Paul Stephenson: the highs and lows of a life in football (S14 Ep4)
In 1995, Paul Stephenson arrived at Bootham Crescent for a bargain £35,000. His dazzling skill and quick feet made an instant impact on York City supporters. Despite battling injuries in his first season, he played a key role in the club’s famous League Cup triumph over Premier League side Everton in 1996 and became a firm fan favourite during his three seasons at the club. In this exclusive interview, Paul reflects on his years with the Minstermen and his remarkable football journey. Starting out in Newcastle United’s youth ranks alongside Paul Gascoigne, he earned England youth honours before breaking into the first team at St James’ Park and then enjoying successful spells with Millwall and Brentford. His move to York City was followed by a return to his native North East, where he closed out a career of over 500 appearances with Hartlepool United.Paul speaks candidly about the highs and lows of professional football — from unforgettable victories to the mental and physical challenges of long injury layoffs. This is a heartfelt and insightful conversation for anyone who loves the game, hosted by Dan Tait and produced by James Charters.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting our charity at: https://www.justgiving.com/charity/yorkhospitalradio
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Bonus Pod: Paul Bowser talks Bootham Crescent books
This special mid-series bonus episode features York City FC historian and author Paul Bowser.Paul has just released Part Three of his acclaimed trilogy, Bootham Crescent: A Second Home, and joins Hospital Ball to discuss his lifelong support of the club and the lengthy but rewarding journey of writing the books.The third volume is a 370-page A4 hardback covering the years 1993 to 2025 — documenting the final decades at the beloved Bootham Crescent ground, as well as the first four dramatic years at the LNER Community Stadium.📘 Order your copy of the book here:https://www.tooab.com/2025/02/10/volume-three-of-bootham-crescent-book-trilogy/
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York City Cult Hero Jon Challinor on Near Misses, Wembley Redemption, and England Seniors Success (S14 Ep3)
When Jon Challinor came on as a half time sub for Kettering against York City, his only intentions were to help preserve some pride for the poppies having being 4-0 down at the time. By the end of the match Gary Mills felt he was the best player on the pitch, by the end of the week he was a York City player and by the end of the season he was a double Wembley winner. This came after three near misses with promotions to the football league. This podcast covers the ups and downs of a career that has included going out to America as a young pro to scoring in a World Cup final for England Seniors. This interview was conducted by Dan Tait, edited and produced by James Charters. If you enjoy these podcasts please consider donating to https://www.justgiving.com/charity/yorkhospitalradio
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Gordon Staniforth: From England Schoolboy to FA Cup Semi-Final | York City Podcast (S14 Ep2)
From England schoolboy caps to 117 goals in professional football and an FA Cup semi-final, Gordon Staniforth’s career is the kind every young footballer dreams of.A two-time winner of York City’s Billy Fenton Clubman of the Year award, Gordon was a shining light during a challenging era for the club. Across two spells with York City, as well as a career that brought promotions and cup runs, he’s seen the game from every angle.In this episode, Gordon reflects on the moments that defined his journey – from being told to cut his hair to represent his country, to the thrill of walking out in an FA Cup semi-final.Hosted by Dan Tait, edited by James Charters, and produced by Keith Lea.If you enjoy this episode, please consider supporting our charity via York Hospital Radio’s JustGiving page.
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From Starbeck to Wembley: The York City Journey of Ian Blackstone (S14 Ep1)
The brand new series kicks off with cult hero Ian Blackstone — a player whose unconventional rise to professional football took him from Starbeck to Wembley in just a few short years.Affectionately known as Blackie by fans, Ian signed for York City at the age of 25 and quickly made his mark. Thriving under manager John Ward, he became a real menace for defenders and found the net regularly, whether out wide on the left or leading the line up front.In this episode, he reflects on his time at Bootham Crescent and shares candid insights into his journey both into and out of the professional game.This interview was conducted by Dan Tait, with editing and production by James Charters.Episode sponsored by the Nearly Departed app for iPhone.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting York Hospital Radio via: justgiving.com/charity/yorkhospitalradio
Hospital Ball is a nostalgia based podcast for York Hospital Radio featuring exclusive interviews with former players and managers of York City Football Club
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