19
Oct
Irving Weaver gets new role at Harrogate Town as changes continue
Harrogate Town have appointed Irving Weaver as life president.
Weaver served as chairman for 15 years until last week and oversaw the most successful period in the club’s history, including two promotions, a historic first appearance in the English Football League and victory at Wembley in the FA Trophy.
On Friday, the club announced he had relinquished the chairman's role and his son, men's first team manager Simon Weaver, and local businessman Jonathan Blezard had become co-owners.
Today (October 19) the club announced Irving had been made life president.
A club statement said the appointment would recognise his "lasting place in the history of Harrogate Town AFC, while ensuring that his experience and connection to the club remain an important part of its future".
Mr Blezard said:
One of the first things Simon and I wanted to do following completion was to ensure that Irving’s contribution to Harrogate Town was recognised appropriately in a meaningful and lasting way.
What Irving has achieved here is remarkable. He took a small football club and, through years of personal commitment, determination and investment, helped take it to heights that few could have imagined.
Having spent a great deal of time with Irving over the past year, I have come to understand just how much this football club means to him, and how much of himself he has put into it.
More changes
The move comes as Mr Blezard and Mr Weaver assumed control of the club last week.
Jonathan Blezard (left) and Simon Weaver
According to Companies House, both were appointed as directors of Town on October 16.
Meanwhile, Howard Matthews' 24-year term as a director ended on October 16.
Companies House also confirms FC Company Holdings Limited — the company Mr Blezard and Mr Weaver set up — succeeded Irving Weaver as "persons with significant control" on October 16.
However, Irving Weaver remains a director, according to Companies House.
In a statement issued last week, Irving 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.
Simon Weaver has spent 17 years with the club. Mr Blezard, however, is a new face. A club press release announcing the takeover 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”.
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