Key Personnel: Jackie McNamara is the current Gaffer at York City. As a defender he spent four seasons at Dunfermline, then a decade at Celtic earning some 33 Scottish international caps. He has managed at Patrick Thistle and Dundee United before joining the Minstermen in November 2014.

Brief Directions by Road: Northwards on the A1 until A1(M) junction the A64 signposted York. After approximately 10 miles take the A1237 signposted York (North). Stay on this road for approximately six 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: Street parking locally is difficult to find in the immediate ground vicinity but it is available. The club suggest making use of the nearby York Hospital which will cost about £2.50 for the day. It is a 15 minute walk to the ground from here.

Directions by Train: A mid-morning train from Kings Cross to Edinburgh stops at York and should take around 2 1/2 hours. York Station is 30 minutes walk from the ground so a taxi is made for sharing.

Eating and Drinking 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. 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 in the Pitchside Bar although I believe there is a small charge made at the door.

Ground Description: City purchased the site from the local cricket club in 1932 and the present main stand, or part of it, was erected soon after and it was extended in the mid-1950’s. It is a plain box like construction complete with wonderful vintage wooden section dividers and occupies 2/3rds 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. Nearly 2,000 away fans can be accommodated at Bootham Crescent including up to 300 additional covered seats in the Benenden Popular Stand which is a converted terrace opposite the main stand.

Admission Prices: Seating – Adults £19, Concession £13, Terrace – Adults £18, Concession £12.

Previous Meetings and Memories: Our last visit to Bootham Crescent was in February 2013 when goals from Jake Hyde and a young Andy Yiadom bought home a 2-1 win. A peach of a goal from Rob Sayers was the highlight of an enthralling 6-3 victory 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.

Celebrity Watch: Although he mainly attacked the well to do residents and travellers in and around Stevenage, 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 of the James Bond music scores, John Barry, was born here as were world famous actress Dame Judy Dench and Ooh – ‘ere – NO! Comedian Frankie Howerd too.

Reckless