2025/6

HEADLINE

Season - Preview
The Squad
Season - Review (wip)
Season - Game By Game (wip)
For The Record (wip)
The Players - Mid Season Report (wip)
Away On Loan (wip)
Retained List (wip)
Agents' Fees (wip)
YCFC Academy (wip)
North Riding Senior Cup
Pre Season Friendlies - For The Record

*** THIS PAGE IS WORK IN PROGRESS THROUGHOUT THE SEASON. THE FINAL ISSUE WILL BE SUMMER 2026. UNTIL THEN, SOME CONTENT / SECTIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR WILL REFERENCE PREVIOUS SEASONS ***

Season - Preview

After a disappointing end to the 2024/5 season, City enter the new season fully of confidence and bookmaker's title favourites. Over coming a play off defeat and the uncertainty casued by rumours of Notts County's interest in Adam Hinshelwood, City appeared to have added 8 quality signings to the squad without losing any key players.

Season Tickets On April 3, 2025/6 season ticket prices were announced to general approval, esentially early bird (May 16 cut off) at last season's standard price and EA now a "Family Stand". Later, matchday ticket prices were announced and showed no increase on last season.

  • Small increase, but with NL / D2 unconfirmed, not bad, as last season, no details of match day tickets were available. On July 20, the announcement of ticket sales for the Sutton game (August 9) suggested that day prices wee unchanged
  • On April 7, City announced they had already sold over 500 season tickets in just three days. Note, the post showed 518 (which is a little short of 25%, nearer 20%, but still impressive)
  • On April 9, the total was over 750 season tickets, including 500+ being brand new ticket holders
  • On April 11, City noted they were already 1/4 of the way to their target and over half of those sold were to brand new pass holders
  • By April 15, City had sold 1,364 season tickets
  • On April 28, the number was announced as 2,017
  • On May 7, the number was stated as 2,630
  • On May 13, the number was announced as 2,967 (a new record)
  • On May 15, the number was announced as 3,122 (which is higher than the average attendance at 5 L2 clubs during the 2024/5 season
  • On May 16 (last day of the early bird offer), the number was announced as 3,237 (which is higher than the average attendance at 5 L2 clubs during the 2024/5 season)
  • On May 20 Julie-Anne Uggla anounced 3,340 sold (June 8 presss release noted "over 3,200",see https://yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/key-dates-confirmed-ahead-of-2025-26-national-league-season/)
  • On July 2, 3,500 announced

Kit Pre-season, City announced 3 new kits for the season, in red, blue and black, they all came with familiar runes in the design and were launched at iconic sites around York.

Face Painting Again returned to the LNER on July 30 as a part of the open training session. Watch Ben Brookes' youtube channel and some footage of the day.

Geography Once again, the National Leagaue will have a strong southern basis. For City, there are 11 (including Southend) southern based opponents in an area broadly defined as the M25 and westwards, 3 opponents are midlands based and 9 (excluding Oldham) are northern based. For City, Truro is only new club and new ground. That game involves a journey of 306 miles as the crow flies or 399 miles by road, City's longest ever journey for a competitive fixture. For Truro, their longest is to Gateshead (451 miles) with other long trips to Hartlepool and Carlisle. Even their "local derby" at Yeovil involves a 280 mile round trip. League newcomers are Carlisle, Morecambe, Brackley Town, Scunthorpe United, Truro City and Boreham Wood whilst the league loses Maidstone, Dagenham & Redbridge, AFC Fylde and Ebbsfleet through relegation and Barnet and Oldham / Southend through promotion.

City are set to travel about 7,838 miles in the 2025/6 National League campaign, up from last season, but less than the 7,908 miles during the 2022/3 campaign.

Getting there, one way travel distance to each opponent:

  1. Scunthorpe United – 49 miles
  2. FC Halifax Town – 56 miles
  3. Hartlepool United – 61 miles
  4. Rochdale – 70 miles
  5. Gateshead – 84 miles
  6. Morecambe – 90 miles
  7. Altrincham – 92 miles
  8. Boston United – 99 miles
  9. Carlisle United – 119 miles
  10. Tamworth – 124 miles
  11. Solihull Moors – 146 miles
  12. Brackley Town – 173 miles
  13. Boreham Wood – 197 miles
  14. Braintree Town – 207 miles
  15. Forest Green Rovers – 217 miles
  16. Wealdstone – 218 miles
  17. Southend United – 232 miles
  18. Woking – 233 miles
  19. Aldershot Town – 243 miles
  20. Sutton United – 246 miles
  21. Eastleigh – 267 miles
  22. Yeovil Town – 297 miles
  23. Truro City – 399 miles

Matt Uggla's "annual statement" Speaking on York Hospital Ball (July 2025), Matt Uggla said:

  • how City’s position was much improved on a year ago, noting there had been no Plan A / Plan B recruitment plan in the summer, he believed all targets could fit into National League, League 2 or even League 1. Data analysts and data companies were used to identify weaknesses and targets, Adam Hinshelwood was then involved to give his agreement and then Matt Uggla did the deal
  • there had been bids (plural) for Ollie Pearce, but suggested there were not crazy bids and as he’s not in the last year of his contract and having been advised of them, he was happy to stay
  • successful teams could expect bids, but didn’t say anything about speculation around Adam Hinshelwood other than to say City weren’t in the business of always squashing rumours
  • the word "toxic" re the 2023/4 season, praised Dipo Akinyemi and Marvin Armstrong for being at the front of the revival. He noted that City had had good offers for Akinyemi
  • City ultimately need to own their stadium, not any time soon, he added Rochdale’s pitch was like a carpet and we played some of our best football on it
  • Clayton Donaldson is being employed as a "jack of all trades”, his work has included identifying young players, ensuring the youth team’s style of play and training methods match those of the first team and being available to give specific coaching to the first team strikers. City need to get out of the National League before implementing the development squad.

Form Guide Last season City showed how it is possible to quickly move up the table with good recruitment and Aldershot did the same in reverse after losing 2 of their 2023/4 season star players. City were joined in the 2024/5 play offs by just one (FC Halifax) of the 6 teams who reached the 2023/4 play offs places. Add in the uncertainty of the new salary cap management protocol (aka PSR) and anything could happen. Equally, we saw with Tamworth, Southend, Braintree and Boston, clubs can make a poor start, but when they get it right, a club can quickly rise up the table.

  • Play Offs (6): Initially I struggled to come up with enough sides to fill the top places. On reflection, Carlisle bounced back quickly from their last relegation to the Conference and can count on a large home crowd (and Regan Linney's menace) whilst Southend should "go again", seemingly a more stable club a year on from their takeover. Forest Green Rovers' physicality and organisation (and budget) should see them challenge again, especially with Nick Haughton added to the ranks, if they quickly overcome the Cotterill - Savage transition. From the 2024/5 mid - lower table, Eastleigh, Aldershot and Woking (after Neal Ardley's "close season magic" (and budget)) could join them. Eastleigh have been active in their summer recruitment and stated that they turned down bids for Tyrsee Shade, rumours suggested City had bid £100,000 to activate his release clause. However, he was to eventually leave.
  • Falling (3): Halifax and Gateshead might struggle to challenge for the play off positions again, both have lost key players (and Halifax a manager of 3 year's standing). Equally, Rochdale, despite some decent looking signings, might struggle as their EFL parachute payments tail off.
  • Mid Table (5): For once, Altrincham, minus a whole forward line, Tamworth whose style makes them difficult opponents, Sutton United, Solihull Moors and Yeovil Town (with investment from Dubai from a person with a Thai sounding name and (this bit sounds familiar) a background in sports schools) could find themselves mid table. Of those, Sutton have been busy in the summer and could finish the highest of the 5.
  • Strugglers (9): In a bold move, it is reasonable to suggest all 4 promoted sides (Brackley Town, Scunthorpe United, Truro City and Boreham Wood) will struggle, just as in recent seasons. To that list, can be added perennial strugglers Wealdstone, relegated Morecambe, even if they start the season, and Hartlepool, still seeking new ownership, both seem to lurch from financial crisis to financial crisis amid ownership challenges. Despite the ownership issues being unresolved, in June Pools sacked Anthony Limbrick after just 4 months in charge and appointed the experienced, but oft sacked, Simon Grayson. Despite comments to the contrary, Raj Singh appears to have sanctioned a long list of experienced signing for the Poolies. Promoted a year ago, both Braintree and Boston seemed doomed early season, but both finished strongly, Boston largely due to solid teamwork and Braintree thanks to the Lisbie twins, neither of whom they will be able to call upon this season. Brackley, Boreham Wood, Wealdstone and Braintree might struggle the most.
  • Of the above, and with "new money" at several, many teams go into the new season with high hopes.

The Squad

City returned for pre-season training on June 30, barely 6 weeks after the end of the previous season. Pre-season followed a familiar pattern, a mix of friendlies against non league and Championship / League 1 sides. The earlier ones largely featured City fielding 2 separate sides across the game. The game at Marine on July 26 was a part City's Merseyside away weekend bonding session. The final game, at Spennymoor, a week later saw City with what many might consider to be City's first XI, barring Callum Howe was reported sick before the game.

By August 8th, the eve of the season, City had 31 contracted professionals, including 6 out on loan, either for a full or half season. It is believed that Darragh O'Connor, still at the club but not allocated a squad number, might also be available for loan.

It is believed that City got most of their summer targets, late last season, talk had been of targets who could / would play in both National League and League 2. Lewis Richardson was possibly the one who got away, understood to have agreed a City contract after a succussful loan spell, but he went to Notts County on trial and when unsussessful, City did not progress him.

4 of the first 5 were solid signings from Football League clubs, 3 were offered new terms at their previous club but declined in favour of City. Presumably all thought prospects were brighter at City (maybe a combination of salary, contract length, expectation of more game time, City's set up or any number of other factors) than staying where they were

The majority brought a different emphasis, a strong physical presence, vocal leaders and some with a history of promotion. Of the first 8 summer signings (by August 2), 5 dropped down from the Football League and one moved up into National League.

Ollie Banks, 13 years after an unsuccessful City trial, and Ash Palmer both declined new contracts at League 2 Chesterfield, dropped adivision to sign for City whilst Hiram Boateng joined City after leaving League 1 Mansfield after 127 apaaarance over 3 and a half seasons. Mark Kitching, whose left back displays at Oldham caught the eye of many, re-joined City after a brief loan spell nearly 10 years ago. Joining them were Alex Newby (often a thorn in City's side when at Altrincham), Greg Olley (just about recovered from a serious leg break early last season, but a regular provider of goals and assists), Ben Brookes (offering plenty of options as a left back who likes to go forward, a set piece specialist with a regular supply of assists and a long throw) and Joe Grey (still only 22, but noted for his hard work, particularly out wide, but also up top, for whom a compensation fee will need to be agreed with Hartlepool, the only summer signing to cost a "fee").

Compared to last season, City will quite likely field a big and more experienced side than last season. City seem better placed in defence, particularly left back and very experienced in central midfield. Combined, that leaves the conumdrum of whether Joe Felix is best deployed at right back or midfield to be resolved, whilst last season's regulars such as Alex Hunt and Dan Batty may have to fight for their place. Midfield seems well stocked with Ollie Banks and Hiram Boateng likely to be first choice starters.

With Hinsh's philosophy of tending to like to change his front 5 on the hour, it remains to be seen whether he has enough strength in depth to do so amongst his wide men. Effectively losing Akinyemi, John-Lewis, Richardson and Luamba but gaining Alex Newby, Joe Grey, Greg Olley (when fully fit) and Mo Fadera (back after a loan spell, presumably a one year contract extension suggests that Hinsh sees him a part of his squad). Many would consider 3 of those 4 strong candidates for starting positions alongside Tyrese Sinclair and Ashley Nathaniel-George. Up top, in pre-season public games, Pearce and Stones were rotated never playing a minute together suggesting Hinsh's 2 up top experiment might be over.

Season - Review (WIP, plus everything else from here)

x

x

XXXX FROM HERE

The season, so far, so good:

  • x
  • x

Hinsh, Players And Tactics:

  • In goal, x.
  • In front of the keeper, x.
  • In terms of appearances, the regular central midfield trio were x.
  • City's high possession rates saw many teams fail to stay the pace, x
  • The slow possession i
  • Also:
    • Hinsh was named xxxxx
  • Away from the pitch, some events have occurred suggesting that City are taking a more structured approach, whisper it quietly, even a Football League approach, including:
    • x
    • x.

    Sadly as ever, during the season, City lost a number of well known personalities, including former managers xxx (xx/xx/2024) and xxxt (dd/mmm/2024), former players (xxxxxxx (dd/mmm/20yy)), yyyyy (dd/mm/20yy4) and player (dd/mmm/yyyy) and supporters (Raz McVeighty (05/07/2025) and xxxxxx xxxx (dd/mm/yy)).

    On the club and commercial front:

    • Read the York-City-FC-Advertising-Brochure-2024-25. At the time of writing (22/07/2025), it is believed that no 2025/6 season update had been issued
    • 14/Jul/2025: Paddy McLaughlin awarded a testimonial year
    • 21/Jul/2025: Phoenix Software announced as the club's official digital sponsor, they were previously front of shirt sponsor (2003-5)
    • 21/Jul/2025: David McGurk, Graeme Law and Iain Dunn were inducted as brand new YCFC club ambassadors
    • 24/Jul/2025: City announced the results of the 2024/5 end of season supporter survey. One overwhelming takeaway was age ranges, around 90% of supporters fell into a broad 36 - 75 age group range and City have 3 times as many over 75 supporters as under 11 supporters, both numbers might be a function of respondents' ages rather the supporters
    • 25/Jul/2025: Finally, City issued a tweet to announce that Tony McMahon had left the club noting "we can confirm that our club's football staffing structure has changed slightly, resulting in Tony McMahon leaving the club as the role of Director of Football", no incomers were apparent and from earlier interviews with Matt Uggla, it appered he and a team of analysts were more involved in contract negotiations and player identification
    • 30/Jul/2025:BW noted their game at YCFC postponed due to their late involvement (to replace Morecambe) in the NL Cup
    • 08/Aug/2025: City launch season long raffle and the chance to win prizes throughout the season for £10 per month with unique City goodies on offer as the monthly prizes
    • 13/Aug/2025: City launch Christophe Duchamp announced as City's new watch partner with a whopping 85% off their luxury watches
    • 13/Aug/2025: City launch SpeedQuizzing announced as a new City sponsor
    • 15/Aug/2025: YCST put 30 original floodlight units up for sale at £50 each with all proceeds going towards the upkeep of the Bootham Crescent Memorial Gardens. They note "size: approx. 600×400×400mm,for decorative purposes only – must not be connected to a power source"
    • 22/Aug/2025: Guy Mowbray was inducted as a YCFC club ambassador
    • 28/Aug/2025: Adam Hinshelwood was sacked ("parted company" in official parlance) and just 4 hours later, Stuart Maynard was appointed manager. No official reason for Hinsh's sacking were made public at the time.
    • 31/Aug/2025:Menswear brand Luke 1977 announced as a new club partner for the 2025/6 season
    • dd/mmm/2025: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
    • dd/mmm/2025:
    • dd/mmm/2025:
    • dd/mmm/2025: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

    Elsewhere:

    • In September, x
    • September 19: Tx

  • 2025/6 Cup prize money
    • FA Cup:
      • Qualifying Round 1: winners - £x / losers - £x
      • x
    • Isuzu FA Trophy:
      • Preliminary round: Winners receive £x, losers receive £x
      • x

    • Season - Game By Game (WIP)

    UPDATE

    1. 250809 SUTTON (H) D 2-2: Good attacking play let down by defensive frailities
      • After going a goal up, City could easily have been 3 up before Sutton equalised just before half time
      • Some dodgy defending allowed Sutton a late equaliser from a long throw. The Howe / Palmer centre back partnership was caught short of pace at times
      • After opening his account on 11 minutes with a penalty, his 9th successful penalty without a miss, he missed a penalty to put City 2 up
      • The crowd was 5,937 (199 away), City's biggest home opening day crowd since 9,396 saw City draw with Aston Villa in 1974
      • Mark Kitching set 2 club records, 3,544 days between his first and second City appearances and the biggest drop in successive shirt numbers (34 in 2015 and 3 today)
      • City included 4 debutants (Palmer, Boateng, Banks and Newby) in the starting line up, introduced another (Grey) off the bench where Ben Brookes remained. Greg Olley missed out throught injury. NB Mark Kitching was not a debutant
      • Some reports suggested Callum Howe did not touch the ball for City's second with a Sutton player scoring an own goal
      • YCFC match report
    2. 250816 TRURO (A) W 2-0: 2 late goals saw City win a scrappy game
      • Truro City became #244 different opponents for City since 1922
      • In 1999, City were at level 3 before relegation to the basement. For many years, Truro were in the South Western League (level 11) before gaining promotion in 2006. Then followed 3 successive promotions as Champions (South Western League, Western League Division One, Western League Premier Division). The Southern League Premier title (level 7) was won 2 years later. Amid a financial hiatus, twice they were relegated from the National League South but regained their place and in 2023 gained promotion to Natinoal League South. 2 years later, crowned Champions, they entered a nationwide league for the first time in 2025
      • City travelled 399 miles to Truro, our longest ever journey for a competitive game
      • Both teams struggled with the wind in a scrappy game with chances few and far between. City struggled with the blustery conditions, winds gusting at up to 40 mph, with too many corners floated high into the box. Some would say, City were below par
      • City's record breaking run of scoring was extended to 28 successive league games
      • City equalled a club record of 5 successive away league wins (set in the 2007/8 season when the run was 7 if cup games are included)
      • Post match, Hinsh noted his knowledge of the pace of Dominic Johnson-Fisher, formerly based in Brighton, as being behind his thinking of adding more pace into the defence at the expense of Ash Palmer
      • Mark Kitching was selected for the National League team of the week
      • The game was refereed by Robert Ellis, husband of referee Sian Massey-Ellis (nee Massey). He was struck by the ball twice within a minute late on, the second being when Joe Felix hit the re-start from the first directly onto the back of his head
      • David Stockdale was on DAZN co-comms
      • City's away following of 409 fans was better than 6 (or 7) League 2 away followings. In the National League, it was only beaten by Yeovil's 486 fans at FGR and Altrincham's 430 fans at Rochdale. Read more
      • x
      • As usual, for long distance away games, City travelled down on Friday, given the late kick off time, the supporters bus arrived back at 3:30, the team bus a few minutes later. On the way down on Friday, City left York at 9am, hit the training pitch at 6:30 and finally reached their hotel at 8pm
      • YCFC match report
    3. 250820 SOUTHEND (A) D 0-0: Maybe City were the slightly better side in a fairly even game with few clear cut changes at either end
      • It was possibly City's best performance of the season
      • After a slightly lethargic first half, 3 players were booked, City grew into the game after the break
      • Many expect Southend to be a top 3 side at the end of the season, last season, we lost away to the other 2 top 3 sides
      • City's record breaking run of scoring in 28 successive league games came to an end
      • Having equalled the club record of 5 successive away league wins at Truro, City couldn't break the record
      • Joe Felix was selected for the National League team of the (mid) week
      • Midweek attendances
      • YCFC match report
    4. 250825 WOKING (A) D 1-1: A Newby equaliser earns City a 1-1 draw from a lack lustre performance
      • Despite 2 changes in the front 3, City struggled to create chances
      • Woking's goal came when they pounced on a loose ball as City tried to play out from the back
      • Hinsh suggested Newby's goal, a cross cum shot that deceived the keeper, was a "bad cross", if so one of a number of long crosses that went beyond the far post
      • He also said it was "terrible to watch"
      • x
      • x
      • x
      • As City players and staff applauded the fans at the final whistle, there appeared to be some discontent amongst the fans
      • YCFC match report
    5. 250906 YEOVIL (A) WDL n-n: Headline
      • x
      • xOf City’s 38 permanent managerial appointments, since the first in 1928, 14 won their first game in charge, 8 drew and 16 lost. Note, some like Colin Walker had their first game in charge as a caretaker.
      • x
      • TO DOYCFC match report
    6. 250909 TAMWORTH (H) WDL n-n: Headline
    7. 250913 BRAINTREE (A) WDL n-n: Headline
    8. 250920 SOLIHULL MOORS (H) WDL n-n: Headline
    9. 250923 CARLISLE (H) WDL n-n: Headline
    10. 250927 FOREST GREEN ROVERS (A) WDL n-n: Headline
      Moved to a 17:30 kick off for enhanced DAZN coverage
    11. 251001 SCUNTHORPE (H) WDL n-n: Headline
    12. 251004 HARTLEPOOL (A) WDL n-n: Headline
      Moved to a 12:30 kick off at the request of Cleveland Police
    13. 251011 TBC (FACQ4) (HA) WDL n-n: Headline
    14. 251025 FC HALIFAX (A) WDL n-n: Headline
      Moved to a 12:30 kick off for enhanced DAZN coverage
    15. BW went ahead as planned, withn BW elevated to NLC (July 30) following Morecambe's suspension, they (BW) announced the game would be re-arranged, a day later, they said it was going ahead as planned and their NLC home game v Wolves would be re-arranged.
    16. 260425 ROCHDALE (A) WDL n-n: Last league game of season
    17. 260509 or 260510 PLAY OFF FINAL (N) WDL n-n: Exach date tbc

    UPDATE Some useful links to the season (and beyond):

    UPDATE League Attendances

    Date

    Opponents

    Competition

    City Home Highest

    7,918

    OLDHAM 21/04/25

    City Home Lowest

    4,494

    BRAINTREE 10/09/24

    City Home Aggregate

    139,167

    6.2% away team fans

    City Home Average

    6,050

    -

    Best LNER away following

    1,453

    OLDHAM 21/04/25

    Lowest LNER away following

    41

    BRAINTREE 10/09/24

    City Away Highest

    8,234

    Oldham 21/01/25

    City Away Lowest

    1,075

    Maidenhead 25/02/25

    City Away Aggregate

    67,511

    23.1% City fans

    City Away Average

    702

    -

    Best City away following

    2,225

    FC Halifax 26/10/24

    Lowest City away following

    272

    Maidenhead 25/02/25

    Awards and cards

    City players missed x games through suspension:

    • x (Straight red v xxxxx (h))

    For The Record (WIP)

    After breaking a number of records last season, the 2025/6 season got off to a record breaking start ....

    • 09/08/25: Mark Kitching creates a new club record, making his 2nd City appearance 3,544 days after his City debut, a club record between first and second appearances
    • 09/08/25: Mark Kitching has the biggest ever drop in shirt numbers (34 (2015/6) to 3 (2025/6)) across 2 successive shirts in his City career
    • 09/08/25: A crowd of 5,937, our biggest opening day home crowd since 1974 when 9,396 saw City's first ever Division 2 (now the Championship) game against Aston Villa. Since Villa, 4,703 v Rushden & Diamonds in 2001 has been the highest
    • 09/08/25: City's record breaking run of scoring in 26 successive league games to the end of the 2024/5 season is extended to 27
    • 16/08/25: City travel 399 miles to Truro, our the longest ever journey for a competitive game
    • 16/08/25: Truro City became #244 different opponents for City since 1922
    • 16/08/25: City's record breaking run of scoring in 27 successive league games is extended to 28
    • 16/08/25: City's win at Truro means City have a 100% win record against Cornish sides (a second county, after Suffolk, against whose sides (Needham Market) City are unbeaten))
    • 16/08/25:City equalled a club record of 5 successive away league wins (set in the 2007/8 season when the run was 7 if cup games are included)
    • 20/08/25: City's club record equalling run of 5 successive away league wins (set in the 2007/8 season when the run was 7 if cup games are included) came to an end
    • 20/08/25: City's record breaking run of scoring in 28 successive league games came to an end
    • 28/08/25: Adam Hinshelwood is sacked after a 12 game unbeaten league run, a club record, possibly a British record
    • 09/08/25: x
    • 09/08/25: x
    • 09/08/25: c
    • 09/08/25: x
    • 09/08/25: c
    • 09/08/25: x
    • 09/08/25: x City Shirts (3).

    2025/6 - The Players (Mid Season Report (To Complete At End Season) (WIP))

    1. Ricky Aguiar One of several similar midfield players, showed some good touches, but not enough of them
    2. Dipo Akinyemi Hinsh isn’t the first manager to prefer him in a wide role where his pace and power can mask any first touch deficiencies, probably needs a run of games and through balls to run onto to show his best

    Away On Loan (wip)

    • Jeff King Boreham Wood (National League (Tier 5) (03/07/25 - 6 month loan)). x.
    • Billy Chadwick Scunthorpe (National League (Tier 5) (14/07/25 - 6 month loan)). Regular bench warmer.
    • Cam John Hartlepool (National League (Tier 5) (15/07/25 - Season loan)). x.
    • Tyler Cordner AFC Totton (National League South (Tier 6) (18/07/25 - Season loan)). On prominent social media poster added, "Apparently we have again done far, far better on the Cordner loan than we have any right to expect. Not quite as well as last year, but very, very well. Nothing to do with YCST (the information), actually from the other end of the deal. North of 50% being covered, possibly as much as 70% (he seemed to suggest there was flexibility based on how much he plays and how the club does). It was pretty much 100% last year (at Ebbsfleet)".
    • Rory Watson Scunthorpe (National League (Tier 5) (19/07/25 - Season loan)). Started the season on the bench behind Maison Campbell.
    • Leone Gravata Horsham (National League South (Tier 6) (26/07/25 - Season loan)). .
    • Ben Farrar Bridlington Town (National Prenier League D1 East (Tier 8) (22/08/25 - TBC)). Year 2 scholar. Scored on his debut and provided an assist to the assist for the opening goal on his debut a day later in the 3-1 away win at Blyth.
    • Darragh O'Connor Raith (Scottish Championship) (29/08/25 - Season loan)). .

      YCFC Loan Watch:

    UPDATE Retained List (wip)

    It is believed that all the loanee professionals will be out of contract at the end of the 2025/6 season.

    UPDATE Agents' Fees (wip)

    February (and the closure of the transfer window) has traditionally seen clubs' spending on agents' fees over the past 12 months published. In 2025, they were published in April. See The FA website for full details, including total spend by every club and players involved (although not fees by individual player). Given the way contracts are negotiated, it can be assumed that some of the monies paid relate to contracts agreed before the reporting period started.

    Between 02/Feb/24 and 03/Feb/25, 35 (2 more than last season) non league clubs paid a total of £952,638 (up £210k from a year earlier) in agent fees. Forest Green spent the most (£133,184), with City (£109,596) and Southend (£103,227) also in 6 figures. City's total was in relation to 17 players (12 new permanent signings, 2 loan deals, 2 contract cancellations and one updated contract), the most notable exception being Joe Felix. City's total was down from £128k a year earlier but bigger than 14 League 2 clubs and 3 clubs in League 1.

    Payments were made to 17 different agents.

    3 NL clubs (Gateshead, Braintree and Wealdstone) paid no agents' fees.

    UPDATE YCFC Academy (wip)

    Once again, for the 2025/6 season, City competed in the National League Football Alliance North Division (Under 19) alongside 11 other National League and National League North teams (AFC Fylde, Altrincham, Blyth Spartans, Boston United, Chester, FC Halifax Town, Gateshead, Guiseley, Hartlepool, Solihull Moors and South Shields). Promoted Oldham and Farsley Celtic were missing from last season whilst Hartlepool joined, 2 seasons after losing their Football League status .

    TO DO:

    15 sides competed in the southern equivalent (3 newcomers ( Dagenham & Redbridge, Sutton and Wealdstone) plus Aldershot Town, Boreham Wood, Dorking, Dover, Eastleigh, Maidenhead, Maidstone, Oxford City, Slough, Southend, Welling and Woking). Dartford dropped out.

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

    TO DO: City's 2024/5 academy players' profiles.

    TO DO: 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 1pm)) 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.

    Amid ever rising costs (and diminishing returns), it is good to see that City still run an academy. In May 2025, Accrington Stanley closed their academy, making 11 full time and 15 casual staff redundant, after chairman Andy Holt significantly reduced his annual input into the club’s running costs. EFL EPPP funding of around £500,000 will barely have covered those staff wages. Recognised as one the most productive EFL academies, Stanley had at least one academy developed player in every first team matchday squad and 2 or more in 85% of the squads during the 2023/4 season.

    However, last season (2024/5), for the second successive season, City's academy fared worse than the previous season in all 3 competitions. With the development squad on hold for another season, the gulf between academy and first team seems bigger than ever.

    Further Reading: National League Under-19 Alliance website.

    Watch all the season's highlights.

    2025/6 National League Youth Alliance

    Date

    Competition

    Opponents

    Venue

    Result

    Scorers (and notes)

    03/09/25

    NLFAU19N

    BOSTON UNITED

    H (Training Ground)

    3-2

    Day 2, Greening

    10/09/25

    NLFAU19N

    South Shields

    A

    n-n

    17/09/25

    NLFAU19N

    Chester

    A

    n-n

    24/09/25

    NLFAU19N

    FC HALIFAX TOWN

    H

    n-n

    29/09/25

    FAYC Q2

    TBC

    TBC

    n-n

    01/10/25

    NLFAU19N

    GUISELEY

    H

    n-n

    13/10/25

    FAYC Q3

    TBC

    TBC

    n-n

    15/10/25

    NLFAU19N

    Blyth Spartans

    A

    n-n

    05/11/25

    NLFALNC1

    TBC

    TBC

    n-n

    12/11/25

    NLFAU19N

    GATESHEAD

    H

    n-n

    19/11/25

    NLFAU19N

    Altrincham

    A

    n-n

    26/11/25

    NLFAU19N

    HARTLEPOOL UNITED

    H

    n-n

    03/12/25

    NLFAU19N

    Solihull Moors

    A

    n-n

    05/12/25

    NLFALNC2

    TBC

    TBC

    n-n

    07/01/26

    NLFAU19N

    AFC FYLDE

    H

    n-n

    14/01/26

    NLFAU19N

    SOUTH SHIELDS

    H

    n-n

    21/01/26

    NLFAU19N

    Boston United

    A

    n-n

    28/01/26

    NLFAU19N

    FC Halifax Town

    A

    n-n

    04/02/26

    NLFAU19N

    CHESTER

    H

    n-n

    11/02/26

    NLFAU19N

    BLYTH SPARTANS

    H

    n-n

    18/02/26

    NLFALNCQF

    TBC

    TBC

    n-n

    04/03/26

    NLFAU19N

    Guiseley

    A

    n-n

    11/03/26

    NLFAU19N

    Gateshead

    A

    n-n

    18/03/26

    NLFALNCSF

    TBC

    TBC

    n-n

    25/03/26

    NLFAU19N

    ALTRINCHAM

    H

    n-n

    22/04/26

    NLFAU19N

    Hartlepool United

    A

    n-n

    29/04/26

    NLFAU19N

    SOLIHULL MOORS

    H

    n-n

    06/05/26

    NLFAU19N

    AFC Fylde

    A

    n-n

    1. BOSTON (H) (03/Sep/25) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) W 3-2
      2 late goals saw City come from behind after Donny Day had given City a half time lead in their opening game of the season.
      From a dangerous position, Sutton Greening equalised with a free kick into the bottom corner before Donny Day got on the end of a cross in the final minute to win it.
      YCFC match report
      CITY (1-11): White; Newall (Clarke 70), Binns, Belleh ( c ), Baker, Beadle, Tweed, Shaw, Hewson (Russell 30), Greening, Day. Subs (Usage TBC): Kydd, Campbell, Russell, Roberts, Clarke.
    2. XXX - TO DO BELOW
    3. XXX - TO DO BELOW
    4. XXX - TO DO BELOW
    5. BOSTON (H) (03/Sep/25) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) W 3-2
      2 late goals (a Sutton Greening free kick and Donny Day winner) saw City come from behind after Donny Day had given City a half time lead in their opening game of the season.
      YCFC match report
      CITY (1-11): White; Newall, Binns (Campbell 86), Belleh ( c ), Baker, Beadle, Tweed (Kydd 75), Shaw (Roberts 75), Hewson, Greening, Day. Subs: -.
    6. XXX - END GAME REVIEW SECTION
    7. XXX - END GAME REVIEW SECTION

    UPDATE: It was a largely disappointing season for the academy team. In terms of performance, overall 2024/5 was, once again, possibly less successful when compared to the previous season's successes. In both the FA Youth Cup and National League Youth Alliance Cup, City failed by one round to go as far as last season. The team exited the FA Youth Cup in their first game and lost in the Alliance League Cup northern semi final. In the league, City's 5th place finish was a place below last season’s finish ending with just one point from the last 6 games. Both of the 2024 scholars who were awarded their first professional contracts last summer, Bill Marshall and Leon Gibson-Booth were released by the end of the year.

    First year scholars Ben Farrar and Eddie Kettlewell both scored well without being prolific across the whole season. Captain George Grumley moved between centre back and defensive midfield and made a brief cameo first team debut at Oldham in January, making his mark with a fine crunching, but fair, tackle.

    Beyond Grumley, it is difficult to see which second year scholars might warrant a professional contract. That is disappointing in light of City introducing a development squad for next season. XXXX

    Throughout the season, Benji Tate, a year 2 right back scholar was the only player to have a loan spell in "mens' football", 2 months at Bishop Auckland (NPL Division 1 East (Step 8)) in the autmn, unfortuntately, his game time was extremely limited.

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

    North Riding Senior Cup

    It is believed that City paid a fee not to enter the 2025/6 NRSC.

    Pre Season Friendlies - For The Record

    1. GARFORTH (A) (08/Jul/25) L 0-1
      Watched by a 1,142 crowd, Garforth's winner came in the 69th minute when Owen Marshall floated the ball over the head of York City's 'keeper who was off his line.
      City fielded a second string in the first half and introduced a string of academy players as the second half progressed.
      City included 2 trialists, Ben Starkie, a Tanzanian international from Harborough Town at right back from the start with a young keeper, believed Harry Christy, a 21 year old keeper released by Leeds in the summmer.
      York City: Sykes-Kenworthy (Trialist (Harry Christy (ex Leeds)) 60’); Trialist (Starkie) (Silvester 60’ (Roberts 90+’)), Fallowfield (Beadle 60’), Aguiar (Newall 60’), John (Shaw 60’); Batty (Baker 60’), McLaughlin (Tweed 60’); Gravata (Russell 60’ (Kydd 90+’)), Armstrong (Belleh 60’), Fadera (Greening 60’); Chadwick (Farrar 52’). Subs Not Used: Binns.
      Garforth Town: Flatters, Ejupi, Tweddle, Marshall (O), Emery, Barkway, Marshall( C ), Savage, Aldrich, Colville, Connolly.
      Att: 1,142
      YCFC match report
    2. SALFORD (H) (11/Jul/25) D 3-3
      The game was abandoned 6 minutes from full time after an East Stand supporter appeared to make monkey noises at a Salford player as he was being substituted. There was an on pitch fracas and a Salford player had to be stopped from climbing into the stand to confront the spectator. City were quick to issue a statement. Some socal media reports suggested that a fan, who was ejected, was making fun of one of the Salford players in somewhat high pitched squeaky voice without resorting to racial abuse. 5 days after the game, Salford issued a 9 minute video of the incident featuring Karl Robinson, Gary Neville and players.
      After Ollie Pearce struck twice, Will Wright pulled a goal back for the visitors before the break. Goals from Tom Edwards and Will Wright put the visitors ahead before Mo Fadera equalised with a left footed shot from inside the box.
      York City (First Half): Male; Fagan-Walcott, Palmer, Howe, Kitching; Felix, Boateng; Newby, Banks, Sinclair; Pearce.
      York City (Second Half): Watson; Trialist (Starkie), Fallowfield, Newall, Brookes; Batty, Hunt, Fadera, Armstrong, Nathaniel-George; Stones. Subs (Usage Not Recorded): Farrar, Belleh, Russell.
      Salford: Chapman, Ashley, Woodburn, Grant, Austerfield, Mnaga, Trialist, Cesay, Oluwa, Garbutt, Wright. Subs (Usage Not Recorded): Ayina, Berkoe, Edwards, Malcolm, Curran-Nicholls, Butt, Heys, Showman, Longelo.
    3. SHEFFIELD U (H) (15/Jul/25) L 2-6
      City went down to a 2-6 against Sheffield United who missed out on a Premier League spot in the play offs last season.
      City were 3 down at the break when United changed their whole line up. Soon 4 down, City (Hunt) pulled a goal back just after the hour before changing the whole side. A second goal (Fallowfield) soon followed before United added 2 more goals.
      In the 77th minute, the game was stopped to allow a minute's applause for Graeme Crawford, who passed away in May after a long illness and featured for United before joining City.
      Despite the scoreline, City weren't outclassed, it was an entertaining game and City had a good workout but were punished when giving the ball away. United were that bit sharper and quicker and showed how to keep an effective press going.
      5 days later, Sheffield United won 5-0 at Rotherham.
      York City: Male; Fagan-Walcott, Palmer, Howe, Kitching; Felix, Hunt; Newby, Banks, Sinclair; Pearce.
      York City (66th minute): Sykes-Kenworthy, Fallowfield, Newall, McLaughlin, Brookes; Batty, Armstrong; Grey, Nathaniel-George, Fadera; Stones.
      Sheffield U: Cooper, McCallum, Cannon, O’Hare, Brooks, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Campbell, Marsh, Blacker, Seriki. Subs (Whole team changed at half time): Davies, Sasnauskas, Bindon, Norrington-Davies, Burrows, Hampson, Caceres, Hamer, Ukaki, Moore, One, Faxon, Curtis.
      Att: 3,410
      YCFC match report.
    4. GOOLE AFC (H) (19/Jul/25) D 1-1
      City's Under 19 side drew 1-1 with Goole AFC, managed by ex City striker Reon Potts, in a behind closed doors friendly at the training ground originally due to be played at Goole on the previous evening but re-scheduled due to the state of their ground. No other details are available.
    5. SHEFFIELD W (A) (19/Jul/25) L 0-3
      Reports from a Sheffield Wednesday forum suggested that they beat City 3-0 in behind closed doors friendly at the Middlewood Park training ground. Sheffield Star report.
    6. BARNSLEY (H) (22/Jul/25) D 2-2
      Goals from Olllie Banks and Ollie Pearce saw City go toe to toe with League 1 Barnsley in an entertaining game to earn a deserved 2-2 draw.
      Ollie Banks curled in a shot right into the top corner from outside the box after 6 minutes to give City the lead. City re-took the lead in the 70th minute when Mo Fadera’s inch perfect cross was fired home by Ollie Pearce in the six yard box.
      City named a 15 man squad for the game and expect the side for the next friendly at Marine will feature the other half of the squad.
      York City: Male, Felix (Brookes 67), Fallowfield, Palmer, Kitching; Hunt, Boateng (Fadera 67), Banks (McLaughlin 81); Sinclair, Pearce, Newby. Subs not used: Sykes-Kenworthy.
      Barnsley: Cooper, Ogbeta (Woodcock 86), Russell (Senior 61), Roberts (Phillips 61), Barratt, de Gevigney (Kozluk 80), Bland (Graham 73), Yoganathan, Keillor-Dunn (McGoldrick 73), Cleary (Farrugia 61), Vickers (Farrell 73). Subs not used: Flavell, Shepherd.
      Att: 2,567 (772).
      Referee: Garreth Rhodes.
      City: Goals: Banks (6), Pearce (70)
      City: Yellow cards: Banks (43), Fallowfield (51)
      Barnsley: Goals: Vickers (55), Phillips (75)
      YCFC match report.
    7. MARINE (A) (26/Jul/25) W 1-0
      A first half goal by Ashley Nathaniel-George from a diagonal ball from Dan Batty after 26 minutes gave City a 1-0 win. For many, Batty was City's man of the match.
      York City: Sykes-Kenworthy (Trialist (Christy), HT); Aguiar, Fagan-Walcott, Howe, Brookes; Armstrong, Batty, McLaughlin; Grey (Fadera 67), Stones, Nathaniel-George. Subs (Usage TBC): Fallowfield, Sinclair.
      Marine: Trailist, Brown, Sloane, Fielding, Butler, Wardle, Trialist, Gregson, Newall, Trialist, Marsden. Subs: TBC.
      Att: 550.
      City: Goals: Nathaniel-George (26)
      YCFC match report.
    8. SPENNYMOOR (A) (02/Aug/25) A 1-0
      City ended their pre-season friendlies with another 1-0 win meaning back to back clean sheets.
      A second half goal from the trialist (Conor McAleny, released by Salford) gave City a 1-0 win, although City spurned a good number of chances.
      With Callum Howe absent sick, Ollie Pearce wore the captain's arm band and passed it onto Alex Hunt when he was substituted.
      York City: Male; Fagan-Walcott, Palmer (Hunt, HT), Kitching, Brookes (Fallowfield 75); Felix, Boateng; Banks (Trialist (McAleny) HT); Newby (Fadera 62), Pearce (Stones 62), Sinclair (Grey 58). Subs (Unused): Sykes-Kenworthy.
      Spennymoor: James, Dyson, Pollock, Beals, Trialist (Madine 53), Green (Luck 72), Dolan, McKeown (Salkeld 75), Ramshaw, Heaney (Mondal 75), Taylor (Doherty 84). Subs not used: Atkinson, Hancox.
      Att: 596.
      Ref: Mark Bell.
      City: Goals: Trialist (McAleny) (55)
      YCFC match report.