Ground: Bootham Crescent, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 7AQ
Telephone: 01904 624447
Club Colours: Red and White
Nickname: The Minstermen
Official Club Website: www.ycfc.net
Manager: Gary Mills had a distinguished 550 plus appearance playing career between 1979-96 for both Nottingham clubs, Leicester City and Derby County. He won a European Cup winners medal while at Forest in 1980 and has also represented England at U18 and U21 levels. He has player-managed at various non-league clubs since then and continued playing up until the age of 45 with Alfreton Town. He was appointed “gaffer” at York City in 2010 after a spell at Tamworth.
Brief Directions By Road: Northwards on the A1 until A1(M) junction the A64 signposted York. After approx. 10 miles take the A1237 signposted York (North). Stay on this road for approx. 6 miles passing over three roundabouts and crossing the River Ouse. At the next roundabout turn right onto the A19 signposted York (Shipton Road). Basically stay on this road following signs for City centre, The road then becomes Clifton Lane (still A19). Look out for the Burton Stone pub where you turn left into Burton Stone Lane for Bootham Crescent which will be on your right.
Car Parking: If you choose to park around Bootham Crescent then you can use the small car park on Burton Stone Lane at a cost of £3. You can also use Union Terrace, a little further away from the ground, just off Clarence Street. You can walk to the ground in a matter of minutes via Hospital Lane and over a railway footbridge. Other than that it’s all, more or less, street parking. Around the ground itself parking is restricted.
Directions By Train: Served by London Kings Cross, York Station is a good 25 minutes walk from the ground. Just remember the old Reckless saying – Cabs, made for sharing leave time for one more beer!
Supporters Coaches: The official coach will leave the Pavilion at 8.45pm and the ticket price is just £25. The Pavilion will be open from 7.15pm for pre-journey refreshments. Discounts on travel are available for season ticket holders and Bees members. Bookings and information for coach travel for all this season’s away games can be found online or by calling 02084496325.
Where To Get A Decent Drink Locally: The aforementioned Burton Stone comes highly recommended. The Old Grey Mare is to be found a short walk back down the A19 and allegedly sells a very decent pint of Theakstons.
Where To Get A Bite To Eat Locally: Tony’s Plaice is a chippy in nearby Newberry Street and comes highly recommended by the club. Inside the ground the pies and mushy peas are a must according to visiting supporters over the years.
The Social Club: We will be made welcome at the Pitchside Bar although a £1 charge to non-members is made at the door according to my spies.
Club Description: The ground has changed very little since our last visit in 2005. City purchased the site from the local cricket club in 1932 and the present main stand, or part of it, was erected soon after before being extended in the 1950s/ It is a plain box like construction complete with wonderful vintage wooden section dividers and occupies two thirds of the touchline. From here the home fans stronghold, The David Longhurst Stand, is a fairly large covered terrace behind the goal to the right. Visiting fans are accommodated at the opposite end on a wedge shaped uncovered terrace called Grosvenor Road. Nearly 1,400 away fans can be accommodated at the Bootham Crescent including up to 300 additional covered seats in the Popular Stand which is a converted terrace opposite the main stand.
Admission Prices: Adults £16, Concessions £10, £1.00 transfer charge to a seating area is available.
Overnight Stay Factor: York is a beautiful city to visit and is full to the brim with splendid architecture, historic attractions and our wonderful English heritage. As we are playing the Minstermen on a weekend I will award an OSF factor of 9.9/10.
Rivals: Hull City, Scarborough and Halifax Town.
Celebrity Watch: Although he mainly attacked the well to do residents and travellers in and around Stevanage, Knebworth and Potters Bar, Dick Turpin, the famous highway man is buried in York as is the man who invented the Zippo lighter, Guy Fawkes. The composer of most James Bond scores John Barry was born here as was Dame Judy Dench and Ooh – ere – NO! Comedian Franky Howard.
Last visit and memories: Our last visit was in March 2005 when a Giuliano Grazioli goal was not enough in a 2-1 defeat. We had however demolished City 4-0 five months earlier at Underhill when Dwane Lee, Dean Sinclair, Nicky Bailey and Ismail Yakubu found the net. A peach of a goal from Rob Sayers was the highlight of an enthralling 6-3 win for the Bees at Underhill in August 1999. The best for last? A superb 4-1 victory at Bootham Crescent in May 1992 featured goals from Mark Carter (2), Gary Bull and Harry Willis
