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28
Nov
Simon Weaver under pressure as some Harrogate fans' patience wears thin
Simon Weaver is under growing pressure as Harrogate Town prepare to face Barnet tomorrow (November 29).
Weaver is the longest serving manager in English professional football. He has led the Sulphurites to an unprecedented period of success since 2009.
But this is arguably his toughest time since Town were promoted to the English Football League in 2020.
A 2-0 home defeat against league leaders Walsall last weekend saw his side fall into the relegation zone for the first time in their six seasons in the EFL.
Harrogate have now lost seven of nine games after an encouraging start to the season.
Many fans could forgive a defeat against the table toppers, but losses such as 3-2 against Fleetwood, 1-0 against 10-man Oldham and 3-0 at home to bottom-place Newport are causing concern.
A depleted squad has not helped in recent weeks. Town had 11 first-team players unavailable against Notts County this month.
But their poor form has lasted since early October, and they appear to have enough talent in their squad to be doing better. But their last league win was two months ago on September 27.
Recent performances have shown a side stripped of confidence.
Anthony O'Connor.
Open letter to the board
Managers are inevitably questioned by the media and fans during poor runs of form.
But the club appears to have adopted a defensive mindset in the face of recent criticism.
It told the Stray Ferret it was restricting interviewings this month so it could “focus on turning things around on the pitch”.
This week it declined to comment on an ‘open letter’ posted on a Harrogate supporters' social media page after last weekend's defeat calling on the board to “give serious consideration” to Weaver’s position.
It was signed by a fan group calling themselves ‘BAB’.
The letter voiced concerns about “the direction in which [the club is] heading" and claimed there was a “divide between the stands and the dugout”.
Performances that have “lacked conviction,” a decline in results and a fanbase that feels “unheard” were all listed as factors for the loss of confidence in Weaver’s leadership.
The letter said:
It is never easy to question the position of a long-serving manager, especially someone who has played a major role in the club’s history and its rise through the leagues. Simon Weaver has achieved a great deal for the club, and that should never be forgotten.
However, football is ultimately a results-driven sport, and right now the trajectory on the pitch has raised serious concerns.
The full open letter can be read here.
BAB represents only a small section of supporters consisting of about 25 people. It is not affiliated with Harrogate Town Independent Supporters Group.
But its concerns are felt by others. When the Stray Ferret asked on social media this month, ‘Is it time for Harrogate Town to look for a new manager?’, there was a 50/50 split in answers.
Clearly, there is disgruntlement — but many still support Weaver and recognise he has a lot of credit in the bank.
Weaver has guided his side away from relegation scraps before, and appears to have the quality of squad to do so again.
But having dropped into the relegation zone, improvement is essential, or the pressure will continue to mount.
Fans will be hoping the turnaround begins tomorrow, when Harrogate visit Barnet. Kick-off is at 3pm.
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