Photo by Connor Mcleod @sportsby_con

Celebrations for York City began the moment the final whistle blew—and they didn’t stop all weekend. 

After sealing promotion with a win away at Rochdale, the players started partying as soon as they got on the team coach back to York. Music was playing, drinks were out, and the squad sang together as they made the journey home, already enjoying what they had achieved. 

The hero of the day, Josh Stones, scored the goal that secured promotion and could hardly contain his happiness afterwards. “I haven’t got any emotions, I’m just so, so happy,” he told the York Press. “The fans were unbelievable, the staff, the players—what a club. I can’t believe it, I’m just so glad to be a York City player.” 

By the time the team arrived back in York, the celebrations had spread across the city centre. Fans joined in as players visited bars and nightclubs, with the party continuing through Saturday and into Sunday. 

Some players were even spotted still wearing their full kit in a nightclub—shirts, shorts and socks still on from the match earlier in the day—showing just how quickly the celebrations had taken over. 

Stones admitted the weekend had already taken its toll. “I think I’ll be losing my voice over the next few days, the celebrations are going to be crazy,” he said. 

After a long and demanding season, the squad made the most of the moment, celebrating side by side with supporters who had backed them throughout the campaign. Players sang with fans, posed for photos and enjoyed the success together. 

“We’ve worked hard all season and we deserve this,” Stones added. “I can’t say how we’re going to celebrate, because I’d get in trouble!” 

For now, York City are simply enjoying their success—starting on the coach from Rochdale and continuing across a memorable weekend for the club and its fans. 

City supporters and players are pushing for a bus parade in the City. Ken Hewson said to the York Press,“The incredible ending to their game, leading to their promotion to the Football League, must be celebrated in the time honoured way with an open-top parade.”

A council spokesperson said: “We’ve been working really hard over the past week, before last Saturday’s game, to make a parade happen.” It requires a serious commitment from all sides to ensure the plan safeguards York City fans against vehicle attacks on pedestrians, such as the one seen in Liverpool that turned a day of celebration into one of tragedy,

However, for fans wanting to celebrate you can go to the LNER stadium for a promotion party on Wednesday the 29th for just £1 a ticket.