York City offer captain new deal as they prepare for Football League return
York City have offered captain Callum Howe a new contract and signed up Ryan Fallowfield and Greg Olley as they gear up for a first season back in the Football League for 10 years.
Stuart Maynard had shown his ruthless side by releasing ever-present goalkeeper Harrison Male, as trailed last week, but they are keen to keep the experience of centre-back Howe and 21st Century club legend Paddy McLaughlin, who has been offered a non-playing role.
Howe made 28 league appearances last season, nine from the start, and York are keen to keep him. Although only a substitute, the 32-year-old played an inspirational role in their title-deciding win over Rochdale, galvanising the players to push for an equalising during the delay for a pitch invasion when Dale took the lead in stoppage time.
New contracts have also been offered to George Sykes-Kenworthy, Ben Farrar and Ethan Stiver. An extension in Olley's contract has been triggered.
York announced last week that Barnet midfielder Mark Shelton would be their first new signing since winning the Conference title in April. He joins on a Bosman free transfer.
The Minstermen will also be in the market for a new goalkeeper after releasing Male after 88 league appearances and 38 clean sheets in his two season as a York player. He won the Conference golden gloves awards in both.
Ricky Aguiar, Dan Batty, Tyler Cordner, Leone Gravata, Cameron John, Darragh O’Connor, Tyrese Sinclair, Rory Watson and Mo Fadera have also been let go.
In his first spell at York, McLaughlin won the FA Trophy and promotion to the Football League in 2012. He left in 2016 but returned three years later, initially on loan, to a club in Conference North. The 2025-26 campaign was his testimonial season but his only appearances were on loan at Conference North Darlington.
The players on York's retained list for 2026-27 are Ollie Banks, Hiram Boateng, Ben Brookes, Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Joe Felix, Joe Grey, Craig Hewitt, Alex Hunt, Jeff King, Mark Kitching, Alex Newby, Olley, Ash Palmer, Ollie Pearce, Josh Stones and Morgan Williams.
They are holding off an announcement on Ashley Nathaniel-George because Wealdstone, where he is on loan, still have Southend United to play in the FA Trophy final.
Centre-back Zak Johnson loan from Sunderland has come to an end.
York will learn their 2026-27 League Two fixture list on June 25.