York City have become the first National League side to announce their retained list for the 2024/25 season, as confirmed via a statement on the club’s website.
The football club spent big in the summer by landing the likes of Dipo Akinyemi and Callum Howe to their ranks as well as experienced EFL goalkeeper David Stockdale, but despite their efforts, the club only managed to clinch survival on the final day despite losing to Solihull Moors.
Following confirmation of their safety, York has acted quickly to confirm which of their out-of-contract players will be leaving and who is still in the manager’s plans.
Who have York released?
To begin with, The Minstermen have released several players following the expiration of their contracts, these players include Scott Barrow, Scott Burgess, and Michael Duckworth whilst David Stockdale has also been relieved of his duties from his player/recruitment role.
There are no real shocks regarding personnel, but considering York had a squad consisting of 36 players, to have seen only four depart so far is not what many would have expected.
Scott Burgess is the standout name on the small list, having played 25 games this season and contributing seven assists and a goal. He is a player who has won promotion in the National League with Grimsby and played in the EFL with Port Vale and could be a target for other National League teams over the summer.
Who has been retained?
York has announced that a large number of players at the club are still under contract for next season. These players are Dipo Akinyemi, Levi Andoh, Marvin Armstrong, Daniel Batty, Finlay Barnes, Maison Campbell, Quevin Castro, Billy Chadwick, Tyler Cordner, Adam Crookes, Will Davies, Olly Dyson, Leone Gravata, Callum Harriott, Alex Hernandez, Callum Howe, Kai Kennedy, Maziar Kouhyar, Thierry Latty-Fairweather, Sam Sanders, Zanda Siziba, George Sykes-Kenworthy, and Alex Woodyard.
The club has also announced that captain Ryan Fallowfield has signed a new one-year deal at the club.
With a large group of players being retained by the club, there is a lot to dissect here. Starting with the standout positives, Fallowfield’s extension is promising news for York, with the right-back being a prominent figure this season for them, whilst also captaining the side and proving to be a key asset to the back line.
Top scorer and last summer’s marquee signing Dipo Akinyemi is also still under contract for next season. The versatile forward impressed in his first season with The Minstermen, picking up 15 goals and eight assists across 44 appearances.
On the other hand, the amount of players retained by York is surprisingly large, and I would expect to see some outgoings across the summer, allowing newly appointed manager Adam Hinshelwood to bring in his own players whilst giving him more wage budget to work with in the transfer market.
The Unknown
York have also announced that they have offered contracts to some players but are yet to have agreed with the deal. These players are Lenell John-Lewis, Paddy McLaughlin, and Rory Watson.
John-Lewis is a standout name on this list, with the powerful striker playing a significant role this season, scoring seven times whilst assisting five times across 45 appearances.
Paddy Mclaughlin is also a name that sparkes intrigue on this list, with the veteran and long-time servant of the club stepping up to play 44 times, showing his experience and leadership to help guide York through rough patches.
Where Does This Leave York?
Looking at the overall retained list, I feel that York have been fairly sensible in tying key players down to longer contracts, but I also feel a number of squad players who may have been moved on if not under contract have also been kept.
I would be extremely surprised if there weren’t more outgoings for York across the summer to make room for new arrivals who will look to strengthen their squad and allow them to push up the table next season.