York City manager Martin Foyle is unfazed about the prospect of the club’s supporters being heavily outnumbered at Wembley on May 16.
At the end of office hours yesterday, Blue Square Premier play-off final opponents Oxford had sold 25,698 tickets for the game compared to the 5,493 bought by City fans.
But Foyle reckons a bigger following from Oxford could prove a burden as both teams look to reclaim their Football League status under the famous arch.
He said: “It doesn’t concern me if they take more supporters. The initial talk was that we would take 20,000 fans. I think there have been a few hiccups with the online sales that have slowed things up but, if they have 40,000 supporters against our 10,000, it would be like David versus Goliath and that’s fine because all the pressure and onus will be on them.”
City fans wishing to attend the final who have not yet bought their tickets are also being advised to do so as soon as possible or risk missing out.
Safety measures mean that ticket sales could cease all together should Oxford sell their full allocation. They are available by visiting www.seetickets.com/conferenceplay off/york or phoning 0871 620 4027.
Foyle has given his players the weekend off, having overseen demanding sessions during the past two days in preparation for a potentially energy-sapping encounter next Sunday.
The City chief added: “I felt it was important to give the players a bit of respite after the Luton game so they had two days off but we had a physical session on Thursday where we ran them into the ground.
“That was needed at the right time because fitness could be crucial in the final. We don’t know what the weather will be like and the players might need to last for two hours so they need to be spot on. We also ate together as a group after Thursday’s session before having two tough sessions in the morning and afternoon yesterday.
“They’re having the weekend off now and then we will have a practice match on Monday so everybody gets 90 minutes under their belt before working on our shape for the rest of the week.”
Reserve goalkeeper Josh Mimms, who is expected to be named on the bench at Wembley, has been called up for England ‘C’ duty.
Mimms, who has made only two appearances for City’s first team this season, is expected to be joined in the squad by 37-goal striker Richard Brodie at a later date.
The pair are set to travel to Edinburgh to take on an East of Scotland League XI on Sunday, May 22, before facing a Republic of Ireland representative team in Waterford on Wednesday, May 26.
About Mimms’ call-up, Foyle said: “It’s good news for Josh. England ‘C’s north-west scout has watched him in our reserve games and earmarked him as a talented boy with ability, which he is.
“It’s been a frustrating time for Josh not being in the side but that’s been down to how well Michael Ingham has been playing.”
England ‘C’ squad: Dale Roberts (Rushden), Josh Mimms (York), Shaun Densmore (Altrincham), Kyle McFadzean (Alfreton), Shaun Newton (Telford), Tom Cadmore (Hayes and Yeading), Steven Gregory (AFC Wimbledon), Brian Saah (Cambridge United), Sean Clancy (Fleetwood Town), Max Porter (Rushden), Matt Green (Oxford), Sam Deering (Oxford), Scott Garner (Mansfield), Tom Craddock (Luton), Rossi Jarvis (Luton), Matthew Barnes-Homer (Luton), Curtis Obeng (Wrexham), Andrew Fleming (Wrexham).
• Wembley air horns, T-shirts and mugs are all now on sale at York City’s club shop. Scarves, shirts and other items are also due to arrive, with the shop open from 10am to 3pm today and from 10.30am to 6pm during weekdays next week. It will also be open next Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
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