OPPOSITION Q&A
Ryan discusses York City
ABOUT ME
I’ve been a City supporter since the age of 10, and have fallen in love with the club ever since. Within the last couple of years, I’ve also got heavily involved in sports media and helped cover YCFC matches for local radio station Jorvik Radio, providing updates through social media, conducting interviews, a bit of everything really!
SEASON SO FAR
It’s been a rollercoaster of a season for us both on and off the pitch and if I had to pick out one highlight, it would have to be the events of Good Friday in Chesterfield. Three unbelievable goals, and three huge points against an in-form side – although a pleasant surprise, it could turn out to be very key in the Minstermen’s survival bid.
FORM
Things were beginning to look up about a week ago, as City managed to string together a couple of wins, yet maybe the fixture schedule of three games in eight days caught up with the team a bit, as they slumped to a humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Halifax last Saturday. It really wasn’t the result that a bumper crowd expected to witness, however with the seemingly tight-knit squad that we have, and the consistent backing from the fans, it would be no surprise to see City instantly return to winning ways.
RELEGATION
Prior to the Halifax game, I was fairly hopeful that we would be able to avoid the drop with the momentum we had at the time, but my confidence has been slightly hampered by that 3-0 drubbing, plus almost all the teams below us adopt a game in hand currently. Nevertheless, we should all be able to breathe a huge sigh of relief if three points return to North Yorkshire on Saturday – that would all but confirm another season in the National League. In my opinion, 51 points should be enough to keep York up.
THE MANAGER
Now onto our third permanent manager of the season following the sackings of both John Askey and David Webb, Mikey Morton is the man who will be hoping to guide the club to safety. Morton is a popular figure for both players and supporters, with him being a York fan himself, and despite having minimal managerial experience, it seems his presence around the place has boosted morale, and given York a decent chance of survival heading into the final three games. The gaffer usually likes to set up with five at the back, with the wing-backs pushing further forward – the Minstermen opt for a high press style of play, looking to force the opposition into mistakes.
THE LINE UP
There shouldn’t be too many changes to the team going to Torquay – the key one would be captain and top scorer Lenell John-Lewis returning from injury, depending on his fitness. Expected Line Up: Whitley; Hurst, Duckworth, Ellis, Crookes, Whittle; Dyson, McLaughlin, Hancox; John-Lewis, Forde
KEY PLAYERS
Even with John-Lewis in the side, you would have to look at 18-year-old loan striker Shaqai Forde as the main goalscoring threat. Since joining in late December, he has managed eight goals despite starting only eleven games – without the young prolific forward, York could be in a way worse position than they are. A lot of energy comes from the midfield too, where key performers Mitch Hancox and Olly Dyson often partner veteran Paddy McLaughlin in the centre of the park. Loan defender Mark Ellis has also been a stand-out in this City squad, providing solidity at the back; we could be seeing an interesting contest between the experienced centre-half and equally accomplished striker Frank Nouble this weekend.
AWAY SUPPORT
In fact, yes! Considering it is the furthest away trip of the season, a massive following of around 500 is expected. At the time of writing, just less than 30 tickets remain. It’s not a huge surprise with City fans having backed their side in fantastic numbers throughout the campaign – over 1,000 have supported the Minstermen at Scunthorpe, Halifax, Wrexham, and Chesterfield and a journey to the English Riviera has been a largely anticipated away day for many Yorkies all season.
OPPOSITION TEAMS/PLAYERS
Notts County have been absolutely phenomenal this season with their football, and from what I have seen, are a much better side than Wrexham, however, the latter are just experts at chance-taking. It would be a real shame to see the Magpies miss out on promotion via the playoffs with the season they have had.
PREDICTION
I’ve got to go with an away win – 1-0 York.
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