We hear from our resident sports writer and York City F. C. fan, Simon Pattinson.
We are currently heading into the off-season, and this time last year, I, like many other City fans was in high spirits, excited to see us back in the National League. Everything was great and it was good to be loving football again. Roll on a year later, and what was meant to be a celebration of a club’s centenary has been nothing but misery. It feels like the club hasn’t been this unstable for a very long time. The only way this will change is if a new owner comes in.
As I write this column, the players retained for the new season enter my inbox. There is a solid squad still there, but quality in the attacking areas still needs to be addressed as we failed to score when creating some great chances last season. We need to keep hold of
John Lewis but then make sure that we get out there, and freshen up with a backup for someone who can slot in with ease, to play how we can and want to play.
What will also be interesting to see, is if Mikey Morton who has overseen the management role and released these players, will be in charge at the beginning of next season. I do feel that he will be given the job and maybe this will have all changed before this column comes out to you. But, having seen York survive under his guidance, he will have earned his opportunity. Whether I think it’s the right decision is definitely up for debate though.
On the plus, we have to also mention some of the good things for the club this year, including the ladies who have seen the real impact of the Lioness’s success with some great crowds. They’ve had a good solid season, playing at their highest level, and have done themselves proud. Hopefully, there will be more games at the LNER next season too.
Also, what a success the youth team has also had with securing the National League Academy Cup. There has been a real buzz about this year’s group of players and it’ll be good to see some of them break into the first team next season. Not only is it crucial to see players breakthrough as one of your own, but as we saw with Ben Godfrey, it could be much-needed money that helps secure the future of the club going forward. It certainly seems as though there’s enough talent to do that right now. The future is definitely bright!
As we move towards rugby, both men’s and women’s teams are having a good season so far. The men’s team isn’t near the top as yet and has been steady so far, but of course, with a lot of change at the helm, it is still a good indication of them being in a good place. Valkyrie has had a cracking start and with players being named in the England squad too, it shows the quality this squad has. A particular highlight in the last month for them has to be the 122-0 victory over Hull KR. Having reached the cup final last season, hopefully, the Valkyrie can go one better this season and win it maybe this year. Hopefully, the men’s side can also keep up and get that next step up too.
Here’s to a great summer, fingers crossed!
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