Hospital Ball

The career trajectory of Graeme Murty was an impressive one. From being released by Middlesbrough for being too small, York City took a chance on Murty and saw him come up through the Youth team, score at Anfield for the reserves before making a significant impact in the first team, the peak of which was a goal against Everton in the 1996 league cup. Reading paid £700,000 for his services and he went on to be club captain, part of the side that won the championship with 106 points, be a regular in the premier league as well as being voted in their all time XI by supporters. This interview covers all of those highs as well as representing Scotland on the international stage and his blossoming coaching career. It, more importantly, talks about the journey to get there and the people who shaped his career.

This interview was conducted by Dan Tait, edited and produced by James Charters.

In 1982 Ricky Sbragia was driving from Blackpool to Rochdale having been offered a two year contract to play at Spotland but he turned the car around and somehow ended up at Bootham Crescent instead. It would turn out to be an inspired move for both Ricky and York City. A rock at the heart of the defence alongside fellow Scot John MacPhail, Ricky is fondly remembered for his part in the 101 points side of 1984 and for scoring against the mighty Liverpool in 1985. After hanging up his boots he became involved in coaching the clubs young players and played a significant role in developing some of the clubs best ever youngsters and leading them to the FA Youth Cup quarter finals.

This interview was conducted by Dan Tait, produced by Keith Lea and edited by James Charters.

When Chris Brass signed for York City in 2001 he was approaching his best years as a professional footballer. Installed as club captain, Chris was a real figurehead with chaos in the background at Bootham Crescent. Those leadership qualities saw him appointed as player manager at just 27 years old and after four wins from the first four games it seemed like Brass could do no wrong. The fairytale didn’t continue as his young side lost momentum, confidence and spiralled out of the football league. A few months later Chris was sacked as manager but continued playing before suffering an ACL injury that ended his career at the club. Here Chris lifts the lid on his version of that time period at the club.

This interview was conducted by Dan Tait, edited and produced by James Charters.

When Scott Barrow signed for York City there was one glaring omission from his football CV - promotion. He felt signing for York City represented his best chance of achieving this but when that dream was realised in the 2022 National League North play-off final it turned into a nightmare when he was stretchered off with a serious knee injury. Here Scott discusses everything in his career building up to that game and the mental battles that followed. From playing part-time with Port Talbot Town right up to helping Darlington’s great escape last season, Scott’s football journey is a real rollercoaster.

This interview was conducted by Dan Tait, edited and produced by James Charters.

It is just short of a year since Matt Uggla became owner of York City and we welcomed him back to the Hospital Radio studios to reflect on that time period as well as giving a real insight into the present and future of the club. Discussing everything on and off the pitch, Matt is brutally honest about the rollercoaster year whilst giving everyone, from a York City perspective, hope going forward.

This interview was conducted by Dan Tait, edited by James Charters and produced by Keith Lea. The episode was sponsored by planning prospects.

Recorded at Haxby Sports Bar back in January, this live event featured former player and BBC radio pundit Iain Dunn and club legend David McGurk. Iain speaks about growing up as a supporter, being a ball boy to fulfilling a childhood dream of playing at Bootham Crescent whilst David recalls many stories from his ten years representing the Minstermen.

Main interview conducted by Dan Tait with audience contributions. This event was recorded live by Keith Lea.

Manny Duku has had an interesting career as a professional footballer. From being disillusioned at things not working out in Holland he took a chance in England and carved out a reputation as a goal scorer in the lower divisions. He signed for York City in 2022 and became a cult hero with supporters due to his passionate performances and key goals. Here Manny discusses his time at the LNER as well as his stints in Scotland and Gibraltar.

This episode was edited and produced by James Charters and the interview conducted by Dan Tait.

This episode is the last in the series. If you enjoy the podcast please consider donating to the charity via justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradio

The term ‘fan favourite’ couldn’t be more fitting when discussing Pete Jameson’s time at York City. Joining from Blyth Spartans in 2019 Pete was the established number one throughout his three seasons at the club, the final of which, saw him win player of the year as the team clinched promotion via the playoffs. This interview covers all his time playing for the Minstermen as well as his spells with Darlington, Harrogate and Hartlepool United.

Dan Tait conducted the interview which was edited and produced by James Charters.

If you enjoy the podcast then please consider donating to our charity via justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradio

Very few footballers are able to say that they made their debut in the professional game aged just 15 years old but Ashley Chambers did just that when he played for Leicester City in a league cup tie. He also played for England at various youth levels but needed to leave Leicester in search of regular first team football. York City and Gary Mills provided that and the rest, as they say, is history. Ashley is cemented in York city folklore due to his massive part in the 2012 Wembley double success. Here Ashley looks back on that time at Bootham Crescent as well as his whole career in football.

This interview was conducted by Dan Tait, edited and produced by James Charters.

Football supporters love a player who wears their heart on their sleeve and Michael Rankine epitomised that with his all action and passionate displays for York City. Playing for the club across three separate spells Michael discusses his time at Bootham Crescent as well as his wider career representing the likes of Scunthorpe United, Aldershot Town and Hereford.

This interview was conducted by Dan Tait, edited and produced by James Charters.

The podcast is created for York Hospital Radio, a local charity who provide a service for patients in York Hospital. If you enjoy these podcasts please consider: -

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