16
Oct
End of an era at Harrogate Town as new owners replace Irving Weaver
First team manager Simon Weaver and local businessman Jonathan Blezard have become co-owners of Harrogate Town, the club announced today (October 16).
The move marks the end of an era as Simon’s father, Irving Weaver, no longer owns the club after overseeing a period of unprecedented success since he acquired Town in 2011.
The move was largely expected, with the Stray Ferret reporting last month that Mr Blezard and Simon Weaver had set up a company together.
You can read more about Mr Blezard here.
Last month also saw Karen Tyson appointed managing director, with chief executive Sarah Barry departing.
Simon Weaver will continue as manager of the National League side, although he is now in the unusual position of co-owning and managing the club.
Chairman Irving Weaver
Irving Weaver said he had spent two years “considering what the right long-term ownership of Harrogate Town should look like”.
He said:
We have explored a number of avenues and spoken with many people who expressed an interest in becoming involved with the club. But this was never about finding somebody prepared to buy or invest in Harrogate Town; it was about finding the right people with the right intentions, who could also demonstrate the necessary commitment and suitability.
Given these expectations, the combination of Simon and Jonathan as co-owners was a very compelling option.
Irving Weaver added the change of ownership “should not be viewed as family succession”.
He said:
Both Simon and Jonathan are making a significant commitment to this football club and, crucially, they are doing so together. Their experiences and strengths complement each other extremely well.
They share a genuine ambition for Harrogate Town while understanding the responsibility that comes with owning a football club. Having considered the alternatives, I believe this partnership provides a strong and responsible platform for the next chapter of Harrogate Town AFC.
Simon Weaver has spent 17 years with the club. Mr Blezard, however, is a new face. A club press release announcing today’s news said the Angstrom Sports founder “brings significant business and sporting experience” and “intends to play an active role in the club's development”.
It added both new owners “have committed material financial support, with the ownership structure meeting the relevant regulatory requirements”.
Here are the full statements by the two new co-owners.
Simon Weaver: "I will continue to be judged on results"
My position and my role as manager will not change, and my ambition remains exactly the same – to become the best football manager I can possibly be and to keep pushing this team forward.
I fully accept that, as manager, I will continue to be judged on results in exactly the same way as any other manager in football. Becoming a co-owner does not change that responsibility or the standards I expect of myself.
I love the challenge of management, and I will continue to give everything I have to developing the team and helping us achieve success on the pitch.
At the same time, I'm hugely excited about working closely with Jonathan on the wider and longer-term vision for the club.
As chairman, my dad has played an enormous part in the progress of Harrogate Town AFC, and I can't thank him enough for the trust he has placed in me.
He has been an incredible leader throughout his life in business, bringing those same values into football – honesty, hard work, integrity and determination. Those qualities have been central to the club's progress, and I think the journey during his time as chairman speaks for itself.
Jonathan and I have built a very strong rapport over the last 14 months. We share the same work ethic, ambition and desire to keep pushing Harrogate Town forward.
He is an extremely astute and intelligent person, but what has impressed me just as much is his humility. There is no ego attached to it; he simply wants to help the football club become better.
We both understand the responsibility we're taking on, and it's a commitment we're thrilled to make side by side. This is an exciting time for the club, and we intend to embrace that challenge together.
Jonathan Blezard: "We expect to attract further investment"
Over the last 12 months, as I've got to know many of the great staff and volunteers who make Harrogate Town AFC what it is, I've learnt what an incredible football club this is.
Having seen first-hand the passion, experience and hunger that Simon brings to his role every single day, this was a challenge I couldn't walk away from. I have enormous belief in his character, integrity and ability as a football manager.
The strong foundations established under Irving's stewardship, alongside Simon's commitment and leadership over many years, have given me the confidence to invest in Harrogate Town.
Simon and I understand the responsibility we're taking on, and I'm delighted we're doing it together. I recognise what this club means to its loyal supporters and the wider local community, and I can see its potential for the future.
I intend to be an active owner, contributing to the club's growth and helping us make the best possible decisions both on and off the pitch.
We expect to attract further investment and expertise over time, but above all, we want to build on what makes Harrogate Town special. Together, we intend to make Harrogate Town something that the whole town can feel part of and be proud of.
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