Part 2: The battle for the play-offs

THOUGH York's push for the play-offs to go ahead bore fruit, City were beaten by Altrincham in the semi-finals.

Another season in National League North beckoned - with a twist.

York look ahead to 2020/21

August 4 – City pull out of the 2019/20 North Riding County FA Senior Cup. They were due to face Thornaby in the semi-final.

August 5 – York are made aware that the LNER Community Stadium is “almost finished” but report difficulties in staging the requisite test events before it can open.

The National League confirms the 2020/21 season will begin on October 3 with an FA Cup fixture.

August 7 – Manager Steve Watson starts rebuilding his squad with the additions of Robbie Tinkler and Scott Barrow. In all, 16 players left York City during the off-season.

August 18 – York City unveil a season ticket resolution to allow season ticket holders to decide what to do with the remaining funds from the 2019/20 tickets.

September 5 – York start pre-season preparations with a 4-1 behind-closed-doors friendly win at Newcastle United Under-23s.

September 8 – City lose 3-0 at South Shields in their first pre-season friendly open to the public.

September 21 – Ryan Whitley is loaned to Scarborough Athletic. He returns in January having played just eight times because of coronavirus’s impact on the Northern Premier League.

September 22 – The National League North start date is thrown into uncertainty when the Government announces that fans will not return to elite football on October 1.

York confirm the LNER Community Stadium will not be ready until after October 9. The club had hoped to start the season at Monks Cross.

September 23 – York City’s friendly at Notts County is to be played behind closed doors. The Nottinghamshire club were previously hopeful of hosting 1,000 home fans.

September 24 – York City announce they are in favour of starting the season as planned, behind closed doors.

September 24 – The National League reveals it is in talks with the Government to secure a financial support package.

September 26 – York complete their pre-season fixture list with an excellent 3-0 win at National League side Notts County.

September 30 – The National League effectively receives the go-ahead from the Government after it confirms financial support to the league. A letter from the National League had warned the system could collapse without funding.

Part 4: York’s 2020/21 season kicks off amid positive Covid-19 tests and funding disputes