Summer Break At KitKat Crescent
Things are never quiet for any team during the summer months of the transfer window, and York City Football Club is no exception. Here is a rundown of this summer’s news.
York City’s close season started following defeat in the FA Trophy Final at Wembley on May 5th. The Minstermen battled bravely against Stevenage Borough, holding them until the 69th minute when Steve Morison broke the deadlock, then Lee Boylan sealed the game for Boro in the 90th. Despite the defeat, it was a proud day for York City, playing in front of over 27,000 people and earning £25,000 of prize money in the process.
On the 12th of May manager of York City Martin Foyle released seven of his first team players, with Mark Robinson, Daniel McBreen, Steven Hogg, Simon Rusk, Liam Shepherd, Josh Radcliffe and Christian Smith all being let go from KitKat Crescent. On the other hand, Onome Sodje, Ben Purkiss and Josh Mimms were all offered new contracts. However, a month later on 15th June, Sodje signed for Barnsley on a one-year contract.
June 17th, and York made a signing, former Wales U21 player Alex Lawless, from Forest Green Rovers. Lawless, 26, is a utility player who is able to play at right-back or as a right or centre midfielder.
On the 30th of June Alan O’Hare joined the City squad. The 26-year-old centre-half, who has signed from Mansfield, has also made over 100 appearances for Chesterfield FC. The Minstermen also confirmed on the same day the transfer of defender Neil Barrett from Ebbsfleet United. However, the double signing of two more Ebbsfleet players, Darius Charles and Michael Gash, fell through as Charles refused the £80,000 move: York City were left to re-negotiate the fee for Michael Gash .
July 2nd saw Ben Wilkinson, 22, leaving the club, the midfielder’s contract was terminated by mutual consent.
The following day, and the Fixture List was released for this season of the Blue Square Premier. York City’s campaign begins away to Oxford Utd on the 8th of August. The Minstermen’s first home game of the season is on the 11th of August, when they shall play host to Rushden & Diamonds at the KitKat Crescent. The following Saturday sees another home game for York, this time the opponents take the shape of Forest Green Rovers, where Alex Lawless could make his first appearance against his former club.
July 10th and York City have so far sold almost 800 season tickets, which leaves the club on course to equal last years total.
York City’s pre-season started on July 12th against League One Side Leeds United. Chairman of York City Jason McGill reacted well to the 3-3 home draw, which was watched by more than 4000 spectators.
City manager Martin Foyle said he still wants to bring in more players during an interview on BBC Radio York on 17th July. He explained how the huge influx of trialists has affected his personal pre-season:
“It’s been my busiest pre-season. It doesn’t feel like I’ve had a holiday but it was such a big job to do.” He also stated that he wanted to bring in a few more players in order to have his squad finished for the beginning of the season in earnest.
True to his word, Foyle completed the signing of 22-year-old striker Michael Gash, in a deal worth £55,000, the Yorkies biggest buy since 1999! He is joined by another new signing, defender Djoumin Sangare, which brings the number of new players in to KitKat Crescent this summer to eleven: York City is going into the 2009-2010 season with practically a brand new first team.
Bring on Saturday!
Next Match:
8th August Oxford United (A) 15:00
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