Here are some other articles (non match reports) i have published.
YORK city year review - 2021
The end of 2021 marks the end of a hectic roller coaster of a year for York City.
In January, the focus was barely on the football as only one match took place in that month - a 2-2 draw away at Kidderminster. In the middle of a covid crisis, postponed games were the least of City fans' worries, as they prepared to say goodbye to their beloved Bootham Crescent. Without being given the sendoff it deserved, media officer Dan Simmonite released a real tear-jerker video to bid farewell to historic ground, and it incredibly reached over 1.2 million views!
In January, the focus was barely on the football as only one match took place in that month - a 2-2 draw away at Kidderminster. In the middle of a covid crisis, postponed games were the least of City fans' worries, as they prepared to say goodbye to their beloved Bootham Crescent. Without being given the sendoff it deserved, media officer Dan Simmonite released a real tear-jerker video to bid farewell to historic ground, and it incredibly reached over 1.2 million views!
February was the start of a new era for the club - York City Football Club officially made the LNER Community Stadium their home on the 16th February when they played host to recently relegated AFC Fylde. Bruce McIntosh who had supported the team for 91 years was given the role of virtual mascot and in a Covid secure way, he walked out the tunnel with captain Sean Newton. Unfortunately for City, the game ended in a 3-1 loss but Newton did get the consolation.
Following the game, the season was declared null and void and the opening fixture at the new stadium being wiped out from the records.
Then July rolled around and York were playing pre-season friendlies again. With the likes of Clayton Donaldson and Kurt Willoughby to the squad, one of the best pre-season campaigns was carried out. An unbeaten run of 6 games included wins over minnows Whitby and Ossett whilst Steve Watson's Minstermen also conquered the North-East, picking up fantastic wins at home to Premier League Newcastle and Championship Middlesbrough plus a draw against Sunderland too. During the course of the three home games, the club recorded yet another social media statistic, with over 300,000 people from around the world watching on YouTube.
Farewell bootham crescent
On Wednesday 1st December 2021, Bootham Crescent closed its gates for the final time. In an awful state, the ground was opened up for the last time to the public on Sunday and Wednesday to say a final farewell.
Home to York City since 1932, Bootham Crescent is one of the few traditional English football grounds still standing. It all started when York City moved out of Fulfordgate and began a new era in a new home - Bootham Crescent. The ground was based in the heart of the city, not far from the station, which was helpful for many fans for travel purposes.
The football ground had the typical four stands you would expect. The roofless away end behind one of the goals was named the Grosvenor Road End where fans from Liverpool and Manchester United to North Ferriby and Gainsborough Trinity were housed. At the opposite end was the David Longhurst Stand. Originally known as the Shipton Street End, it was renamed after the tragic death of City player David Longhurst. In 1990, Bootham Crescent hit one of its all time lows after a match against Lincoln City was brought to an early conclusion following Longhurst’s collapse on the field. City fans and players were silenced and brought to tears on a very sad day for the football club. Subsequent to Longhurst’s death, the stand was built a year later, with a roof to accompany it. Running along the east side of the pitch was the Main Stand (and the Family Stand), seating 1,757 York supporters. Another stand holding seats was built opposite - the Popular Stand. Home supporters were held in this stand as well as space for some away fans, in case they wanted cover.
Home to York City since 1932, Bootham Crescent is one of the few traditional English football grounds still standing. It all started when York City moved out of Fulfordgate and began a new era in a new home - Bootham Crescent. The ground was based in the heart of the city, not far from the station, which was helpful for many fans for travel purposes.
The football ground had the typical four stands you would expect. The roofless away end behind one of the goals was named the Grosvenor Road End where fans from Liverpool and Manchester United to North Ferriby and Gainsborough Trinity were housed. At the opposite end was the David Longhurst Stand. Originally known as the Shipton Street End, it was renamed after the tragic death of City player David Longhurst. In 1990, Bootham Crescent hit one of its all time lows after a match against Lincoln City was brought to an early conclusion following Longhurst’s collapse on the field. City fans and players were silenced and brought to tears on a very sad day for the football club. Subsequent to Longhurst’s death, the stand was built a year later, with a roof to accompany it. Running along the east side of the pitch was the Main Stand (and the Family Stand), seating 1,757 York supporters. Another stand holding seats was built opposite - the Popular Stand. Home supporters were held in this stand as well as space for some away fans, in case they wanted cover.
The initial capacity was 30,000 but unsurprisingly, that attendance was never achieved. However, on 5th March 1938, York hosted Huddersfield Town in an FA Cup tie which hit a record attendance of 28,123. At this point, the ground’s capacity was 23,000 with more seats built to store more fans.
