Hospital Ball

When Andy Leaning was advised to take on an apprenticeship in a trade rather than as a footballer he thought his chance of playing for York City had gone. However, it turned out to be a blessing as Andy built up skills and experience playing local mens football which led to a chance reserve team game at Bootham Crescent. The rest, as they say, is history as Andy quickly established himself as first choice and in his first full season twice faced the might of Liverpool in the FA Cup. Andy's career saw him move onto the likes of Sheffield United and Bristol City before becoming a successful goalkeeping coach.

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

When Denis Smith arrived on loan at York City in 1982 he was shocked at the lack of professionalism and poor standards he had become accustomed to during his stellar career at Stoke City. Accepting the position as player manager of the club Denis knew the size of the challenge but by the time he left for Sunderland in 1987 he had given York City supporters lasting memories that included being the first team to ever reach over 100 points, beating Arsenal in the FA Cup as well as memorable draws against Liverpool. Denis is one of York City's best ever managers and here he speaks exclusively about his time at Bootham Crescent.

This interview is conducted by Dan Tait, produced by Keith Lea and edited by James Charters. If you enjoy these podcasts please consider donating via justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradio

Writer Daniel Gray has just released his excellent book 'The silence of the stands' which details his journey following football during the pandemic. Daniel grew up in York and speaks to us about his childhood following the Minstermen, his infamous purchase of one of turnstiles from Bootham Crescent before discussing his latest football book.

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

Many York City supporters credit John Ward as being one of the finest managers the club has ever had. That is a huge accolade but even more impressive considering he was only in charge for a relative short period and never a full season. However, after a lean end to the 1980s it was John Ward who laid the foundations for success in the 1990s transforming a team of perennial underachievers into promotion candidates helped hugely by the signing of Paul Barnes. Here John speaks about his time at Bootham Crescent including the difficulties in signing Paul but also his wider career in football; playing, managing and coaching.

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

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Alastair Smith is living the dream, a long time supporter of York City past who is now playing a significant role in its future as the new chief executive. Here Alastair speaks about how his love and passion for the club started before moving onto the whirlwind appointment onto the York City board and then up to the present with what it is like to be on the clubs board of directors.

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

Please consider donating to our charity via justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradio

This weeks guest is part of an unique band of players who achieved two promotions with York City. For long time supporters of the Minstermen, former England Youth International Brian Pollard, is regularly mentioned as one of the best players to ever play for the club due to having two successful spells with the club. Here Brian talks exclusively about playing at Bootham Crescent as well as his time playing for future England manager Graham Taylor at Watford where he achieved two promotions in successive seasons plus being part of the side that reached the league cup semi-finals.

This interview was conduced by Dan Tait, edited and produced by James Charters. The series is sponsored by N&E Woodhouse Plastering.

If you enjoy this series please consider donating to our charity via justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradio

This week on the podcast we go all the way back to the 1970s and hear about the time when York City plied their trade in the second tier of English football, the highest level in their history. Our guest is Graeme Crawford, one of the clubs best ever goalkeepers. Graeme had a real sliding doors moment coming into professional football. He signed from Sheffield United in 1971 and few could have predicted the success for the team but also personally as he kept a record breaking 11 clean sheets in a row on route to promotion in 1974.

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

Please consider donating to our charity radio station, York Hospital Radio via justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradio

When Russ joined York City in January 2014 the brief was to help steer the club away from relegation but an incredible 17 game unbeaten run was formed and the club sneaked into the League Two play-offs. Sadly this trajectory couldn't be sustained and Russ ended his time at Bootham Crescent captain of the team that fell out of the football league two years later. Here he speaks in detail about his two spells with the minster men, what the club meant to him as well as recounting his wonder strike versus Morecambe in 2015. The interview also covers his wider career with Burton Albion, Cheltenham and Kidderminster Harriers who he played for and now manages.

This episode is sponsored by N&E Plastering, was conducted by Dan Tait and edited/produced by James Charters.

Our new series starts with an interview with Paddy McLaughlin ahead of his 7th season at the club and off the back of his second promotion. Paddy discusses his early years playing for Northern Ireland through the age groups, his formative years at Newcastle United before moving on to talk in-depth about both of his spells at York City.

This series is sponsored by N&E Woodhouse Plastering. The interview was conducted by Dan Tait, produced by Keith Lea and edited by James Charters.

If you enjoy the podcast please donate via justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradio

Recorded live at Haxby Sports Bar on Friday 20th May 2022, the ten year anniversary of beating Luton Town to secure promotion back to the football league. Former York press journalist Dave Flett presented a nostalgic night remembering that iconic week in York City's history with two club legends, Daniel Parslow and Michael Ingham.