Since I last wrote, it would seem that not much has changed in terms of ownership of York City. What has changed, however, is the chairman of the York City Supporters Trust, Mike Brown, stepped down as promised. Acting chair Seth Sowerby has taken the helm which to me feels like a move in the right direction – with Jim Calverley taking on more of a significant role; this is something I think will be vital for the trust moving forward. Whatever many fans have said about him, I do think he will be a major catalyst for things as the club prepares for the impending season. Best of luck to them both in their new roles in the future.
On the playing side of things, one of the biggest surprises was to see a shock return for veteran goalkeeper David Stockdale, having made 27 appearances for newly promoted Sheffield Wednesday. He stepped away from the Owls with offers on the table from League One and League Two teams but decided to roll back the years and make a comeback to the club where he made his professional debut twenty years ago. I think many fans have followed his career since he was released by then-manager Billy McEwan. Stockdale went on to play for Fulham, Brighton and Birmingham as well as others, earning his way to call-ups to the England squad under Fabio Capello.
It’s fair to say that we have probably signed the best keeper in the division with his quality and experience. We’ve certainly been blessed with goalkeeping options over the years and spoiled with some, Nick Pope the obvious name that comes to mind. I think many were surprised that he was one of the first positions we recruited for with the way Ryan Whitley stepped up at the end of last season. In my opinion, there is no doubt that Stockdale’s presence is something that he can only learn from. The competition as well as an experienced stopper training alongside him will encourage his development – although make no doubts about it, Whitley will certainly push him for the starting position. Whitley is a top keeper that can not only cement himself as City’s number one but also be a good football league keeper and hopefully beyond, as Stockdale himself went on to do.
Having experience in the Premier League, part of Stockdale’s duel-role is being the new head of recruitment. He will hopefully help Mike Morton build on the squad that he currently has. How the actual transfer window plays out is a different question, as I think everything feels uncertain with what seems like a non-existent budget that one can only imagine will lead to a similar season to this one that has just past.
In Rugby news, things are certainly looking steady this season for the Knights. The feeling amongst fans is that it will highly unlikely there will be much of a realistic title challenge, however, performances and results will be expected. There is promise in the way the club is progressing with its plans for the future moving forward with a more youthful squad that could earn the club money as well as continuing to introduce youth academy players into the first team. Not only have the men’s team looked solid but the Valkyrie have once again been flying high with a lot of big results going their way. They seem to go from strength to strength at the moment and are looking to be one of the sides to watch out for in woman’s rugby league.
It has been rumoured, as I write this, the rugby owner Clint Goodchild is interested in taking charge of the football from Glen Henderson. If this were to happen, it could be the merger that could oversee the football and rugby clubs pulling in the same direction. Let’s wait to see what happens between now and the next time we speak!
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