This update was originally printed in the match day programme for Gillingham on 26.09.2026.
Good afternoon everyone.
It’s back to the LNER today after a tough afternoon in Chesterfield against the Spireites. The football was hard to watch but the support we’re giving the team at away games is truly impressive – long may it continue!
One person who would have been incredibly proud of the direction the club is taking is our former Trust Chairman, Richard Snowball, who sadly passed away recently. Richard was a lifelong City fan who stepped up as a founding director of the Trust when we formed amidst an existential crisis in January 2002. In June 2002, Richard was elected as Trust Chairman, working tirelessly on the Save City campaign to secure the future of the club. In 2003, he was instrumental in guiding the Trust to establish York City Football Club Ltd, securing the assets of the club out of administration and retaining our Football League status.
Richard retired as Trust Chairman in 2005, but remained an active volunteer for the club, helping to establish the York City Sporting Memories group, giving older fans a valuable opportunity to socialise over a cuppa and reminisce about their memories of the club, sport and life in general. On behalf of York City fans everywhere, we would like to thank Richard for his years of passionate service to the club and offer our deepest condolences to his wife Joan and his family and friends.
One place Richard loved dearly, as we all did, was our spiritual home Bootham Crescent. One way to honour his memory, whilst raising money for charity, would be to join the Bootham Timeline Trail 2026, which is being organised by the York City FC Foundation on Saturday 10th October. This walk starts at the site of the iconic Bootham Crescent and then follows a trail through some of York’s most historic locations, uncovering stories, famous matches, players, landmarks and memories from the club’s past. Along the way, enjoy a York City history quiz, refreshments and plenty of opportunities to discover some fascinating facts about the Minstermen. The trail finishes at the LNER in time for the Northampton game.
It also gives you the opportunity to raise vital funds for the Sporting Memories groups run by the Foundation. You can sign up for the event via Eventbrite: Bootham Timeline Trail 2026 tickets.
Membership of the Trust starts at £10 a year (or £100 for life membership), and we are aiming for 2,000 members by our 25th anniversary next February. Every new member makes us harder to ignore. Join at ycst.org.uk/join, or come and find one of us on match-day at our gazebo outside the stadium.
Enjoy the match and Keep The Faith!
Paul Sankey
Vice-Chair, York City Supporters’ Trust
paul.sankey@ycst.org.uk
About York City Supporters’ Trust
Established in 2002, York City Supporters Trust is a not-for-profit Community Benefit Society, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We were formed to protect the long-term future of the football club and represent the interests of the fans. We are also 25% shareholders in York City Football Club Ltd.