Hospital Ball

In our now-annual sit-down with Matt Uggla, we reflect on a remarkable season that ended in a title triumph for York City F.C..Matt shares his emotions from the dramatic moments at Rochdale, what the title win truly means to him, and why he believes this is only the beginning of the club’s journey back into the Football League.We also go behind the scenes, with Matt offering insight into his role at the club—from recruitment strategy to decision-making at the top level. The conversation explores how York City plan to retain key players, build on a record-breaking campaign, and continue improving despite their success.Interview conducted by Dan Tait. Edited and produced by James Charters.If you enjoy these podcasts then please consider donating to our charity via justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradio

Kingsley James lifts the lid on York City’s promotion season, his partnership with John Askey, and the tensions that eventually led to their departure.Here is an exclusive early release of Series 15 of York Hospital Ball featuring former York City assistant manager, Kingsley James.Having spent the vast majority of his playing career in the lower leagues, Kingsley faced the Minstermen many times before joining York City in November 2021 as the right-hand man to John Askey. The pair quickly put their stamp on the club, transforming the team’s fortunes and ultimately leading York City back to the National League with promotion at the end of their first season in charge.Despite a positive start to the following campaign, tensions began to grow between the management team and the club’s new ownership. Those difficulties eventually led to the departure of John Askey and, shortly afterwards, Kingsley himself.In this interview, Kingsley reflects on the highs and lows of his time at York City, offering a fascinating insight into life behind the scenes during a memorable and turbulent period at the LNER Community Stadium.This interview was conducted by Dan Tait, produced by Keith Lea, and edited by James Charters.The episode is sponsored by Radcliffe and Son Plastering.If you enjoy these podcasts, please consider supporting our charity:https://www.justgiving.com/charity/yorkhospitalradio

Our final episode in this series on cult heroes features perhaps the ultimate York City cult hero – Gary SwannBorn in York, Gary began his footballing career at Hull City, where he rose through the ranks to become a first-team regular, achieving two promotions over six seasons. He then moved to Preston North End, adding another promotion to his career achievements, before joining York City on a free transfer in 1992.At Bootham Crescent, Gary became an integral part of John Ward’s side and secured his place in Minstermen folklore with his vital goals in the playoffs. He later went on to play for Scarborough and enjoyed spells in Hong Kong and China before retiring from the game.This interview was conducted by Dan Tait and edited/produced by James Charters.If you’ve enjoyed this podcast series, please consider supporting us by donating via York Hospital Radio’s JustGiving page.

This special mid-series bonus episode features York City FC historian and author Paul Bowser.Paul has just released Part Three of his acclaimed trilogy, Bootham Crescent: A Second Home, and joins Hospital Ball to discuss his lifelong support of the club and the lengthy but rewarding journey of writing the books.The third volume is a 370-page A4 hardback covering the years 1993 to 2025 — documenting the final decades at the beloved Bootham Crescent ground, as well as the first four dramatic years at the LNER Community Stadium.📘 Order your copy of the book here:https://www.tooab.com/2025/02/10/volume-three-of-bootham-crescent-book-trilogy/

From England schoolboy caps to 117 goals in professional football and an FA Cup semi-final, Gordon Staniforth’s career is the kind every young footballer dreams of.A two-time winner of York City’s Billy Fenton Clubman of the Year award, Gordon was a shining light during a challenging era for the club. Across two spells with York City, as well as a career that brought promotions and cup runs, he’s seen the game from every angle.In this episode, Gordon reflects on the moments that defined his journey – from being told to cut his hair to represent his country, to the thrill of walking out in an FA Cup semi-final.Hosted by Dan Tait, edited by James Charters, and produced by Keith Lea.If you enjoy this episode, please consider supporting our charity via York Hospital Radio’s JustGiving page.

Welcome to our annual sit down with York City co-chair Matt Uggla. Speaking ahead of the 2025-26, Matt discusses the recruitment strategies used by the club, the level of interest for current players, agents fees, the barriers to long-term success with the stadium and much more. This podcast interview was conducted and edited by Dan Tait, produced by Keith Lea. If enjoy these podcasts please support us by: Donating to the charity (justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradio)Give us a review and ratingSubscribe to us for notifications of the new series

This special episode features a collection of live interviews hosted by Hospital Ball's Dan Tait, recorded at York City Supporters Trust events from September to December 2024. Taken from The Crux of It, our Hospital Ball spin-off, the episode includes appearances from:September: Paddy McLaughlin & Rory Watson October: Callum Howe, Ryan Fallowfield & Dan BattyNovember: Harrison Male & Ollie PearceDecember: Cameron Morrison & Gary ElphickFor full episodes featuring York City FC club ambassadors, be sure to check out If you enjoy these interviews, please consider supporting our charity at justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradio.

David Lloyd is without doubt a cricketing legend after a long and successful career that included captaining and winning trophies with Lancashire, scoring a test hundred for England, later coaching his county and country plus becoming everyone's favourite pundit during his 22 years with Sky sports. During those times it was well known that Bumble was a huge football fan, in particular, of his hometown club, Accrington Stanley but perhaps lesser known is that he is now (alongside wife Diana) a season ticket holder for York City. In this interview we discuss his career from those cricket highlights mentioned as well as his life as a south stander at the LNER community stadium. This interview was conducted by Dan Tait, edited and produced by James Charters.If you enjoy the podcast please do: -Rate, subscribe and review our contentLeave a donation to our charity via justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradio

The last in this batch of interviews and what an interview to finish on, the legendary Lenell John-Lewis, or The Shop, to his adoring fans. From starting out at Grantham to a long and successful career in the football league and non-league, Lenny joined York City initially on loan in February 2022. With the club in need of a talisman, they certainly got it with Lenell quickly becoming a fans favourite and a knack of scoring crucial goals such as in all three play off games that season. Making the move permanent that summer he went on to score 17 goals in 22/23 before cementing his legendary status with the vital winner against Aldershot last season that was the catalyst for helping the club turn around their fortunes to retain their national league status. At time of recording this interview he had scored five times this campaign despite being injured for the past two months and not starting a game all season. This interview was in partnership with York City football club, being available on their YouTube channel. Interview conducted by Dan Tait, edited and produced by James Charters.

As part of a partnership with York City FC we spoke to Joe Felix about his footballing journey. From growing up in London, bouncing back from being released by QPR, working with Adam Hinshelwood at Worthing to his energetic start to life at York City. We also discuss the importance of faith and family in his life and how it has shaped him as an individual. This interview was conducted by Dan Tait, edited and produced by James Charters. A version is also available via the York City YouTube channel and official club app.

Callum Harriott is trying to make up for lost time with York City supporters. Now in his second season with the club, Callum reflects on the challenges with injuries in the first campaign but how much he enjoys playing for manager Adam Hinshelwood and in front of the York City supporters. We also delve into his football journey before York City including international honours and how he burst onto the scene with Charlton Athletic as well as facing the likes of Manchester United in cup competitions. This interview was conducted by Dan Tait, edited and produced by James Charters.

Rick Witter is the lead singer of York band Shed Seven, who have been in the music industry for over 30 years. They have achieved 15 top 40 singles in the UK and earlier this year scored their first ever number one album, A matter of time. Here Rick discusses their entire career from the highs of charts success and appearing on Top of the pops to the battles with record labels as well as their fantastic 2024 where they have released two successful albums.For more info on Shed Seven tour dates and where to buy their new album visit https://www.shedseven.com If you enjoy this podcast then please consider donating to our charity via https://justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradio

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.