The 2016-17 campaign delivered a bittersweet mixture of heartbreak and Wembley glory for York City as the Minstermen suffered a second consecutive relegation, finishing 21st in the National League. Despite the drop to the regional tiers, the season was punctuated by a triumphant 3-2 victory over Macclesfield Town to lift the FA Trophy, providing a silver lining for the faithful supporters. Leading the line was the talismanic Jon Parkin, whose 16 goals across all competitions proved he remained one of the most feared strikers in non-league football. It was a turbulent year of transition under Gary Mills that saw the club fight until the final whistle, leaving a legacy of resilience amid the pain of relegation.