Normally Before every home game, the OAFC Her Game Too team interview a female visiting fan. We have mixed it up this week and done a post match blog instead!
We have had the pleasure of interviewing York City fan, Judith following our 2-0 win on Tuesday night.
Name - Judith Lockwood
Team - York City Football Club
Can you tell us something special about your hometown/city others may not know?
York is considered one of the world’s most haunted cities… and is also well known for having more than 365 x pubs (so you can take a pint in a different one every day if you want to).
What got you into football?
My oldest friend Val got me into football. She has always been a loyal supporter and one Tuesday she asked was I busy and I said no. I ended up going to my first match which was an FA Trophy game at our old ground of Bootham Crescent to see York City beat Lincoln Town FC. She always watched at The Home End on the terraces and with the singing, drum-banging, swearing, hugging, shouting, loyal fans around me - I became hooked.Â
Val and Judith supporting their club
How far have you travelled to watch York City?
Val and I like to go to away games if we can and have been to lots of grounds, more so when we were in the National League North (a dim and distant memory hopefully now). Grounds like Chorley, Stockport, Darlington, Southport, Gainsborough, King's Lynn and Bradford Park Avenue. But the furthest drive was to Wembley in 2017.
Worst memory as a fan?
For me there are two, being relegated in 2017 and actually it is a sad memory and that was leaving the longterm home of Bootham Crescent. Due to the pandemic there wasn’t really the true chance to see one last game there as it would have been a celebrated and historic event. It felt like we were a long time leaving the ground and then we were in the new ground. Which I do have to say is fantastic and we are fortunate to be able to use it.
Judith & Val walking to one of the last matches at Bootham, through the terraces streets.
Favourite memory as a fan?
Being a supporter of any club can be trying and frustrating at times as we all know, and when it’s bad it is sometimes hard to recall those good and special memories.
However, other than winning the FA Trophy in 2017 at Wembley it had to be getting into the play-offs and being promoted out of the National league North and into the National League after 5 x years.
That game was was just insane. The support of the fans, the flags, chants and singing and the energy in our LNER Community Stadium was incredible. When that final whistle blew all of the emotions came out and for the fans it was the relief of winning and looking at the future again. My memory is of people running onto the pitch, clapping the players and that feeling of winning.
Another quick one is that Sue Clayton a local artist painted 100 x fans of York City FC to celebrate the centenary of the club, I was asked to provide a photo of my friend Val (which included me of course too…) and Val now has the original painting and they can be seen within the Fanzone at the stadium.
Val & Judith at Bootham Crescent
Predictions for this season for York City?
We seem to be on a rollercoaster again at the moment. We have some issues and distractions presently and the focus needs to be on the team, supporting them, keeping them fit and winning. My prediction is that we are unlikely to make the play-offs, but at least stay in the National League and have the chance to go for promotion next season.
Following on from the defeat at Boundary Park what should York do differently?
In our last seven games we had only been defeated once before meeting Oldham Athletic on Tuesday evening, we had a lot of changes in the playing side. We did take a draw when we played at home earlier in the season, but away points are obviously more important. We lost and Oldham played the better game. We need to be consistent, need to consider our format of play and stick to it. Politics and hindrance need to stay away from the pitch.
Judith at the new LNER in part of the fanzone area with old memorabilia from Bootham Crescent
What would you say to women and girls who are thinking about getting into football either to play or as a fan?
I would say get involved, we have seen the profile of women’s football grown hugely this last year and this is fantastic for sport and for women’s sport.
I do see lots of girls at York City FC, the following is from families with the grans, mums, daughters and friends there. Football is a great sport, a passion, something to talk about with all kinds of people. I enjoy the atmosphere of everyone being there together for the same reasons, hopes and dreams.