Who Are... York City FC?
Following their relegation from the Football League, the 2004/5 season will still rank as a disappointing one for York City as they ended the campaign in a lowly 17th position. Unlike Carlisle United, who came down with York City from the then Division 3, an instant return to the Football League was comprehensively beyond the Minstermen as they struggled to adjust to life in the Conference. There were few moments to cheer about as the northern side set about a period of consolidation and rebuilding.

During the 2005/6 season, their fortunes improved dramatically, eventually finishing eighth albeit eleven points off the playoffs. The 2006/7 season saw them push even further, securing a playoff place although they were disappointingly unable to make the final and missed out on promotion. If there were any hopes, however, of kicking on from that during the 2007/8 campaign, things went badly wrong and the club spluttered into 14th place - well of the promotion pace which largely passed them by.

For that reason, it is quite simply the case that the 2008/9 campaign must be better. It was something of a surprise that York City performed so badly last time out, and expectations are that the club force themselves into the playoff reckoning at the very least. On their day, the Minstermen are a formidable opponent for any team, but it needs to be the case that they have more on days than off when it comes to the new season.

BoroGuide Prediction: 5th