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15
Jan
Interview: Goalkeeper James Belshaw reflects on his time at Harrogate Town
Harrogate Town’s ex-goalkeeper James Belshaw has backed his former team to stay in the division.
Belshaw completed his transfer to Notts County for an undisclosed fee on Tuesday (January 13).
His departure is a big blow for Town, who are in the relegation zone in League Two.
But speaking to the Stray Ferret yesterday, he said:
They can pull themselves out. In the last few months, I don’t think our performances have warranted the results we’ve had. We've been on the other end of some bad decisions and bad luck.
Some of my best mates have been made at this club and I’m confident they can pull together and guide the new boys through.
Growing up in Nottingham, the 35-year-old has always supported The Magpies.
He said he was not looking to leave, but when Notts County approached the club, it was hard to turn down.
Belshaw said manager Simon Weaver did not stand in his way, and a transfer arrangement that was beneficial for all parties was agreed.
He said:
I’ve always said the only club I would have left Harrogate for is Notts County. They’re my boyhood club, and it’s always been a dream of mine to play for them.
I had no intention of leaving, but this offer was too good to turn down. The chance to go back home and play for Notts was a massive opportunity for me and my family. It’s a real honour for me.
Playoff success
Belshaw made 284 appearances for the Sulphurites over two spells.
During his initial period, Belshaw helped Harrogate to two promotions that saw the club rise from National League North to League Two. He even played against Notts County in the victorious playoff final.
Reflecting on his time at Town, he said:
Overall, it’s been a really good time. I enjoyed my first spell immensely, and it was a no-brainer returning because I felt like I had unfinished business. The two promotions were my highlights, with the one at Wembley the main one. It was a weird final, because there were no fans in the ground and I was playing against the team I supported, but I was employed by Harrogate to do a job and we won.
When you spend that amount of time at a football club, you develop an affinity for it. I love this club and will always keep a lookout for the results and come to support the boys when I can.
Photo: Harrogate Town AFC
'I’ll miss the old boys'
Belshaw emphasised the friendships made during his time at the club, saying that he had made some friends for life.
“I’ll miss the old boys – Falks, Thommo, Ox, Warren and Mullers – the most,” he added.
But it is not just those within the club that the goalkeeper was thankful for.
He said:
I want to say a big thank you to the fans. I’ve had a great relationship with them and have always had time to chat with them after games. I can count on one hand the bad things I’ve heard about me from them over the years and I’m very grateful for the love they’ve shown me.
I’d like to think I’ve helped to give them some of their best days and I’m proud to share that with them.
Despite losing at Stockport on Tuesday, Harrogate’s replacement signing, Henry Gray, looked assured and imposing between the sticks. Mark Oxley also had a solid game against Crewe on Saturday (January 10).
But Belshaw's talent and personality will be hard to replace at Harrogate.
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