York City's Wait for Goalkeeper Ends
York City's long wait for a goalkeeper has finally come to an end, with the signing of Fulham shot-stopper Alfie McNally on a season-long loan. McNally, 21, joins York from Fulham's academy, where he has been since the age of 12.
What Happened?
McNally first joined Fulham in 2017 when city rivals Brentford closed their academy programme. He progressed up the age groups for the Cottagers, playing for the under-18's side in the 2020/21 season and then the under-21's side, where he featured in the Premier League 2, starting in wins over Nottingham Forest and Birmingham City's academies. Last season, McNally played 13 times in the Premier League 2 and had experience against senior players when competing in the National League Cup and the EFL Trophy.
Why it Matters for York
York becomes McNally's first loan spell, and he will now travel with the Minstermen for their pre-season camp to Alicante, Spain. He could pick up first minutes with his new teammates in friendlies against Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq. York becomes his first loan spell, with McNally being named as City's ninth Summer signing after Mark Shelton, Frankie Maguire, Dipo Akinyemi, Zech Medley, Arthur Read, Charlie McArthur, Zak Johnson, and Jack Hunt.
What Comes Next?
McNally will compete for the number one shirt alongside fellow City goalkeeper George Sykes-Kenworthy, who has started both of the Minstermen's first-team pre-season friendlies so far this month. York is currently 1st in the England National League, with 108 points from 46 games, and a recent form of DWWWW. They are 2 points clear of Rochdale, who they drew with 1-1 on April 25th. York has scored 114 goals this season, conceded 41, and has a goal difference of +73.
And with McNally on board, the Minstermen are looking to strengthen their squad and push for promotion. But for now, the focus is on pre-season friendlies and getting the team ready for the new season. So, what's next for York City? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure - they have a new goalkeeper to watch out for in Alfie McNally.
