Football Season Guide

Harrogate Town enjoyed the most successful season in their 67-year history, finishing in 13th place in the League Two table. The Sulphurites success has been built by the Weaver family; Simon taking over as manager in 2009 and his father Irving becoming owner two years later. They have guided the club to two promotions in 2018 and 2020. They are punching above their weight just simply competing at this level. Simon Weaver remains the longest serving manager in the EFL and continues to perform wonders with the small Yorkshire club struggling to attract new fans in shadow of both Bradford City and Leeds United. He addressed the defensive issues which beset the side in their first three seasons in the EFL with the additions of Anthony O’Connor and Liam Gibson making a difference and they even briefly flirted with the play-offs. Continuity and stability has been the key and that has continued over the summer with just two notable departures. Centre-back Rod McDonald and striker Abraham Odoh have joined Notts County and Peterborough United respectively, the latter commanding a fee which illustrates Weaver’s neat work in the transfer window with only meagre resources. At the time of writing there have been three new additions; midfielder Stephen Duke-McKenna impressed despite being relegated with Sutton United. Full-back Zico Asare caught the eye playing for National League Maidenhead United whilst winger Ellis Taylor arrives with a point to prove after leaving Sunderland. If Weaver can get striker Josh March firing again, they will have a good chance of defying the odds once more.