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 League 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. Many believe they were Uggla driven recruits.

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"). Later, Radio York reports suggested that City had also shown interest in Altrincham's Regan Linney before he signed for Carlisle.

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 / Maynard, Players And Tactics:

  • xxxxx
  • City started the season in a sluggish manner, conceding a late equaliser on the opening day against Sutton who surprisingly remained in the lower reaches of the league for most of the season.
  • Hinsh was sacked after 4 games, apart from a strong performance at Southend, Hinsh’s City side never really got going.
  • Increasingly what he been heralded as good summer’s recruitment came under question. Banks, Boateng, Kitching and Palmer all looked good in parts without being the consistent class that City needed. Kitching, possibly the least heralded of the 4 (the FL recruits), added the most to the team. The other 3 (the “Non league signings”) have had their moments.
  • The end of October marked 2 months of Stuart Maynard’s reign.
  • Moving to a back 3, City often looked vulnerable when a team broke quickly. With 2 of the back 3 encouraged to move forward, the other was left exposed with our wing backs up field and unable to offer effective support. Before the visit to FC Halifax, Stuart Maynard noted "(it is) massive we keep teams on the outside of us".
  • Easy on the eye in midfield, when City scored first, City could control the game and rack up the goals. When City conceded first, City were on the back foot and found it harder break through a tight defence and struggled to impose their style on the opposition.
  • Maynard’s City saw more crossing from out wide, but with Ollie Pearce the target, he was usually out muscled by bigger, more burly defenders. As City’s lone front man, I nearly said target man, but he’s maybe not got the physique to be a target man.
  • As a lone man, he is often isolated, with no (or little) support, taking on defenders who have only one man to focus on.
  • The frustration is although we can get the ball forward, with just one man upfront, we struggle to the ball in the net.
  • Last season, Hinsh’s style saw Pearce put in many good performances, his footballing brain reading the many through balls played through central midfield.
  • In a 3421 formation, the width and crosses were meant to come from Joe Felix and Tryrese Sinclair / Alex Newby. Hinsh’s 2 out and out wingers for an hour and 2 more for the last 30 minutes are a thing of the past.
  • Felix is confined to wide positions, he comes infield less and playing in a more advanced role, he has less space in which to operate. Under Hinsh, he was very rarely, not at all this season. Since he moved forward into a wing back role, covering more ground, he has been substituted very regularly.
  • You could say that our 2 stand out performers of last season are not best suited to a Maynard system.
  • Rather than 2 wingers and over lapping full backs, with on the hour replacements, we have been reduced to wing backs.
  • The lack of wingers might also suggest that our style has become more predictable. Equally the lack of wingers has allowed seen our midfield become more congested by 2 number 10s and opposition are to pack out their central defence without wingers to cover whilst reducing City’s opportunities to quickly get in behind out of position defences.
  • XXXX FROM HERE
  • 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 ................
  • The slow possession i li>New signings, pick of
  • Limited use of out and out wingers (Sinclair as LWB and ANG / Fadera roles).
  • Lack of pace, no one running beyond the last man to open up the game. Number 10s prefer to cut back inside
  • Felix has more space to run into (and overlap) when playing at right back. At right wing back, he has less space to run into and often takes on defenders from a standing start
  • Boateng - vey left footed, simltaneously can be both classy and lumbering, but is strong and reliable
  • Hunt - generally bette further forward
  • Too many number 10s
  • Tactics
  • When both wide centre backs get forward, City's other centre back can be isolated 1 v 1 , or over exposed against a quick breaking opposition
  • A back 5 makes it more difficult to press high due to the distances the wing-backs have to cover to ‘jump’ to press opposing full-backs. Sometimes it is possible to ‘jump’, but sometimes it is not, and opponents can progress easier when they ‘stay’
  • As a WB, Felix appears to have a more defined out wide role and less chance to come infield, does he cover more ground, hence the times he has been subbed off v
  • Tactics
  • Tactics
  • Tactics
  • Tactics
  • Tactics
  • Tactics v
  • Tactics
  • Tactics
  • Tactics
  • 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), Cindy Benton (19/Sep/25)) and xxxxxx xxxx (dd/mmm/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
    • 24/Jul/2025: The annual York City Past Players Charity Golf Day took place with nearly 200 golfers enjoying a fabulous day at Pike Hills Golf Club. Played in exceptionally good weather, the course was in excellent condition after the recent rainfall. Former Minsterman, Graeme Law captained “The Lawmen +1” to victory with 95 points, beating “Hit’n Hope” and “The Guvnor’s”, both on 94 points, into second and third places. Highlight of the day was for former Harrogate Town player, Robbie Whellans, a member of York City Ambassador, Ian Blackstone’s “Starbeck Stars”, with a hole in one with his tee shot on the 15th. A host of former York City stars competed on the day including Wayne Hall, Nigel Pepper, Tony Barratt, Derek Hood, Pat Lally, David Spofforth, Ian Helliwell, Ray Warburton, Paul Johnson, Neil Woods, Alan Hay, Tony Canham, Ian Nendick and John Reynolds. Around £5,500 was raised and was shared between the charities, York Hospital Radio and York City Supporters’ Trust. A charity hole in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice in the memory of Graeme Crawford, who sadly passed away last month, was added on the day and raised an incredible £570.41. This donation will be increased to £1,000. Thanks go to all sponsors, players and Pike Hills members and staff who worked so hard to make it such a success. The 2026 York City Past Players Charity Golf Day will be held at Pike Hills Golf Club on Thursday 23 July 2026 and will support Paddy McLaughlin’s Testimonial and Menfulness.
    • 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
    • 10/Sep/2025: Fair Game issued their annual comprehensive survey (index) of men’s professional football in England. Read the summary.
    • 17/Sep/2025: With the 30th anniversary of City's 3-0 League Cup win at Old Trafford looming, City launch a limited edition (95) pin badge
    • 17/Sep/2025: City confirm the continuation of their partnership with Aspect 4
    • 17/Sep/2025: City announce No 5. Plumbing as new club sponsor
    • 25/Sep/2025: Multi year contract extensions announced for Alex Hunt, Ollie Pearce and Joe Felix
    • 02/Oct/2025: The Enterpise National League's nominations for September's player of the month award were announced as Alex Hunt, Kain Adom (Gateshead), Mani Dieseruvwe (Rochdale) and Matt Rush (Boreham Wood). On October 7, Dieseruvwe was announced as the winner
    • 03/Oct/2025: City announce The Island as a new 2025/6 charity partner after Age UK York
    • 03/Oct/2025: City announce Nuffield Health as new club partner and they will sponsor the North Stand
    • 07/Oct/2025: City announce RM English, a local estate agent as a new club partner
    • 10/Oct/2025: City announce Clarion Solicitors as a partner for a 3rd successive season
    • 14/Oct/2025: City announce Paul Foster Interiors as a club partner extending their previous relationship with City
    • 14/Oct/2025: City announce VetiMedi UK as City's new post match partner
    • 20/Oct/2025: City announce Andy's Man Club as a brand new charity partner
    • 24/Oct/2025: City extend their long running partnership with Hentons, a multi award-winning top 100 National Chartered Accountancy & Business Advisory firm
    • dd/mmm/2025:
    • dd/mmm/2025:
    • dd/mmm/2025:
    • dd/mmm/2025:
    • dd/mmm/2025: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
    • dd/mmm/2025:
    • dd/mmm/2025:
    • dd/mmm/2025: Another season of the National League Cup ended with xxxxxx xxxxx beating ccccxxxxx by nn-nn in the final. Along the way, it became de rigeur for NL sides to make multiple substitutions within a minute or 2 of the kick off to remain within the rules of fielding "regulars" in their starting line up

    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
      • 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"
      • 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) W 3-1: An absolutely dominant performance from City in Stuart Maynard's first game in charge
      • City lined up in a 3421 formation (or 3241 depending on your point of view) with Joe Felix relishing his more advanced role
      • City changed their match day 18 for the first time this season with Dan Batty replacing Ashley Nathaniel-George on the bench
      • Yeovil named just 6 substitutes including one academy player and some who may not have been fully fit
      • Yeovil's pitch seemed noticeably narrower than last season
      • City seemed quicker to get the game re-started at corners and free kicks than under Hinsh
      • Yeovil won their first corner on 55 minutes and put it straight out for a goal kick
      • Yeovil's own Gloverscast match report noted, "Yeovil were absolutely put to the sword by some slick football there, York pulled Yeovil about all over the pitch
      • City played most of the game on cruise control but a bad Harrison Male first touch on 77 minutes briefly let Yeovil back into the game
      • Of City’s previous 38 permanent managerial appointments, since the first in 1928, 14 had 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
      • If City had been a little more clinical, the score could have been much bigger
      • YCFC match report
    6. 250909 TAMWORTH (H) W 4-0: City ran out comfortable winners after a goalless first half
      • 2 classy goals from Alex Hunt capped an impressive second half performance from City
      • Stuart Maynard became only the 4th City manager to win his first 2 games in charge
      • The good old BBC website still had Adam Hinshelwood as our manager
      • City lost some shape and focus in the 10 minutes between Joe Felix's substitution and the introduction of Ryan Fallowfield
      • YCFC match report
    7. 250913 BRAINTREE (A) W 3-2: Halifax again, 2 down and an injury tim winner
      • Whilst Chris Brass won his first 4 league games as City manager, throw in a League Cup defeat, his opening record was WLWWW. So Stuart Maynard became the first ever City manager to win his first 3 games in charge
      • It was another narrow pitch
      • Braintree's man to man marking caused City some problems
      • City went with a front 2 with Ollie Pearce deployed just behind Josh Stones. City stretched the play better when Josh Stones was substituted and Braintree tired
      • Alex Hunt scored one goal from a free kick and hit the post from another
      • Radio York summariser Mikey Morton noted "When they (Braintree) made the changes it weakened them, when York made the changes it strengthened them". Braintree named only 5 substitutes, deploying the second as the game went into injury time and 2 more after City took the lead
      • With Ollie Banks ruled out, Paddy McLaughlin was travelling 19th man ahead of Armstong and Aguiar
      • Alex Hunt was named in the National League Team Of The Week, but given his display agaist Tamworth, he was probably worthy of 2 spots. On loan keeper, Rory Watson was also included
      • City's away following of 336 fans was the biggest in the National League on the day and more than Stevenage took to Mansfield (D1) and at least 8 in D2. Read more
      • Later Stuart Maynard said that 6 or 7 of the players woke up on the morning of the match feeling under the weather with flu like symptoms
      • YCFC match report
    8. 250920 SOLIHULL MOORS (H) WDL 0-1: City suffer a late late sucker punch after dominating most of the game
      • City suffered a league defeat for the first time in 16 league games and Stuart Maynard's first defeat after starting his City career with 3 wins
      • After a one game 352 line up, City reverted to Stuart Maynard's 3421
      • In the first half, City played well but were continually let down by a poor final ball was poor, the second half was much the same. All in all, a dominant performance but with no cutting edge. Without an early goal, City couldn't turn dominance into control
      • For a team with a porous defence, Moors defended well and caught City with a late sucker punch. With 7 minutes of added time announced, Jacob Wakeling scored the winner 5 minutes into it, there was still time left for a Solihull red card. 2 of Moors substituted players ran down the touchline to celebrate, Dan Creaney was initially shown a red card following the goal celebrations before it was chalked off due to him not being on a yellow card, but the previously cautioned Ben Worman did receive his marching orders for 2 yellows
      • The day marked the 30th anniversary of City's 3-0 League Cup win away to Manchester United. City marked the occasion by inviting members of the side to the LNER with the players introduced on the pitch at half time. Sue Little, Alan's widow was the guest of honour. It was reported that just 3 players, Wayne Hall, Nicky Peverell and Glenn Naylor as well as Assistant Manager Derek Bell were present. Sue Little stole the show with some lovely stories about Alan and how much York City meant to him
      • On 70 minutes there was a stoppage of about 4 minutes when a back pedalling Harrison Male fell into the back of the net dislodging the goal net support from its behind goal support pole, the goal net collapsed and took ground staff about 4 minutes to effect a makeshift repair
      • Post match, Stuart Maynard noted Moors "low block" and his players became tired due to the amount of attacking they did with MFW's heat map suggesting he spent more time in Moors' final third than his own. He added City put in 50 (actually 59) crosses which showed we were performing well, unfortunately, none caused Moors any problems
      • Whilst the official attendance included 69 away fans, head counts suggested the number in the away end was about 25
      • YCFC match report
    9. 250923 CARLISLE (H) W 5-0: A totally dominant 90 minute performance
      • A MFW goal after 4 minutes allowed City to turn dominance into control, Carlisle's set up suited City down to the ground
      • It was as an excellent peformance with high energy levels, pace and quality. City quickly got men into the box and link up play was top notch
      • Before the game, Carlisle had conceded just 7 goals in their opening 10 games
      • Carlisle were backed by a bumper 1,527 away support, all standard tickets were sold with just a handful of accessible tickets remaining a week before kick off
      • Once again the electronic advertising hoardings were in place, apparently they add to York Knights ranking points in their bid for a Super League place
      • Ben Brookes become the 100th player to play for City at the LNER
      • YCFC match report
    10. 250927 FOREST GREEN ROVERS (A) D 1-1: A hard working point from a "thoroughly enjoyable" ( c ) - Stuart Maynard game
      • Ollie Pearce was named captain in place of the concussed Callum Howe
      • After a shaky start, City had the better of the first half, FGR made 2 changes at the break, took control and shaded the second half
      • "Free Palestine" was regularly displayed on the electronic advertising boards during the game
      • The game was moved to a 17:30 kick off for enhanced DAZN coverage
      • As September ends, the point saw FGR regain top spot which they'd lost earlier in the day when Rochdale won at Carlisle. City are 6th, 8 points behind Rochdale, both have 2 games in hand over FGR. Boreham Wood and Scunthorpe are possibly surprise top 6 clubs. Of the pre-seasosn promotion favourites, the managers at Southend (Kevin Maher) and Carlisle (Mark Hughes) might be considered to be under pressure
      • Mark Kitching was named in the Enterprise National League team of the week
      • YCFC match report
    11. 251001 SCUNTHORPE (H) L 1-3: Old failings came back to haunt City
      • A second defeat in 3 home games against a side who possibly started the season as relegation candidates who having won at Southend on the previous weekend gained another away win against a team who started the season amongst the promotion favourites
      • With Forest Green drawing and Rochdale losing, defeat was a missed opportunity to close the gap at the top
      • City started strongly but Scunthorpe weathered the first 15 minutes
      • Maybe Scunthorpe were one dimensional and old fashioned in style and approach, but with a strong midfield, they were well drilled and their 433 was effective. Strong and physical, but when the ball was played to their front 3, it stuck. Their high press stymied City
      • For City, we lacked dynamism, energy and bite in midfield and pace out wide
      • Joe Felix was subbed off for the 4th time in the last 6 games, with Joe Grey on the bench, he represented City’s most potent wing man as City have gone from interchanging out and out wingers to no proper wingers. Post match Maynard said that Grey wasn't fit enough to start
      • Despite some clever runs off the ball, Ollie Pearce wasn’t picked once out by the midfield whilst his game isn’t built on physicality
      • Another booking for Josh Stones means that he misses Saturday's game
      • YCFC match report
    12. 251004 HARTLEPOOL (A) W 2-1: Possibly an easier win than the score suggested
      • Moved to a 12:30 kick off at the request of Cleveland Police
      • City were allocated just 700 seats. On September 16, they went on sale to season ticket holders and there were plenty of reports of long queues and onerous / ponderous spreadsheet checks to confirm applicants as season ticket holders
      • City edged the open, end to end first half. Alex Newby deployed at left wing back for the first time by City linked up well with Greg Olley making his first start and was rewarded with a goal as the pair linked up well down the left. Ollie Pearce failed to make it 2 before the break when his penalty went over the bar, seemingly losing his footing as he was about to strike the ball
      • Surprisingly, going into the game with a mean defensive record this season, and even missing their injured star keeper and the ineligible Cam John, the home side were very open at the back
      • Equally, City were sometimes left open at the back, especially to a quick break with MFW's pace saving City on occasions, It should have been a more comfortable win than it was
      • For the first time this season, Alex Hunt was replaced on corner duties by Alex Newby and Hiram Boateng
      • After the previous 2 visits had seen a heavy police presence and many incidents, this time, the day passed off largely without incident despite the large police presence
      • Stones missed the game through suspension after receiving 5 yellow cards
      • YCFC match report
    13. 251011 ROCHDALE (FACQ4) (A) W 2-1: An Alex Newby brace gave a strong City side a win
      • The draw was made on Talksport's Hawksbee and Jacobs show and caused much consternation. The FA had published the ball numbers, but they made a late re-jig when one team was awarded a bye (Enfield over Quorn resulting in them moving to the southern section) and taking Solihulll Moors with them to maintain an even number of clubs in each section. Consequently, City's ball number changed from 12 to 11 but went unannounced so there was a bit of a shock when "11 York" was pulled out of "the bag". During the draw Chester were named immediately before their ball was drawn and the presenters joked about the sound effects of the "velvet bag". At least City avoided a northern section trip to Aveley in London
      • Despite both sides fielding strong sides (Fallowfield and Batty made their first starts of the season, otherwise, it was the "regular" side), it was a rather low key game with City largely on top and could / should have won more comfortably against the league leaders
      • One comment on a Rochdale forum suggested City were the best team they’ve faced this season, they admired our ability to change, to apply pressure and prevent them from taking a hold in the game. The general opinion was that they weren’t bad, City were better at game management
      • Alex Newby scored a spectacular first goal from outside the box
      • Hartlepool had expected Cam John to play in their FA Cup tie but were told at 4pm on the eve of the game that he couldn't
      • YCFC match report
    14. 251018 WEALDSTONE (H) W 4-0: Good in parts (mainly the attack)e
      • With Vangarde introducing new parking arrangements / charges at Monks Cross, there were plenty of reports of fans entering the ground late
      • It was an open game, City could possibly have scored more but some misplaced passes and less than ideal defending meant Wealdstone were in the game until on the hour when the 3rd goal went in
      • Wealdstone's team departed from their ground at 8:30 on the morning of the game
      • An Ollie Pearce saw him double his tally of goals from open play for the season
      • 2 up in 26 minutes, kicking towards the South Stand, the atmosphere was a little flat for such a comprehensive win. By the time Grey Olley and John Stones came on, the game was over, Wealdstone were happy to just proteect their goal difference and City had taken their foot off the pedbal meaning little opportunity for the pair to show their best
      • Ollie Pearce was named in the Enterprise National League Team of the Week
      • Elsewhere today, goals for (ex) City players included Tyler Cordner (AFC Totton), Lenell John-Lewis (Boston), Will Davies (Fleetwood), Lewis Richardson (Boreham Wood), Vadaine Oliver (Hartlepool) and Will Boyle (Shrewsbury). Add a Luke Waterfall own goal and Elliot Newby, Alex's twin who scored for Barrow
      • YCFC match report
    15. 251021 BOREHAM WOOD (H) D 2-2: Late equalisers in both halves saw City earn a point
      • The game went ahead as planned, with Boreham Wood elevated to the National League Cup (July 30) following Morecambe's suspension, they 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
      • City were a goal down after 100 seconds with City barely touching the ball in an end to end game with one noting it was like a game between 2 Kevin Keegan sides. City were defensively open, but both teams played their part in an entertaining game. Stuart Maynard, watching his language, said City conceded "2 rubbish goals"
      • Boreham Wood gave an assured and impressive performance, possibly the best side that City have come up against this season. That said, City were overall possibly the better side
      • Many felt Boreham Wood's #10 Abdul Abdulmalik was the best opponent seen at City for many years with his strong and direct running through central midfield
      • The draw saw City extend their perfect record against Boreham Wood, played 7, drawn 7. Against only the original Wimbledon (now known as MK Dons) have City played more games without a win
      • Again, City posed little threat from corners
      • The crowd was 5,193, including just 46 away fans. The home suppport was more than 500 less than the home average for the season, disappointing comeing just 3 days after a 4-0 home win
      • YCFC match report
    16. 251025 FC HALIFAX (A) D 1-1: If only City had taken more of their chances
      • Moved to a 12:30 kick off for normal (non enhanced) DAZN coverage
      • Once again City conceded a very early goal
      • Once again, Harrison Male's long kicking came under much scrutiny, his hurried poor clearance lead to FC Halifax's goal
      • One report stated City had 23 shots to Halifax's 5, it was representative of a game which City would have won comfortably if they'd converted dominance and chances into goals and also evidenced by the match highlights
      • Dan Batty was back to his best but Ollie Pearce again struggled in a system that doesn't play to his strengths
      • Afte Joe Felix was substituted, Joe Grey moved to right wing back, in an interview a few weeks earlier, Maynard had described his wing backs as “essentially wingers”
      • City had goals disallowed just before the break and after Pearce's late equaliser. Neither was a clear and obvious offside
      • YCFC match report
    17. 251101 BARNSLEY (FAC1) (A) WDL n-n: Headline
    18. 251105 GATESHEAD (H) WDL n-n: Headline
    19. 251108 EASTLEIGH (A) WDL n-n: Headline
    20. 251111 ROCHDALE (H) WDL n-n: Headline
    21. 251115 MORECAMBE (H) WDL n-n: Headline
    22. 251115 TBC (HA) WDL n-n: Headline
      • National League 3pm fixtures on Sat Nov 15 will kick off at 3.03pm to promote its campaign for #3UP. The League wants three rather than two promotion places into the EFL. NL also wants clubs across the country, as well as fan groups, players, managers, and politicians to try to persuade the EFL to end its opposition to 3 up. “Our 72 clubs – the majority of whom are over a century old and household names – simply won’t accept the current circumstances blocking them from parity and fairness with all the other professional teams in England,” says NL chair Jack Pearce.
      • x
      • x
      • x
      • x
      • x
      • x
      • x
      • x
      • TO DO YCFC match report
    23. 251122 XXXX (HA) WDL n-n: Headline
    24. x
    25. x
    26. x
    27. 251220 TRURO (H) WDL n-n: Headline
      • Selected for DAZN enahnced coverage with a 5:30pm kick off
      • x
      • x
      • x
      • x
      • x
      • x
      • TO DO YCFC match report
    28. 260425 ROCHDALE (A) WDL n-n: Last league game of season
    29. 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
    • 09/09/25: Stuart Maynard became only the 4th City manager (out of 39) to win his first 2 league games in charge
    • 13/09/25: Whilst Chris Brass won his first 4 league games as City manager, throw in a League Cup defeat, his opening record was WLWWW. So Stuart Maynard became the first ever City manager to win his first 3 games in charge
    • 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 and provided an assist to the assist for the opening goal on his debut a day after joining in the 3-1 away win at Blyth. Twice rounded the Heaton Stannington keper to score a first half brace in Brid's 3-1 away win (22/10/25). Mixed game time with Brid and City's academy side.
    • Darragh O'Connor Raith (Scottish Championship) (29/08/25 - Season loan)). .
    • Tyrese Sinclair Solihull Moors (National League (Tier 5) (24/10/25 - xx/01/26)). .
    • Paddy McLaughlin Darlington (National League North (Tier 6) (24/10/25 - 1ml)). .

      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 (Leisure United Downhill (Sunderland))

    3-2

    Day, OG, Roberts

    17/09/25

    NLFAU19N

    HARTLEPOOL UNITED

    H (Training Ground)

    0-2

    -

    24/09/25

    NLFAU19N

    FC HALIFAX TOWN

    H (Training Ground)

    1-3

    Greening

    02/10/25

    FAYC Q2

    Bradford PA

    HA (Horsfall Stadium)

    6-0

    Greening 3 (1p), Campbell, Kettlewell, Hewson

    16/10/25

    FAYC Q3

    Boro Rangers

    H (Mill Lane, Pickering)

    5-2

    Kydd 2, Farrar 2, Hewson

    22/10/25

    NLFAU19N

    GUISELEY

    H (Training Ground)

    0-2

    -

    30/10/25

    FAYC1

    STOCKPORT TOWN

    H (Mill Lane, Pickering)

    n-n

    -

    05/11/25

    NLFALNC1

    Chester

    A

    n-n

    12/11/25

    NLFAU19N

    GATESHEAD

    H

    n-n

    19/11/25

    NLFAU19N

    Altrincham

    A

    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

    17/09/25

    NLFAU19N

    Chester

    A

    n-n

    Postponed, Hartlepool (H) instead

    15/10/25

    NLFAU19N

    Blyth Spartans

    A

    n-n

    To be re-arranged, FAYC clash

    1. BOSTON (H) (03/Sep/25) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) W 3-2
      2 late goals saw City come from behind to win 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 65'), Binns (Campbell 86), Belleh ( c ), Baker, Beadle, Tweed (Kydd 75), Shaw (Roberts 75), Hewson (Russell 29), Greening, Day. Subs (Unused): -
    2. SOUTH SHIELDS (A) (10/Sep/25) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) W 3-2
      Despite goals from Donny Day and an own goal (Sutton Greening's shot from an acute angle was deflected in by the home keeper), City were twice pegged back as the teams went in level at half time. Jake Roberts lobbed the keeper for a second half City winner with an assist for Cam White City's keeper
      YCFC match report
      CITY (1-11): White; Newall, Binns, Belleh ( c ), Baker, Beadle, Tweed, Shaw, Hewson, Greening, Day. Subs (Usage Unknown): Kydd, Farrar, Russell, Roberts, Clarke.
    3. HARTLEPOOL (H) (17/Sep/25) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) L 0-2
      2 second half goals saw City fall to a first defeat of the season and Pools pick up their first points after 3 games
      YCFC match report
      CITY (1-11): White, Tweed, Beadle, Belleh ( c ), Baker, Clarke, Kydd (Campbell 60), Russell, Farrar, Greening (Roberts HT), Day (Hewson 70). Unused Subs: -.
    4. FC HALIFAX (H) (24/Sep/25) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) L 1-3
      After City equalised through a Sutton Greening goal, the visitors scored again to go into the break ahead. They scored a further goal in the second half
      YCFC match report
      CITY (1-11): White; Kydd (Campbell 70), Tweed, Belleh ( c ), Baker, Beadle, Roberts (Kettlewell 70), Shaw, Farrar (Hewson 64), Greening (Russell 61), Day. Subs (Only 4 named): -.
    5. BRADFORD PA (H) (01/Oct/25) (FA Youth Cup, 2nd Qualifying Round) W 6-0
      City's Under 18 side enjoyed a rare game under lights in their FA Youth Cup game with Bradford PA. Orginally drawn at home, City ceded home advantage.
      After Cam White saved an early penalty, a 6 minute Sutton Greening hat trick put City 3 up after 22 minutes. Goals in the last 10 minutes from Ed Campbell, Eddie Kettlewell and Tom Hewson gave City a comprehension 6-0 win.
      YCFC match report
      CITY (1-11): York City: White, Kydd, Beadle, Belleh ( c ), Shaw, Baker, Roberts (Kettlewell 80), Russell, B.Farrar (Hewson 64), Greening (Campbell 72), Day. Subs (Unused): Ozisik, Zubrickas, Hagan, Cofinas.
    6. BORO RANGERS (H) (16/Oct/25) (FA Youth Cup, 3rd Qualifying Round) W 5-2
      City hosted the Middlesbrough based side at Pickering Town's Mill Lane ground and recorded a 5-2 win thanks to goals from Michael Kydd (2), Ben Farrar (2) and Tom Hewson.
      YCFC match report
      CITY (1-11): York City: White, Kydd, Beadle (Hewson 80), Belleh ( C ), Shaw, Baker, Roberts (Kettlewell 63), Russell, Farrar (Newall 86), Greening (Campbell 65), Day (Binns 80). Subs (Unused): Zubrickas, Clarke.
      Att: 140
    7. GUISELEY (H) (22/Oct/25) (National League Youth Alliance League (North)) L 0-2
      City gave a debut to Ethan Stiver but went down 2-0 to Guiseley in a game that was originally scheduled for 3 weeks earlier but postponed due to City's FA Youth Cup commitments. 2 down at the break, City couldn't get back into the game.
      YCFC match report
      CITY (1-11): White, Kydd (Clarke 71), Binns, Belleh ( c ), Baker (Shaw 56), Newall, Stiver (Campbell 56), Russell, Hewson (Roberts 56), Kettlewell, Day. Sub (Unused): Zubrickas.
    8. XXX - TO COMPLETE - OCT 22 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxCKH xxxxxxxxxxxxxxCKH
    9. XXX - TO DO BELOW 29/10 onwards
    10. XXX - TO DO BELOW xxxxxxxxxxxxxxCKH xxxxxxxxxxxxxxCKH
    11. STOCKPORT TOWN (H) (30/Oct/25) (FA Youth Cup, Round 1) WDL n-n
      As Football League 1 and 2 clubs entered the competition, City hosted Stockport Town Football Club, a semi professional club based in Woodley, a town just outside of Stockport. They are currently members of the North West Counties League Premier Division, the 9th tier of English football. Nicknamed "the Lions", the club was founded in 2014 and their links with County extend to the same colours and main shirt sponsor. County's youth side team were drawn away to Fleetwood in this round of the FA Youth Cup.
      Stockport Town, having entered the competition at the earliest possible stage, had had 4 away wins (Warrington Town 5-0, Southport 7-0, Trafford 2-0 and Marine 2-1) to reach the first round proper
      TO DO YCFC match report
      CITY (1-11): York City: White, Kydd, Beadle (Hewson 80), Belleh ( C ), Shaw, Baker, Roberts (Kettlewell 63), Russell, Farrar (Newall 86), Greening (Campbell 65), Day (Binns 80). Subs (Unused): Zubrickas, Clarke.
      Att: nnn
    12. XXX - TO DO BELOW York City U18s will travel to Bradford Park Avenue in the Second Round Qualifying of the 2025/26 FA Youth Cup. After initially being drawn at home, the fixture has now been reversed and we will open our FA Youth Cup campaign at the Horsfall Stadium on Thursday 1st October, with a 7pm kick-off.
    13. XXX - TO DO BELOW
    14. XXX - TO DO BELOW
    15. 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: -.
    16. XXX - TO DO BELOW
    17. XXX - TO DO BELOW
    18. XXX - TO DO BELOW
    19. XXX - END GAME REVIEW SECTION
    20. 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

    Despite summer reports that City had paid a fee not to enter the 2025/6 North Riding (CLS Sports) Senior County Cup they entered the competition at the Round 2 (Last 16) stage and were drawn away to Yarm & Eaglesciffe with tie to be played by November 28. The tie is due to be played om November 26. They play home games at Billingham Town ground apparently.

    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
      On September 19, City issued a statement to say the North Yorkshire Police had found no evidence to support a claim of racial abuse
      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.