AFC Wimbledon v York City: Possible play-off push will not distract York

A YEAR ago this weekend, Nigel Worthington’s reign as York City manager began with a 3-2 defeat at AFC Wimbledon.
York City manager Nigel Worthington.York City manager Nigel Worthington.
York City manager Nigel Worthington.

Today, the Northern Irishman returns to Kingsmeadow for the first game of his second year at the helm of the Minstermen and much has changed.

Most obviously the personnel, with only Michael Ingham of the 18 on duty at Wimbledon 12 months ago likely to be involved today. Even then the goalkeeper will have to be content with a place on the bench.

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Of the rest, Daniel Parslow is still at the club but injured while the others have all left Bootham Crescent.

The upshot of all this wheeling and dealing is York returning to Surrey sitting 10th in the table with the possibility of a late play-off push in the offing.

“The year has gone very quickly,” said Worthington.

“That is mainly because of all the work that has gone into getting us here.

“Staying in the league last year was obviously the big highlight. It was huge for everyone. But I have also taken a lot of satisfaction from how we have managed such a big turnover of players in that first year.

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“We have brought (Football) League experience into the squad and I think that has made a big difference.”

York are one of the form teams in the basement division since the turn of the year with 10 league outings having yielded 21 points.

It is this run that has opened up the possibility of a late dash for the top seven.

Not that Worthington is getting carried away.

He said “Things are going all right at the moment but we have to keep our focus and keep going. The players have been very good, in that respect.

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“They do what we ask of them. They are working so hard and keeping their focus. That isn’t as easy as it sounds sometimes.

“I always say if you take your foot off the pedal, it is difficult to get the foot back on it. That is why we are not looking any further than Wimbledon.

“Others might talk about this or that. I am just enjoying life. I had opportunities in those 13 to 14 months out of work but I was determined to wait for the right job.”