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This week’s guest is Steve Tutill, who 31 years ago today captained York City to one of their finest hours as they beat Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford in the League Cup. Steve began his football journey from humble beginnings, helping out with his dad’s local side, but soon carved out a reputation as a hot prospect. He represented England Schoolboys eight times before making his York City debut at just 17 years old. Tutill’s performances at the heart of the York City defence made him a firm fan favourite during more than a decade at Bootham Crescent, before he went on to play for Darlington and Chesterfield. Here, Steve relives the highs and lows of his career in the game, including that unforgettable night at Old Trafford, as well as discussing the challenging transition he faced following his retirement from playing. This interview was conducted by Dan Tait, edited and produced by James Charters.

This week’s guest is none other than Callum Howe, club captain during one of the most memorable seasons in York City’s history. Callum joined the Minstermen in 2023 after successful spells with Harrogate Town and Solihull Moors, where he established himself as one of the National League’s top centre-halves. His time at York City only cemented that status as he quickly became a firm fan favourite and, during his first year, was handed the captaincy. In his first season, Callum helped the club avoid relegation, while the next two would be spent challenging at the top end of the table. Callum’s final game would become one of the most memorable in the club’s history, as York clinched the league title in dramatic fashion at the Crown Oil Arena following an epic battle with Rochdale that went right to the wire. Callum has now rejoined his first club, Scunthorpe United, bringing his career full circle. In this episode, we go right back to the beginning to discuss his whole career, his three years at York City and, in incredible detail, that unforgettable promotion season. This episode is sponsored by the Nearly Departed app for iPhone. Interview conducted by Dan Tait. Edited and produced by James Charters. Donate to our charity: justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradio Commentary clips used with permission from York City and David Ward (Radio York)

Steve Spooner was a highly sought-after signing when manager Bobby Saxton swooped for his services in 1988. Although York City weren’t enjoying a golden era during his time at Bootham Crescent, Steve still left a lasting legacy. He captained the club, scored a remarkable eight-minute hat-trick, and was voted into the PFA Team of the Year. Steve’s professional career began at just 18 years old, lining up for Derby County against the likes of Ossie Ardiles, Ricky Villa and Glenn Hoddle at White Hart Lane. He would go on to represent numerous clubs, enjoying promotion-winning spells with Chesterfield and Mansfield, as well as successful stints with Halifax Town and Hereford United. After a long playing career, Steve remained in the game by establishing himself as a respected coach, most notably with Birmingham City, where he spent almost two decades. In this episode, Steve reflects on a lifetime in football, the highs and the lows, and how resilience and faith have underpinned his journey.

This week’s guest is former York City defender Ray Warburton. After swapping South Yorkshire for North Yorkshire in 1989, Ray soon became a fan favourite at Bootham Crescent, with his performances at the heart of the defence earning him a special place in supporters’ memories. Injuries may have curtailed his progress during his five-year stay with the Minstermen, but many fans still hold Ray in the highest regard. Seeking a fresh start, Ray joined Northampton Town, where, as captain, he led the Cobblers to promotion in 1997 and is fondly remembered for making key contributions at both ends of the pitch. Further promotions with Rushden & Diamonds, Boston United and Aldershot Town followed, as he left his mark at every club he represented. We are delighted to hear Ray reflect on a fascinating career. The interview was conducted by Dan Tait and edited and produced by James Charters. This episode is sponsored by Fitzgeralds Carpets, a local business that has been fitting carpets across York, Selby and the surrounding areas since 1996. If you enjoy the episode, please like, subscribe, rate, review and/or consider making a donation to York Hospital Radio: https://www.justgiving.com/charity/yorkhospitalradio

This week’s guest is iconic 1990s footballer John Williams, better known as “The Flying Postman.” John was spotted starring for local side Cradley Town by Swansea City where he quickly established himself as a key player, renowned for his pace and goalscoring exploits. John won the infamous Rumbelows Sprint Challenge at Wembley Stadium and, after only one season, stepped up to sign for Coventry City in the inaugural Premier League campaign, where he again made his mark with crucial goals and performances that helped the sky blues cement themselves in the top flight. John’s career later saw him play for numerous clubs, including York City, and in this episode he recalls both the highs and lows of life in the game. This episode is sponsored by the Nearly Departed app for iPhone. Interview conducted by Dan Tait. Edited and produced by James Charters. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider donating to our charity via https://www.justgiving.com/charity/yorkhospitalradio

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

York Hospital Radio meets John Helm, a true commentary legend whose career spans over six decades. From standing on the terraces to calling ten World Cups, John reflects on an extraordinary journey through the game. We cover his early commentaries covering Leeds United during the Don Revie era, iconic moments across various Yorkshire football clubs, his work on FIFA tournaments, the Indian Super League, and his current employment for Lincoln City who he commentates for despite being into his 80s. Alongside the highs, John shares his harrowing memories of the Bradford City fire and how he continues to respect those lives lost. We also dive into his philosophy behind the microphone, how he developed his distinctive style, and his respect for fellow commentators across the generations — before finishing with his famous party piece: naming every club in the English football pyramid, just as he did for a Guinness World Record in the 1980s. Interview conducted by Dan Tait. Edited and produced by James Charters.

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

Hospital Ball welcomes York City striker Dipo Akinyemi for the 100th episode of the podcast. In this in-depth interview, Dipo reflects on his professional journey — from his early career at Stevenage, through a series of character-building loan spells, before finding his feet at Welling United and getting his career back on track. A move north of the border to Ayr United followed, where a spectacular first season saw Matt Uggla break the York City transfer record to bring Dipo to the LNER Community Stadium. Although his stay with the Minstermen lasted only two seasons, his impact was keenly felt by supporters. Here, Dipo talks candidly about his affection for York City, his relationship with the fans, and his departure from the club last year. This special milestone episode is sponsored by long-time supporter Ol Crabtree. If you enjoy the Hospital Ball podcast, please consider donating to our charity via justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradio. Original artwork image created by Tom Poole.

Our final episode in this series on cult heroes features perhaps the ultimate York City cult hero – Gary Swann Born 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.

In 1995, Paul Stephenson arrived at Bootham Crescent for a bargain £35,000. His dazzling skill and quick feet made an instant impact on York City supporters. Despite battling injuries in his first season, he played a key role in the club’s famous League Cup triumph over Premier League side Everton in 1996 and became a firm fan favourite during his three seasons at the club. In this exclusive interview, Paul reflects on his years with the Minstermen and his remarkable football journey. Starting out in Newcastle United’s youth ranks alongside Paul Gascoigne, he earned England youth honours before breaking into the first team at St James’ Park and then enjoying successful spells with Millwall and Brentford. His move to York City was followed by a return to his native North East, where he closed out a career of over 500 appearances with Hartlepool United. Paul speaks candidly about the highs and lows of professional football — from unforgettable victories to the mental and physical challenges of long injury layoffs. This is a heartfelt and insightful conversation for anyone who loves the game, hosted by Dan Tait and produced by James Charters. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting our charity at: https://www.justgiving.com/charity/yorkhospitalradio

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/

When Jon Challinor came on as a half time sub for Kettering against York City, his only intentions were to help preserve some pride for the poppies having being 4-0 down at the time. By the end of the match Gary Mills felt he was the best player on the pitch, by the end of the week he was a York City player and by the end of the season he was a double Wembley winner. This came after three near misses with promotions to the football league.  This podcast covers the ups and downs of a career that has included going out to America as a young pro to scoring in a World Cup final for England Seniors.  This interview was conducted by Dan Tait, edited and produced by James Charters.  If you enjoy these podcasts please consider donating to https://www.justgiving.com/charity/yorkhospitalradio

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.

The brand new series kicks off with cult hero Ian Blackstone — a player whose unconventional rise to professional football took him from Starbeck to Wembley in just a few short years. Affectionately known as Blackie by fans, Ian signed for York City at the age of 25 and quickly made his mark. Thriving under manager John Ward, he became a real menace for defenders and found the net regularly, whether out wide on the left or leading the line up front. In this episode, he reflects on his time at Bootham Crescent and shares candid insights into his journey both into and out of the professional game. This interview was conducted by Dan Tait, with editing and production by James Charters. Episode sponsored by the Nearly Departed app for iPhone. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting York Hospital Radio via: justgiving.com/charity/yorkhospitalradio