There’s a certain romance in football reserved for clubs like York City.
A proper club with proper history, built not on millions from Hollywood or hedge funds, but on grit, community and tradition. In 2023/24, York were in turmoil—again flirting with the abyss of relegation back to the National League North. But under Adam Hinshelwood, something remarkable happened. Now, after a campaign that’s rekindled belief and unity, York City stand on the brink of a long-overdue return to the Football League.
With 96 points, 95 goals, and the Golden Boot and Golden Glove winners in their ranks, this is no fluke. This is a side that belongs back in the EFL—and it’s time they took their place.
Hinshelwood Has Transformed the Club
Few appointments have had such immediate impact as Adam Hinshelwood’s. The former Worthing boss, father of Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood, has built a side that is both defensively solid and devastating going forward. His arrival didn’t just bring a new system—it brought a new sense of belief.
York’s rise from relegation candidates to promotion challengers is no accident. It’s been built on smart coaching, trust in his players, and a clear tactical identity. They didn’t stumble into second place—they earned it. That sort of transformation doesn’t happen by chance.
Recruitment Done Right
Where other National League clubs have splashed the cash—Notts County, Wrexham, Stockport and Chesterfield all bought their way out—York City have rebuilt organically. This season’s squad has been pieced together with precision, not with piles of money.
The arrivals of Harrison Male, Tyreece Sinclair, Joe Felix and Ollie Pearce—all on free transfers—show just how savvy the club has been. Felix, named Clubman of the Year, has been immense. Male kept 19 clean sheets. Pearce scored 31 goals and bagged 8 assists. That’s not luck—that’s proper scouting.
Add in the permanent signing of Alex Hunt and the smart addition of Malachi Fagan-Walcott from Cardiff, and it’s clear York have developed a spine fit for the Football League.
From Christmas Hope to End-of-Season Belief
By Christmas 2024, York were top of the National League. Wins over Barnet, Halifax, and Oldham showed their mettle. Even when the title slipped away in March, after a tough run of fixtures and injuries, York never fell apart. They bounced back with a flourish—beating Oldham away and smashing Woking 5–2.
Unbeaten in their last eight league matches, York are rolling into the play-offs with momentum. They’ve scored multiple goals in all but one of those games. In Ollie Pearce and Josh Stones, they have forwards who can change matches in an instant. This is a team peaking at the perfect time.
A Proud Club with Football League Pedigree
York City aren’t newcomers trying to punch above their weight. They’re a club that spent 75 years in the Football League. They were relegated from the Second Division in 1999, and just five years later, financial chaos saw them fall through the trapdoor and into the Conference.
But even after administration, failed ownership, and back-to-back relegations, York have always found a way back. They won at Wembley in 2012 to return to the EFL. They’ve won the FA Trophy twice. They reached the League Two play-offs in 2013–14. This isn’t a club that’s wandered into non-league without a fight. This is a club that belongs higher.
York City are one of those sides that fans across the country look out for. A ‘proper’ football city, a passionate fanbase, a ground with history. Their journey has been long and difficult—but they’ve never stopped climbing. They deserve another crack at League Two.
The EFL Needs Clubs Like York
Let’s be honest: the modern Football League can feel like a revolving door of franchises, parachuted cash, and clubs that bounce from league to league depending on their owner’s wallet. But York are different. They represent the heart and soul of English football—a community-run club still in touch with its supporters, still striving to do things the right way.
Where Wrexham turned to Hollywood, and Stockport and Chesterfield spent heavily, York have built a squad, not bought one. That makes their success even more admirable. Their model is sustainable, their squad is young and hungry, and their ambition is rooted in substance.
The EFL would benefit from having clubs like York back in its ranks—historic names with character, rather than brands built for broadcast.
This Is the Moment – Don’t Let It Slip
So here we are. A play-off semi-final at the LNER Stadium on May 20 awaits. York will face either Oldham or Halifax for a place at Wembley, and one final step back to where they belong. There will be nerves, no doubt—but there should also be pride.
Adam Hinshelwood has led a revolution. The players have delivered. The fans have backed them all the way. This team has shown resilience, quality, and an undeniable will to win.
This isn’t just another non-league promotion push—it’s a resurrection. It’s York City Football Club rising again, fuelled not by money but by merit.
It’s time. Time for York City to come home. Time for the Minstermen to walk back into the Football League, heads held high, banners waving, fans in full voice. York have earned this moment.
Let’s hope they seize it. The Football League will be better for their return.
