York City v Scunthorpe United: Gradual improvement is key for Minstermen

YORK CITY director Sophie Hicks believes the club are fortunate to have a manager of Nigel Worthington’s experience at the helm.
Nigel WorthingtonNigel Worthington
Nigel Worthington

The Minstermen are fifth bottom of League Two but can move five points clear of trouble with victory tonight.

After last season’s brush with relegation, York’s focus this time has been improving on that performance and Hicks believes the club can do just that. The City director said: “Nigel is extremely professional. It is great that we have got someone of great experience at the helm.

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“Even if results don’t always go our way, we feel very confident because we know we have got someone who is very, very hard-working and who instils the right work ethic into the players.”

York finished 17th last season, though their survival was only assured on a nervy final day after Worthington had inspired a late rally in form.

This time, City won their opening day game with Northampton but then went another seven games before winning again.

Back-to-back wins over Portsmouth and Torquay United have since been followed by a battling 2-2 draw at Chesterfield in between defeats to Newport County and Fleetwood Town.

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Hicks said: “It has been a steady start to the season. We have a phrase within the club – be it manager, players or board members – and that is, ‘It is all about gradually chipping away at improvement’.

“We want to improve and establish ourselves fully in the Football League. We have seen that there are some very strong teams in this league, particularly Fleetwood and Chesterfield. Those have been our last two fixtures and both were strong.

“We lost on Saturday and got a point against Chesterfield, which some may say was disappointing because we were 2-0 up but they are a very good team.

“We are in a good position financially and there is a budget available to strengthen. The window opens in January and we are working closely with Nigel, who is a tremendous to work with.”

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After tonight, York face a trip to Cheltenham before attention turns to the FA Cup first round atBristol Rovers. Hicks added: “It is a long journey. We went there earlier in the season and it was a close game. We could easily have got something out of the game. So, we will go down there confident of getting into the next round.”

Last six games: York City WWLLDL, Scunthorpe United WDWLWW.

Last time: York City 1 Scunthorpe United 3; March 9, 2004; Division Three.

Referee: A Madley (West Yorks).