someone expected to leave in January (Bristol Rovers and Wrexham were strongly mentioned), he lost his way and place in the side after Christmas. One of several players to play better in the first half of the season than the second (possibly down to the management immediately post Askey)Of the players known to have been offered a contract extension, the only one not to sign it. Needs to stay focused throughout the game and assert his physicality. Rejected new contract in favour of Scunthorpe. (Apps: 40 Subs: 2 Goals: 2)
  24. Kyle Lancaster No City first team action but loan spell with Northallerton Town (Northern League Division 1 (Tier 9)). YP. (Apps: 0 Subs: 0 Goals: 0)
  25. Gus Mafuta A big disappointment. Injured early season (he seemed to get injured a lot and then take ages to get fit), he found his first team opportunities very limited and when he got his chance, he didn’t do too much to suggest he warranted it. He retains possession well and offers a strong physical presence that our midfield misses but offensively is lacking somewhat. His passing could be better. Out of contract, contract negotiations ongoing. (Apps: 15 Subs: 7 Goals: 0)
  26. Patrick McLaughlin (3) Injured early season, he improved as he got more games under his belt. Slow and not very mobile, works and presses hard. Seems influential amongst his teammates. Out of contract, contract negotiations ongoing. (Apps: 17 Subs: 4 Goals: 1)
  27. Elliott Owen No City first team action but early season loan spells at Silsden AFC (Northern Counties East League Premier Division (Tier 9)), Tadcaster Albion (Northern Premier League, Division 1 East (Tier 8)) and Frickley (Northern Counties East Premier Division (Tier 9)). YP. (Apps: 0 Subs: 0 Goals: 0)
  28. Dan Pybus Mr Marmite. Some liked his assurance on the ball, his ability to take and make a pass, albeit often sidewards or backwards. Involved in everything and gave a modicum of control to our poor midfield Very good before January but dropped off considerably as the season progressed (and that's not the first time that has been said). For a near ever present, some goals would have been nice. Contracted for 2023/4 and 2024/5 seasons. (Apps: 43 Subs: 0 Goals: 0)
  29. Ethan Ross Steady in goal. Given the number one shirt despite some mixed feedback from Stockport supporters, his performances never plunged to the depths suggested by those reports. Maybe he liked his goal line too much. Concussed at Oldham in January, he suffered a second concussion soon after his return and didn't play again. Return to parent club. (Apps: 34 Subs: 0 Goals: 0)
  30. Danny Rowe I'm inclined to leave his report blank as he did nothing for City. Patently not match fit on his arrival, he looked nothing like the goalscorer he had been much earlier in his career. Return to parent club. (Apps: 3 Subs: 1 Goals: 0)
  31. Sam Sanders Never really got going and picked up a few injuries. Fell out of favour with Webb and Morton for reasons unknown. Was very consistent last season but didn't hit those heights this.  More of a ball playing defender. Contracted for 2023/4 season. (Apps: 22 Subs: 2 Goals: 3)
  32. Johnny Shepherd No City first team action but loan spells with Silsden AFC (Northern Counties East League Premier Division (Tier 9)), Northallerton Town (Northern League Division 1 (Tier 9)) and Tadcaster Albion (Northern Premier League, Division 1 East (Tier 8)). In the autumn, at Northallerton, he scored 6 goals in 8 games. Regular scorer for City's Under 19s side, including 2 4 goal hauls. YP. (Apps: 0 Subs: 0 Goals: 0)
  33. Ollie Tanner Arrived with a big reputation, but didn't do anything for City (arriving in late January, he didn't play after February and seemed to be the player no one ever mentioned). Return to parent club. (Apps: 2 Subs: 5 Goals: 0)
  34. Nathan Thomas An early season triallist (he missed the whole of the 21/2 season through injury), he eventually won a short term contract in October as his fitness levels slowly improved. His performances earned a contract extension to the end of season. In early February, he suffered a hamstring injury and wasn’t seen again until the penultimate game of the season. Having played Championship level football, his class was evident although increasingly he was brought down to City's level as those early classy deliveries later failed to find their intended target. Out of contract, released but invited back for pre-season training. (Apps: 7 Subs: 7 Goals: 2)
  35. Ryan Whitley Can be dominant in the box but can also be awful. Distribution is OK at best. Has the potential to become much, much better. Went to Boston for match practice, a spell interrupted by postponements before being recalled when Ethan Ross was concussed at Oldham. With Ross suffering a second concussion he was an ever present from February onwards. Prone to the odd slip, his confidence grew and form improved with a regular place in the side but maybe still difficult to say with confidence that he'll be our number one next season. However, he finished the season with a hugely impressive Man Of The Match performance at Notts County. Contracted for 2023/4 season. (Apps: 18 Subs: 1 Goals: 0)
  36. Alex Whittle Steady in defence and a willing attacker, sadly his final product was often poor. Contract extension triggered. (Apps: 35 Subs: 3 Goals: 0)

Away On Loan (WIP)

Latest update was 25th August 2023.

  • Jonny Haase Stockton Town (Northern Premier League (East) (Tier 8) (08/Aug/2023 - 3 months)). Early season regular having played for them as a trialist in a pre season game
  • Sam Sanders Truro City (National League South (Tier 6) (27/Jul/2023 - 6 months)). Scouted by the Truro manager since his Forest days. Early season regular
  • Ryan Whitley Scarborough Athletic (National League North (Tier 6) (02/Aug/2023 - Season Loan)). Early season regular, recalled on August 22nd when David Stockdale was injured having played in all of their 4 opening games, keeping 2 clean sheets and conceding 2 goals
  • Finlay Barnes Darlington (National League North (Tier 6) (25/Aug/2023 - 27/Sep/2023)). A day after signing, super sub Finlay Barnes scored with second touch and his third touches in Darlo's 3-2 win at Alfreton.
  • Cedric Main Blyth Spartans (National League North (Tier 6) (25/Aug/2023 - 04/Jan/2024). TBC
  • Kevin Joshua Macclesfield (Northern Premier League (Premier Division) (Tier 7) (19/Sep/2023 - 3 months)). Seemed more comfortable on the bench than the pitch
  • Ethan Henderson Atherton Collieries (Northern Premier League (Premier Division) (Tier 7) (26/Sep/2023 - 1 month)). Injury limited
  • Finlay Barnes Scarborough (National League North (Tier 6) (29/Sep/2023 - 3 months)). TBC
  • Maison Campbell Marske United (Northern Premier League (Premier Division) (Tier 7) (30/Sep/2023 - 1 month)). Dropped (and relegated to the bench) after conceding 8 goals in his first 2 Marske games.
  • George Harrison Bridlington Town (Northern Premier League (Division 1 East) (Tier 8) (20/Oct/2023 - season long)). Repeating the path he trod for a month in February 2023. Good early reviews. On July 26, a social media report had noted that he'd played for another club with a view to a loan, it is believed that it never materialised.

To add in:

  • 230826: Main starts for Blyth and Barnes on the bench for Darlington
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Retained List (TO DO)

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Agents' Fees (TO DO)

In their first season back in the National League, York City spent £27,937 (year ending 31st January 2023), in payments to agents, this was the sixth highest amount paid by any National League club, according to annual figures released by the Football Association.

In non league, £663,237 was paid to agents, big spenders were:

  1. Wrexham £163,737
  2. Oldham Athletic £80,747
  3. Chesterfield £77,194
  4. Notts County £68,379
  5. Dagenham £32,500
  6. York City £27,937.

For City, the signing of 15 players (Kouogun, Hurst, Dyson, Hancox, John-Lewis, Burgess, Crookes, Fallowfield, Whittle, Sanders, Mafuta, Greaves, James, Duku and Pybus) were noted as involving agents’ fees whilst 6 other senior pros (Whitley, Duckworth, Kouhyar, Kerr, Boden and Thomas) did not warrant agent fees.

More than £318 million was paid by Premier League clubs, with £51m of that attributed to Manchester City. Elsewhere, £36.3m was spent in the Championship, £5.6m in League One and £1.6m in League Two.

The full figures for the EPL, Football League and National League clubs are available on The FA website, including spend by club and players involved.

YCFC Development Squad (WIP)

The flagship reserve / development league is the Premier League Under 21 / 23 setup. It has recently changed from an Under 23 league to Under 21 and features around 40 of England’s top sides split by EPPP category 1 and 2 designation.

For 2023/4, 26 EPPP category 1 clubs compete in Premier League 2 and 11 EPPP2 clubs compete in Premier League 2 Division Two, both operate at a nationwide level with only Reading, in the top flight, being from outside England's top 2 leagues. Over the years, the format has flipped between Under 21 and Under 23. Currently up to 5 over age players are allowed per team as the big clubs struggle to decide the best format. It could be said that players should be ready by the age of 21 whilst the 5 over age players allows both the occasional late developer and squad or other players returning from injury competitive game time.

Beneath this, at "Tier 3", sits the Professional Development League, a 21 club competition split into 2 regional sections and features a range of clubs from Burnley and Watford down to Crewe and Colchester. If my maths and understanding is correct, that makes 58 clubs.

There are various Under 23 / 21 / development leagues in existence, pyramid fashion, beyond this. Here at “Tier 4”, many lower league clubs compete in various leagues that largely go under radar. One such league that operated during the 2022/3 season was The Central League, albeit a shadow of its former glories, a 7 team competition which included Huddersfield, Wrexham and 5 lower Football League clubs from Lancashire. For the 2023/4 season, The Central League appears to have increased to a 12 club competition, spreading its tentacles to add Derby, Lincoln, Notts County, Mansfield and Barrow with west and east sections. This will also be around the level where the likes of Doncaster and Harrogate also compete.

I imagine “Tier 5” is the “National Football Youth League “set up. It has a 10 team northern set up consisting of Chesterfield, Mansfield, Macclesfield, Scarborough, South Shields, Steven Gerrard’s Academy (Paul Mullin is possibly the most notable graduate in its history) and 2 sides from each of Tadcaster Albion and i2i. Its 9 team southern equivalent includes Cambridge, Wealdstone and 7 teams from below National League. NFYL - Read More.

Interestingly, records suggest that Mansfield compete in both the revamped Central League and the National Youth Football set up. It remains to be seen whether this is accurate or they have swapped competitions, potentially leaving a vacancy.

Further down, say “Tier 6” teams like Kidderminster run Under 23 sides, they complete in a West Midlands league, competing against many clubs that many have never heard of.

Without a recognised EPPP academy, I could see City fitting in at "Tier 5" (and struggling to be accepted any higher up the pyramid).

Given City’s late move into development squad world, it is assumed that City’s second string will play only friendlies during the 2023/4 season and look to enter a league for the 2024/5 season.

Most “reserve” team leagues operate with only a handful of clubs, so playing 20 games a season might be a big ask. Given Mikey Morton’s comment that a player might need 50 - 100 games to be ready for a first team berth, it could be a long apprenticeship for some of our youngsters.

Whilst for City, "Tier 5" competition might provide a modicum of competitive football at reserve team level, it hardly seems the level that is needed to step into the first team, so for some time to come, loans at National League North / South level might prove to be the best route into our first team,

For the 2023/4 season, it looks like the development squad players’ playing time will be mostly via loan moves. However, City must play by “the rules”. Ryan Whitley was recalled after just 2 weeks of a season long loan at Scarborough, whilst Scarborough agreed to the deal, they might be disappointed to lose Whitley so quickly. It does nothing for their team planning and left them a first choice keeper down. Equally, in one of Mikey Morton’s last radio interviews, he indicated that he had 4 players lined up to go out on loan. 2 did, but when he was sacked, Tony McMahon indicated no one else would be leaving on loan until a new manager was appointed. Presumably 2 clubs were disappointed that they didn’t get the player they wanted. Such behaviour by City might make clubs think twice about asking City for a loanee if they think they may be messed around by City.

Logically above a “development squad” would sit a “first team squad”, ideally with separate set ups and working in separate environments, City have in the past said that sometimes some academy players train with the first team squad as part of their development, that could work in a similar way with the development squad although being professionals they must always think they have a realistic chance of progressing to the first team.

I’m sure its possible that a lot of general fitness work could be undertaken in a combined group but as matchday approaches the groups split with the first team squad focusing on match preparation and further split into expected starter team and the others when undertaking specific match play / tactics work.

That brings us onto the composition of a development squad or rather the first team squad. A first team squad should comprise around 22 - 25 players with cover in each position, rather like a World Cup squad with all players capable of performing in the first team. Some expected to be “regular starters” and others capable of stepping up when required without letting the side down. That’s the distinction between “first team starter” and “first team squad”. Remember on September 16, City went into the Southend game with 8 players unavailable due to injury / illness which would mean all available first team squad players being in the match day squad (except for a 3rd choice keeper).

The rest of City’s 37 players would comprise the development squad, that is not to say there is no cross over between squads. Development squad players would get the chance to be in the first team when their form merits it and first team squad players could get match practice playing for the development team.

At the start of this (20234/) season, into the development squad, purely in terms of age, all will still be under 21 at the start of the next (2024/5) season, I would have put Siziba, Campbell, Haase, Taylor, Shepherd, Harrison and Hernandez. In terms of first team experience I would add Henderson. That’s 8 players in the development squad.

Siziba turned 20 in July 2023 and he’d played only 6 first team games (Hereford (NLN)) before joining City, so purely in terms of age and experience, he merited a development squad berth at the start of pre-season, but undoubtedly, he did enough in pre-season to feature in 7 of the first 9 games where scored 2 goals. Certainly not the finished article, but doing enough to deserve a place in a struggling side.

I’d struggle to place many more players in the development squad. Players like Castro and Latty-Fairweather dropped down from Championship and Division 1 clubs, with 20 and 47 first team appearances respectively at regional National League level or higher. I‘d be surprised if either would have dropped down to City for development squad football. I could argue that neither is a guaranteed first team starter but both have shown some first team squad quality.

The players I’d find hardest to place into a squad are Finlay Barnes and Kevin Joshua. At the start of the 2023/4 season, Barnes was 22 and with 3 seasons as a regular in lower league football whilst Kevin Joshua is 22 in November 2023 and arrived at City with 27 games behind him. In terms of balance, I’d put them both in the development squad making a 10 man squad.

I’m placing Sam Sanders in the first team squad. He’s now into his 3rd season with us and we shouldn’t expect players to spend 3 seasons in a development squad, if necessary, he can continue his development in the first team squad with the big boys.

Cedric Main is an interesting case, but purely in terms of age and experience, he must also be considered a first team squad member.

Both Sanders and Main are out on loan (mid September 2023), whether in terms of development, match practice or surplus to requirements is debatable.

As of mid September 2023, of our 37 players, I would say we have a first team squad 27 (including 3 out of loan) and 10 (including one out of loan) in the development squad. However, 2 of those development squad players (Barnes and Siziba) might be worthy of promotion to the first team squad place.

YCFC Academy (TO DO)

Once again, for the 2023/4 season, City compete in the National League Football Alliance North Division (Under 19) alongside other National League and National League North teams (AFC Fylde, Altrincham, Blyth Spartans, Boston United, Chester, Chesterfield, FC Halifax Town, Gateshead FC Guiseley, Solihull Moors, South Shields and Farsley Celtic). Notts County and Darlington dropped out and were replapced by South Shields and Farsley Celtic.

14 sides competed in the southern equivalent. All last season's 13 sides (Aldershot Town, Boreham Wood, Bromley, Dartford, Dorking, Dover, Eastleigh, Hampton & Richmond Borough, Maidenhead, Maidstone, Oxford City, Welling and Woking) returned and were joined by Southend.

City's National League status means that the Under 18 side are exempt from 2 rounds (Preliminary and 1st Qualifying) of the FA Youth Cup. They'll join the competition in early October.

City's academy players and their profiles.

TO DO In terms of performance, overall 2023/4 was a successful season. The team progressed through the FA Youth Cup qualifying rounds for the first time in 6 seasons before losing 1-0 at Rochdale in Round 1. City were victorious in the Alliance League Cup, beating Woking in the final whilst in the league ..... xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxc. However, the perennial problem remains. After releasing all the 2021 intake at the end of the 2021/2 season, this season's 6 "first season" professionals didn't get a minute of first team game action whilst several had loan spells at lower league clubs, mainly tier 8 and 9, suggesting they have some way to go before being first team ready.

Beyond the Under 19 / 18 side, City run a whole series of age sides.

Home league fixtures were played at City's Wiggington Road training ground (YO32 2RB), usually on a Wednesday afternoon with an early kick off (usually 2pm (or earlier if required)) to finish in daylight. Home FA Youth Cup and National League Alliance Cup games are due to be played at the LNER Community Stadium (or another designated home ground). In practice, the home FA Youth Cup tie was played at Selby and home Alliance Cup games at the training ground.

Further Reading: National League Under-19 Alliance website.

  • Watch all season's highlights.
  • 2022/3 National League Youth Alliance

    Date

    Opponents

    Competition

    Venue

    Result

    Scorers (and notes)

    Wed 06 Sep

    BOSTON UNITED

    NLFAU19N

    H (Training Ground)

    D 2-2

    Glynn, Wilson

    Wed 20 Sep

    GATESHEAD

    NLFAU19N

    H (Training Ground)

    W 3-0

    Payne, Harrison, Hernandez

    Wed 27 Sep

    GUISELEY

    NLFAU19N

    H (Training Ground)

    W 1-0

    Burland

    Wed 04 Oct

    WORKINGTON

    FAYCQ2

    H (Garforth Town)

    W 3-0

    Glynn 2, Burland

    Wed 11 Oct

    Solihull Moors

    NLFAU19N

    A (Studley Sports Centre)

    D 0-0

    -

    Tue 17 Oct (19:30)

    South Shields

    FAYCQ3

    A (South Shields FC)

    L 0-3

    -

    Wed 15 Nov

    South Shields

    NLFAU19N

    A (South Shields FC Training Ground)

    W 4-1

    Payne (2), Wilson, Glynn

    Wed 22 Nov

    CHESTER

    NLFAU19N

    H (Training Ground)

    D 1-1

    Glynn

    Wed 29 Nov

    Blyth Spartans

    NLFAU19N

    A (Blyth Spartans FC)

    WDL n-n

    -

    Wed 06 Dec

    FARSLEY CELTIC

    NLFAU19N

    H (Training Ground)

    WDL n-n

    -

    Wed 10 Jan

    Boston

    NLFAU19N

    A (Boston United (Jakemans Community Stadium))

    WDL n-n

    -

    Wed 31 Jan

    SOUTH SHIELDS

    NLFAU19N

    H (Training Ground)

    WDL n-n

    -

    Wed 07 Feb

    Gateshead

    NLFAU19N

    A (Gateshead International Stadium)

    WDL n-n

    -

    Wed 14 Feb

    SOLIHULL MOORS

    NLFAU19N

    H (Training Ground)

    WDL n-n

    -

    Wed 21 Feb

    Guiseley

    NLFAU19N

    A (Nerthermoor Park)

    WDL n-n

    -

    Wed 28 Feb

    BLYTH SPARTANS

    NLFAU19N

    H (Training Ground)

    WDL n-n

    -

    Wed 06 Mar

    Chester

    NLFAU19N

    A (King George V Sports Hub)

    WDL n-n

    -

    Wed 13 Mar

    ALTRINCHAM

    NLFAU19N

    H (Training Ground)

    WDL n-n

    -

    Wed 20 Mar

    Farsley Celtic

    NLFAU19N

    A (Farsley Celtic FC, The Citadel)

    WDL n-n

    -

    Wed 10 Apr

    CHESTERFIELD

    NLFAU19N

    H (Training Ground)

    WDL n-n

    -

    Wed 17 Apr

    FC HALIFAX

    NLFAU19N

    H (Training Ground)

    WDL n-n

    -

    Wed 24 Apr

    AFC Fylde

    NLFAU19N

    A (Mill Farm Sports Village)

    WDL n-n

    -

    Wed 04 Oct

    FC Halifax

    NLFAU19N

    A (Wyke Community Sports Village)

    WDL n-n

    Postponed from 04/Oct/2023 - FAYC

    Wed 18 Oct

    AFC FYLDE

    NLFAU19N

    H (Training Ground)

    WDL n-n

    Postponed from 18/Oct/2023 - FAYC

    Wed 25 Oct

    Chesterfield

    NLFAU19N

    A (Staveley Miners Welfare FC)

    WDL n-n

    Postponed - Chesterfield's FA Youth Cup commitments

    Wed 08 Nov

    Altrincham

    NLFAU19N

    A (Ericstan Park)

    WDL n-n

    Postponed - Weather

    1. BOSTON (H) (06/Sep/23) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) D 2-2
      City’s Under 19 side conceded 2 late goals to draw their opening game of the season 2-2with Boston in a game were they fielded 6 debutants with another 4 newcomers on the bench.
      City started strongly with Mackenzie Crookes’s free kick turned narrowly wide (4’) and Roan Shirley heading over from a corner (8’). In between, after 6 minutes, Alex Glynn had the ball in the back of the net but he was flagged offside. City’s pressure when after 15 minutes, Alex Glynn tapped home from close range after a great low cross into the area from the Edenene on the left. City continued to press with Williams Edenene (33’) curling an effort narrowly wide after keeper error. Alex Hernandez was next to test the keeper with a header (39’) and a minute later Harley Dawson’s low effort was parried away to safety by the goalkeeper. The half ended with an injury to City’s Alex Glynn and a yellow card for the Boston defender.
      Within a minute of the restart, Dawson side footed his effort narrowly wide and 3 minutes later, Bailey Wilson’s header hit both posts before it was cleared to safety for a corner. Bailey Wilson had his reward on 55 minutes when the ball fell at his feet and he fired home from close range, neatly chipping the ball over a defender on the line from 12 yards with the keeper and a defender on the ground following a 3 way collision. On the hour, in rare Boston raid, they got back into the game with a far post header from a corner. The game returned to a familiar pattern with chances falling to City. Aaron Dijikingue headed narrowly over from a corner (65’), Hernandez (59’) drove forward and forced the Boston goalkeeper into a save whilst Dawson curled an effort over from distance (71’). After Hernandez was denied from close-range (81’), Boston came more into the game seeking an equaliser. Their efforts were rewarded in the 3rd minute of injury time with a neat finish after good approach play, but City will be disappointed that the scorer was allowed to run so far unchallenged.
      CITY: Taylor ( c ); Tate, Shirley, Dijikinque, Crookes; Marshall; Glynn (Wilson 45+3), Dawson, Payne, Edenene (Mortimer 68, Hope 86); Hernandez. Unused Subs: Nganga, Grumley.
      OPPONENTS: TBC
      Goals: Glynn (15), Wilson (55). Opponents: TBC.
      Bookings: City: Mortimer (80). Opponents: TBC (35), TBC (45).
      Sent Off: City: -. Opponents: -.
    2. GATESHEAD (H) (20/Sep/23) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) W 3-0
      The U19s earned their first win of the season with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Gateshead at the training ground with goals from Alex Payne, George Harrison and Alex Hernandez. It was a stylish display in wet and windy conditions.
      City started strongly through Payne, who had a header from close range test the gloves of the Gateshead goalkeeper after four minutes, before Dawson played in Hernandez who forced a fine save from close range (6’). Hernandez then had three brilliant chances within a ten minute period as he headed narrowly wide following a free kick (10’), before going one-on-one with the goalkeeper two minutes (12’), but he fired narrowly wide of the target from close-range. The young forward then had an effort cleared off the line (14’) following a quick reaction in the box from Hernandez, following Mackenzie Crooks’ free-kick played into the area. On 25 minutes, the visitors had the ball in the back of the net following a neat cross played into the area from the right, but the goal was disallowed for the Gateshead forward being in an offside position. A minute later, Harrison had a low effort parried by the goalkeeper, before Hernandez’s shot on the rebound was deflected wide for a corner. City’s dominant pressure finally paid off as they took the lead on the half hour mark. George Harrison’s low cross into the area from the right was picked up by Alex Payne, who swept the ball beyond the goalkeeper from close range and into the back of the net to hand York the lead as torrential rain started to pour. Goalkeeper Sam Taylor had little to do inside the opening half, only being called into action twice as he was forced into a routine save from distance, before having to react quick to punch away an inswinging free kick into the area from the left (35’).
      City started the second half as they finished the first, on top and in search of a second goal of the afternoon. After Crookes’ cross was well held by the goalkeeper (48’), down at the other end, a Gateshead effort from distance went narrowly wide of Sam Taylor’s right hand post (55’). Hernandez went close again after 55 minutes, firing narrowly wide into the side-netting after being played in by Payne, before Harrison got onto the end of a left sided cross at the back post, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside (60’). The U19s had further chances to extend their lead and they nearly did so from a corner, but Roan Shirley’s powerful header came back off the post (69’), before Hernandez (70’) was denied by a smart save by the goalkeeper after going through one on one. The lead was finally extended with seventeen minutes to go as Charlie Lumsden’s low cross was turned home into the bottom right corner by George Harrison at the far post to double the Minstermen’s advantage. 2 minutes later, Gateshead put a penalty wide after a foul in the box by Shirley. The lead became even greater on 79 minutes when Alex Hernandez raced through in on goal before beating the goalkeeper with a calm finish from close range. The final chance of the game fell to Charlie Lumsden whose cross flashed narrowly across the face of goal (84’).
      CITY: Taylor ( c ); Tate, Shirley, Dijikinque (Gibson-Booth 42), Crookes; Marshall; Harrison, Dawson, Payne (Wilson 81); Burland (Lumsden 63), Hernandez (Mortimer 81). Unused Subs: Carr.
      OPPONENTS: TBC
      Goals: Payne (30), Harrison (73), Hernandez (79). Opponents: -.
      Bookings: City: Dijikingue (40, foul), Alex Payne (63), Shirley (75, foul). Opponents: #TBC (8, dissent).
      Sent Off: City: -. Opponents: -.
    3. GUISELEY (H) (27/Sep/23) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) W 1-0
      City beat Guiseley 1-0 thanks to a second half goal from Harry Burland.
      From the kick off, City pressed forward and after 2 minutes, George Harrison went one on one with the goalkeeper before firing narrowly wide of the target. As play switched to the other end, Sam Taylor saved well from distance (12’) before Guiseley had a goal disallowed for offside (16’). As play swung again, Harry Burland gave City the lead when he dropped his left shoulder, turned his man out wide before advancing into the area and beating the keeper from a tight angle to score from close range. On 35 minutes, Alex Hernandez uses his body well to hold up play before driving forward and forcing the goalkeeper into a save with a fierce strike from distance. 4 minutes later, a great save from Taylor preserved City’s lead as he tipped a goal bound effort around his post for a corner after good attacking play down the left. From the resultant corner, Guiseley hit the bar.
      After Harley Dawson headed over from a Mackenzie Crookes free kick, Guiseley had chances to equalise when a shot from distance was deflected into the gloves of Taylor (57’) and was forced into another low save (68’). City finished strong, clever play from Bailey Wilson who rounded the keeper before forcing a corner (76’) and Harrison’s strike from distance went narrowly over the bar (89’). A minute later, as Guiseley fought hard for an equaliser, they had the ball in the back of the net, but it was ruled out for offside resulting in a visiting player being shown a straight red card for dissent.
      CITY: Taylor ( c ); Tate, Shirley, Gibson-Booth, Crookes; Marshall; Harrison, Dawson, Payne (Wilson 67); Hernandez (Mortimer 81), Burland (Lumsden 72). Unused Subs: Carr, Grumley, Hope.
      OPPONENTS: TBC
      Goals: Burland (26). Opponents: -.
      Bookings: City: Harrison (66, Dissent). Opponents: #TBC (49, Dissent).
      Sent Off: City: -. Opponents: #TBC (90 Dissent, straight red).
    4. WORKINGTON (H) (04/Oct/23) (FA Youth Cup, 2nd Qualifying Round) W 3-0
      City’s Under 18 side beat Workington 3-0 at Garforth’s Bannister Prentice Stadium to progress to the 3rd qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup thanks to a first half brace from Alex Glynn and a second half goal from Harry Burland.
      Both sides had early half chances before winger Alex Glynn tapped in from close range after a great cross from Burland to give City the lead. As City pressed forward, Burland was denied a penalty (21’) and Harley Dawson drove forward and fired a low effort wide of goal. On 35 minutes Alex Glynn doubled City’s lead with a tap in after another Burland cross. A minute later, Glynn was denied a hat trick when his tap in, after Alex Payne’s low effort was parried by the keeper, was ruled offside.
      After Workington started the second half brightly, City had the better chances when Alex Hernandez’s low effort was parried into the path of Payne who narrowly headed wide (54’) and 4 minutes later a lovely ball into the area across goal failed to find a City head. After Bill Marshall blocked a rare Workington effort, great work by Charlie Lumsden saw him feed Hernandez who fired narrowly over from close range (64’). On 73 minutes, Harry Burland completed the scoring with a great finish from close range. Despite late chances, Bailey Wilson (86) and Harley Dawson (88’) both volleyed narrowly wide.
      CITY: Carr; Tate, Shirley, Gibson-Booth, Crookes; Glynn (Lumsden 56’), Dawson, Marshall ( c ), Payne (Wilson 66’); Hernandez (Edenene 68’), Burland. Unused Subs: Dijikingue, Hope, Grumley, Mortimer.
      OPPONENTS: TBC
      Goals: Glynn (15, 35), Burland (73). Opponents: -.
      Bookings: City: Marshall (71, Foul). Opponents: -.
      Sent Off: City: -. Opponents: -.
    5. SOLIHULL MOORS (A) (11/Oct/23) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) D 0-0
      City, who finished 3rd last season drew 0-0 at Solihulll Moors, the side that had finished immediately above them in the table.
      CITY: Taylor ( c ); Harrison, Shirley, Gibson-Booth, Crookes; Dawson, Marshall, Payne, Lumsden; Burland, Edenene. Subs (Usage unknown, 4 named): Dijikingue, Wilson, Mortimer, Glynn.
      OPPONENTS: TBC
      Goals: -. Opponents: -.
      Bookings: City: TBC. Opponents: TBC.
      Sent Off: City: TBC. Opponents: TBC.
    6. SOUTH SHIELDS (A) (17/Oct/23) (FA Youth Cup, 3rd Qualifying Round) L 0-3
      The Young Minstermen bowed out of the FA Youth Cup after a 3-0 defeat against South Shields, who'd already beaten Darlington and Gateshead in the competition, at the 1st Cloud Arena. It was the second time in 3 seasons that City went out to South Shields.
      City had the better of the opening exchanges when Alex Hernandez challenged the keeper (2’), as he comes rushing out to collect, but South Shields win a free kick following the challenge. After 12 minutes, Williams Edenene capitalised on a loose ball at the back but he was unable to score from close range as the ball rolled across the face of goal away from him after taking it around the keeper. 2 minutes later, a great Ben Tate cross ball found Alex Payne at the back post but he fired narrowly wide. 4 minutes later, Hernandez forced the keeper into a fine save from close range after more tidy play down the right by right-back Tate. The hosts went close from a corner (28’) and took the lead in the 32nd minute through a neat volley inside the area after good play down the right, before the lead was doubled 2 minutes later with a superbly timed volley across goal and into the bottom left corner following a cross field pass from left to right. City were awarded a penalty on the stroke of half time as Hernandez was fouled after capitalising on a loose ball in the South Shields defence. The forward picked himself up to take the penalty, but he was denied from twelve yards as the keeper guessed the correct way and got down low to deny his effort.
      A change in formation in the second half saw City look to edge their way back into the game, but it was the hosts who carried on as they left off in the first-half as they looked to extend their lead further. City goalkeeper Harry Carr was called into action on the hour mark, getting down well to deny an effort from close-range, before the young shot stopper did well to divert a curling effort from distance away from goal. City sub Hary Burland was prominent. He drove towards goal down the right, but the goalkeeper was quick off his line to come and gather the ball (70’) and on 83 minutes, he was taken down in the area by the keeper but no penalty was given by the referee. On 85 minutes, The hosts made it 3-0 from close range after Carr failed to collect the ball from a cross.
      Speaking after the game, Youth Team Manager Tim Ryan said "It was a really big night for the club on an FA Youth Cup night, and I'm really disappointed with how we've come away the game, we just didn't show up at all tonight. Goals change games and we came here to set-up in a way to combat how they play, but the two goals in quick succession changed the game and it made it a lot harder for ourselves heading into the second half. We came up against a really good, possession-based side, who dominated the duels and won everything in the middle. From start to finish, they had a lot more competitive edge and fire in the belly to win the game than we did and that was disappointing to see. They're a team who are now in the same league as us and when we come up against them next we need to put on a much better performance".
      CITY: Carr; Tate, Shirley, Gibson-Booth, Crookes; Glynn (Burland, HT), Dawson (Wilson 64), Marshall ( c ), Payne; Hernandez, Edenene (Dijikingue 55). Unused Subs: Lumsden, Mortimer, Grumley, Hope.
      OPPONENTS: TBC
      Goals: -. Opponents: TBC.
      Bookings: City: Marshall (Foul, 67). Opponents: -.
      Sent Off: City: -. Opponents: -.

      Att: 248
    7. SOUTH SHIELDS (A) (15/Nov/23) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) W 4-1
      After going a goal down, goals from Alex Payne (2), Alex Glynn and Bailey Wilson gave City a comfortable 4-1 win at South Shields to avenege defeat in their last game, an FA Youth Cup match at Shields 4 weeks earlier. No other match details were available.
      CITY: Taylor ( c ); Marshall, Dijikingue, Shirley, Gibson-Booth, Edenene; Grumley, Wilson, Payne; Glynn, Hernandez. Subs (Usage unknown, 4 named): Nganga, Mortimer, Crooks, Carr.
      OPPONENTS: TBC
      Goals: Payne (2), Glynn, Wilson. Opponents: TBC.
      Bookings: City: TBC. Opponents: TBC.
      Sent Off: City: TBC. Opponents: TBC.
    8. CHESTER (H) (22/Nov/23) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) D 1-1
      An excellent strike from Alex Glynn on 39 minutes gave City a half time lead but an equaliser from Chester (61') meant the points were shared. No other match details were available.
      CITY: Taylor ( c ); Marshall, Dijikingue, Shirley, Gibson-Booth, Edenene; Grumley, Wilson, Payne; Glynn, Hernandez. Subs (Usage unknown, 4 named): Nganga, Mortimer, Crooks, Hope, Carr.
      OPPONENTS: TBC
      Goals: Glynn, Wilson. Opponents: TBC.
      Bookings: City: TBC. Opponents: TBC.
      Sent Off: City: TBC. Opponents: TBC.
    9. XXXXXX TO DO FROM HERE
    10. XXXXXX TO DO FROM HERE
    11. GUISELEY (H) (27/Sep/23) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) WDL n-n
      x
      x
      x.
      CITY: . Unused Subs: .
      OPPONENTS: TBC
      Goals: -. Opponents: -.
      Bookings: City: -. Opponents: -.
      Sent Off: City: -. Opponents: -.
    12. XXXXXX TO DO FROM HERE
    13. XXXXXX TO DO FROM HERE
    14. GUISELEY (H) (27/Sep/23) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) WDL n-n
      x
      x
      x.
      CITY: . Unused Subs: .
      OPPONENTS: TBC
      Goals: -. Opponents: -.
      Bookings: City: -. Opponents: -.
      Sent Off: City: -. Opponents: -.
    15. XXXXXX TO DO FROM HERE
    16. XXXXXX TO DO FROM HERE
    17. GUISELEY (H) (27/Sep/23) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) WDL n-n
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      x
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      CITY: . Unused Subs: .
      OPPONENTS: TBC
      Goals: -. Opponents: -.
      Bookings: City: -. Opponents: -.
      Sent Off: City: -. Opponents: -.
    18. XXXXXX TO DO FROM HERE
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    20. GUISELEY (H) (27/Sep/23) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) WDL n-n
      x
      x
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      CITY: . Unused Subs: .
      OPPONENTS: TBC
      Goals: -. Opponents: -.
      Bookings: City: -. Opponents: -.
      Sent Off: City: -. Opponents: -.
    21. XXXXXX TO DO FROM HERE
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    23. GUISELEY (H) (27/Sep/23) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) WDL n-n
      x
      x
      x.
      CITY: . Unused Subs: .
      OPPONENTS: TBC
      Goals: -. Opponents: -.
      Bookings: City: -. Opponents: -.
      Sent Off: City: -. Opponents: -.
    24. XXXXXX TO DO FROM HERE
    25. XXXXXX TO DO FROM HERE

    Seasonal analysis to follow ...

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    2022/3 FOLLOWS - UPDATE TO 2023/4

    On the pitch, it was a largely successful season for City's youth team. The Under 18 side reached Round 1 of the FA Youth Cup for the first time in 6 seasons before going out on penalties at Rochdale. That competition is limited to scholars (the under 18 age group). All other games were played at Under 19 level, so City's 6 youngest professionals were eligible to play in those games.

    In the league, a mass of postponements meant City's season extended well into May, with 14 games played after the end of March, the that included 13 legaue games in a 24 game season. City enjoyed a strong late season run, possibly coinciding with the return of the Ben Dale / Elliot Owen centre back partnership and a general return of the other young professionals from loan spells.

    Spring saw a 16 game unbeaten run, defeat to Blyth in the penultimate game of the season ended City's title aspirations in favour of their opponents Blyth. Manager Tim Ryan put the run down to coaching techniques and how it takes time for the summer intake to get used to City's philosophies and methods.

    Season highlights included beating champions Blyth 6-0 in the cup and wins in successive November weeks over Gateshead 7-1 and AFC Fylde 15-0. The 9-1 win at Boston also deserves a mention as do Harry Burland's 6 goal haul against AFC Fylde and Jonny Shepherd who scored 4 goals in each of 2 games.

    Up front, first year scholar, Alex Hernandez proved a regular threat (he finished as top scorer netting 17 goals in 28 appearances) as did Harry Burland, whilst on the right, George Harrison put in a number of pleasing performances. All 3 have another season as scholars.

    The undoubted highlight of the season was victory in the National League Alliance Academy League Cup, beating Woking 1-0 in the final which was played at St George's Park, Burton in May.

    At the end of the season, Mikey Morton noted during his time in charge that it had been difficult to integrate the academy players given the large first team squad and the high number of academy fixtures.

    Scorers: Hernandez (17), Burland (13), Shepherd (13), Ezard (8), Gordon (8), Clayton (6), Harrison (5), Owen (5), Haase (3), Heaton (3), McLoughlin (3), Edenene (2), Lancaster (2), Algar (1), Dale (1), Pickles (1), Own Goal (2).

    At the end of the season, Dan Wilson, Head of Youth Development heaped praise on some of the younger sides who are also celebrating similar success to the Under-19 cup winners. Our Under 14s have just won their league and they’re off to the National finals and have got a county cup final. Our Under 16s have just won their league and they’re off to the National finals days (where they won the Junior Premier League National Champions Tournament). We know where our talent is and there is talent in other age groups as well, but whilst we don’t get any protection we could lose any of those players at the drop of a hat for nothing. We’ve had it this year, we’ve had Premier League clubs (Manchester City took one in August) come and take players (including age groups below 16) that have been with the club for six years for no compensation. For a Football League club, we would get five figure sums for those players that would be reinvested in the academy. We can’t do that, so long term planning as a National League academy is tough”.

    Contracts TBC.

    Throughout the season, 3 of City's scholars were known to have managed loan spells in "mens' football":

    • George Harrison: Bridlington Town (Northern Premier League, Division 1 East, Tier 8)
    • Tom Algar: Bridlington Town (Northern Premier League, Division 1 East, Tier 8)
    • Tom Pickles: Goole (Northern Counties East League Premier, Tier 9)

    All 6 of City's 19 yer olds ("first season" professionals) also enjoyed loan spells, Ben Dale (Redcar) and Jonny Shepherd (Northallerton) possibly being the ones who made the biggest impressions whilst out on loan.

    The age old question remains. When will we see our youth products in our first team?

    Scholars and first season professionls are limited to "youth" football unless able to go out on loan. In City's case, throughout the season, 9 youngsters enjoyed loan spells. However, the pathway to the first team is almost none esixtent. Even out on loan, there are problems, at least 2 of City's loanees have found their progress blocked at clubs due to the managers not wanting to drop and upset their own players (and for them to lose a £100+ appearance fee) in the knowledge that such players can leave the club with just 7 days' notice if they wish.

    Over the years, City have had a reserve team, challenges over the quality of opposition and finances have seen that pathway closed.

    John Byrne and Richard Cresswell both enjoyed several seasons of reserve team football before having their breakthrough seasons. Even this season, Gabby McGill, who turned 22 in September 2022, has ony just started to make a real impression at first team level with Airdrie.

    With squads generally bigger today then ever before (and manager reins shorter than ever before), for youngsters, making the breakthrough and having a run of games to eatablish their place in th first team is harder than ever. I'm sure many noted the gradual improvement in Ryan Whitley's form once he had a run of games in the first team.

    North Riding Senior Cup

    GUISBOROUGH TOWN (A) (01/Nov/2023 (19:45)) (North Riding Senior Cup, Round 2) L 2-3
    City entered the competition in Round 2 (Last 16) in a draw that included Middlesbrough Under 21s and Sacrborough. City exited the competition with a narrow 3-2 defeat at Guisborough Town at the King George V Stadium on a windy evening.
    Overseen by Youth Team Manager Tim Ryan, the starting eleven featured a mix of first team (Maison Campbell, Thierry Latty-Fairweather, Mitch Hancox (captain), Zanda Siziba and Scott Barrow, who made his first appearance since suffering an injury in the 2021/2 National League North play off final 17 months ago) and youth team players.
    Campbell was called into action early on in the Minstermen goal, firstly being tested into a save from distance which was parried away, before making a quick reaction save to deny a header from close range in the twentieth minute. City got on the front foot for a short spell shortly after as Latty-Fairweather (28') was denied from a tight angle as he won a corner before Hancox (31') tried lobbing the goalkeeper after making a break through the middle, but his effort was easily saved by the Guisborough goalkeeper. The hosts took the lead in the 37th minute with a tap-in at the far post through Sonny Coleman after a low cross played across the face of goal from the right.
    City levelled the scores six minutes after the break as Mitch Hancox scored a tap-in from a central position after good work down the right by Siziba. An end to end spell followed. Siziba made a brilliant run forward before having an effort deflect away for a throw, before Campbell was again called into action as he got down low to parry away a low shot from a tight angle. Guisborough retook the lead in the 64th minute as substitute Ben Cummins pounced on a loose ball to score from close range as he put his side back into the lead. The lead didn’t last long as Zanda Siziba equalised with fifteen minutes to go. The winger hit the ball first time from distance and rolled the ball into the back of the net after the Guisborough goalkeeper didn’t put enough on a clearance. As the game looked like it was going to head to penalties, the hosts went 3-2 ahead with four minutes left. Defender Alex Nelson headed home from close range at the back post after a delivery into the area from the right. City had one final chance to pull a way back into the game, but with the final chance of the game, Siziba drilled an effort narrowly over the bar from the tightest of angles.
    City conceded the first two goals down the left side when defenders were beaten or lost the man whilst both City goals came from mistakes. Barrow will have been pleased to get through a full 90 minutes but appeared to need more work before he is National League ready. None of the professionals (including TLF at left midfield / wing back with Barrow behind him and Siziba playing more as a central striker) did enough to suggest they’ll be first team regulars any time soon. Of the youngsters, Bill Marshall, sat in front of the back 4, linked the back and midfield well, showed plenty of energy and always appeared at the right time to make a challenge whilst Leon Gibson-Booth (left centre back) looked calm, composed, good in the air and with his feet was quick across the ground and was a strongman of the match candidate.
    CITY: Campbell; Tate, Shirley, Gibson-Booth (Edenene 74), Barrow; Payne, Marshall, Hancox (C); Lumsden (Nganga 59), Siziba, Latty-Fearweather Unused Subs: Taylor, Dijikingue, Wilson.
    OPPONENTS: TBC.
    Goals: City: Hancox (51'), Siziba (75'): Opponents: Coleman (37'), Cummins (64'), Nelson (86').
    Bookings: City: Tate (23', Foul): Opponents: -
    Sent Off: -
    Referee: Matthew Dicicco
    Attendance: 286

    Pre Season Friendlies - For The Record

    1. SHEFFIELD WEDNSDAY (H) (08/Jul/23) D 1-1
      City come from behind to draw their first pre-season game as Finlay Barnes scored on his debut against newly promoted Championship side Sheffield Wednesday after Josh Windass had given the visitors a 26th minute lead. Mikey Morton’s side, containing 6 newcomers and 2 trialists, put up a good physical challenge against a team from 3 tiers higher. City wore a numberless version of the new season's kit that had been announced earlier in the day.
      The first chance of the game went to Wednesday, but Ryan Fallowfield’s last ditch tackle denied Luke Cook from opening the scoring. Barry Bannan delivered the first corner of the game, but Dominic Iorfa’s header was held by Ryan Whitley. City’s keeper was called into action again when he saved Lee Gregory’s close range effort. The visitors took the lead as Josh Windass made the most out of a loose back-pass inside the penalty area and rolled the ball past Whitley. Cameron Dawson was needed for the first time as he got down low to claim Maz Kouhyar’s low drive towards goal. Lenell John-Lewis then saw his left-footed volley fly narrowly wide of the post.
      The Minstermen started the second half strongly, with Michael Duckworth hitting a low effort tightly wide of the bottom corner after linking up with Mitch Hancox. Scott Burgess then had his long-range free-kick tipped over the bar, and the resulting corner saw Crookes head straight into the gloves of Dawson. On came Finlay Barnes in the 55th minute who, with half an hour to go, arrived at the back post to tap in Andoh’s low cross. Barnes then had another chance, but his curling effort was deflected and went out for a corner. In the last thirty minutes, neither side could find a winner, with little chances being created.
      General concensus was that Finlay Barnes and Levi Andoh were the better of the newcomers and Olly Dysn the best of the returnees whilst David Stockdale shaded Ryan Withey in goal.
      York City (First Half): Whitley, Crookes, Sanders, Pybus, Fallowfield, Latty-Fairweather, Trialist A (Moonan), Burgess, Hurst (Hancox 27’), John-Lewis, Kouhyar
      York City (Second Half): Stockdale, Crookes, Sanders (Trialist B (Porter) 59’), Duckworth, Andoh, McLaughlin, Dyson, Hancox, Burgess (Barnes 55’), Kouhyar (Siziba 59’), Main
      Goals: Barnes (60’)
      Sheffield Wednesday: Dawson (Charles, 61’), Iorfa (Onukwuli, 46’), Brennan (Fusire, 61’), Famewo (Paterson, 45’), James (Ihiekwe, 45’), Johnson (Smith, 45’), Bakinson (Alimi-Adetoro, 45’), Bannan (Glover, 45’), Cook (Phuthi, 61’), Gregory (Flanney, 45’), Windass (Vaulks, 45’)
      Goals: Windass (26’)
      Attendance: 5,953 (2,960 Sheffield Wednesday)
    2. GARFORTH TOWN (A) (11/Jul/23) W 4-1
      The Minstermen earned their first win in pre-season following a comprehensive behind closed doors 4-1 victory over Garforth Town. Goals from Zanda Siziba, Scott Burgess, Maziar Kouhyar and Jonny Shepherd completed the win for City, who saw off their North East Counties Premier Divison opponents at the training ground. Mikey Morton named a much changed side from the one that featured against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday afternoon, which also included three trialists from the start.
      Goalkeeper Maison Campbell had to react quickly after only three minutes to deny a Garforth shot on target inside of the penalty area, before Finlay Barnes went close to scoring his second goal of pre-season following his first goal for the club in Saturday's draw against Sheffield Wednesday, but he had a curling effort from the edge of the area tipped away for a corner. City led in the 15th minute through Siziba, who beat the keeper inside the penalty area with a first-time finish from close-range, after Trialist C did well to regain possesion before squaring the ball across the area towards the former Yeovil Town winger. The visitors equalised a minute before half time, as a ball across goal from the right hand side was finished off from close range by Tabish Hussain, who beat Campbell to score his first-ever goal in Garforth colours.
      After Garforth had a goal ruled out for offside early on in the second half, the Minstermen ran away with proceedings as three second half goals put the contest to bed. Burgess gave the Minstermen the lead once again with a stunning finish on 52 minutes, lobbing the goalkeeper from the edge of the area after the hosts acted smartly from a quick throw in. On 68 minutes, the lead became 3-1 to the Minstermen. After racing onto a ball played down the left channel, Kouhyar used his pace to beat his man and run inside the area, before beating the 'keeper at his near post with a side-footed effort across goal. After 75 minutes, City put the game to bed when Kouhyar did well to regain possesion after a mistake at the back from the hosts, before finding Shepherd on the edge of the area, who's low right-footed effort beat the Garforth 'keeper at his left hand post to secure the win for the Minstermen.
      York City: Campbell, (Trialist D (Brown) 46'), Fallowfield (C) (Andoh 57'), Trialist A (Porter), Joshua (Sanders 57'), Andoh (Latty-Fairweather 46'), Trialist B (Moonan), Trialist C (Weir), Burgess (Kouhyar 57'), Barnes, Henderson (Main 57'), Siziba (Shepherd 26'). Unused Subs: Crookes
      Goals: Siziba (15'), Burgess (52'), Kouhyar (68'), Shepherd (73')
    3. MIDDLESBROUGH (H) (15/Jul/23) D 0-0
      City drew 0-0 against Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough, in a very even pre-season game at the LNER Community Stadium. The Minstermen hosted Middlesbrough on a day full of weather changes but not a day full of goals, as City turned out in the Jorvik inspired white away shirt for the first time. York boss Mikey Morton gave debuts to Callum Harriott, Tyler Cordner and Callum Howe while Clubman Olly Dyson played his first game after extending his deal at York. Middlesbrough are looking to build towards a season where they will hope to go one better than last season’s play-off defeat, and have so far beat Portuguese top division side Vitória S.C but suffered defeat against Hartlepool during pre-season. Mikey Morton’s side put on a good performance against the second tier side in challenging, changeable conditions which saw the match briefly suspended.
      The start of the game was quite slow, with few chances of note aside from an important intervention from debutant Howe to block a Morgan Rogers chance in the 16th minute. Matthew Hoppe fired wide at the back post after stretching to meet a deep early delivery from the left. Harriott looked to impress during his first outing for the Minstermen and was a bright spark with some tricky footwork, but this did not yield a clear-cut opportunity. In the 24th minute the play was temporarily suspended due to thunder and lightning, but the wait wasn't long as around 10 minutes later we were back underway. 10 minutes after the restart Rogers was one-on-one against Ryan Whitley but Callum Howe again pulled out a superhuman challenge to stop the youngster giving the visitors the lead. Middlesbrough attacked again soon after and Sam Collins’ strike was not capable of beating Whitley. Towards the end of the half, the ball fell to skipper Lenell John-Lewis’ feet who met it with a thunderous strike over the bar. That was it for the first half as the referee blew with the score at 0-0.
      The second half started very quickly as Rogers broke down the right for the visitors and squared the ball across which was again met by Howe to clear it for City. In the 53rd minute Middlesbrough had a great chance when Sammy Silvera broke down the left, before he cut inside and curled his effort over the bar. York countered and went close at the other end with a volley from Maz Kouhyar forcing Tom Glover to make a save. In the 64th minute Maz Kouhyar cut inside and curled an effort narrowly wide with his right foot. As the clock ticked beyond 90 minutes, the Minstermen were preparing to take a corner and with players forming a queue in the box, the referee blew for full-time before it was delivered, meaning the game ended goalless.
      York City (First Half): York City: Whitley, Duckworth (Fallowfield, 60), Howe (Crookes, 60), Cordner (Sanders, 60), Latty-Fairweather (Andoh, 60), Pybus (McLaughlin, 60), Dyson (Burgess, 60), Hancox (Trialist A (Porter), 60), Harriott (Barnes, 60), John-Lewis (Main, 60), Kouhyar. Unused Subs: Campbell, Trialist B
      Goals: -
      Middlesbrough: Dieng (Glover, 45), Smith (Costello, 80), Collins (Bridge, 80), Barlaser (Simpson, 81), van den Berg (Hannah, 57), Silvera (Nkrumah, 70), Sykes (Stott, 57), Jones (Patterson-Powell, 70), Hoppe (Matthews, 57), Rogers (John, 70), Lenihan (Whelan, 80). Unused Subs: Max Howells
      Goals: -
      Referee: Ross Joyce
      Attendance: 4,958 (2,185 Middlesbrough)
    4. DONCASTER ROVERS (H) (18/Jul/23) W 1-0
      City extended their unbeaten pre-season start with a 1-0 win over Doncaster Rovers. Maziar Kouhyar’s second goal of pre-season was the difference as City saw off their League Two opponents despite having to play the last twenty minutes with ten men after Thierry Latty-Fairweather was shown a second yellow card. Rovers named a strong Doncaster side that featured ex Minstermen Joe Ironside and Jack Degruchy.
      First chance of the evening fell to Doncaster’s Kyle Hurst who drove a low right footed effort narrowly wide of David Stockdale’s right hand post from the edge of the area after six minutes, before Jamie Sterry had to make a last ditch block to prevent Zanda Siziba getting a shot away towards goal for the Minstermen after nice link up play with Cedric Main. Stockdale was called into action just short of the fifteenth minute, reacting bravely to keep out a fierce volley from Joseph Olowu from close range, before a brilliant tackle by Ryan Fallowfield saw the full back play Main in on goal, who was denied by the feet of Doncaster goalkeeper Ian Lawlor from just inside the penalty area. Latty-Fairweather then tried his luck on goal after making a brilliant surging row down the left, but the Minstermen were once again denied by a smart save by Lawlor, before Lawlor was again tested by Fallowfield at the far post, forcing a corner after an inviting cross into the area from the left by Scott Burgess. From the resulting corner, Adam Crookes had a header go through a shield of bodies and fly narrowly wide of goal as the Minstermen continued to search for an opener, before ex-Rotherham United centre-back Richard Wood found himself in a similar position as Crookes did only ten minutes prior, but he also glanced a header wide of goal for the visitors.
      After an end to end first half, Doncaster went close to scoring first early on in the opening exchanges of the second period, but after making a brilliant surging down the left hand side, Kyle Hurst drilled an effort well wide of goal and out for a goal kick. The Minstermen took the lead in the 62nd minute through substitute Kouhyar, who rose highest inside the penalty area to head home from Michael Duckworth’s corner, burying his header into the bottom right corner to beat Doncaster substitute goalkeeper Ben Bottomley. Latty-Fairweather was then handed a second yellow card by referee Marc Edwards, meaning the Minstermen had to play the remaining twenty minutes with only ten men. Duckworth nearly extended the Minstermen’s lead with a superb curling free-kick from 25 yards, but he was denied by the woodwork as Doncaster escaped from conceding a second goal of the evening. Doncaster went in search for an equaliser and they had a brilliant chance to do so with only thirteen minutes to play. Luke Molyneux made a brilliant surging through the centre of play before playing in Tyler Roberts, but the substitute forward was unable to keep his effort down as he fired well over the bar from a tight angle. The visitors were unable to pull a way back into the game as they fell to defeat against the Minstermen.
      York City: Stockdale, Fallowfield (Duckworth 58’), Crookes (Cordner 58’), Sanders (Howe 58’), Latty-Fairweather, Trialist A (Porter) (Pybus 58’), McLaughlin (C) (Hancox 58’), Burgess (Dyson 58’), Barnes (Trialist B 90' (Moonan)), Main (John-Lewis 58’), Siziba (Kouhyar 58’). Unused Subs: Campbell
      Goals: Kouhyar (62’)
      Yellow Cards: Burgess, Sanders, Latty-Fairweather
      Red Card: Latty-Fairweather (2Y)
      Doncaster Rovers: Lawlor (Bottomley 60’), Olowu (Miller 60’), Wood (Taylor 60’), Sterry (Biggins 60’), Maxwell (Long 60’), Close (Bailey 60’), Broadbent (Roberts 60’), Sotona (Allen 60’), Rowe (Faulkner 60’), Hurst (Degruchy 60’), Ironside (Molyneux 60’). Unused Subs: Watson, Flint, Wood, Kuleya, Goodman
      Yellow Cards: Degruchy
      Goals: -
      Referee: Marc Edwards
      Attendance: 2,515 (660 Doncaster Rovers supporters)
    5. TADCASTER ALBION (A) (22/Jul/23) W 4-0
      City extended their unbeaten run in pre-season to five games with a comprehensive 4-0 victory away at Tadcaster Albion. Goals before half time from Adam Crookes and Zanda Siziba saw the Minstermen lead at the break, before Siziba’s second and a Dan Pybus strike saw the visitors secure the victory at the So-Trak Stadium. New signing Quevin Castro, who joined the club in the summer from West Bromwich Albion, made his debut from the bench.
      City enjoyed early dominant pressure went close with a great chance through Paddy McLaughlin after only eight minutes, but after finding time and space with the ball on the edge of the area, he was unable to keep a right footed effort down as it flew over the bar. 3 minutes later, City took the lead Crookes, who was in the right place at the right time at the far post to score an easy finish after having the ball squared across goal to him by Siziba from the right. City went close to doubling their lead three minutes later after good work down the left by Kouhyar saw the ball fall to Lenell John-Lewis inside the penalty area, but his low effort was met by a smart save by Tadcaster goalkeeper Joe Wilton, before Siziba had an effort on goal from distance which once again called the Tadcaster goalkeeper into action. The Minstermen doubled their lead on the half hour mark through Siziba, who picked up a short ball out wide, before cutting inside from the left and unleashed a curling right footed effort, which beat Wilton at his left hand post. York had fewer chances to extend their lead even further before the break, as John-Lewis and Crookes both had efforts which forced Wilton into making further saves.
      City started the second half strongly just as they did in the first and went close within the first seven minutes. Tadcaster’s substitute goalkeeper was forced into making a smart double save to deny both Kouhyar and John-Lewis, after City looked to break down the left. City added their third goal of the afternoon on the hour mark, courtesy of Siziba’s second goal of the contest. The former Yeovil Town winger broke through a body of Tadcaster defenders, before beating the ‘keeper with a low finish into the bottom-left corner across the face of goal. Another great break down the right then saw Siziba play through John-Lewis into the area, but after beating the ‘keeper at his left hand post, his effort was denied by the linesman’s flag. Pybus added the Minstermen’s fourth of the afternoon with twenty minutes to go after beating the ‘keeper from the edge of the area after the midfielder danced his way through a handful defenders, before getting a shot away on goal. City later had chances through substitutes Scott Burgess and Cedric Main, but neither were unable to beat the substitute keeper as they ran out 4-0 winners.
      York City: Campbell, Duckworth (Fallowfield 77’), Howe, Cordner, Crookes, McLaughlin (Hancox 77’), Dyson (Burgess 77’), Pybus (Castro 71’), Kouhyar (Trialist B 77’ (Matshazi), John-Lewis (C), Siziba (Main 71’). Unused Subs: Trialist A (Dickinson)
      Goals: Crookes (11’), Siziba (30’, 60’), Pybus (70’)
      Tadcaster Albion: Wilton, Owen, McDaid (C), Thirkell, Qualter, Hardcastle, Ahmed, Kitchen, Stephens, Greenway, Kay. Subs (Usage Not Recorded): Roper, Graves, Walters, Holmes, Trialist A, Ibrahimi, Trialist B, Trialist C, Trialist D, Trialist E, Trialist F
      Goals: -
    6. SELBY TOWN (A) (24/Jul/23) L 1-2
      City suffered a first pre-season defeat following a 2-1 defeat at Selby Town. Finlay Barnes handed the Minstermen the lead after twenty minutes, but two goals from the hosts saw them turn around the game and run out winners. Mikey Morton named eleven changes from the starting eleven that featured against Tadcaster at the weekend, with four trialists being picked to start.
      City started strongly at the Fairfax Plant Hire Stadium and had a great chance to open the scoring after only two minutes, but Finlay Barnes was unable to keep his effort down from going over the bar from close-range after good work down the left by Trialist D. Trialist D then went on to force the Selby Town keeper into a smart low save after getting a shot away from the edge of the area, before a great counter-attack from the Minstermen down the right edge nearly saw them take the lead, but great defence from the hosts saw them clear the ball away for a corner. The Minstermen took the lead twenty minutes into the contest, as Barnes beat the offside trap to score past the Selby keeper with a clever finish, slotting the ball into the bottom-right corner to hand Morton’s side an early advantage. The lead was nearly doubled only a minute later, but after a great low ball into the area from the right, Hancox was only able to put the ball into the side-netting at the far post. City had further chances to double their advantage before the break, but Scott Burgess and Cedric Main were both unable to capitalise on chances presented to them. Selby pulled themselves back into the tier four minutes before the break, with Trialist A being beaten from the edge of the area after hosts capitalised on a loose ball at the back.
      City had two great chances to put themselves back in front in the first fifteen minutes of the second half. Firstly, Trialist D forced a smart save from the keeper after an effort from distance, before Trialist B turned an effort narrowly wide of the post with a chance from the edge of the area. The hosts took the lead on the hour mark after an effort from just inside the penalty area, which beat York’s trialist keeper at his right-hand post as it nestled into the back of the net. The Minstermen were unable to find a late equaliser in the game, as the hosts ran out 2-1 winners.
      York City: Trialist A (Dickinson), Fallowfield, Trialist B (Porter), Joshua, Larry-Fairweather, Trialist C (Moonan), Burgess, Hancox, Barnes, Main (Henderson 64’), Trialist D (Matshazi). Unused Subs: Whitley, Duckworth, McLaughlin, Pybus, Dyson, Kouhyar
      Goals: Barnes (20’)
    7. FARSLEY CELTIC (A) (25/Jul/23) W 2-1
      City returned to winning ways with a 2-1 pre-season friendly win at Farsley Celtic coming from behind after Joao Silva’s opener after 13 minutes, but a goal from Maziar Kouhyar and a second half Lenell John-Lewis penalty saw the City run out as winners. Morton once again named eleven changes to his starting eleven from the one that featured at Selby Town a day earlier with near enough same team that won 4-0 at Tadcaster Albion at the weekend. The only change being Ryan Whitley who came in to start between the sticks. Farsley, included 2 former City players, Clayton Donaldson, their player - manager and defender Tom Allan.
      City started the strongest, having the first effort of the evening. Dan Pybus tried his luck from distance, but his effort flew narrowly wide of goal from 25 yards. The hosts took the lead in the 13th minute through Silva’s shot on the turn from the edge of the area which beat Whitley at his left hand post. City didn’t let conceding an early goal go to their heads and they pushed on for an immediate equaliser. Adam Crookes forced a corner after Zan Luk spilled Kouhyar’s initial effort on target, before John-Lewis’ header was met with a smart save from Luk. City levelled four minutes short of the half hour mark when Olly Dyson’s low effort deflected through a body of Farsley defenders into the path of Kouhyar, who beat the goalkeeper from close range. Farsley responded with chances as they looked to retake the lead. Conor Branson headed wide of goal from a free kick, before Donaldson rolled back the years to show his quality in front of goal, but a superb finger tip save from Whitley saw the City goalkeeper turn his curling effort away for a corner.
      The hosts thought they’d retaken the lead just short of the hour mark when they got the ball in the back of the net after an attack down the right, but the linesman's flag ruled the goal out for offside. City were awarded a penalty with just over twenty minutes to go after John-Lewis was fouled. The city captain stepped up himself from twelve yards to go bottom left corner and give the City the winner. Morton’s men were nearly three goals to the good only minutes later when Siziba went racing clear through in on goal, but he was denied by a smart save by the Farsley goalkeeper. Substitute Quevin Castro also tried his luck as City searched for a third goal of the evening, but his long range effort from distance was well held by the goalkeeper. York City: Whitley (G), Duckworth, Howe, Cordner, Crookes, Pybus, McLaughlin, Dyson, Siziba, John-Lewis, Kouhyar (Castro 68’). Unused Subs: Campbell, Fallowfield, Hancox, Burgess, Trialist A, Main, Barnes. Goals: Kouhyar (26’), (John-Lewis 67’ pen) Farsley Celtic: Luk (G), Leake, Smith (Milambo 61’), Branson, Missambo, Allan, Blair (Watson 46’), C.Atkinson (B.Atkinson 46’), Donaldson (Allen 70’), Stephenson, Silva (Carroll 46’). Unused Subs: Baptista, Anyiam-Osigwe. Goals: Silva (13’) Yellow Cards: Silva
    8. ACCRINGTON STANLEY (A) (29/Jul/23) L 0-2
      City ended pre-season preparations with a 2-0 defeat at League Two side Accrington Stanley. Mikey Morton’s side matched their Football League opposition for the opening hour at the Wham Stadium, but two goals in the final half-hour saw the hosts run out winners.
      York had the ball in the back of the net after only two minutes in Lancashire, but Zanda Siziba’s strike was ruled out for offside by the linesman’s flag. City carried on early pressure in the final third as they looked for an opener and Quevin Castro had a left-footed free-kick from the right-hand side saved by the Accrington goalkeeper, before Maziar Kouhar’s shot from distance was well held by the Accrington shot-stopper. David Stockdale was called into action just short of the half-hour mark when he had to react quick to get off his line to deny Sean McConville from giving the hosts the lead from close-range. City had one final chance to take the lead in Lancashire before the break, but Thierry Latty-Fairweather curled a right-footed effort over the bar from out wide after making a promising break down the left-hand side.
      Another clear-cut chance came for Morton’s men, who were unfortunate once again as they looked to take the lead only four minutes after the restart. The ball fell to Dan Pybus on the edge of the area, who curled an effort narrowly wide of the goalkeeper’s left-hand post. Two chances inside a minute then came for City as the clock approached the hour-mark. Half-time substitute Olly Dyson capitalised on a loose-ball in the Accrington defence, before forcing a corner with an effort on goal saved, before the resulting corner saw the ball fall to Paddy McLaughlin on the edge of the area, who curled an effort narrowly over with the outside of his foot. Accrington took the lead in the 61st minute through Korede Adedoyin, who cut inside from the right-hand side before unleashing a low left-footed effort towards goal, which beat Stockdale at his left-hand post. A chance then came for the hosts to double their lead with fifteen minutes to go, but the strike on goal flew over the bar from the edge of the area. Dipo Akinyemi nearly produced a moment of quality for the Minstermen with ten minutes to go after he was introduced from the bench, but he curled a fierce free-kick from 25-yards-out inches wide of the goalkeeper’s left-hand post. The League Two side secured the victory with eight minutes to go as substitute Josh Woods raced through on goal, before beating Stockdale from a tight angle to secure a 2-0 win for the hosts.
      York City: Stockdale, Duckworth, Howe (Fallowfield, 54'), Crookes, Latty-Fairweather (Hancox, 76'), McLaughlin (Woodyard, 60'), Castro (Dyson, 46'), Pybus, Siziba (Barnes, 69'), John-Lewis (Akinyemi, 57'), Kouhyar. Unused Sub: Whitley.
      Goals: -
      Accrington Stanley: Savin, Rich-Baghuelou (Pickles, 46'), Mellor, Coyle (Woods, 74'), Hills, McConville, Nolan (Longelo, 53'), Conneely (Martin, 71'), Hills, Shipley, Andrews (Lowe, 67'). Unused Subs: Trialist A, Whalley, Adedoyin, Quirk, Patrick, O’Brien, Fernandes.
      Goals: Adedoyin (61'), Woods (82')
      Attendance: 792 (204)
    9. LEEDS U21 (H (TBC)) (02/Aug/23) L 0-1
      City went down 1-0 to Leeds United Under 21s in a behind closed doors friendly.
      York City: Campbell, Fallowfield, Joshua, Latty-Fairweather, Hancox; Woodyard, Castro, Barnes, Hurst, Akinyemi, Siziba. Subs: Unknown.
      Goals: -
      Leeds U21: TBC.
      Goals: TBC.
    10. HULL U21 (H (TBC)) (08/Aug/23) D 3-3
      City drew 3-3 with Hull City Under 21s in a behind closed doors friendly.
      York City: TBC.
      Goals: -
      Hull U21: TBC.
      Goals: TBC.