08
Aug
Salford attacker becomes Harrogate Town’s eighth summer signing
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Harrogate Town have announced their eighth signing of the summer.
Conor McAleny has joined the club on a one-year contract following his release from Salford City at the end of last season.
The attacking midfielder, who can also play off the left, made 141 appearances for Salford since 2021, scoring 22 goals and registering five assists.
McAleny joins with an impressive CV that includes over 300 appearances across the top four tiers of English football, a SkyBet League Two Player of the Month award following a six-goal haul in January 2023 and promotion from League One with Wigan Athletic.
Salford’s interest in the attacker was piqued following an impressive 2020/21 season, where he scored 21 times for Oldham Athletic.
He said:
I’m delighted to be here, it's been some journey over the past few weeks to get something done, but I'm really glad it's done now and I just can't wait to concentrate on my footy.
The manager really sold it to me and coming in I noticed straight away it's a really tight-knit group and there's a really good atmosphere about the place.
I’ll give everything for the team, and I'd like to chip in with some goals as well and just be a constant threat, always trying to make things happen.
I just want to get the shirt on now, get on the pitch and try to make a positive impact.
At 11 years old, the Prescot-born attacker started his career at Everton, making his debut for the Toffees in 2011, when he replaced Phil Neville away at Arsenal.
Loan spells at Scunthorpe, Brentford, Charlton and Wigan allowed the player to gain first-team experience in the Championship and League One, before permanent stints at Fleetwood, Kilmarnock and Shrewsbury saw McAleny carve out a reputation within the EFL.
Simon Weaver added:
I've liked Conor for years as a player, he can unlock doors in tight games and is capable of moments of brilliance. He'll collect the ball in tight areas and get shots off, he's a little magician really on the ball.
He's always caught my eye when he’s played against us, I’ve had a lot of admiration for him and we’ve tried on several occasions to bring him here. We’re delighted he's chosen to come to us and feel that he can fit in straight away with the current group and offer us something different.
He’s renowned for his professionalism and I think the fans will definitely enjoy seeing him play.
McAleny will wear the number 14 shirt at Town and will be available for Harrogate’s SkyBet League Two fixture against Grimsby tomorrow (August 9), subject to FA and EFL approval.
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