Chris Vessey talks to Phil Howden, a York City supporter, 33, from York, currently working in the local media. Chris last spoke to Phil for this article before our game at the Abbey last season, and he finds out what's been happening at KitKat Crescent.

CV - How has pre-season gone at York City this summer?

It seems to have gone fairly well. A 0-0 draw against war-torn Leeds, wins over Bradford (1-0) and Chesterfield (2-1) and a narrow 4-3 loss at home to Doncaster, plus some good work outs at some northern non-league grounds. Personally I have been a bit disillusioned because of the fact the club has been charging £10 per home game which for four Saturdays in a row seems a bit excessive, so I have been going to more away than home.

CV - What were your best and worst memories of the last campaign?

My best memories of last season have to be some of the away games, such as our win away at Weymouth (2-1 when they were good and had been unbeaten at home for 18 months), Burton (2-1) and obviously Cambridge (5-0) when the atmosphere was the best all season. Travelling all over the country was a real treat last season because we were almost unbeatable away from home. Shame about the home record!

Worst memories have to be the two goals we conceded in the play-offs away at Morecambe. Two absolutely criminal and inexplicable goals that cost us a place at Wembley, after dominating 3/4s of the semi-final. We would have gone to Wembley and we wouldn't be here now, of that I am certain.

CV - Over a month ago the Conference made the tricky decision to relegate Boston straight through to the Blue Square North, reprieving Altrincham. Do you believe the Conference made the right decision?

I believe Boston should never have had the opportunity to go into the league in the first place. Altrincham, in this instance, are the lucky beneficiaries of the decision and are one in a long line of clubs who have been reprieved due to the incompetence of the management of some clubs at this level.

CV - This new Setanta package has caused many a discussion on club forums up and down the country, and your own manager Billy McEwan has voiced his concerns about the ins and outs of the deal. How have the York fans taken to it?

Not very well - Exeter away on a Monday night? Also, the TV games were announced so late it cost some of our fans money on pre-booked travel (I lost £40 on train tickets down to Devon). It's just another in a series of reasons to hate the Conference.

CV - You released Mark Convery at the end of the campaign, who promptly signed for Cambridge United. What can CUFC fans expect from Mark and do you believe he'll do a good job for us?

Convery is a good player - when he wants to be. I'm not sure that he's worth much in a side on a losing streak but he certainly has a lot of skill and talent. Like most players at this level, it's how you coach him and motivate him that will determine whether or not he will be a success at Cambridge United. Last season he was blighted by injury but I hope he does well because, at times, he was a super player for York City, particularly in 2005-6.

CV - The loss of Clayton Donaldson and Neal Bishop has been a huge blow for the Minstermen, do you think the new signings (Brayson, Beardsley, Turnbull) are the answer?

The signing of Onome Sodje is the answer! It's early days but the kid looks fantastic and, with a higher level of coaching and full-time football in front of real crowds, I am really excited about watching him this season. Chris Beardsley also looks pretty useful and there's always hard-working Craig Farrell and young giant Richard Brodie to chip in. I have also been impressed with central midfielder Stuart Elliott, certainly beyond expectation from a player who has been plying his trade at lowly Northwich. He puts his foot on the ball and keeps it simple, I think he will have a big influence if he can remain consistent.

CV - Hand on heart, will York City repeat the near success of last season?

Difficult to say at this stage, but I can't see us not being in the play-offs now that no-one too big or decent has come down. Torquay will not turn around their culture of failure for a while, none of the promoted teams will have any impact, Oxford are in a bit of a crisis and will end up sacking Jim Smith, I would say Exeter and the fixture list are our main obstacles towards the title.

CV - Who are your tips for promotion and relegation?

York and Exeter for promotion.

Farsley, Droylsden, Stafford and Histon for relegation.

CV - And finally... what do you think the score will be on Saturday?

I think we will win 2-1 to gain revenge for your win here last year but, from what I am led to believe, you are a better side this time round so it will be a close game. We haven't won on the opening day at home for donkey's years so it's about time! Either way, it'll be good to have a good club with good support as our guests for the day because, in this division, it's a rare event.

Many thanks to Phil for giving his time to answer these questions.

Chris Vessey

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