Football Season Guide

There is a real sense that this could be a pivotal season for Harrogate Town as they seek to establish themselves in the Football League. Simon Weaver overachieved in leading the Sulphurites into the Football League in 2020 and it meant the club has been forced to grow quicker than it would have liked. Both seasons in League Two have seen them start well but fall away and this time many are tipping them for a season of struggle. They have outgrown their Wetherby Road ground too, hemmed in on all four sides and they are now looking to move to a more suitable home. That need would diminish if they were to lose their Football League status but in Weaver they have a calm, hard-working and shrewd manager. He has acted this summer to rebuild a woeful defence that leaked like a sieve and undid most of their excellent work at the other end of the pitch. Centre-back Kyle Ferguson has signed following an impressive season with Altrincham in the National League whilst full-back Joe Mattock brings Championship experience with him from Rotherham United. Centre-back Lewis Richards and midfielder Josh Austerfield have both returned on loan from Wolverhampton Town and Huddersfield Town respectively whilst Matty Daly has also signed on loan from Terriers and looks like a clever addition. The departure of Sunderland loanee Jack Diamond is the only real loss. Keeping hold of attacking midfielder Alex Pattison and striker Luke Armstrong will be key as to whether the Sulphurites just survive or thrive this season.