York City FC - YCFC - York City South - YCS: York City 2026/7 Season Preview / Review

Season - Preview

Season Tickets On March 30, 2026/7 season ticket prices were announced, all showed an increase with an earlier early bird cut off (May 1). On April 2, City announced details of 2026/7 season ticket prices. On April 30, the early bird discount was extended to May 4

On March 30, 2026, "3,600+" 2025/6 season ticket sales were confirmed, a club record

On 10/Apr/2026, it was reported that 1,800 had already sold for the new season, well up on a year earlier

On 14/Apr/2026, City reported over 2,200 sold

On 28/Apr/2026, City reported over 4,300 sold

On 30/Apr/2026, City reported over 4,500 sold

On 08/May/2026, City reported over 5,200 sold and that they would go "off sale" a day later to allow the remaining seats to be sold on a match day basis. "off line" at 5pm a day later and a waiting list would be opened, a first for City season ticket sales

TO DO TO DO Season Ticket Sales (YCFC)

Kit: Pre-season, City announced 3 new kits for the season, in red, yellow and Inter Milan blue / black stripes. The Inter Milan kit received more support than the main 2 kits. Released on 3 separate days, the 3^rd coincided with am executive circle kit launch event.

3rd kit (YCFC)

Open Day No open day was held, although there was an open training session during City's week in Benidorm.

Geography A return to the EFL saw City's fixture list lose its strong south eastern bias in favour of a wider geographc spread with a predominance of teams in the north west whilst the southern teams were spread more westwards, including Exeter, Bristol Rovers and Newport. The most "local" derbies were Rotherham, Chesterfield and Grimsby. Away Day guide.

Matt Uggla's "annual statement" Speaking on York Hospital Ball. (May 2026), Matt Uggla indicated a more measured approach to City's progression and having learned lessons from his early days.

Constantly wants to improve in certain areas

Taking a more measured approach to recruitment where he noted how City already have a list of players he believes will add value and he noted how Morgan Williams had already been identified before Malachi Fagan-Walcott's injury. Ditto the next manager with 5 names in the frame

One particular area he noted at length was on the physicality side of things which gave some clues about summer 2026 recruitment

Matt does a lot of the footballing stuff, think of him more like Technical Director / Director of Football and Julie-Anne keeps us running as a business.

Said Hinshelwood wanted a load of 5’ 6’’ tall technical players. “Imagine if we’d signed them” and wasn't at all impressed his opinion of Ollie Banks. He muttered a few negatives about Hinsh throughout the chat

Hinsh wasn't happy with the summer 2025 signings. Equally interesting that Matt thinks that the model of the manager doing everything (including player recruitment) is dead in the Football League

Went to Stuart Maynard before the Barnsley game and said if he didn't play Josh Stones that he'd loan him to Hartlepool because his market value was plummeting. Maynard might dispute this request

Mentioned Dipo Akinyemi a couple of times and said he wanted regular first team football

Confident if they were sold, City would get 3 times what was paid for Josh Stones and 4 times what was paid for Malachi Fagan-Walcott

Named Boateng as his best 2025 summer signing and felt Kitch had exceeded all his expectations

Was unhappy with our defensive and offensive set pieces over the season

The ground situation was also at the forefront of his mind.

Form Guide A new division brings new teams and new challenges, however as with every league, there are a few real contenders and a lot of dross with many teams able to beat any other team on their day. League 2 brings squad cost management protocol (aka PSR and FFP) and much more central funding. In League 2, TV money is worth about £1.2m (£12m in the Championship and £1.8m in League 1) plus other central funding making approaching £2m a year distributed to every League 2 club. In the scheme of things, TV apearance money (big cup games excluded) is minimal and prize money is non existent. On the pitch success will drive bigeer gates and maybe more TV opportunities. The higher up the pyramid, the easier it is for a club to find its own sponsorship. Conversely, the higher up the pyramid, the bigger the outgoings.

Fixtures (2026/7) (YCFC)

Well, this is a difficult one after previewing National League seasons for several years. Whilst familiar names, it is many years since we played many of them.

In League 2, each club comes with plenty of central funding and “proper” professional set ups, some more so than others. Like in many leagues, a far few clubs will start the season with a new manager, others will start the season with virtually a whole new team. Anecdotally, League 2 sides are bigger and the football more physical than National League. It all adds to the complexity of predicting the outcome.

Initially, even the bookmakers struggled to agree on a favourite. Initially, across the different odds provider, you could get at around 9/1 (or more) on any team, slightly more on most if you looked across the markets, whilst the shortest odds were 17/2 offered by one bookie on Chesterfield. The shorter odds were generally available on last season’s play off sides, teams with good late season form and a couple of last season’s relegated clubs. City were generally priced just off the pace at 11/1 or 12/1. As the summer progressed, Salford shortened to about 4/1 clear favourites followed by Bristol Rovers, Barnet, Chesterfield, Port Vale and at around 11/1 City.

By early August, Salford had moved to about 6/1 favourites followed by Bristol Rovers (8/1), Barnet (9/1), Chesterfield (10/1), Port Vale (10/1), City (11/1) and Grimsby (12/1). City's odds holding steady after the sacking of Maynard.

Going up with City, Rochdale, might struggle around lower mid table, more so since Jim McNulty left, despite their funding, it could be said they were punching above their weight last season and might be in a for a long season.

Last season, about one third of the division circled around the drop zone. Expect them (Accrington Stanley, Gillingham, Cheltenham, Shrewsbury, Newport (not helped by manager Christian Fuchs resigning on the eve of pre season training), Tranmere and Crawley) to be down there again. Fleetwood, another non traditional Football League side may well join them in the dogfight to avoid the trap door. Of those, Shrewsbury might do best, expect to see a second season back in League 2 improvement from them whilst Gillingham always threaten big things but generally fail to deliver. Cheltenham and Newport might be in the biggest danger and joining them in the drop zone might be relegated Exeter, fan owned, the club seems to be in a desperate ongoing financial battle and struggling to finance new signings. Losing established manager Gary Caldwell in March, if anyone is to follow Carlisle and Morecambe as experiencing successive relegations to find themselves in the National League, it is Exeter.

None of the other 3 relegated clubs (Port Vale, Rotherham and Northampton) will find it easier under new management teams, top half is the best they can hope for. Given their late appointment (and wider financial considerations), Rotherham may struggle the most. From the teams who hoped to replace them in League 1, Chesterfield and Grimsby seem best placed to have a good season whilst at one stage, Salford’s star appeared to be on the wane until they spent decent money on strengthening under a new manager, Australian Peter Cklamovski in his first spell in European football.

Grimsby after a couple of good seasons always seem to get their recruitment spot on so might be best placed to top the table come the end of the season. Whisper it quietly, but Barnet seem to be a steady club might improve considerably on last season’s finish just outside the play off spots (as long as they don't lose too many more of last season's side).

I’ll group Oldham, Walsall, Bristol Rovers and Swindon together. All are “proper FL sides” who will want to improve on last season’s finish. A year ago, on the basis of a strong finish to the 2024/5 season, Swindon, under Ian Holloway were a top tip for promotion, but never really challenged, I can only see them regressing this time and Bristol Rovers under Steve Evans, share a similar profile (and suffer the same fate). Walsall and Oldham might be in for more mid season mediocrity.

Crewe are another mid table side whilst who knows what might happen at Colchester. Talk of a takeover seems to have gone quiet but with the Cowley brothers in charge they might be contenders.

As I write this in the first week in June, it is still over 2 months before the start of the league season. That leaves plenty of time for new signings and outgoings to make a difference. Any side that losses a star player might struggle whilst any side that recruits well, especially in the loan market, might get a boost.

For what its worth, read The Guardian's pre-season review, whilst When Saturday Comes had us 6^th and The Racing Post one better in 5^th.

The Squad

Squad numbers (2026/7) (YCFC)

City returned for pre-season training on June 29 when the core of the 2026/7 squad was in place. City's preparations were disrupted when they returned to find the training ground had "sunk" following summer remedial drainage works to address waterlogging issues. Ground staff tweeted taking receipt of 30 tons of sand to help to addres the issues. Expected to be out of action until September, training was re-located to York University's 3G pitches and Queen Ethelburga's School (Great Ouseburn), an independent school in Thorpe Underwood, near Little Ouseburn. On July 12, Julie-Anne and Matt Uggla tweeted to say they hope to have the training ground ready by the end of September and they have “an excellent backup plan in place”.

City returned from Spain on July 25 and the following morning, rumours of Stuart Maynard's demise surfaced, later reports suggested they had started to circulate about 10 days earlier, even later reports suggested that Scott Lindsey had been first contacted in early June. They were confirmed by a City tweet that afternoon. The official club statement of his dismissal and that of Scott Lindsey's arrival came the following day, for Lindsey a "Head Coach" designation. YCST noted that neither Trust board member knew of the decision before it was made public, indeed, others suggested none of the other YCFC board members were consulted of the departure in advance. It was later reported that the sacking came as a surprise to players and back room staff, none of whom had any inkling of it when in Spain. Within hours, some fans were requesting (and receiving) season ticket refunds. No club announcement was made concerning Joao Alves, but he was never seem again. Finally, Talksport's take. The optimism balloon built up from last season's success, record season ticket sales, record shirt sales and the Spain trip popped with a single action. Even the New York Times had its say.

Spain trip (YCFC)

From last season, City lost 2 regulars, Malachi Fagan-Walcott for a club record fee to Hearts and Harrison Male who was released.

Matt Uggla indicated that a number of deals had been tied up early. Mark Shelton (Barnet) was an early signing and was described by Sameoldcity as "Forrest Gump with added goals". He was followed by Frankie Maguire (Boston) and Dipo Akinyemi, returning from Derry, it seems that each of his 3 transfers involving City were, whilst officially “undisclosed”, for progressively lower fees amid some sort of falling out / internal club explosion at Derry. Matt Uggla had indicated Akinyemi had “unfinished business” with City during his May YHB interview.

On June 26, the Friday before pre-season training started, 6 signings were announced. Scholars Ben Farrar and Ethan Stiver signed their first professional contracts and were followed by Zech Medley, Arthur Read, Charlie McArthur, and Zak Johnson.

Johnson return for a fee after Sunderland triggered an extension whilst Read turned down a contract extension from Colchester to join City as did Maguire at Boston, being under 24, it is expected that City will need to agree a compensation fee with Boston.

In his joining interview McArthur suggested that he’d first heard of interest about a week before he signed which might suggest he is viewed as Callum Howe’s replacement in the squad.

Unlike some previous times, details of signings were barely leaked. It is believed that City got most of their summer targets.

An outside view of our summer recruitment seemed way out.

As pre-season training started, there was not much sign of a real influx of “development team” / under 21 players.

City’s pre-season was badly disrupted, the sacking of Stuart Maynard, training ground issues and injuries included
City went into the new season (as at August 9) with 29 professionals, including 2 first year professionals but excluding Ollie Belleh, a year 2 scholars who signed pro contracts in the summer. The season will see City‘s squad restricted by size and transfer windows, there will be no opportunities for reinforcements outside the 2 transfers windows, no chance for loans to cover for injuries, so summer recruitment needs to be spot on. Given squad cap rules, 2 players are surplus to requirements. A 22 man squad, keepers (McNally and GSK) and under 21 players (McArthur, Farrar and Stiver) are excluded
The summer signings saw a number of left sided defenders arrive, initial thoughts suggested Mark Kitching was earmarked for the left wing back role, but the arrival of Harry Boyes for an assumed £300,000 fee suggested otherwise. Of the new signings, Zach Medley had flashes at left centre back, maybe more going forward as he was exposed defensively Crawley
Midfielders Arthur Read and Mark Shelton enjoyed contrasting pre-seasons, Read impressing whilst Shelton seemed to struggle with injury niggles. With Hiram Boateng out until September, at least one midfield berth is up for grabs
Read was included in last season’s League 2 team of the season whilst Shelton’s departure from Barnet surprised many locals. Medley finished last season on loan at League 2 champions Bromley and Maguire is a player who always impressed against City when playing for Bradford PA and latterly Boston.
Read, Medley and Shelton have strong data to support their recruitment whilst most, if not all of the signings, had strong support amongst the fans of the clubs they played for previously
Veteran Jack Hunt surprised a few with some of his work against Crawley whilst Dipo Akinyemi did nothing in the same game to suggest he will be no more than an impact substitute when City have a fully fit squad, however, with Josh Stones struggling with a spine injury, he might see more game time than many expected. Young Ben Farrar also impressed up front with his strengthen and attitude. In terms of summer business, up front seemed the least active
In goal, loanee Alfie McNally seemed to be a very late arrival
3 players (Akinyemi, Medley and McArthur) arrived having had a series of niggling injuries or a long term injury in their career, so it remains to be seen how City’s medical department ensures there is no repeat
Recent years have stressed the importance of a good pre-season, generally it hasn’t been good for City, especially for Stones (with new record breaking 5 year contract signed) and Boateng, so it remains to be seen how quickly they can catch up
Of City’s contracted professional, the stock of Greg Olley and Joe Felix rose. Olley after a difficult season in which he missed a lot of pre-season recovering from his Gateshead leg break and Felix, it transpired over the summer, had been managing a foot injury all season before succumbing to it in mid season
Given the signings, we appear well stocked in central defence and midfield, with a keeper to come we’re possibly slow in strengthening in the wing back and goal scoring roles
The arrival of Scott Lindsey also adds another dimension to the side and how he sees players. Against Crawley, his decision to move Ollie Banks into a defensive midfield role surprised many .

For what its worth, EA Sports' ratings of City's squad.

On September 8, a week after the transfer window closed, the EFL announced the 22 man squads (see page 164 for City). City named a 21 man squad, including Ben Farrar along with 3 Under 21 qualified players (Zak Johnson, Charlie McArthur and Ethan Stiver). That left one vacant place, which could be filled by a free agent or one of the 2 players (Ash Palmer and Ben Brookes) omitted from the initial squad. Within days, Brookes joined Sutton on loan and Palmer was added to the squad when Morgan Williams suffered a medium term foot injury. The squad restriction to EFL league games only.

Ollie Belleh (Palm Sports Management)

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

XXXX FROM HERE

The season, so far, so good:

Words / Comments / Players:

11/Sep/2026: Harry Boyes named as EFL L2 player of the month (August) with Scott Lindsey a nominee for the manager award won by Barnet's Dean Brennan. Read More.

xxxx

xxxx4

Words / Comments / Team:

Lindsey derided for his comments on playing Banks in DMC role against Crawley based on observations from several years earlier

Banks excelled in DMC role

Formation saw the 2 AMC in more narrow roles in which Joe Grey and Alex Newby both excelled, playing best football of City careers in early seasonx

Much improved between Crawley and Bristol Rovers with Harry Boyes and Alex Newby looking strong on the left

Early season injuries, 6 out v Rotherham

Akinyemi / Johnson subbed off afte starting games with niggles

L2 teams seem more athletic (quicker, stronger and have more stamina) but more no physical than NL sides. Often this manifested itself as a quicker and more direct style with a better level of press and more tenacity. Few teams came to City to sit back and defend

Lindsey is more Hinshball in style, wanting to move the ball forward quickly, be more direct, whereas Maynard was more patient, passing the ball. Early season, someone noted City's average time in possession was under 5 seconds, similar to Hinsh, but much less than the 13 seconds under Maynard who wanted to retain possession and wear teams down, although arguably to retain possession and conserve energy when in front.

Taking longer to "win" games, last season many over after 45 / 60 minutes chance to rotate early to avoid tiredness reduce the load on the starters and keep 16 players match sharp

Still missing a lot of chances

More teams pressing better and longer meaning more tiredness

YCFC match report
Players
Pearce much unseen off the ball work to add to his steady goals / assists return always buzzing, behind many chances, doesn't allow defenders a chance to rest, tehy need to concentrate all the time, his buzzing around means many gaps open up as a direct result of him, stretching defenses, constantly making the right runs, working really hard and always popping up in the right place
Tactics
x.

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:

Sadly as ever, during the season, City lost a number of well known personalities, including former managers xxx (xx/xx/2026) and xxxt (dd/mmm/2026), former players Quevin Castro (22/Aug/2026), David McDermott (02/Sep/2026), xxxx x (31/Oct/2026)), yyyyy (dd/mm/20yy) and player (dd/mmm/yyyy) and supporters (Anthony "Joe" Brown (10/Aug/2026), Luta Hutchinson (12/Aug/2026), Peter Usher (27?/Aug/2026), Richard Snowball (17/Sep/2026), xxxxxxxx xxxxxx (19/Sep/26), xxx xxxxxxxx (23/Oct/26), xxxxx xxxxxxx (14/Nov/26), xxxxxx xxx (2026, VP), xxxx xxx (05/Jan/27), xxx xxxx (11/Jan/27), xxxx xxs (21/Feb/27)) and and xxxxxx xxxx (dd/mmm/yy)). and xxxxxx xxxx (dd/mmm/yy)). and xxxxxx xxxx (dd/mmm/yy)).

On the club and commercial front:

TO DO 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

27/Jun/2026: Chris Hames appointed as the new City Women’s Head Coach

03/Jul/2026: City extend Britcab partnership

17/Jul/2026: City launch a dog waste bag holder

21/Jul/2026: City announce Speed Quizzing as new back of shirt sponsor for both away and third kits

21/Jul/2026: City announce Nuffield Health York Hospital as North Stand sponsor

23/Jul/2026: The Archbishop Of York visits City's Foundation at the LNER

10/Aug/2026: Tickets for Rotherham, the first away game of the season go on sale and the announcement comes with the birth of a loyalty points scheme

19/Aug/2026: City announce Specsavers York & Vangarde as new sponsors for the 2026/7 season

21/Aug/2026: After a presence at York's 2024 Christmas market, City announce their first "ever" York city centre pop up store in partnership with Fenwick York opening on August 27 with Ollie Pearce in attendance. Quickly fans recalled a similar 1990s venture at the back of Birthdays (Coney Street) and one around a decade later at the Tourist Information Centre

25/Aug/2026: City announce Pepe's Piri Piri as a new sponsor

25/Aug/2026: City extend Bo Concept partnership

25/Aug/2026: Junnior Reds membership launched

26/Aug/2026: New YCFC web site launched using the same URL as the previous one, it offered online match commentary

31/Aug/2026: City announce a continuation of their partnership with Sam Turner & Son/ Stihl

01/Sep/2026: City announce Harrison Signs partnership continues

04/Sep/2026: City launch a touring roadshow around the York area starting at Theatre@41 (Monkgate) on September 29. Over the season, 2 events will incorporate official fans' forums

01/Sep/2026: City announce a continuation of their partnership with Asbestos Management Company

16/Sep/2026: City announce a continuation of their partnership with Nuffield Health

17/Sep/2026: City announce a continuation of their partnership with Excel Timber

24/Sep/2026: City announce a continuation of their back of the shirt partnership with 3Active

30/Sep/2026: FSC Commercial joins City's partner roster

10/Mar/2026:

22/Jan/2026: x

02/Feb/2026: x

10/Mar/2026:

31/Mar/2026:

dd/mmm/2025:

dd/mmm/2025: New colour per month

dd/mmm/2025:

Elsewhere:

In September, x

September 19: Tx

2026/7 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)

260803 CRAWLEY (H) - Carabao Cup (Preliminary Round) L 0-2: A lack lustre defeat in Scott Lindsey's first game in charge
- Pre match, Scott Lindsey indicated he needed to get minutes it some players’ legs, the game felt like an extension of pre-season
- Lining up in a 3421 formation, it looked a similar set up to Stuart Maynard, Ollie Banks was deployed in a much more defensive midfield and the wing backs played higher. From last season, Male, Stones, Kitching and Fagan-Walcott were absent
- Crawley’ first goal came they found oceans of space behind City’s wing backs with Zech Medley’s positional sense questioned
- Medley was voted MOTM, more for his attacking forays although Jack Hunt was possibly a strong candidate
- Crawley’s second goal came as the first ”Stuart Maynard’s Barmy Army” chants were heard as they were awarded a penalty which was converted to seal the win
- Post match, Scott Lindsey went straight down the tunnel without acknowledging the supporters. His PMI was of variable quality, a bit tetchy and he said that the players had not been allowed to undertake media duties
- Post match there were a suggestions of a game against Leeds Under 21s on Saturday, it transpired City played Manchester United's Under 21 side at Carrington and that City won a 70 minute game by 3-0 fielding different sides in each half
- Again, Lindsey repeated mis belief of squad number rules, believing City were now one over (when actually 2) and didn't seem clear on the number of substitute blocks allowed
- It was City’s first goal free performance since Solihull Moors last September
- Crawley, who survived on the last day of last season were largely in control and pressed far better than City
- YCFC match report
260815 BRISTOL ROVERS (H) W 3-2: An encouraging opening day win against one of the promotion favourites
- In the run up to the game, Ryan Fallowfield was named club captain and Ollie Pearce vice captain
- City's EFL L2 season started with a game that was announced as sold out on the Tuesday before kick off. The attendance was a sold out 8,156 (876 away fans), only bettered by Oldham’s 9,449 crowd against Port Vale in League 2
- Post match Red and Blue user Slightbreeze (also a YCST board member) noted, after a discussion with SMC, "at the game, there were actually less than 7K in the stadium despite sales of over 8K and a ‘sell out’. That’s a very large % differential (yes I know holidays, bunching of people standing in the South Stand, lack of a resale scheme etc, indeed if anything supports the case for the latter, it’s that data). This is a common gap too. Indeed, there have been, I was told, only 3 occasions where there have physically been more than 7K at YCFC fixtures".
- City’s return to the EFL, strangely against Bristol Rovers, who were the last team to visit York in the EFL in 2016, saw an entertaining game. Possession wise, City dominated, but were never comfortable. Bristol Rovers didn’t live up to the hype built up around their strong end to last season
- City fielded 3 EFL debutants (McNally, Felix and Pearce)
- It was a composed City performance, strong possession stats and good movement, always looking to get the ball forward. Many teams will struggle to live with a City side playing like that. In some ways, a very Maynard performance, no panic, pass teams to death and show good game management. Maybe the wing backs were higher and 10s (8s) narrower with Mark Kitching and Morgan Williams continuing to make the forward runs from the back
- Collectively, the back 5 looked more assured than against Crawley, albeit still a little susceptible to the quick break
- A little more cutting edge and it might have been a near perfect performance
- 2 goals from debutant Harry Boyes saw him named man of the match and he added much to City’s left hand side. There were strong performances across the side, Zak Johnson, Ollie Banks in a deep midfield role and Alex Newby playing as a number 10 included. Some felt Dipo Akinyemi’s withdrawal with a strain after 40 minutes and the introduction of Newby was the catalyst for City coming back from a goal behind.
- As well as 3 goals, City had 2 strong penalty appeals turned down and Rovers’ penalty was considered soft, very soft, by many although Boyes did admit that he gave their player a slight nudge
- Alex Hunt and Ollie Banks largely controlled the game from deep midfield
- The right hand side triumvirate (Joe Felix, Banks and Joe Grey) looked sharp, energetic and incisive. Felix was back to his “best”, a bundle of energy, always available and spraying plenty of long passes, some didn’t work and at times gave away possession too cheaply
- On the left, Newby looked much more comfortable higher up the pitch alongside Boyes
- Julie-Anne Uggla was spotted pre-match in the club shop happily chatting to supporters and was on the pitch at the end, maybe even shedding a small tear of joy. Matt Uggla was not to be seen
- City's much vaunted new web site wasn't up and running so, again there was no internet radio commentary
- YCFC match report
260822 ROTHERHAM (A) D 1-1: Rinse, repeat
- City's allocation (reportedly 2,295) went on sale to season ticket holders 2 Mondays before the game and were opened to non season ticket holders a week later, all tickets were sold out by the end of that day, a 7^th successive "sell out" game for City supporters. A further block (350) went on sale a day later. The final total was 2,479, the highest ever recorded figure for a City away league following, such figures were generally not recorded until the mid 1990s and anecdotally, report suggest more might have followed City to the likes of Accrington (1955) and Hull (various). Given the away end contained even more seats, it cannot be considered a full sell out
- Going behind to a set piece goal, City largely dominated the game (and the stats) to earn a well deserved point with a goal diasllowed and Rotherham making 2 goal line clearances
- Ollie Pearce had a goal disallowed for offside, it was a very marginal decision, as evidenced by Ollie Pearce's full on celebration before he realised
- However, City faded towards the end, Rotherham's substitutions added more than City's did with City losing 2 defenders due to injury
- For a second successive game, a City player (Dipo Akinyemi and Zak Johnson) went into a game carrying a niggle and had to be replaced before half time
- Matt Uggla was present at a City game for the first time this season
- Post match, Scott Lindsey described Joe Grey's performance as Maradona like
- BBC match report
260829 EXETER (H) W 2-1: Despite a late consolation goal it was a comfortable win
- Exeter left 2 players (Jayden Wareham and Luca Woodhouse) at home ahead of their expected moves before Tuesday's transfer deadline day and had 3 teenagers on the bench
- City had over 2 thirds of the possession, but failed to convert a number of chances, Exeter had more touche in City's penalty area than City did in Exeter's box
- Jovan Malcolm became the 114^th City player to score on his City debut
- The win left City 3^rd in the table, one of 5 teams setting the pace with 7 points from 3 games
- On 25 minutes, there was a minute's applause to honour Quevin Castro, aged 25, who died after collapsing during a game a week earlier
- Matt Uggla was in attendance, believed to be his first home game of the season
- On a day off, the editor of Arsenal's Gooner fanzine took in the game to re-establish his 92 club membership
- YCFC match report
260901 CHELTENHAM (A) L 2-3: Defensive shortcomings punished
- It was a sloppy performance which highlighted defensive frailties, a needless penalty, slow to react to a quick throw in and Arthur Read being dispossessed with his back to goal which allowed a clear run on goal and a shot which Alfie McNally might have felt he could have done better
- City’s last 3 defeats have been 3-2 away defeats on a Tuesday night suggested some players might struggle to play twice in a week
- Still City 63% possession, had 20 shots (v 13) and had 28 touches in their box (v 19), but lost out heavily in aerial duels (67% / 33%) whilst the quality of passing wasn’t up to high recent standards
- Once again, City didn’t turn dominance and possession into goals and a result
- Cheltenham were no world beaters but pressed well throughout the game
- Given the strong start and performance at Rotherham, it is not too unreasonable to suggest that City could have taken all 12 points from the opening 4 games. Conversely, despite dominating possession in all 4 games, City have conceded 7 goals in 4 games
- City took 619 fans to the game (15.8% of the attendance), the previous time (an early November Saturday in 2014) City visited the EV Charger Points Stadium (or Whaddon Road to give it its proper name), City took just 267 (10.8%) fans
- YCFC match report
260905 CREWE (A) D 1-1: Both sides might rue not taking all 3 points
- With the transfer window closed, it was the first game in which City's squad was restricted by squad size caps. City had 22 players to "fit" into the 22 man squad and that would mean a "club developed" player (presumably either Ben Farrar or Ethan Stiver), from outside the 22, in the matchday squad. With no "club developed" player in the Crewe 18, presumably City had omitted one of the 22 from the 22 and included a youngster in the 22
- After Scott Lindsey commented on the side looking "leggy" at Cheltenham, it was slightly surprising to see an unchanged side team (and bench)
- Crewe took an early lead from a corner, City were largely outplayed in the first 20 minutes, at times resorting to the long ball, growing into the game as Crewe's strong and frenetic early press faded. City equalised just before the break, a well worked Boyes / Pearce / Newby combination was behind the goal
- After the break, possibly the better chances fell to City
- YCFC match report
260912 SWINDON (H) W 4-0: An impervious performance
- An exhilarating first half and an almost equally good second half. At times, City looked 2 divisions above Swindon
- On his return from injury, Zak Johnson stood out in City's win whilst 2 Alex Newby goals took his total to 6 for the season
- It was a 12^th consecutive home league win. The club record is 14 set in 1965
- 2 City players (Newby and Banks) were named in the EFL Team Of The Week with Pearce and King also making the L2 team
- With the rugby league season over, the pitchside electronic hoardings were absent
- It was the 45^th consecutive league game in which City had scored
- YCFC match report
260915 NEWCASTLE UNDER 21 (EFL Trophy - North Group C) (H) L 1-3: Work out for some stiffs and kids
- Competition rules necessitated a line up of a number of "qualifying players", effectively "regular" first teamers or experienced professionals and allied to the last game starting line up. City fielded 11 professionals with a debut for Ethan Siver and to get around the regulations. Ben Farrar was a 44 second for Ollie Pearce (who was selected, ahead of other senior players, to play as he lives in York). City's bench consisted of 7 academy players, including Luka Ozisik, a year one scholar became City's second youngest ever player. Ozisik was the 100^th City player to graduate from the intermediate / academy side since 1968
- Newcastle fielded a very young side, including a 16 year old in goal and some 17 years olds
- City had a strong first half good but were not clinical enough
- Arthur Read, Ethan Stiver (strong first half in CM role, less impact when moved to the RHS) and Ben Farrar (named MoTM) were amongst City's better performers on the night
- Ash Palmer, George Sykes-Kenworthy and Charlie MacArthur largely failed to impress on rare first team starts
- No Craig Hewitt, presumably injured
- City won most of the match stats (except the one that counts) with 66.5% possession, 17 shots (v7), 6 shots on target (v3) and 26 (v10) touches in the opponents' penalty area
- YCFC match report
260919 CHESTERFIELD (A) L 0-2: A game of two halves
- City's initial ticket allocation was sold out by September 12^th
- It was a disapppointing performance with the home side hitting the woodwork on 3 further occasions with City barely mustering a shot after the break
- City dominated the first half but once again didn't take their chances
- Scott Lindsey described the second half performance as "terrible", adding phrases like "second best", the "press wasn't aggressive enough", the defence "wasn't aggresive enough", "not clinical in front of goal" and "looked tired, opposition took the energy out of us". With Chesterfield pressing well, at times City were sloppy playing out from the back
- The goalless performance brought to an end City's club record of scoring in 45 consecutive games
- YCFC match report
260922 ROTHERHAM (Jersey Mike's (EFL) Trophy - North Group C) (H) D 1-1 (Lost 4-5 penalties): Penalty defeat for City's second string
- Since last week's game, the competition had been renamed the Jersey Mike’s Trophy after one of America’s fastest growing sandwich restaurant brands which opened its first UK restaurant this autumn in London's Argyll Street (Oxford Circus) in autumn 2026. The 5 year deal saw £900,000 in prize money this season (up from £800,000) with £100,000 for the winners and £10,000 for each group stage win.
- The game went straight to penalties after 90 minutes
- At the North Stand end, City went first. In order, Read, Mullin, Akinyemi, Fitzgerald, Stiver, Rafferty, Malcolm (missed, hit right post), Hall, Farrar and Buyabu took the spot kicks
- As penalty winners, Rotherham took 2 points and City one
- YCFC match report
*********** TO DO BELOW ******************
*********** TO DO BELOW ******************
TO DO
260926 GILLINGHAM (H) W 3-0: Another very comfortable home win
- On September 23, the game was announced as sold out. The crowd was 8,268 (including 885 away fans), a ground record for a City game
- It was another strong and dominate performance against a highly rated side who came into the game with 3 straight wins. With a number of missed chances and 2 shots onto the woodqwork, maybe 1-0 flattered the visitors at the break
- As with the Swindon game, the visitors had a man sent off mid way through the second half and City made them pay with 2 late goals
- x
- x
- It was a 13^th consecutive home league win. The club record is 14 set in 1965
- The game left City with 14 points from 8 games, one point behind the top 3 with just 3 points separating the top 9. For City, 7 (of the 8) opponents to date were in the
- Alex Hunt was named man of the match
- YCFC match report
261010 NORTHAMPTON (H) WDL n-n: Summary
- On September 21, it was announced that City's ticket allocation had sold out
- x
- TO DO YCFC match report
261017 NEWPORT (A) WDL n-n: Summary
- x
- x
- TO DO YCFC match report
261020 ACCRINGTON (H) WDL n-n: Summary
- x
- x
- TO DO YCFC match report
261024 PORT VALE (H) WDL n-n: Summary
- x
- x
- TO DO YCFC match report
261027 BARNET (A) WDL n-n: Summary
- On September 14, City announced that the game was postponed due to (Barnet's) international call ups. It was rearranged for Tuesday October 27
- x
- TO DO YCFC match report
261031 GRIMSBY (A) WDL n-n: Summary
- x
- x
- TO DO YCFC match report
26111070707 XXXXXXXXXX (FA Cup Round 1) (H) WDL n-n: Summary
- x
- x
- TO DO YCFC match report
26111010101010 BRADFORD C (EFL Trophy - North Group C) (A) WDL n-n: Summary
- x
- x
- TO DO YCFC match report
261114 ROCHDALE (H) WDL n-n: Summary
- x
- x
- TO DO YCFC match report
260730: Announced away games at Grimsby and Tranmere now 12.30 Saturday kick-offs on Sky

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

2026/7 Lineups (last updated 30/Aug/2026)

Watch all the season's highlights

Historic league tables: Enter a date to see the league table on that date

Current league table

Current 67form table

Same Old City's stats (points and appearances)

A new YCFC site

UPDATE League Attendances

TO UPDATE

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 2026/7 season got off to a record breaking start ....

15/08/26: City v Bristol Rovers, a 3^rd successive sold out City home game and a 6^th successive sold out game for City fans

22/08/26: City's allocation (reportedly 2,295) went on sale to season ticket holders 2 Mondays before the game and were opened to non season ticket holders a week later, all tickets were sold out by the end of that day, a 7^th successive "sell out" game for City supporters. A further block (350) went on sale a day later. The final total was 2,479, the highest ever recorded figure for a City away league following, such figures were generally not recorded until the mid 1990s and anecdotally, report suggest more might have followed City to the likes of Accrington (1955) and Hull (various). Given the away end contained even more seats, it cannot be considered a full sell out

15/09/26: Ben Farrar was a 44 second for Ollie Pearce in the Newcastle Under 21 EFL Trophy game, believed to be City's quickest / earliest ever substitution

12/09/26: City scored in their 45^th consecutive league game. Losing the next game 0-2 at Chesterfield brought the run (and record) to an end

09/08/25: x

Bristol R - sold out - 6th (check) in a row for City fans

2026/7 - The Players (Mid Season Report (To Complete At End Season) (WIP))

Xxxx Xxxxx x
Xxxxx Xxx x

Away On Loan (wip)

Mark Shelton Club (Grimsby (EFL2) (01/09/26 - Season Loan)). Departed after just one appearance as an unused substitute (v Crawley). He departed amid rumours of a fall out with Scott Lindsey saying “I just felt that we probably had too many players in front of him. We had some injured players as well that when they are fit, I feel they will be in front of him as well. He was slightly behind the group in terms of fitness levels because he missed a week in pre-season, not his fault obviously.” He scored within 2 minutes of his Grimsby debut.
Ben Brookes Sutton (National League (Tier 5) (11/09/26 - Mid December)). Comment
Xxxxx Xxxxx Club (League (Tier n) (dd/mm/26 - duration)). Comment
Xxxxz Xxxxz Club (League (Tier n) (dd/mm/26 - duration)). Comment
Xxxxx Xxxxx Club (League (Tier n) (dd/mm/26 - duration)). Comment
Xxxxz Xxxxz Club (League (Tier n) (dd/mm/26 - duration)). Comment

TO DO YCFC Loan Watch:

Source, dd/mm/yy

UPDATE Retained List (wip)

It is believed that all the loanee professionals will be out of contract at the end of the 2026/7 season.

YCFC Academy (Under 19) 2026/7 - Fixtures (NB Subject to change) (YCFC)

Date

Competition

Opponents

Venue

Result

Scorers (and notes)

08/08/26

EFLYALN

Preston North End

A (Springfields Training Ground (PR2 1XR))

D 0-0

-

15/08/26

EFLYALN

MORECAMBE

A (Trimpell Sports & Social Club, Morecambe (LA4 4UP))

L 1-2

Hall

19/08/26

EFLYALNR1

Lincoln City

A (Gen2 Energy Elite Performance Centre)

L 1-10

Woolford

22/08/26

EFLYACN

Lincoln City

A (Gen2 Energy Elite Performance Centre)

L 2-3

Binns, Beadle

05/09/26

EFLYALN

Shrewsbury Town

A (Lilleshall National Sports Centre)

D 1-1

Farrar

12/09/26

EFLYALN

Crewe Alexandra

A (Alexandra Park (Training Ground))

D 3-3

Farrar 2, Webster

03/10/26

EFLYALN

PORT VALE

H (Training Ground)

WDL n-n

-

10/10/26

EFLYALN

Stockport County

A (TBC)

WDL n-n

-

17/10/26

EFLYALN

Oldham Athletic

A (TBC)

WDL n-n

-

24/10/26

EFLYALN

WREXHAM

H (Training Ground)

WDL n-n

-

31/10/26

EFLYALN

ROTHERHAM UNITED

H (Training Ground)

WDL n-n

-

07/11/26

EFLYALN

Notts County

A (TBC)

WDL n-n

-

14/11/26

EFLYALN

Carlisle United

A (TBC)

WDL n-n

-

21/11/26

EFLYALN

CHESTERFIELD

H (Training Ground)

WDL n-n

-

28/11/26

EFLYALN

BRADFORD CITY

H (Training Ground)

WDL n-n

-

05/12/26

EFLYALN

ROCHDALE

H (Training Ground)

WDL n-n

-

12/12/26

EFLYALN

Grimsby Town

A (TBC)

WDL n-n

-

19/12/26

EFLYALN

MANSFIELD TOWN

H (Training Ground)

WDL n-n

-

09/01/27

EFLYALN

DONCASTER ROVERS

H (Training Ground)

WDL n-n

-

16/01/27

EFLYALN

BLACKPOOL

H (Training Ground)

WDL n-n

-

23/01/27

EFLYALN

WALSALL

H (Training Ground)

WDL n-n

-

30/01/27

EFLYALN

Rotherham United

A (TBC)

WDL n-n

-

06/02/27

EFLYALN

Salford City

A (TBC)

WDL n-n

-

13/02/27

EFLYALN

OLDHAM ATHLETIC

H (Training Ground)

WDL n-n

-

20/02/27

EFLYALN

Chesterfield

A (TBC)

WDL n-n

-

27/02/27

EFLYALN

NOTTS COUNTY

H (Training Ground)

WDL n-n

-

06/03/27

EFLYALN

LINCOLN CITY

H (Training Ground)

WDL n-n

-

13/03/27

EFLYALN

Mansfield Town

A (TBC)

WDL n-n

-

03/04/27

EFLYALN

Doncaster Rovers

A (TBC)

WDL n-n

-

10/04/27

EFLYALN

BURTON ALBION

H (Training Ground)

WDL n-n

-

17/04/27

EFLYALN

Bradford City

A (TBC)

WDL n-n

-

24/04/27

EFLYALN

GRIMSBY TOWN

H (Training Ground)

WDL n-n

-

19/09/26

EFLYALN

Burton Albion

A (TBC)

WDL n-n

P

PRESTON (A) (08/Aug/26) (EFL Under 19 Alliance League (North)) D 0-0
City opened ther programme away to Cat 2 Preston and came away with a credible 0-0 draw
City fielded 8 Year 2 scholars and 3 debutant Year 1 scholars with 3 more Year 1 scholars making their debuts from the bench. Rather surprisingly, City named only 3 subsitutes
Although PNE had the first real chance, Tom Hewson had a penalty appeal turned down on 12 minutes. City finished the game strongly and had chances to win it
YCFC match preview
YCFC match report
CITY: White; Kydd, Hall, Beadle; Woolford (Appleyard 57), Belleh ( c ), Turner, Binns (Penrose 72); Ozisik (Webster 90), Greening; Hewson. Subs (Unused): - (Only 3 named).
MORECAMBE (A) (15/Aug/26) (EFL Under 19 Alliance League (North)) L 1-2
The game was originally due to be a home game for City, but was switched due to City's training ground issues
Strangely, the game kicked off 10 minutes before the advertised start time
After Ethan Hall gave City a half time lead, goals on 54 and 70 minutes saw City lose
The hosts had 2 players sent off in injury time, including their keeper for violent conduct on 96 minutes
YCFC match preview
YCFC match report
CITY: White; Kydd, Hall, Beadle; Stiver (Appleyard 70), Belleh ( c ), Turner (Webster 75), Binns; Ozisik (Woolford 65), Greening; Hewson. Subs (Unused): Penrose (Only 4 named).
LINCOLN (A) (19/Aug/26) (EFL Under 18 Alliance League (North)) Cup R1 L 1-10
Designated an Under 18 competition, City's 2 first season professionals Ben Farrar and Ethan Stiver were ineligible
City crashed to a 10-1 defeat, Oscar Woolford scored City's consolation goal deep into injury time at the end of the game
One Lincoln supporter (parent of a player) noted, "York didn't actually play that bad and have some good players. Lincoln just ruthless tonight!"
YCFC match preview
YCFC match report
CITY (1-11): White; Kydd, Hall, Beadle (Penrose 73); Woolford, Belleh ( c ), Turner (Webster HT), Binns; Ozisik (Appleyard HT), Greening; Hewson. Subs (Unused): - (Only 3 named).
LINCOLN (A) (22/Aug/26) (EFL Under 19 Alliance League (North)) L 2-3
City started where they left off on Wednesday with Josh Binns putting City ahead on 5 minutes. However, 2 quick goals on the half hour and another as the half ended saw City turnaround 3-1 down. A Lewis Beadle goal on 72 minutes saw City lose 3-2.
YCFC match preview
YCFC match report
CITY (1-11): White; Kydd, Penrose, Beadle; Stiver, Belleh ( c ), Turner, Binns; Ozisik, Greening; Hewson. Subs (Usage Unknown): Hall, Woolford, Appleyard, Webster (Only 4 named).
SHREWSBURY (A) (05/Sep/26) (EFL Under 19 Alliance League (North)) D 1-1
A late Ben Farrar equaliser earned City a draw after a goalless first half
It was the first time this seasosn that City had filled their bench
YCFC match preview
YCFC match report: not available
CITY (1-11): White; Kydd, Hall, Beadle; Stiver, Belleh ( c ), Turner, Penrose; Farrar, Ozisik; Hewson. Subs (Usage Unknown): Appleyard, Webster, Russell, Woolford, Swansbury.
CREWE (A) (12/Sep/26) (EFL Under 19 Alliance League (North)) D 3-3
2-1 down at the break, City earned a 3-3 game against a club who traditionally has a strong pipeline of scholars reaching the first team, including 6 a week earlier against City. Ben Farrar hit a double while Charlie Webster got off the mark with a sensational flick
YCFC match report: not available
CITY (1-11): White; Kydd, Swansbury, Beadle; Woolford, Stiver, Belleh ( c ), Penrose; Farrar, Ozisik; Hewson. Subs (Usage Unknown): Appleyard, Webster, Greening, Russell, Turner.
BURTON (A) (19/Sep/26) (EFL Under 19 Alliance League (North)) WDL n-n
The game was postponed, City made no announcement
************************** WIP ***************
XXX - TO COMPLETE - AFTER dd/mm
PORT V (H) (04/Oct/26) (EFL Under 19 Alliance League (North)) WDL n-n
x
x
x
x
x
YCFC match preview
YCFC match report
CITY (1-11): xxx. Subs (Usage Unknown): xxx (Only n named).
************************** WIP ***************
XXX - TO COMPLETE - AFTER dd/mm
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XXX - TO COMPLETE - AFTER dd/mm
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XXX - TO COMPLETE - AFTER dd/mm
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XXX - TO COMPLETE - AFTER dd/mm
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PORT V (H) (04/Oct/26) (EFL Under 19 Alliance League (North)) WDL n-n
x
x
x
x
x
YCFC match preview
YCFC match report
CITY (1-11): xxx. Subs (Usage Unknown): xxx (Only n named).
PORT V (H) (04/Oct/26) (EFL Under 19 Alliance League (North)) WDL n-n
x
x
x
x
x
YCFC match preview
YCFC match report
CITY (1-11): xxx. Subs (Usage Unknown): xxx (Only n named).
PORT V (H) (04/Oct/26) (EFL Under 19 Alliance League (North)) WDL n-n
x
x
x
x
x
YCFC match preview
YCFC match report
CITY (1-11): xxx. Subs (Usage Unknown): xxx (Only n named).
PORT V (H) (04/Oct/26) (EFL Under 19 Alliance League (North)) WDL n-n
x
x
x
x
x
YCFC match preview
YCFC match report
CITY (1-11): xxx. Subs (Usage Unknown): xxx (Only n named).
PORT V (H) (04/Oct/26) (EFL Under 19 Alliance League (North)) WDL n-n
x
x
x
x
x
YCFC match preview
YCFC match report
CITY (1-11): xxx. Subs (Usage Unknown): xxx (Only n named).
PORT V (H) (04/Oct/26) (EFL Under 19 Alliance League (North)) WDL n-n
x
x
x
x
x
YCFC match preview
YCFC match report
CITY (1-11): xxx. Subs (Usage Unknown): xxx (Only n named).
PORT V (H) (04/Oct/26) (EFL Under 19 Alliance League (North)) WDL n-n
x
x
x
x
x
YCFC match preview
YCFC match report
CITY (1-11): xxx. Subs (Usage Unknown): xxx (Only n named).
x
x
TO DOYCFC match preview
TO DOYCFC match report
TO DOCITY (1-11): x. Subs (Unused): x
XXX - TO COMPLETE - AFTER dd/mm
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251112:
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XXX - TO DO BELOW
XXX - TO DO BELOW
XXX - END GAME REVIEW SECTION
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 5^th 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 autumn, unfortunately, his game time was extremely limited.

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

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