League champions. 108 points. That last day drama. Is it fair to say that’s the greatest season of York’s history?
Without a doubt, yes. It was a season that broke all sorts of records for the football club, reaching their highest points tally, winning a league title for only the second time in their history and going on record unbeaten runs.
It was a season that supporters will never forget, and you’ll never see more unity and gut in a team. In a way, it was sad to see the season come to an end!
Former
Notts County boss Stuart Maynard managed the club to the title last year. What makes him such an effective coach?
Maynard plays an expansive brand of football, usually setting up in a 3-4-1-2 that utilises both the wide and middle areas of the pitch.
He likes his players to nail their game out-of-possession too, implementing a high press that starts with his strikers, who both had incredible work rates last season.
Maynard will want a slow possession sort of build-up, which needs both his defenders and midfielders to be patient before moving the ball into more attacking areas. It’s very fun to watch.
Striker Ollie Pearce scored a staggering 34 league goals last season. What makes him so prolific?
Ollie is an incredibly intelligent player. Both Adam Hinshelwood, the manager who brought him to York, and Stuart Maynard have said the same thing.
Whilst he might not possess pace or strength like your usual form of striker would, it’s his movement and reading of the game which makes him so effective. He’s a joy to watch.
York signed Sunderland defender Zak Johnson after a successful loan at the club last season. What do you think made the club want to keep him permanently?
When Johnson first came to York, he was arguably played slightly out of position and looked a bit shaky, but when moved into the middle of the back three, he flourished.
He played a huge part in their promotion campaign, winning his aerial battles and completely pocketing some of the National League’s most dangerous strikers.
At such a young age, his ceiling seems huge, and whilst it didn’t work out for him in the end at Sunderland, it feels like York have got a real gem on their hands.
Aside from Johnson, which other new signings are you excited to see on Saturday?
There are a few names that standout, but for me, I’m excited to see what Frankie Maguire has to offer.
Having made the step up from the league below, he’s going to be getting EFL football for the first time in his career. He’s got something to prove, and his style of play is perfect for how Maynard likes his team to move the ball in the attacking areas.
Charlie McArthur is also an exciting addition, having signed from Newcastle and will be looking to establish himself in the EFL too.
New signings aside, which York players should Sunderland be wary of?
If he’s back from injury, Josh Stones is a player to watch out for. He uses his strength to perfection, makes himself known and is a nightmare to defend against.
Ollie Pearce is another fairly obvious shout, but Alex Hunt in midfield is a key operator too, and links together a lot of what York do right.
What style of play can we expect to encounter from York?
A patient, possession sort of style that will see York enjoy having the ball for as much as they can. They will also be on you like a rabid dog if they do lose possession, and in the heat, it’ll be interesting to see how they handle that.
What starting XI do you think Maynard will select?
I’d go for something like this: GK: Sykes-Kenworthy, RWB: King, CB: Williams, CB: Johnson, CB: Medley, LWB: Kitching, CM: Hunt, CM: Shelton, CAM: Banks, ST: Pearce, ST: Akinyemi
Lastly, for a bit of fun, what is your prediction for the final score?
I’d go for a 3-1 Sunderland, but it depends on what kind of team they put out too.
