Vanarama's National League North fan preview: York City

Bootham Crescent regular Luke Hawes brings us up to speed with a fresh feeling York City.

League sponsors Vanarama have been getting the fans’ perspective ahead of the new season - which kicks off this Saturday

It looks to be a big year for you this season – what are you looking forward to?
A bright new start for York City with Steve Watson’s own squad - for the first time in a long time there’s an air of real optimism around the club now and a great season is expected.

Is this finally the year York City are put back on the map?
We really hope so. The gaffer speaks total sense, has his feet planted firmly on the ground and has used his managerial nouse and contacts to pull together some great proven campaigners. This could well be the season that we get out of the doldrums and start the journey back to League status.

Plenty of incomings for Steve Watson – who excites you the most?
Steve McNulty is probably the obvious choice with his record, but Kieran Green looks a great signing, as does Andy Bond.

What are the main differences from last season?
The fact that Steve Watson has been allowed to strengthen the squad to his liking, particularly after finishing last season on a good run of form - that’s brought about a real buzz of optimism around the place.

Who will get people talking come August 3?
Team-wise I think it’ll be us. Player-wise Kieran Green - watch out for his goals.

Who else could mix it with the front runners this year?
Chester and Altrincham will be there challenging with us for the top spots, maybe Hereford as well and Darlington look to have done some decent business in close season too.

Which ground can you not wait to be going through the turnstiles at?
Probably our own home Bootham Crescent. As we all know this will be the last season, maybe part season that we’ll spend there so most fans will cherish their remaining time left there. Away grounds, personally for me it’ll be Kettering as it’s close to my family.

Which game are you desperate to win more than any other?
Altrincham on the first day of the season. Again, personally, a mate at work is a big Altrincham fan and loves giving me grief whenever they beat us – so it’ll be nice to get one back and also come out of the traps on August 3 with three points.

You’ve made plenty of signings but if you could make one more, who would it be?
Jake Moult at Altrincham - he’s a great all-rounder - or Reece Styche because he’s a real pain and I’d like to see him in a York shirt.

Where are you expecting to finish when the season ends?
Really hoping for top spot and with the squad we have now it should be possible. But if others have a great season too and we suffer a couple of injuries, we could end up finishing in the top-three.

Vanarama, the leading van leasing brand in the UK, have recently launched the National League Club Reward Scheme to help fans back their club’s budget. Every time a fan takes out a brand new van lease with Vanarama or a brand new car lease with Motorama their club will earn £100 and you will receive £30 cashback.

For the latest van leasing deals, head to Vanarama.
For the latest car leasing deals, head to Motorama.

Where next?

Club-by-Club Guide for the Vanarama National League North With only three days to go until the start of the new season, we’ve prepared a special Twitter Club-by-Club guide.
BT Sport's Pundits on their Vanarama National League Season Predictions The BT Sport cameras roll once again, with the season's live coverage kick-starting at Edgeley Park on Saturday as Stockport County face Maidenhead United.

Match centre

Vanarama National League North
Vanarama National League South

Latest photos

Banbury United 0 South Shields 3
46 photos
Curzon Ashton 4 Banbury United 1
82 photos
Curzon Ashton 4 Banbury United 1
44 photos