Jack Emmett, Harrogate Town’s longest-serving player, is to leave the club to focus on recovering from chronic fatigue.
The 27-year-old, who was born in Harrogate and has played 229 times for the club, has not closed the door on his football career and said he could return if he overcomes his illness. He said:
“It has been an incredible journey and I have loved every minute, but I know this is the right decision for my health moving forward. Hopefully one day I will be able to fully recover and return to the game.”
Emmett, who went to Harrogate Grammar School, spoke to the Stray Ferret ahead of the club’s historic Wembley play-off final last year when he spoke about his footballing upbringing and turning out for Knaresborough Celtic juniors.
His final performance for the club was in the Papa John’s Trophy this season against Leicester City under-23s.
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In 2017/18 Emmett formed a midfield partnership with Josh Falkingham, with whom he was named joint Player’s Player of the Season. The duo helped Town into the National League for the first time.
According to the NHS, chronic fatigue syndrome is a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms, the most common being extreme tiredness.
Manager Simon Weaver paid tribute to Emmet and said “the door is always open” for a return.
He said:
“It’s a sad loss for the club and the supporters, Jack has been thrilling to watch over the years, he has always played with a joy and desire to run at people and entertain.
“He was part of first under-17s set up under Mark Forster, who recommended we take a look at him and we would later send him on loan to Forster’s Wetherby side, he was getting kicked all over park but kept getting up, we were so impressed with attitude.
“We kept in touch when he went away to university and were delighted when he returned and would be training full time with us. I remember in pre-season at Thorpe Arch we put him in central midfield against Leeds United and he was waltzing past players, that was a big turning point for him and the club as he went on to play a massive part in us earning promotion from the National League North.
“His recent issue has saddened us all, but we respect his views and that his health is of paramount importance.
“He’s been with me for 11 years here and we have always shared a good bond, I’ll always think highly of Jack and the door is always open for him at Town, he is very much still a part of our family.”
