York City F.C. season 2008–09

Infobox Football club season
club = York City

season = 2008–09
manager = flagicon|NZL Colin Walker
chairman = flagicon|ENG Jason McGill
league = Conference National
league result =
cup1 = FA Cup
cup1 result =
cup2 = FA Trophy
cup2 result =
cup3 = Conference League Cup
cup3 result =
league topscorer =
season topscorer =
highest attendance =
lowest attendance = The 2008–09 season is the 87th season in York City F.C.’s history, their fifth in the Football Conference and 81st in the league system of English football. Their 14th place finish in 2007–08 means it is their fifth successive season in the Conference National. It covers a period from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009.

Background

Manager Billy McEwan was sacked early in the 2007–08 season with the team in 19th place in the table and having recently been beaten by Conference South side Havant & Waterlooville in the FA Cup.cite news
first = Steve
last = Carroll
title = York City sack Billy McEwan
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/search/1842841.York_City_sack_Billy_McEwan/
publisher = The Press
date = 2007-11-19
accessdate = 2008-08-03] After an unbeaten spell as caretaker manager, Colin Walker was appointed as York’s permanent manager and led the team to a 14th place finish in the Conference.cite news
title = Walker handed York manager's job
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7161250.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2007-12-27
accessdate = 2008-08-03] cite web
title = Final 2007/2008 Football Conference Table
url = http://www.soccerbase.com/league2.sd?competitionid=7&seasonid=137&teamid=2910
publisher = Soccerbase
accessdate = 2008-08-03] Darren Craddock, Stuart Elliott and Tom Evans were initially released by the club,cite news
title = Three players released by Walker
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7364935.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-04-24
accessdate = 2008-08-03] which was followed by the exits of Ross Greenwood, Chris Hall, Anthony Lloyd, captain Emmanuel Panther and Alex Rhodes.cite news
first = Dave
last = Flett
title = Panther packed off
url = http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/news/display.var.2228032.0.panther_packed_off.php
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-04-26
accessdate = 2008-08-03] Professional contracts were handed to youngsters Andy McWilliams, Josh Radcliffe and Liam Shepherd in May,cite news
title = Youth team players sign for York
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7386495.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-05-07
accessdate = 2008-08-03] which was followed by the arrivals Mark Greaves and Michael Ingham,cite news
title = York City sign Greaves and Ingham
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7401785.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-05-15
accessdate = 2008-08-03] as well as the departure of Nicky Wroe to Torquay United.cite news
title = Torquay sign Wroe from York City
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/torquay_united/7423921.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-05-28
accessdate = 2008-08-03] June saw the arrivals of Ben Wilkinson, Steven Hogg, Niall Henderson and former loanee Daniel McBreen.cite news
title = York City clinch double signing
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7448327.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-06-11
accessdate = 2008-08-03] cite news
title = Minstermen move in for Henderson
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7463342.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-06-19
accessdate = 2008-08-03] cite news
title = York sign Iron striker McBreen
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7475212.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-06-26
accessdate = 2008-08-03]

Review

Pre-season

New signing Greaves was named as York’s captain for the season before beginning their pre-season campaign with a 6–0 win over Tadcaster Albion, which featured trialists David Brown, Nathan Fisher and Anton Foster.cite news
first = Dave
last = Flett
title = Brown stakes claim to be a full-time Minsterman
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3197703.Brown_stakes_claim_to_be_a_full_time_Minsterman/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-07-08
accessdate = 2008-08-03] cite news
first = Dave
last = Flett
title = City boss weighs up final signing to bolster squad
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3199036.City_boss_weighs_up_final_signing_to_bolster_squad/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-07-09
accessdate = 2008-08-03] However, Walker later said that the trialists were only in the squad to make up the numbers and were unlikely to be signed.cite news
title = York squad is complete - Walker
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7499675.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-07-10
accessdate = 2008-08-03] Despite this, former Exeter City winger Lee Elam featured in a 1–1 draw against Leeds United.cite news
first = Dave
last = Flett
title = Teenage power provides a welcome tonic for Walker
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3204209.Teenage_power_provides_a_welcome_tonic_for_Walker/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-07-12
accessdate = 2008-08-03] David Wheater scored a late equaliser for Middlesbrough as York finished with a 2–2 draw against the Premier League side, which Elam again played in.cite news
first = Dave
last = Flett
title = Teenage striker Boyes excels
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3218014.Teenage_striker_Boyes_excels/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-07-19
accessdate = 2008-08-03] York’s next friendly was against last season’s FA Cup semi-finalists, Barnsley, which was again a 2–2 draw. cite news
title = York impress again in pre-season
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7520643.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-07-23
accessdate = 2008-08-03] Walker confirmed that Elam would not be given a contract with York,cite news
first = Steve
last = Carroll
title = No deal for Elam
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3226361.No_deal_for_Elam/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-07-23
accessdate = 2008-08-03] and he later joined fellow Conference side Altrincham.cite news
title = Elam joins Altrincham part-time
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/altrincham/7526924.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-07-26
accessdate = 2008-08-03] A 2–1 victory against Harrogate Railway Athletic saw goalkeeper Michael Ingham suffer a thigh injury,cite news
first = Peter
last = Martini
title = Minstermen’s anxious vigil over ’keeper’s fitness
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3549150.Minstermen___s_anxious_vigil_over____keeper___s_fitness_/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-07-26
accessdate = 2008-08-03] meaning he missed the game against Hartlepool United,cite news
first = Steve
last = Carroll
title = Anxious City monitor star stopper’s thigh injury
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3554853.Anxious_City_monitor_star_stopper___s_thigh_injury/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-07-29
accessdate = 2008-08-03] which gave Josh Mimms the chance to play and the match ended as a 1–0 victory for York.cite news
first = Dave
last = Flett
title = City teenage defender in frame for Crawley opener
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3559492.City_teenage_defender_in_frame_for_Crawley_opener/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-07-31
accessdate = 2008-08-03] A 1–0 victory, due to a David McGurk goal against Sheffield meant York finished the pre-season campaign unbeaten.cite news
title = McGurk goal gives York late win
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7539297.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-08-04
accessdate = 2008-08-05] Goalkeeper Artur Krysiak was signed on a month's loan from Birmingham City ahead of the start of the season as Ingham was still injured by the Crawley Town game.cite news
title = Keeper Krysiak joins York on loan
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7547521.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-08-07
accessdate = 2008-08-07] A day before the start of the season, Martyn Woolford left the club to sign for Scunthorpe United of League One for an undisclosed fee,cite news
title = Woolford makes Scunthorpe switch
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/scunthorpe_utd/7550257.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-08-08
accessdate = 2008-08-08] which was believed to be a six-figure sum with a sell-on clause.cite news
title = Woolford signs for Scunthorpe
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3582336.Woolford_signs_for_Scunthorpe/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-08-08
accessdate = 2008-08-23] Midfielder Steven Hogg was ruled out for the start of the season after contracting herpes zoster.cite news
first = Dave
last = Flett
title = Virus exiles Hogg from City camp
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3576365.Virus_exiles_Hogg_from_City_camp/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-08-07
accessdate = 2008-09-11]

August

York's season started with a 1–0 victory away at Crawley Town, with striker Craig Farrell scoring the winner 19 minutes from time.cite news
title = Crawley 0-1 York
url = http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7541005.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-08-09
accessdate = 2008-08-09] Manager Colin Walker attempted to sign former Gretna winger Brendan McGill, who decided to return to his native Ireland and join Bohemians.cite news
first = Dave
last = Flett
title = One that got away won’t faze Colin
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3593258.One_that_got_away_won___t_faze_Colin_/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-08-14
accessdate = 2008-08-22] The second game resulted in a 1–0 victory against Wrexham, who had won their opening fixture 5–0 against Stevenage Borough, at KitKat Crescent with Mark Greaves scoring the winner.cite news
title = York 1-0 Wrexham
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7551099.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-08-14
accessdate = 2008-08-15] Loan goalkeeper Artur Krysiak suffered a dislocated finger during the match, which ultimately resulted in him returning to Birmingham prematurely from his loan spell,cite news
first = Dave
last = Flett
title = Victorious City boss pays tribute to stand-in ’keeper
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3596656.Victorious_City_boss_pays_tribute_to_stand_in____keeper/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-08-15
accessdate = 2008-08-16] and was replaced by Josh Mimms, who gave an assured performance.cite news
first = Dave
last = Flett
title = York City 1, Wrexham 0
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/matchreports/3596287.York_City_1__Wrexham_0/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-08-15
accessdate = 2008-08-15] York's 100% winning start to the season ended following a draw followed against Histon, who took the lead through a Daniel Wright penalty in the first half and Australian Daniel McBreen scoring the equaliser for York on 69 minutes.cite news
title = York 1-1 Histon
url = http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7551114.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-08-16
accessdate = 2008-08-16] An attempt to sign Morecambe midfielder Michael Twiss failed as he preferred to remain in the Lancashire area.cite news
first = Steve
last = Carroll
title = Twiss miss as Walker gives chase
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3614706.Twiss_miss_as_Walker_gives_chase/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-08-22
accessdate = 2008-08-22] It was confiemd that Michael Ingham had recoved from his thigh injury for York's game with Northwich Victoria.cite news
first = Steve
last = Carroll
title = Fit-again ’keeper in line for Minstermen debut
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3614709.Fit_again____keeper_in_line_for_Minstermen_debut/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-08-22
accessdate = 2008-08-22] Winger Simon Russell signed for the club from Kidderminster Harriers a day before the Northwich game.cite news
title = City land Harriers winger
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3616541.City_land_Harriers_winger/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-08-22
accessdate = 2008-08-22] Ingham failed to feature for York and was on the bench for a 2–2 with Northwich Victoria, which saw the team fight back on two ocassions after twice being a goal down, which saw Richard Brodie score his first goal of the season.cite news
title = Northwich 2-2 York
url = http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7565221.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-08-23
accessdate = 2008-08-23] He went on to score in the third minute against Barrow in the following match, who equalised seven minutes later through Lee Hunt, in a match that finished 1–1.cite news
title = York 1-1 Barrow
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7565352.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-08-25
accessdate = 2008-08-25] Brodie was named in the England C team for their friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in September.cite news
title = Brodie named in England C squad
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7582526.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-08-26
accessdate = 2008-09-01] Midfielder Jimmy Beadle was loaned out to Whitby Town for a month, after having not made any appearances for the team so far during the season.cite news
title = Beadle joins Whitby Town on loan
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7584837.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-08-27
accessdate = 2008-08-27] Onome Sodje scored with a late volley after coming off the bench to give York a 1–1 draw away at Torquay United to maintain the team's unbeaten record, which looked under threat after Danny Stevens gave Torquay the lead on 65 minutes.cite news
title = Torquay 1-1 York
url = http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7578293.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-08-28
accessdate = 2008-08-28]

eptember

Midfielder Niall Henderson received a call-up to the Northern Ireland under-21 team for their 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualifying game against Germany.cite news
title = Irish U21 call-up for Henderson
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7596497.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-09-03
accessdate = 2008-09-03] Grimsby Town midfielder Peter Bore joined on an initial month's loan on 1 September; transfer deadline day.cite news
title = York City snap up Mariners winger
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7592904.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-09-01
accessdate = 2008-09-01] The first match of September saw York draw their fifth game in succession, with a 1–1 draw with Mansfield Town, who were managed by former York manager Billy McEwan.cite news
title = York 1-1 Mansfield
url = http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7588302.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-09-02
accessdate = 2008-09-02] Sodje's goal against Torquay was nominated as one of the five candidates for the first Conference "Goal of the month" competition for August,cite web
title = August- Goal of the Month
url = http://www.bluesqfootball.com/goal/0,24139,,00.html
publisher = Blue Square Premier
accessdate = 2008-09-05] which he eventually claimed.cite news
title = York's Sodje wins best goal award
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7611283.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-09-11
accessdate = 2008-09-11] The team's first victory in six games came in a comfortable 2–0 win over Woking at home, with a goal from Daniel McBreen and a Danny Bunce own goal giving York the victory.cite news
title = York 2-0 Woking
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7588777.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-09-06
accessdate = 2008-09-06] Hogg returned to full training after recovering from illness and a thigh injury.cite news
title = Minsterman Hogg’s back in the running
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3665094.Minsterman_Hogg___s_back_in_the_running_/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-09-11
accessdate = 2008-09-11] A 4–2 defeat at Kettering Town saw York's unbeaten run come to an end after nine games, leaving their opponents as the only unbeaten team in the division.cite news
title = Kettering 4-2 York
url = http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7602209.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-09-13
accessdate = 2008-09-13] Former Accrington Stanley striker David Brown, former Rotherham United defender Tom Hirst and Ipswich Town midfielder Jai Reason joined the club on a trial period.cite news
first = Dave
last = Flett
title = Minstermen run rule over triallist pair
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3676668.Minstermen_run_rule_over_triallist_pair/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-09-16
accessdate = 2008-09-16] cite news
first = Dave
last = Flett
title = Tom’s big deal
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3687362.Tom___s_big_deal/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-09-19
accessdate = 2008-09-19] The trio played for the reserves in a 2–1 victory over Grimsby Town,cite news
title = Triallists shine in City victory
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3680355.Triallists_shine_in_City_victory/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-09-17
accessdate = 2008-09-18] and after performing impressively, Hirst was offered a contract by the club, which he subsequently signed.cite news
title = Hirst signs deal with York City
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7623642.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-09-19
accessdate = 2008-09-19] However, Brown and Reason were not offered contracts. An 86th minute equaliser from McBreen gave York a 1–1 draw against Salisbury City at KitKat Crescent, maintaining the team's unbeaten home record.cite news
title = York 1-1 Salisbury
url = http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/7614155.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-09-20
accessdate = 2008-09-20] Parslow signed a new contract with the club,cite news
title = City defender pens new deal
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3693001.City_defender_pens_new_deal/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-09-22
accessdate = 2008-09-22] which was followed by Rotherham midfielder Peter Holmes joining on a month's loan ahead of the team's game against Kidderminster.cite news
title = City land Millers midfielder
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3694113.City_land_Millers_midfielder/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-09-22
accessdate = 2008-09-22] A second defeat of the season came after a 2–0 loss to Kidderminster at Aggborough, with Brian Smikle and Justin Richards scoring for the home team.cite news
title = Kidderminster 2-0 York
url = http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/7626797.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-09-23
accessdate = 2008-09-23] Jimmy Beadle was released by the club towards the end of his loan spell at Whitby, due to him looking for regular first team football.cite news
title = York agree to let Beadle leave
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7635960.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-09-25
accessdate = 2008-09-25] This was followed by the departure of Peter Bore, who returned to Grimsby from his loan spell early.cite news
first = Dave
last = Flett
title = Early exit as Mariners loan winger fails to impress
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3708546.Early_exit_as_Mariners_loan_winger_fails_to_impress/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-09-27
accessdate = 2008-09-27] A 3–3 draw away at Stevenage Borough was achieved after the team were 2–0 down after 19 minutes, with the York goals coming from Onome Sodje, Peter Holmes and Craig Farrell.cite news
title = Stevenage 3-3 York
url = http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7637289.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-09-28
accessdate = 2008-09-28] Sodje picked up a hamstring injury during the match, meaning he would be out of action for four to six weeks.cite news
title = York lose Sodje for several weeks
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/york_city/7646858.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-10-01
accessdate = 2008-10-01]

October

A 0–0 draw with Cambridge United started October with a second successive draw, despite the team having the better chances,cite news
title = York 0-0 Cambridge
url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7639437.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-10-04
accessdate = 2008-10-04] which was followed by the third defeat of the season at Wrexham.cite news
title = Wrexham 3-1 York City
url = http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7646274.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-10-07
accessdate = 2008-10-07] The club made an attempt to re-sign former striker Clayton Donaldson on loan, but were told to make an inquiry four weeks later, due to him having an injury.cite news
first = Dave
last = Flett
title = Injury spikes return of goal ace Clayton
url = http://www.thepress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityfc/3745414.Injury_spikes_return_of_goal_ace_Clayton/
publisher = The Press
date = 2008-10-10
accessdate = 2008-10-10] The first double of the season came with victory against Woking, which came after goals from Ben Wilkinson and Daniel McBreen.cite news
title = Woking 0-2 York City
url = http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7647063.stm
publisher = BBC Sport
date = 2008-10-11
accessdate = 2008-10-11]

Match results

Legend

FA Trophy

Transfers

In

Loans out

ee also

*2008–09 in English football

Footnotes

:A. note label|Krysiak|A| Krysiak initially joined on a month's loan, meaing the deal would have expired on 7 September 2008, but was curtailed due to an injury.:B. note label|Bore|B| Bore initially joined on a month's loan, meaing the deal would have expired on 1 October 2008, but the deal was ended early.

References