By Riley Nichol
In a rather surprising turn of events, on the 28th of August, York City co-chairs Matt and Julie-Anne Uggla released a public statement regarding the shock decision to part ways with club manager Adam Hinshelwood.
Whilst Hinshelwood and his team may not have had the perfect start to the new season, the Minstermen remained unbeaten. The feeling around the fanbase was still a positive one, with fans not forgetting the great successes that Hinshelwood helped bestow upon them just last season, despite the playoff disappointment.
Hinshelwood became a highly regarded figure among fans across the city throughout the course of last season, as he helped his side to tally an astonishing 96 points. This positivity within the fanbase was tested on August 28th, with a bold club statement announcing the departure of Hinshelwood naturally leading the York faithful to question and even scrutinise the decision. The statement ended with a confirmation that a new manager would be announced soon, leading to plenty of chatter surrounding who the successor could be…
On the very same day, another statement was released to announce the immediate arrival of Stuart Maynard to replace Hinshelwood. Maynard arrives in York having had a successful last season with League Two side Notts County, finishing 6th in the league and securing playoffs. Maynard began his managerial career at Wealdstone FC, and his role was made permanent after a successful stint as interim manager, where he kept the club safe above the drop zone; he then went on to provide the best league finish for Wealdstone in over three decades, in a stand-out 23/24 campaign.
Since Maynard’s appointment, York City have shown very positive signs, despite the vastly mixed opinions upon his arrival. At the time of writing, Maynard has managed York for two games, and has gathered a perfect 6 points, scoring 7 goals and conceding just 1! The fanbase is growing in positivity, having been impressed with the football on display at the LNER Community Stadium – fans are also appreciating the new change in formation, and the system that Maynard has implemented. His Back Three system allows for plenty of possession, with bombing wing-backs and attacking midfielders. Certain players look much improved in recent weeks, individually speaking, and the performances appear rejuvenated and determined.
While the first half against Tamworth was a frustrating one, full of brilliant build up but a lack of end product, the second half was a brilliant display of the brand of football Maynard is clearly looking to implement with this group of players, with City scoring 4 goals and stamping their dominance on the game, a statement performance that will certainly help the York City faithful get behind their new gaffer.
Looking ahead, Stuart Maynard and the squad will surely look to keep this high form rolling in their upcoming fixtures, including high-profile games against Carlisle and Forest Green. The coming weeks are vital for Maynard’s men, as the performances and results will begin to influence opinions in the minds of fans in red and blue citywide, and they’re certainly off to an excellent start!
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