York City's registered squad list for the first half of the League Two season has been confirmed, with two senior players omitted from manager Scott Lindsey's 22-man selection. The list, released by the Football League this week, shows the club has filled 21 of its available slots, leaving one space open.
Ben Brookes, a 25-year-old left-wing back, and centre-back Ash Palmer are the two players not included. York currently sit 9th in the League Two table with 8 points from their opening five matches, scoring 9 goals and conceding 8. They are four points behind early leaders Bristol Rovers.
Ben Brookes joined York in the summer of 2025 and was a regular feature last season. He made 36 appearances in the Enterprise National League, scoring twice and providing eight assists. His run included starting the final six matches of the promotion campaign, including the decisive game against Rochdale. He also started this season's Carabao Cup exit to Crawley Town last month. However, the summer arrival of Harry Boyes has limited his pathway back into the squad.
Ash Palmer also arrived in the summer of 2025, signing from Chesterfield. His time at the club has been disrupted by injury. He sustained a long-term problem in a 2-2 draw with Boreham Wood in October 2025. Palmer made just six appearances in the 2025/26 season before finishing the campaign on loan at FC Halifax Town. He has not been involved in any matchday squad for York this season.
The confirmed list covers all players registered until the next window opens in January 2027. League rules state that players aged 21 and under, along with goalkeepers, do not need to be registered to play. This means three players named in the 22-man squad, Zak Johnson, Charlie McArthur, and Ethan Stiver, are eligible without using a slot due to their age.
Eighteen-year-old striker Ben Farrar is named among the 21 registered senior players. In total, York's list comprises 21 registered players and four who are exempt from registration.
Scott Lindsey's side head into their next match with a recent form guide reading DLWDW. Their next test is a significant one, a home fixture against second-placed Swindon Town on September 12. A positive result could see them close the gap at the top of the standings. The team's goal difference stands at +1 after their opening five fixtures.
Manager Scott Lindsey addressed the squad confirmation, saying, "York City's registered squad list until January 2027 has been confirmed, with two players absent from Scott Lindsey's list." The club's decision to leave one registration slot unfilled provides flexibility for potential additions. All the latest team statistics and form are available on our stats page. York City host Swindon Town at Bootham Crescent on September 12.
