Julie-Anne Uggla, the owner of York City, aims to follow in the footsteps of fellow Canadian Ryan Reynolds after the Minstermen secured promotion with a thrilling 1-1 draw against promotion rivals Rochdale, marking the end of a decade-long absence from the Football League.
The team clinched promotion in dramatic fashion with almost the final kick of the National League season, prompting Uggla to set her sights on competing in League Two next season.
Reynolds has successfully taken Wrexham from the National League all the way to the Championship with three consecutive promotions, and he could potentially achieve four in a row.
“We’re aiming for back-to-back promotions straight through League Two,” she stated. “I’m going to give that other Canadian a run for his money! Currently, there are three Canadians in the EFL [92] including David Hopkinson, the CEO of Newcastle, Ryan Reynolds from Wrexham, and now me, Julie-Anne Uggla.”
York faced a nail-biting situation as they pursued the crucial point needed to secure the National League title and the sole automatic promotion spot.
In the fifth minute of six added time, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe scored, seemingly delivering the victory Rochdale required to surpass York for first place.
This goal incited a pitch invasion by home fans and resulted in a six-minute delay, during which York manager Stuart Maynard rallied his downcast players for one final push.
The motivational talk proved effective. With 103 minutes elapsed, a header from Callum Howe, following a cross from Ryan Fallowfield, was saved, but Josh Stones capitalized on the rebound to score, despite Tyler Smith’s efforts to clear the ball.
Referee Will Finnie verified the decision with the linesman, who immediately confirmed the goal. Maynard later acknowledged that the delay after conceding the first goal played a crucial role in their comeback.
“I believe it helped,” Maynard said. “That pause for reflection was key. We’ve faced heartbreak in the past two weeks, almost grasping the trophy only to see it slip away for a moment.”
“But this group is filled with winners. They kept fighting until the end, and I am incredibly proud of them. I told them to push forward. Everyone except the goalkeeper went up front, and we had to get the ball into the box.”
“And Callum Howe mentioned there would be a significant moment, and there it was.”
The tension at the top of the table had intensified throughout the season, particularly last weekend when Dieseruvwe netted a last-minute winner that secured Rochdale a win at Braintree, preventing York from claiming the title.
Now, Rochdale must prepare for the playoffs, where they will take on either Southend United or Scunthorpe United on Sunday.
Manager Jimmy McNulty and his players were too dejected to comment following the defeat, although it is reported that Rochdale acknowledges the validity of the decision to award York’s equalizing goal.