Harrogate Town fans are optimistic of their side’s chances of avoiding relegation as the club enters a fourth campaign in the English Football League.
Town take on Doncaster Rovers away from home tomorrow in a tantalising Yorkshire derby to open the season.
The club has bolstered its first team with the likes of striker Abraham Odoh from Rochdale and winger James Daly among the summer recruits.
Phil Deighton, a long time season ticket holder at Wetherby Road, said Harrogate should be in a position to avoid the drop again this season.
He added that the additions to the squad during the summer transfer window, in particular Odoh, had pleased him.
Mr Deighton said:
“I am a season ticket holder and have been watching Town for a a long time. Just watching league football is brilliant for me as most of my time watching it has been non-league.
“The preparations for the new season look good, it is nice to see a couple of players that were on loan re-sign permanently and I was pleased that Mr Weaver added in the striking department – I looking forward to seeing Abraham Odoh, he looks a skilful player.
“Overall, I think the pre-season has gone well, just a shame none of the game have been at home, and I think we will do slightly better in the league this season and not have the worry of relegation.”
‘Strongest squad in 14 years’
Town will head into the new season with an away trip to the Eco-Power Stadium to face Doncaster.
Manager Simon Weaver said the squad was the strongest he had in his time at the club.
He said:
“I think it is quite honestly the strongest squad I’ve had at the club in 14 years.
“I’m proud of the efforts of the players in pre-season. The new lads have settled in well, they have integrated into the changing room really easily which is great. The vibe is strong.”
Simon Weaver, Harrogate Town manager.
Weaver also has a fully fit squad going into the new season, with the exception of long term absentee Stephen Dooley who is on the sidelines with an injury.
Ahead of the clash with Doncaster, Weaver said there was massive appetite for the derby but warned that it was “no more important” than any other match.
He said:
“Everybody builds up the first game of the season and that’s because there is massive appetite for it.
“But it’s no more important or no less important than any other game in a 50 game season. We have to stick to what we’re good at and be organised, hard working and have loads of energy and be an exciting team to watch.
“But at the same time, not put too much pressure on because there’s so many games this season and so many points to play for.”
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