Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony believes any club that signs Chris Conn-Clarke on loan will “win the league” — and York City are firmly in the race.
The transfer-listed forward, 23, is attracting strong National League interest after a difficult year at London Road, with York exploring a deal under new boss Stuart Maynard.
Loan now, buy later: the structure on the table
Conn-Clarke is available for a season-long loan once a buying clause is agreed that matches the fee Peterborough paid Altrincham in 2024. York, who finished second last season before losing in the play-offs, are weighing the numbers as Maynard seeks extra cutting edge for a side unbeaten in five. Local reports first linked the Minstermen this week, while wider EFL coverage has since confirmed York’s push to beat rival bidders.
Speaking on his Hard Truth podcast, MacAnthony said the Northern Irish attacker would be the “best player at that level again” if he drops back into the fifth tier, adding: “Whoever gets him will win the league.” The chairman’s stance reflects Posh’s readiness to move the player on provided an acceptable buy option is locked in at the outset.
“Whoever gets him will win the league… because he will be the best player at that level again.”
Why York want him
Maynard, appointed on 28 August, has prioritised pace and end product across the front line. Conn-Clarke, the 2023–24 National League Player of the Season after 23 goals for Altrincham, fits that brief and is comfortable operating as a No 10 or wide forward.
York’s recruitment team believe his ability to receive between the lines and threaten from range would complement the current forward unit and tilt tight games in their favour. Maynard’s arrival has stabilised results and the club’s ambition is clear after last term’s near miss.
What went wrong at Peterborough
Conn-Clarke arrived at Posh with significant hype but managed one goal in 30 appearances across 2024–25, often from the bench, before being transfer-listed. Peterborough sources insist the decision is a footballing reset rather than a reflection on character, and they have encouraged National League suitors to take advantage of the deal structure.
If the move reignites his Altrincham form, Posh stand to recoup their outlay through the agreed future fee.
Writer’s View
This is the classic National League power play: secure the division’s most dangerous chance-creator on terms that protect upside. York’s case is especially strong. They have momentum under Maynard, a clear need for final-third punch and recent proof they can sustain a title pace.
Conn-Clarke’s League One struggles should not mask his ceiling at this level, where time on the ball and territorial dominance suit his game. If York can close on the loan-plus-buy package and integrate him quickly, MacAnthony’s bold claim starts to sound less like salesmanship and more like a plausible title forecast.
