OR, A TALE OF ONE CITY. If Charles Dickens was still alive today and writing his classic tales, how would he apply that storytelling style to York City Football Club? Would he perhaps draw a parallel with the character of Ebenezer Scrooge who was forced to reflect on his past, on his present and was finally forewarned of his possible future? If it were so we could at least take consolation in the underlying themes of “A Christmas Carol” which of course, are those of ‘redemption’ and ‘second chances’.

When we ultimately failed to retain our National League status in April, a second disappointment in two seasons, we at least drew some crumbs of comfort from our success the following month at Wembley.

We therefore looked towards life in regional football with great expectations. Now, around the mid-point of this seasons’ fixtures, we have seen more than a few twists and experienced some hard times but we must look forward to a brighter future.

In keeping with The Pickwick Papers, the club are on their journeys from places “far remote from London” (no doubt Mr Dickens had in mind such places as Spennymoor, Gainsborough and North Ferriby when he wrote it), before eventually arriving at our new home in Monks Cross. Hopefully that journey will be achieved without recourse to the legal actions which accompanied Mr Pickwick in his adventures!

The York City Supporter’s Trust have been on a 12 month travel which would provide equal fare for an epic novel. As yet unpublished, our progress has been one with many dramatic elements in it. With more twists and turns than even Mr Dickens would script, this has been a year of highs and lows, tales of derring -dos, and derring-don’ts. Would he include some heroes and villains in the plot? Only time will tell. One thing is certain, the next Annual General Meeting of the Supporters’ Trust which we hope to hold in February of 2018 will be a real page-turner.
In closing, and on behalf of all the Board Members of the York City Supporter’s Trust I would like to wish everyone connected to York City Football Club From our chairman Jason, through all the management, players, back room support team and our wonderful supporters the best Christmas ever and a very Happy and Successful New Year.

John Lacy, Chairman
York City Supporter’s Trust

(With acknowledgements to one of my literary colleagues on the Trust Board!)