We hear from our resident sports writer and York City F. C. fan,
Simon Pattinson.
As I write this, York City have just reached the playoffs. In what can only be described as a remarkable achievement, City have finished fifth in the league — the highest they have been all season.
Their form going into the playoffs certainly says a lot about the job John Askey has done for the team since he took over from Steve Watson in November. Askey seems like one of the best appointments since Nigel Worthington or the incredible double-winning Gary Mills, back in 2012. Many of us reminisce about those days (with good reason) and hopefully, it could be Askey’s tenure that brings back the feel-good factor that has long been missing. Whether we make it out of this division or not, we’re heading in the right direction. But, I definitely feel to achieve any further success the team needs an overhaul with added firepower. The addition of Maziar Kouhyar has been excellent and there must be a team built around him. He must be one of the best signings the club has made in a long time. The excitement and danger that he brings to the pitch has been a joy to watch and it’s been a long time since I have seen a City player get the crowd off its feet. I hope to see more of that in the near future.
As we roll into the next season, we have also reached 100 years since the club formed back in 1922. From the Happy Wanderers in 1955 as the first team to reach 100 points, the 3-0 victory at Old Trafford and the double-winning success at Wembley in 2012 — what a century it has been! In a time of ups and downs, we have been through a lot as a club. But next season whatever division we’re in, we will play it in style. The new kit with its centenary crest is one of the best kits I have seen for a long time. With elements of York Minster emblazoned on the home shirt it will be the envy of many, albeit not to everyone’s taste, but honestly, I think this kit will go down in history.
Along with the men, we must give a big mention to York City Ladies. They have been the pride of the city this season, leaving the men’s team playing catch up. Not only have they won the division in style as champions, but they have also gone on to win the North Riding Cup dramatically on penalties. It has been an unbelievable season for them, and they deserve all the recognition that comes their way.
Speaking of recognition, Commercial Manager, Liam McGuinness has announced that he is leaving the club at the end of the season to join the Championship side at Middlesborough in a similar capacity. The work he has done in our first season at the LNER Stadium has been nothing short of excellent. All the best in your new role!
Finally, the York City Knights continue to keep up their excellent form in the Championship season, as they currently sit third in the table. It has certainly shown this term that they have managed to put a powerful side together to push for the Super League, where they look to be strong contenders. With the offer of seven match days for the price of six, there is no excuse for fans to not keep up the support. And, when the football ends, especially for those who haven’t managed to get to a game yet at the stadium, we must try and carry the same support to the rugby to keep the hopes of promotion alive. It really feels like York’s sporting sides are starting to show their true potential once again.
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