(Image: Archive)
IN today's series of subscriber-only nostalgia deep dives, we look back at a time when York City's players dipped into their own pockets to fund an overnight stay in Farnborough.
On this day in 2004, York City found themselves in a precarious financial position.
Having suffered relegation from Division Three the year prior, the football club were playing in the Conference for the first time in their history.
It came with its challenges, and in a season where York finished 17th, a little more was asked of the squad than just their performances on the pitch.
City players putt their hands in their pockets to help fund a Friday night stop over in Farnborough.
Following budget cuts over recent years that had significantly reduced subsidies for away accommodation, the players chose to contribute towards their own overnight stays for longer journeys, including the impending visit to Farnborough.
Player-manager at the time, Chris Brass, had said: "They have been contributing from time to time and that certainly helps.
"Unfortunately, the fact that it's a one o'clock kick off this Saturday eliminates any possibility of travelling down on the day. We do try and do as much as we can.
"The players are contributing to the costs and it gives us a more realistic chance of doing well.
"It means we are not sitting on a coach for hours and hours worrying whether or not we will get through the traffic at Heathrow and if we will get there on time.
"Thankfully, the players are trying to do things the right way. It underlines their commitment and professionalism that they will try and help as best as they can."
The City squad didn't head home empty-handed though, bringing a point back to North Yorkshire with them after a late equaliser.
Gary Holloway had fired the hosts in front after 14 minutes, before Andy Bishop nabbed a point in the 81st minute.
The York team on that day included the likes of David Stockdale, Dave Merris, Darren Dunning and Lee Nogan.
Also on this day, the Minstermen have enjoyed and suffered through some big wins and heavy losses.
In 2017, Martin Gray celebrated his first match in charge with a first win, a feat his five predecessors failed to achieve.
A spectacular 86th minute free-kick from Jon Parkin helped York to a 2-1 victory over Brackley Town.
City also scored six in 2011 when thrashing nine-men Braintree Town in the Blue Square Premier.
The win moved the Minstermen up to fourth, with goals on the day coming from Ashley Chambers, Paddy McLaughlin (2), Jamal Fyfield, Jason Walker and Matty Blair.
However, a run of wins on this day ends with a humiliating 4-1 defeat when hosting Histon in 2007.
Then-York manager Billy McEwan said after that he felt 'sorry for the fans', who had made their frustrations known from the Bootham Crescent stands.
Off-the-pitch on this day, in 2011 Gary Mills shot down speculation linking him with the vacant Nottingham Forest job.
Mills, who was in charge of York from 2010 to 2013 and 2016 to 2017, started his career with Nottingham Forest and won a European Cup with them.
At a time where City were pushing for promotion from the Conference, Mills said: "When your name gets linked with other clubs, it means you’re doing something right so that’s pleasing.
"I’m a human being and it’s always flattering when it happens but I don’t want anybody here to think I’m looking beyond York City, because I’m not."
Also, in 2005, York City's Social Club launched a range of snacks branded with the football club's identity.
At a time where Bootham Crescent was sponsored by KitKat, York City Bombay Mix, Salted Peanuts, Spicy Noodles or Fruit & Nut Mix was made available to supporters at games.
It was the idea of a Terry's worker and long-time supporter Peter George, who said: "The bar boasts a good selection of drinks but I have noticed a lack of choice when it comes to snacks.
"Hopefully these new additions will catch the imagination of fans and add to the overall experience of visiting the social club."
The snacks cost 80p for a 100g packet, and for every packet sold, City made a 50p profit.