Men’s First Team

York City FC were delighted to announce the appointment of vastly experienced Neal Ardley as the club’s new first team manager on a three-year deal in September 2023.

The former player spent large parts of his playing days at Wimbledon, where he racked up over 200 appearances between 1991-2002, leaving as one of their longest serving players by the time of his departure.

A switch to Watford followed, where Ardley secured over a century of games at Division One level for the Hornets.

He also played for Cardiff City and Millwall shortly after his Watford stint, being capped at England U21 level numerous times too.

A career in management was soon upon Ardley, diving into Cardiff City’s academy as a manager following retirement in 2007.

AFC Wimbledon secured the services of their former player in October 2012 after a poor start, where the now 51-year-old spent over 300 games in charge between 2012 to 2018.

Ardley guided the Dons to League Two safety numerous times (including in his first season) before steady progress was met with promotion via the play-offs to League One in 2016.

Neal picked up two Manager of the Month awards during his time down south, securing League Two Manager of the Month in December 2014 and April 2016.

Ardley moved on to Notts County in 2018, where he managed just shy of 100 games across League Two and the National League. During his National League tenure, County put together a side looking to bounce back to the Football League, reaching the play-off final in 2020.

He also picked up numerous awards throughout his time at County too, picking up the Manager of the Month award in December 2019, January 2021 and October 2021.

Neal departed County with the side placed inside the National League play-offs and several games in hand, later joining Solihull Moors in the summer of 2021.

After an impressive October in his inaugural season with the Moors where Solihull picked up four wins and two draws from six, whilst only conceding one, Ardley picked up the league’s Manager of the Month award.

The campaign saw Solihull Moors complete their second-highest finish in the club’s history as they finished third, falling just short in the play-off final to then former League Two side Grimsby Town.

Ardley managed just shy of a hundred games for the West Midlands-based side before departing in this summer by mutual consent.

York City FC were delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Cox as the club’s new assistant manager in September 2023, working alongside Neal Ardley and Tony McMahon.

The 51-year-old worked with manager Neal Ardley previously at AFC Wimbledon and Notts County.

Cox is also familiar working together with Tony McMahon, having had McMahon in his coaching staff at Scunthorpe United.

The former Scunthorpe boss joined the Minstermen having had just shy of two years away from football, having departed the Iron in November 2021.

36-year-old McMahon brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished playing career, having turned out for the likes of Middlesbrough, Sheffield United, Blackpool, and Bradford City, amassing over 400 appearances in professional football and playing as high as the Premier League.

He launched his coaching career before his retirement from playing at Darlington in 2021, qualifying as a UEFA ‘A’ licensed coach and working with the academies at both Middlesbrough FC and Darlington before a spell in the first-team backroom staff at Scunthorpe United. Whilst working as Assistant Manager for the club, he was appointed Caretaker Manager on 28th August 2023.

A young coach but with lots of experience to his name, Stead joined from Leeds United where he was the Professional Development Phase Goalkeeping Coach.

He joined the Whites in 2020 where he also had experience working with the first-team ‘keepers alongside Goalkeeping Coach Marcos Abad. Prior to his time with Leeds, Stead was first-team Goalkeeping Coach at FC Halifax Town and academy Goalkeeping Coach at Wigan Athletic.

A former graduate of York St. John University, Bulmer joined the club in September 2020 and works with the first team and U19s academy side providing physiotherapy for the players.

Position: Goalkeeper | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 20/09/1985

David started his senior career with the Minstermen 20 years ago after coming through the club’s academy and making his debut as a 17-year-old against Oxford United. Since then, the Yorkshireman has carved out an incredible career at the top levels of English football, winning the golden glove in the Championship, League One, and League Two.

In the 2022/23 season Stockdale made 24 League One appearances and kept 11 clean sheets as Sheffield Wednesday secured promotion to the Championship via the play-offs. This was the fifth promotion-winning campaign that the goalkeeper has contributed to in the EFL, having also ascended from League One with Wycombe Wanderers and Leicester City, and from the Championship with Brighton & Hove Albion and Hull City.

Having represented England C while a youngster at York, Stockdale was part of the England senior set-up under Fabio Capello after impressing during a run of games in the Premier League with Fulham. With the Cottagers, he also received a UEFA Europa League Runners-up medal in 2009/10.

With his wealth of experience and contacts in the higher leagues, David also serves the club in a dual role as Head of Recruitment.

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Position: Midfielder/Sports Scientist | Nationality: Northern Ireland | Date of Birth: 14/01/91

Midfielder Paddy McLaughlin became Steve Watson’s first signing as City manager when returning to the club in January 2019 on loan from Hartlepool United. In his second spell with York after winning promotion to the Football League with the club in 2011. His signed on a dual role for 2021/22 as Player/Sports Scientist.

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Position: Goalkeeper | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 01/10/99

York City were delighted to announce the capture of goalkeeper George Sykes-Kenworthy on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee from Bradford (Park Avenue) in October 2023.

Sykes-Kenworthy departed Horsfall Stadium having featured 88-times for The Green Army across a spell just shy of two years.

The goalkeeper started his footballing journey with Bradford City at under-8 level within the Bantams’ Academy, signing his first professional contract (a two-year deal) with the club in March 2018.

He later joined Stalybridge Celtic that month, appearing 11 times in all competitions for the Celts, his first taste of senior men’s football.

The shot-stopper picked up an accolade in May 2018 and was named Bradford City’s ‘Youth Team Player of the Year’ for the 2017/18 season.

A loan move to Guiseley in the National League North followed in the summer of 2019, featuring nine-times with the Lions before then Bradford City boss Gary Bowyer recalled him.

His senior Bradford City debut came off the back of it, starting against Manchester City U21s in the EFL Trophy in September 2019. He then earned a further Bantams appearance in November that year, featuring against Rochdale in the EFL Trophy too.

Sykes-Kenworthy then spent a season with Derby County’s under-23 side after departing Bradford City in the summer of 2020. Signing in October, he accrued ten Premier League 2 appearances and kept three clean sheets before leaving in June 2021.

A deal with Boston United was agreed on the eve of the 2021/22 season, following a successful trial period, where he featured seven times for the Pilgrims before setting at Bradford (Park Avenue) later that year.

Sykes-Kenworthy has enjoyed the most consistent football in his career to date with The Green Army, keeping 25 clean sheets since signing in December 2021.

Following impressive performances during his time at the club, the 24-year-old was named as First Team Captain for the 2023/24 season, taking the role from an experienced Avenue veteran in Gianluca Havern.

Position: Goalkeeper | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 16/07/03

York City were delighted to announce that 20-year-old shot stopper Maison Campbell had signed an extension with the club, seeing his deal run until 2025 with the Minstermen in August 2023.

The Nottingham-born youngster shot through the ranks at Mansfield Town’s academy before trialling for two weeks with City in 2021, where he then penned a first professional deal.

A switch to AFC Telford followed for the ‘keeper, signing in October 2022, before returning to the LNER Community Stadium in January 2023 until the end of the season.

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Position: Goalkeeper | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 05/02/96

York City were delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Rory Watson following his departure from League Two outfit Doncaster Rovers in August 2023.

The 27-year-old put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season with the Minstermen.

York-born Watson spent last season with National League champions Wrexham, having joined from Scunthorpe United where he made more than 100 appearances across League One and Two.

Watson had most recently signed a one-month contract with League Two’s Doncaster Rovers having trained with the South Yorkshire side early on in pre-season.

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Position: Goalkeeper | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 20/09/1985

David started his senior career with the Minstermen 20 years ago after coming through the club’s academy and making his debut as a 17-year-old against Oxford United. Since then, the Yorkshireman has carved out an incredible career at the top levels of English football, winning the golden glove in the Championship, League One, and League Two.

In the 2022/23 season Stockdale made 24 League One appearances and kept 11 clean sheets as Sheffield Wednesday secured promotion to the Championship via the play-offs. This was the fifth promotion-winning campaign that the goalkeeper has contributed to in the EFL, having also ascended from League One with Wycombe Wanderers and Leicester City, and from the Championship with Brighton & Hove Albion and Hull City.

Having represented England C while a youngster at York, Stockdale was part of the England senior set-up under Fabio Capello after impressing during a run of games in the Premier League with Fulham. With the Cottagers, he also received a UEFA Europa League Runners-up medal in 2009/10.

With his wealth of experience and contacts in the higher leagues, David also serves the club in a dual role as Head of Recruitment.

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Position: Defender | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 04/11/98

York City were delighted to announce the capture of Harrogate Town defender Will Smith on an initial one-month loan deal in September 2023.

Initially starting his youth career at Barnsley, Smith took up a scholarship in 2015 and won Academy Player of the Year for the 2015/16 season.

A spell at National League North’s Darlington followed in 2018, making a total of 14 league appearances and netting once during his stay.

Smith then departed Barnsley in favour of a move to then National League side Harrogate Town.

The defender appeared 36 times in the 2019/20 season for Harrogate before COVID-19 curtailed the season.

After beating Boreham Wood in the play-offs, Smith assisted in promotion to the Football League for Harrogate in their 3-1 victory against Notts County at Wembley Stadium.

Smith also won the FA Trophy with Harrogate at Wembley, in a final which was played considerably late in May 2021 due to COVID-19.

Last season, the defender linked up with Scunthorpe United in February 2023 until the end of the season after initially joining on a one-month loan.

Smith made 13 appearances for the Iron, becoming the first Scunthorpe centre-back since Izzy Iriekpen in 2008 to score in three consecutive games.

The defender netted in victories on home soil against Altrincham (2-0) and Wealdstone (4-1), whilst also netting away from home against Neal Ardley’s former side Solihull Moors.

Smith boasts over 110 senior appearances across his career so far.

Position: Defender | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 08/09/03

A promising left back with pace and stamina, who is excellent at reading the game. The young defender was given his first professional contract in the summer of 2021, before being handed his first-team debut in October that year. In the 2022/23 season he went out on loan to Northern Premier League side Guiseley in order to gain first-team game experience. After signing a contract extension with York at the beginning of the season, Haase will continue his development at Northern Premier League east division side Stockton.

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29-year-old Howe joined this summer from fellow National League side Solihull Moors, where he was club captain. The calm and imposing centre-back was born in Doncaster and returns to Yorkshire with the Minstermen for an undisclosed fee.

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Cordner joined the Minstermen this summer for an undisclosed fee from Aldershot Town. A big centre-back, but with excellent ball-playing ability, Cordner was a standout for the Shots last campaign, picking up numerous end of season awards, and captained England C in their 1-0 win against Wales.

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Position: Defender | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 05/12/02

The 20-year-old operates mainly as a left-back, but being right-footed, can play on either side of the defence. The former Nottingham Forest academy player broke into the senior squad at Burton Albion and has four League One appearances to his name. He has also turned out for Hereford and Guiseley in National League North.

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Position: Defender | Nationality: Welsh | Date of Birth: 19/10/88

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Position: Defender | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 30/11/01

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Position: Defender | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 28/04/92

Raised in York, the defender came through the youth system and went on to have a career in the Football League with Hartlepool United and Fleetwood before re-joining City in 2020.

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Position: Defender | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 03/01/1996

Energetic right back who is well-known to York City fans after playing against the club for North Ferriby United in the National League and Harrogate Town – where he played a pivotal role in their rise to the Football League. He made a total of 168 appearances for Town over the course of five seasons. Fallowfield moved across North Yorkshire ahead of last season and made a big impression with some important performances towards the end of the campaign as City avoided relegation.

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Position: Midfielder | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 22/12/01

Young centre half who joined the club initially on loan from Nottingham Forest before breaking into the starting eleven and showing calm and composure on the ball at the heart of the defence.

Sanders turned down a new deal with his Premier League parent club in favour of playing first team football with York City – signing a two-year deal with the club in July 2022.

He played 17 times in the Premier League 2 for the former European champions and plays in the heart of defence, his size and heading ability his main attributes.

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Position: Defender | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 18/11/1997

Athletic left-sided defender equally comfortable playing left-sided centre back or at left back – Crooksey can also play as a defensive midfielder if required. The 24-year-old was part of the Grimsby Town squad who were promoted from the National League in the 2021/22 season.

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Position: Midfielder | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 24/03/03

York City were delighted to welcome highly rated youngster Olly Green on loan from Hull City on an initial one-month loan deal in October 2023.

Captain of Hull City’s Under-18s during the 2020/21 season, the now 20-year-old midfielder signed his first professional deal with the club in May 2021.

In July 2021, Green featured in the first-team’s pre-season friendlies against Mansfield Town and Manchester United, and was also an unused substitute in the Tigers’ EFL Cup fixture against Wigan Athletic in August 2021.

Green experienced his first career loan spell in March 2022 as he joined Bridlington Town. He helped the Seasiders stay in the Northern Premier League East Division, making five appearances, and was rewarded with a new contract at the Tigers in May of the same year.

In November 2022, Green joined Marske United originally on a one-month loan before extending his time there by a further month. Under the management of former Hull City midfielder Curtis Woodhouse, Green registered five assists in seven appearances for Marske, helping the Seasiders reach the third round of the FA Trophy for the first time in the club’s history.

Position: Midfielder | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 10/12/97

York City were delighted to announce the signing of Daniel Batty following his departure from League One outfit Fleetwood Town.

The 25-year-old put pen to paper on a three-year-deal in August 2023.

The battling midfielder brings vast experience at Football League level to the LNER Community Stadium, having featured 58 times in the Championship and 81 times at League One level with both Hull City and Fleetwood Town.

Position: Midfielder | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 03/05/93

The experienced central midfielder signed from AFC Wimbledon where he was club captain. Woodyard was an important part of Lincoln City’s rise from the National League and has since made over 250 EFL appearances for the Imps, Peterborough, Tranmere Rovers, and the Dons.

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Position: Midfielder | Nationality: English

Dynamic player who joined the youth team in the 2021/22 season from Pickering Town. The versatile midfielder is a confident dribbler, who can take someone on with pace and can pick out a man in the box with a cross. He signed a pro contract with the club before commencement of the 2023/24 season.

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Position: Midfielder | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 03/01/01

Barnes arrived at the LNER Community Stadium on the back of an impressive season at step 3 of non-league with Suffolk side Leiston FC.

The former Norwich City youth player plays largely from the left-hand side of midfield, but can also play more centrally.

After initially signing for Step 5 side Norwich United upon his Canaries exit, Barnes earned a move up the leagues with Leiston for the 2020/21 season.

Barnes has hit double figures from midfield in his last two seasons, scoring a total of 35 in 117 games in all competitions. This includes 11 league goals as Leiston finished third last season, form which earned him a lot of interest from non-league’s higher tiers.

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The 20-year-old winger joined this summer following his exit from Yeovil Town. He developed in the academies of Tottenham Hotspur and Ipswich Town and made six senior appearances for the Suffolk club ahead of his move to the Glovers last season.

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Position: Midfielder | Nationality: Portuguese | Date of Birth: 16/08/01

Midfielder Quevin Castro will joined the Minstermen upon the expiry of his contact at Championship side West Bromwich Albion in July 2023.

The creative midfielder will be remembered by Minstermen supporters initially after scoring a long-range free kick against City during Notts County’s 3-1 win at the LNER Community Stadium back in September 2022.

As well as turning out for Notts County last season, he spent the second half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan to fellow Vanarama National League side Gateshead, after starting the last campaign with a short loan spell at League One side Burton Albion.

The 21-year-old previously spent spells with Non-League clubs Mildenhall Town, Thetford Town, Norwich City and Bury Town, before joining Championship side West Bromwich Albion in the summer of 2021, after having trials at Sutton United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

During his time with WBA, he made two appearances for the club, featuring in the club’s 6-0 EFL Cup defeat to Arsenal and also as a substitute in their 2-0 Championship defeat against Swansea City.

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Position: Midfielder | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 12/08/97

Scott originally joined the club during loan spell from Bury in 2019. Remembered for his wonder goal against Kidderminster, the box-to-box midfielder joined City permanently on the back of a playoff winning campaign with Grimsby Town at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Scott can play in the centre or right-side of midfield and is known as a creative attacking player.

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Position: Midfielder | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 14/12/99

Dyson signed for City in September 2020 after being released by Huddersfield Town. Known for his versatility, Olly can play in centre midfield, right back or right wing.

He forged his way to be a regular in the 2021/22 season after a period out injured and finished last season’s promotion campaign with the top number of assists in the team.

Olly was voted Clubman of the Year by the supporters in the 2022/23 season and secured a two-year extension to his contract.

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Position: Midfielder | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 09/11/93

Hancox can operate as a left wing back, left winger or attacking midfielder. The nippy playmaker spent 5 years with Birmingham City in the Championship earlier in his career before playing for the likes of Macclesfield Town, MK Dons and Solihull Moors.

Cult hero Mitch signed initially as a left back from Hereford on loan during the 2021/22 season but found form as a central midfielder, firing 11 goals in 37 appearances and scoring some vital goals in the run in for promotion.

He signed a permanent contract with the club in the summer of 2022 despite interest from a host of other clubs.

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Position: Midfielder/Sports Scientist | Nationality: Northern Ireland | Date of Birth: 14/01/91

Midfielder Paddy McLaughlin became Steve Watson’s first signing as City manager when returning to the club in January 2019 on loan from Hartlepool United. In his second spell with York after winning promotion to the Football League with the club in 2011. His signed on a dual role for 2021/22 as Player/Sports Scientist.

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Position: Forward | Nationality: Scottish | Date of Birth: 28/03/02

York City were delighted to announce the capture of young Scottish winger Kai Kennedy following his departure from Scottish giants Rangers.

The 21-year-old came through the youth set-up there, before going on to taste senior men’s football for the likes of Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Raith Rovers and Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Championship.

Last season, the young winger spent time at Scottish League One side Falkirk, where he netted 9 goals in 33 appearances for The Bairns.

Having also previously represented Scotland at youth level up to U19 level, he earned a call-up to their U21 set-up in November 2020.

Position: Forward | Nationality: English

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Akinyemi joined for an undisclosed fee from Ayr United this summer after finishing last season as the Scottish Championship top scorer and Player of the Year. The 26-year-old scored 24 goals and made 11 assists in 45 appearances in all competitions last season, and has previously been prolific in National League South with Welling United.

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Position: Forward | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 04/03/94

Having played most of his career in the EFL, with over 100 appearances in the Championship, 29-year-old Harriott is hoping that experience higher up can help the Minstermen return to the Football League. He had spells with Gillingham and Yeovil last season, and has previously played for Charlton Athletic, Reading, and Colchester United.

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Bio and more coming soon.

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Position: Forward | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: June 2006

17-year-old forward first joined our youth set-up for the 2022/23 season and impressed in his first season with the club. The former Bradford City academy player is noted for his strength, speed and eye for goal. Alex secured his first professional contract with the club before the start of the 2023/24 season.

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Position: Forward | Nationality: Paramaribo | Date of Birth: 15/07/97

The 26-year-old striker joined this summer following his exit from Blyth Spartans. Suriname-born, Main grew up in the Netherlands and moved to England in 2021, rising up the league with FC United of Manchester, South Shields, and Blyth Spartans.

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Position: Forward | Nationality: English | Date of Birth: 17/05/89

Experienced forward, nicknamed ‘The Shop’, who joined City initially on loan from Grimsby Town in February 2022, has spent the majority of his career playing in the Football League for the likes of Lincoln City, Bury and Newport County. After playing a key role in the National League North promotion, John-Lewis was signed on a permanent deal and was City’s captain and top scorer last season in the National League.

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Position: Forward | Nationality: Afghanistan | Date of Birth: 30/09/97

Afghanistan International who signed for City just before the transfer deadline in March 2022 from Hereford, the club beating off stiff competition for his signature.

Kouhyar came through the ranks at Walsall before making 33 appearances in League One for the Saddlers. After an injury kept him out of the game for two years, he resurfaced at Hereford and in his debut season scored 5 goals in 30 appearances.

Maz can play as a winger or as an attacking midfielder and made his debut in red and blue against Kettering in April 2022.

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