Bury v York City: Bury is Wilcox target despite record fears

But the Minstermen’s manager firmly believes that a good festive season would set his side up for the battles that lay ahead.

Wilcox said: “The run York went on last season was incredible. To go from where they were to the play-offs was a great achievement.

“I am not too sure whether it will happen again this year, things like that only come round once in a while. But a good Christmas and New Year would be a big thing for us.”

Today’s trip to Bury is followed by the visit of Accrington Stanley to Bootham Crescent for a game that York must win to avoid matching an unwanted club record of 14 home games without a win.

Two days later, City then travel to Carlisle United for a clash with the team currently occupying the second relegation place.

Clearly, therefore, the stakes will be high over the holiday period and Wilcox has revealed that the squad’s preparations will include being given Christmas Day off.

The York chief added: “I have done it both ways, in the past. Getting the players in one year and then letting them have the day off the next. The only right way is if you win.

“But this Christmas Day I will be trusting the lads and letting them stay at home with their families.

“This is an honest bunch and the lads trust each other. They know the itinerary, too, but at the moment all that matters is Bury.

“Accrington will be the focus once this game is over but not until then.

“Bury have had a bit of a dip lately but both of their two recent defeats (against Oxford United and Luton Town) could have gone either way.”