NL 2025/26 Preview: York City

8th July 2025 12:44 pm

York City – 2025/26 Season Preview: Redemption, Ruthlessness, and the 3UP Reckoning

No club in the country felt the sting of the National League’s flawed promotion system more than York City last season.

96 points. Second place. No promotion.
While Oldham celebrated at Wembley, York were left wondering how a campaign that dominant — 12 more wins and 23 points more than fifth placed Athletic — could end in heartbreak.

The fans haven’t forgotten. Neither has Julie-Anne Uggla, whose public letter demanding reform to the “two-up” system struck a chord across the pyramid. But sympathy doesn’t earn points — and in 2025/26, York City are on a mission for justice through footballing fury.

Last Season at a Glance

Final Position: 2nd (96 points!)
Average Attendance: 6,138 (3rd highest)
FA Cup: First Round – lost 2–3 at Wycombe Wanderers
FA Trophy: Fourth Round – lost 0–1 at Gainsborough Trinity
Top Scorer: Ollie Pearce (31 goals)

Manager: Adam Hinshelwood

Calm, analytical, and allegedly brutal with underperformers — “Adamski” has gone from quietly effective to the man fans are pinning all their hopes on. Expect loyalty to his favourites, tactical flexibility, and absolutely no tolerance for slackers.

2025/26 Squad Overview

York City have been busy strengthening their squad with experienced, promotion-winning players this summer. Mark Kitching arrives from Oldham, adding versatility and know-how at the back after previous spells with Hartlepool, Stockport and Rochdale, while Hiram Boateng joins the midfield ranks from Mansfield, bringing EFL pedigree and promotion experience with Exeter, MK Dons, and Cambridge. The Minstermen have also added attacking midfielder Alex Newby from Altrincham after his productive National League campaigns, and seasoned midfielder Ollie Banks from Chesterfield, who offers both leadership and composure. Left-sided player Ben Brookes, fresh from a strong season with Maidstone, and centre-back Ashley Palmer, a proven winner with Stockport and Chesterfield, further bolster York’s spine ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

These signings reflect a clear strategy to blend proven non-league and lower-league performers with a hunger to drive York back into contention for the title, providing manager Adam Hinshelwood with greater depth, flexibility and leadership across the pitch. With multiple new arrivals possessing experience of climbing out of the National League, York appear intent on avoiding a costly return to the National League again next season by ensuring their campaign ends as winners rather than impressive, but ultimately fruitless, runners-up.

Meanwhile, York have confirmed a strong core of players under contract including Dipo Akinyemi, Ollie Pearce, Tyrese Sinclair, Alex Hunt and Callum Howe, while extending Mo Fadera’s deal. Several players depart, including Lenell John-Lewis, Olly Dyson, and Maz Kouhyar, who leave with promotion and important goals in York colours to their name. The club expressed its gratitude to those departing for their contributions while reinforcing its commitment to stability and progress with a competitive, experienced squad heading into 2025/26.

Signings and retained list

New signings: Alex Newby (Altrincham), Ollie Banks (Chesterfield), Ash Palmer (Chesterfield), Mark Kitching (Oldham), Hiram Boateng (Mansfield), Ben Brookes (Maidstone), Greg Olley (Gateshead), Joe Grey (Hartlepool United)
Retained: Harrison Male, George Sykes-Kenworthy, Ryan Fallowfield, Darragh O’Connor, Callum Howe, Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Joe Felix, Dan Batty, Paddy McLaughlin, Ricky Aguiar, Alex Hunt, Marvin Armstrong, , Ashley Nathaniel-George, Mo Fadera, Tyrese Sinclair, Josh Stones, Ollie Pearce
Retained but since loaned out: Rory Watson (on loan to Scunthorpe for season), Tyler Cordner (on loan to AFC Totton for season), Leone Gravata (on loan to Horsham for season), Cam John (on loan to Hartlepool Utd for season), Billy Chadwick (on loan to Scunthorpe until January), Jeff King (on loan to Boreham Wood until January 2026)

Departure list

Departures: Olly Dyson, Levi Andoh, Adam Crookes, Lenell John-Lewis (Boston United), Thierry Latty-Fairweather (Halifax), Maziar Kouhyar, Alex Hernandez, Zanda Siziba, Jeff King (on loan to Boreham Wood), Dipo Akinyemi (Derry City)
Loan returns: Lewis Richardson, Junior Luamba.

Fan view

With six summer signings added already, York City fans currently expect a significant clear-out to follow.

Players like Cordner and Gravata seen as definite “bomb squad” departures (ed: both have since been sent on loan) and others like King (already out on loan), Aguiar, O’Connor, and Chadwick (ed: now on loan) possibly following.

While some argue players like Batty should also go, others see Batty as valuable midfield cover despite his high wages, recognising that in a long National League season, squad depth often proves crucial. Fans acknowledge Batty’s quality, with his passing and composure appreciated, but his fit within Hinshelwood’s system is debated, especially given his limited role late last season.

There is also consensus that, aside from moving out the deadwood, the main addition required is a fast, left-footed wide player to complete the squad. Names like Tyrese Shade (ed: since joined Burton in the EFL) have excited some as the “missing piece,” though opinions are cautious given the financial outlay required. There is optimism about the attacking options, with Pearce, Stones, and Dipo (editor: now departed, 9 July) seen as a potential top front line if the system suits, but the club must balance outgoing players before adding further.

Overall, fans expect a competitive season if the squad is fine-tuned, but there’s no bold talk of winning the league on the Minstermen forum. Instead, there’s a clear sense that a top-four finish is the minimum expectation.