Hospital Ball

As part of York City Football Club’s Black History Month celebrations and Together Against Racism initiative, Hospital Ball brings together two generations of Minstermen favourites for a special conversation about the Black History Month 2026 theme, ‘Honouring our communities’.Former York City striker Rodney Rowe joins current first-team player (Super) Joe Felix to reflect on the people who inspired them, the challenges they’ve faced and the journeys that brought them to Bootham Crescent and the LNER Community Stadium.From Rodney’s unforgettable debut goal, club historian Paul Bowser looking back on the legacy of Keith Walwyn to Joe’s journey through the football pyramid and his special relationship with the York City supporters, this episode celebrates the importance of black history month at York City football club. The interview was hosted by Dan Tait, edited and produced by James Charters.

This week’s guest is Steve Tutill, who 31 years ago today captained York City to one of their finest hours as they beat Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford in the League Cup.Steve began his football journey from humble beginnings, helping out with his dad’s local side, but soon carved out a reputation as a hot prospect. He represented England Schoolboys eight times before making his York City debut at just 17 years old.Tutill’s performances at the heart of the York City defence made him a firm fan favourite during more than a decade at Bootham Crescent, before he went on to play for Darlington and Chesterfield.Here, Steve relives the highs and lows of his career in the game, including that unforgettable night at Old Trafford, as well as discussing the challenging transition he faced following his retirement from playing.This interview was conducted by Dan Tait, edited and produced by James Charters.

This week’s guest is none other than Callum Howe, club captain during one of the most memorable seasons in York City’s history.Callum joined the Minstermen in 2023 after successful spells with Harrogate Town and Solihull Moors, where he established himself as one of the National League’s top centre-halves. His time at York City only cemented that status as he quickly became a firm fan favourite and, during his first year, was handed the captaincy.In his first season, Callum helped the club avoid relegation, while the next two would be spent challenging at the top end of the table. Callum’s final game would become one of the most memorable in the club’s history, as York clinched the league title in dramatic fashion at the Crown Oil Arena following an epic battle with Rochdale that went right to the wire.Callum has now rejoined his first club, Scunthorpe United, bringing his career full circle. In this episode, we go right back to the beginning to discuss his whole career, his three years at York City and, in incredible detail, that unforgettable promotion season.This episode is sponsored by the Nearly Departed app for iPhone.Interview conducted by Dan Tait. Edited and produced by James Charters.Donate to our charity: justgiving.com/yorkhospitalradioCommentary clips used with permission from York City and David Ward (Radio York)

Steve Spooner was a highly sought-after signing when manager Bobby Saxton swooped for his services in 1988. Although York City weren’t enjoying a golden era during his time at Bootham Crescent, Steve still left a lasting legacy. He captained the club, scored a remarkable eight-minute hat-trick, and was voted into the PFA Team of the Year.Steve’s professional career began at just 18 years old, lining up for Derby County against the likes of Ossie Ardiles, Ricky Villa and Glenn Hoddle at White Hart Lane. He would go on to represent numerous clubs, enjoying promotion-winning spells with Chesterfield and Mansfield, as well as successful stints with Halifax Town and Hereford United.After a long playing career, Steve remained in the game by establishing himself as a respected coach, most notably with Birmingham City, where he spent almost two decades.In this episode, Steve reflects on a lifetime in football, the highs and the lows, and how resilience and faith have underpinned his journey.

This week’s guest is former York City defender Ray Warburton.After swapping South Yorkshire for North Yorkshire in 1989, Ray soon became a fan favourite at Bootham Crescent, with his performances at the heart of the defence earning him a special place in supporters’ memories. Injuries may have curtailed his progress during his five-year stay with the Minstermen, but many fans still hold Ray in the highest regard.Seeking a fresh start, Ray joined Northampton Town, where, as captain, he led the Cobblers to promotion in 1997 and is fondly remembered for making key contributions at both ends of the pitch. Further promotions with Rushden & Diamonds, Boston United and Aldershot Town followed, as he left his mark at every club he represented.We are delighted to hear Ray reflect on a fascinating career.The interview was conducted by Dan Tait and edited and produced by James Charters.This episode is sponsored by Fitzgeralds Carpets, a local business that has been fitting carpets across York, Selby and the surrounding areas since 1996.If you enjoy the episode, please like, subscribe, rate, review and/or consider making a donation to York Hospital Radio:https://www.justgiving.com/charity/yorkhospitalradio