The owners of York City declared themselves ‘beyond disappointed’ as the team suffered a record-equalling defeat, leaving them staring at the drop.
And they have pledged to reimburse the 269 City fans who made the journey to the game.
City lost 6-1 away to Altrincham last night (Tuesday), in a display that fans described as ‘shameful’ and ’embarrassing’.
The result, equalling the worst City have suffered on the road in non-league football, leaves the team second from bottom of the National League. Given the games in hand of other relegation-threatened teams, they are effectively four points from safety.
The defeat came 15 days after owner Matt and Julie Anne appointed Adam Hinshelwood as manager, after sacking Neil Ardley.
In a statement after the match, Matt and Julie Anne said: “We are beyond disappointed with tonight’s result and will be reimbursing the away fans for their tickets.
“We have genuinely tried to put all the tools needed to build a successful team, from recruitment, to housing, nutrition, and better training facilities.
“We have obviously got something wrong and will not stop trying until we it get right.”
The owners rescued York City from the edge of bankruptcy when they bought the club in June 2023. Since then, they are estimate to have invested £2.5 million in the club.
Fans had hoped the new ownership would herald a fresh start for City, even hoping for a play-off spot.
But they describe the team as in ‘free-fall’ and relegation into National League North beckons. It took five seasons for them to escape that league after they were last sent down in 2017.
Despite the terrible run, most fans are still behind the Ugglas. However, many have expressed anger at the decision to give the entire West Stand of City’s LNER Community Stadium to the opposition fans when league leaders Chesterfield visit on 29 March.
It means West Stand season ticket holders must give up their seat and swap it for another one.
In a statement the club said it was a “last resort”, “but with Chesterfield selling 1,500 tickets in just one hour, the decision has been made to mitigate the possibility of away supporters purchasing in the home end”.
After the Altrincham match, Hinshelwood described the players’ performances as unacceptable.
They have seven matches to turn things around and secure their National League status.
What the fans are saying
“It has certainly gone badly wrong. Ardley was a good experienced manager, I believe he would have kept us in the league and could have then rebuilt in the summer”
“We have conceded as many goals in the 4 games under Hinshelwood, as we did in the last 12 games under Ardley… only 3 goals scored in 4 games under our “attack-minded manager”… what actions will Matthew and Julie Anne now take to prevent us from plunging back into National League North?”
“The worst York City team i have ever witnessed considering the salaries and contracts these players are on. It is embarrassing”
“Been watching YC since 1973 and never have I seen anything as bad as this”
“We’re going down”