Club Ambassadors

Leaning had trials with York City in 1979 at the age of 16 and went on to play for York Railway Institute and Rowntree Mackintosh in the Northern Counties East Football League, as an amateur, while working for British Rail.

He later played in York’s reserve team and was offered the chance to turn professional with the Third Division club in 1985, making his first team debut later that year.

Andy played in all of York’s seven FA Cup games in the 1985–86 season, with a memorable performance in York’s 3–1 defeat after extra time against Liverpool at Anfield in the fifth round in February 1986.

Andy departed in 1987, playing 86 times for the club in all competitions, and went on to represent Sheffield United, Bristol City, Lincoln City, Dundee, and Chesterfield before retiring in 2000 having made over 200 career appearances.

Following his retirement from playing, Andy moved into specialist coaching holding goalkeeper coach roles with Chesterfield, Scarborough and Barnsley. Andy was first appointed goalkeeping coach with The Minstermen in July 2010, departing little under a year later before returning for a second spell in 2015.

Speaking on becoming a Club Ambassador, Andy said: “I saw my first football match at Bootham Crescent as a young lad, and from that point it was my ambition to become a professional footballer and to represent the club.

“This role will allow me to give something back to the club that gave me my chance in football.

“I look forward to promoting York City in the community and making a difference on the club’s future journey back into the Football League where it belongs.”

Jones is best known locally for his spell with The Minstermen, scoring 33 goals in 95 games, during the 1970s.

He started his professional career with Manchester City in 1964 before representing a number of clubs including Swindon Town, Walsall and Huddersfield Town amongst others.

Since retirement, Chris has been a co-commentator with BBC Radio York and has also released an autobiography, ‘The Tale of Two Great Cities’, detailing his time with both York City and Manchester City.

Speaking on becoming a Club Ambassador, Chris said: “It is important that we as former players pass on the success and traditions of the past to the present players at the new stadium.

“Vitai Lampada, we pass on the torch of life. (Henry Newbolt). Play up and play the game”.

Parslow joined The Minstermen in the 2006/07 season, becoming a regular starter and later club captain.

Dan was named Clubman of the Year in 2009, leading the team to the FA Trophy Final, before winning the accolade again two years later having played in every game in the 2010/11 season.

Perhaps Dan’s finest hour in a York City shirt came in 2012 as a member of the ‘Wembley Twice’ squad, winning the FA Trophy and Conference Premier Play-Off Final, the latter of which sealing the club’s return to the Football League.

The defender was named Clubman of the Year for a third time in 2013, becoming the first player to do so in the club’s history.

Dan departed in 2015 but returned in 2017, winning the FA Trophy again in the same year, before retiring from playing in 2019 due to a head injury having made over 400 career appearances, 260 of those in York City colours.

Speaking on becoming a Club Ambassador, he said: “Having played for the club for so long and still living in York, it’s an honour to be approached to represent the football club in some capacity.

“I look forward to sharing my experiences with the York City faithful, representing the club when asked to do so, and supporting the team from the stands!”

Hood signed for York City in 1980 and remained a constant presence for most of the decade, amassing 300 appearances.

Derek is also a winner of the Clubman of the Year, picking up the accolade in 1983.

Speaking on becoming a Club Ambassador, he said: “I feel honoured and privileged to have this opportunity to give back something to those loyal supporters that supported me and the club back then, and continue to do so to this present day.

One of City’s all-time best goalkeepers, Graeme had 2 spells with the club between 1971 and 1980, making 280 appearances.

His first two seasons saw City survive in Division Three on goal average.

The next season however, Graeme equalled a Football League record of 11 successive clean sheets as City won promotion in 1974 to Division Two (now known as The Championship); along with Chris Topping, Graeme was an ever-present across both Division Two seasons.

Speaking on becoming a Club Ambassador, he said: “Just wanted to say thanks for asking me to be an ambassador.

“City was a special club for me and I played in a good team with a great set of lads.

“One of the reasons I would like to do this is to put something back into the club that gave me so much pleasure.”

Blackstone became a York City player in 1990 and went on to make 129 appearances for the club.

During the club’s first ever promotion Play-Offs, Ian played in the memorable final which saw them win at Wembley v Crewe Alexandra on penalties to lift them to Division Two the following season.

Speaking on becoming a Club Ambassador, he said: “I feel honoured to have been invited to be an ambassador for York City, and look back on my time at the club as the most memorable I had playing football.”

Joe made over 50 appearances as a goalkeeper for City between 1976 and 1980.

Neenan had a long and distinguished career, amassing close to 400 professional appearances in a career spanning more than 20 years, representing Scunthorpe United, Burnley, Peterborough United and Scarborough.

Speaking on becoming a Club Ambassador, he said: “Having arrived at York City from Manchester at 15 to start my apprenticeship in football, which led to a 15yr profession.

“It gives me great pleasure to be an Ambassador at this great club.

“Working together is my great belief in life. York City are now engaging in my strong beliefs which we now see the results on and off the pitch and into the community.

“I was Graham Crawford’s apprentice and having spoken to him recently, it would be an honour to do me and my apprentice at a match.”

Initially joining on a two-month trial in 1971, Pat made 71 appearances for City and was known for his driving runs from midfield.

Lally made over 400 career appearances with notable spells at Swansea City, who signed him from The Minstermen for £7,000 in 1973, and Doncaster Rovers before injury forced his retirement in 1983.

Pat’s post-playing career saw him work in education roles for the PFA and League Football Education.

Speaking on becoming a Club Ambassador, he said: “Having played for York City FC for two seasons and a further 13 years at a number of other clubs, I feel honoured and privileged to be asked to contribute and give something back to York City and the game.”

York-born Tutill joined the York City youth system on associate schoolboy forms, and having been capped eight times by England schools in 1985 and 1986 he entered York’s Youth Training Scheme in 1986.

Steve made his first team debut for The Minstermen in 1987. Despite breaking an ankle later that year, he had sufficiently impressed to sign as a professional the following year.

The defender was named Clubman of the Year in 1991 and played in both legs of City’s famous victory over Manchester United in the League Cup during the 1995/96 season.

He remained at the club until 1998, making over 300 City appearances.

Speaking on becoming a Club Ambassador, he said: “Having played for my local club York City for thirteen years, and experiencing many good times, it is an honour to be asked to represent the club and be able to give something back to the community and supporters.”