Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.

A new stadium for Harrogate Town?

It is excellent news about Harrogate Town having £3.5m to improve their ground on Wetherby Road. Isn’t this just throwing good money into a bad issue. The ground cannot expand, has no parking and few facilities for visiting fans. 

The solution is not good money after bad it is about thinking much more strategically. Why don’t Harrogate Town talk to Harrogate Borough Council and instead of leasing land on Wetherby Road ask to look at leasing Council Land on Leeds Road between Harrogate and Pannal to build themselves a stadium to be proud of and fit for purpose and would be amazing if more success comes their way. 

There could be on site parking and not just using Residential streets around the ground as a car park. There is nowhere for coaches to park for visiting fans. The site is sustainable being served by a very regular bus service, the 36, and also being close to Pannal Station. It would be a win, win for everyone.

Then to add to those wins the council could give the Harrogate Town site to the hospital for car parking for their staff, again removing hospital parking from many, many roads and making it safer for staff especially on night shifts.

I would be happy to meet with the football club to discuss this and to hear other peoples views.

Cllr Pat Marsh, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Harrogate Borough Council

Read more:

• Stray Views: Harrogate potholes ‘worse than Cairo’
• Stray Views: Boris Johnson has paid the fine – it’s time to move on

36 route should include railway station

It would be useful if the 36 included the railway station in its peregrinations in Leeds even if there is a double stop at the bus station, otherwise there is an off putting hike in between.

As a postscript, back in the pre-Beeching days the 36 used to visit the Ripon Railway station between stops at the bus station. Just goes to show not much is new.

Trevor Dale, Harrogate

Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.

Harrogate Town‘s EnviroVent Stadium is to undergo a £3.5m upgrade, which will include a new seated stand, match day bar and improved ticketing facilities.

Chairman Irving Weaver is footing the bill, which the club said in a statement will help the board’s ambition of creating a “sustainable and thriving club, for future generations to enjoy”.

The new stand will increase the ground’s capacity above the current limit of 5,000 fans. It will replace the Myrings Terrace and will be able to hold 2,000 fans.

A new bar will please fans, who have been unable to get a drink at games since they were promoted to the English Football League in 2020. This is because away fans are now segregated in the Myrings Terrace, which includes the 1919 bar.

Also planned is an extension of the corporate hospitality area, with more space for diners.

Home since 1920

The ground on Wetherby Road has been home to the Sulphurites since 1920, but in recent years it has struggled to keep pace with the club’s rapid rise up the divisions into the English Football League.

Fans were banned from a pre-season friendly against Sunderland last summer after North Yorkshire County Council found 17 “unacceptable risks” at the ground, which were related to fan safety.

Problems with the ticketing system also left some fans unable to attend a home match against Stevenage in September.

Read more:

• Harrogate Town commentator hangs up microphone after 40 years
• Harrogate Town made £1m loss in first Football League season

Chief executive Sarah Barry said the club had listened to feedback from fans, which has helped to shape how the money will be spent.

She added that she hopes the investment, which will include an improved ticketing system, will improve the matchday experience.

Ms Barry said:

“This is a really exciting time for our club.  It’s now two years since we were promoted to the EFL for the first time in our history. As we come out of the pandemic and get back to regular fixtures and crowds, the time is right for us to invest in our future.

“Our proposals stem from listening to feedback from fans in a number of areas.  Easier ticketing, better flow through turnstiles and an improved refreshments offering are some of the suggestions that have been made and have been taken on board.

“We want to enhance the match day experience for our loyal and dedicated supporters who make this club.  We’ve seen bigger crowds, welcomed more young families and teenagers to the EnviroVent Stadium lately and we want to sustain and grow this, retaining and attracting our committed supporters of the future.”

The much-loved Harrogate Town matchday commentator for BBC Radio York has hung up his microphone after a four-decade career with the BBC.

Barry Parker is a familiar and idiosyncratic voice to Harrogate Town fans, commentating on the club’s games since 2015.

He also featured on Town’s live matchday stream, which was a lifeline to many fans during the covid pandemic when they weren’t allowed into the grounds.

His last game was at the weekend when Harrogate Town lost 2-0 at home to Sutton United. Fans paid tribute to Mr Parker by chanting his name at half-time.

Looking back on his career, Mr Parker said:

“When I came out of college in 1979 I had no idea what I was going to do.

“I’ve had 40 wonderful years doing a job that I loved and being paid for it — I’ve been so lucky.

“If I’ve done the job well, it gets appreciated not by one or two people but by thousands, which is very heart-warming.”

Read more:

• Harrogate Town’s longest-serving player to retire

• Harrogate Town made £1m loss in first Football League season

The commentator was praised by Town boss Simon Weaver, who said he has been “absolutely magnificent” for the club.

He said:

“Absolutely brilliant commentary – and sometimes totally biased in our favour! I really do appreciate him, as do all the players and the faithful who haven’t been able to travel, especially due to the pandemic. Barry has been immense for the football club. Thank you so much Barry – you are always welcome at Harrogate Town.”

BBC Radio York’s executive producer Anna Evans added:

“Barry’s career with the BBC has been immense, spanning four decades. It’s rare to find someone so passionate about sport and radio. Following his final commentary game, we received so many messages from listeners sharing memories and wishing him well. It’s been an honour to have him as part of our team. We will miss him here at BBC Radio York.”

Harrogate Town‘s longest-serving player, Lloyd Kerry, will retire at the end of the season and join the club’s staff.

The hard-working midfielder, 33, signed from Tamworth in 2014 and has been a key cog in the team’s rise up the divisions and into the English Football League for the first time.

He’s played over 220 times and helped the club win promotion from the National League North and the National League, starting in the memorable Wembley play-off final against Notts County in August 2020.

He lifted a trophy at Wembley again last year in the FA Trophy and manager Simon Weaver said in a statement he will go down as a “club legend” for his achievements and service.

Kerry’s last game will be on the final day of the season when Harrogate Town host Sutton United on May 7.

Read more:

• Harrogate Town made £1m loss in first Football League season
• Harrogate Town plans new clubhouse at stadium

He will take up a new role at the club as head of player recruitment, scouting players for the first team and the academy.

Kerry said:

“I look back to when I first joined this football club in 2014 to where it is now eight years on and it’s unbelievable how far we’ve come and the success we’ve had! I’m grateful to have been on that journey which has created so much history for this club, I can always look back with pride of what we achieved together.

“We’ve made memories that will last us a lifetime and to have played my part is something I’ll never forget.”

Chairman, Irving Weaver also paid tribute to the midfielder. He said:

“Together we have enjoyed some great moments, particularly promotions and winning the FA Trophy. Lloyd moves on to a new roll with the club, now responsible for scouting and recruiting new players and he’s already beginning to make his mark, just like he has in 220+ games for Town.”

Harrogate Town posted a loss of £1 million during its first season in the English Football League.

The club secured professional league status for the first time in its history in 2020 after winning the National League play-offs.

Town then played its entire 2020/21 season in League Two behind closed doors due to the covid pandemic.

According to accounts filed with Companies House, the club published a loss of £1.019 million for the 12 months to June 2021.

The club said it was not alone in struggling through the pandemic and added that growing its fanbase now that spectators are allowed into stadiums was “a priority”.

The accounts added that the club’s cash flow forecast for the next 12 months was dependent on Irving Weaver, chairman and majority shareholder, not requesting £3.7 million he has currently put into the club in order for it to meet its liabilities.

The accounts said Mr Weaver “does not intend to seek repayment of the amounts due for the period covered by the forecast”.

A spokesperson for Harrogate Town said:

“As with all sporting venues, entertainment and hospitality organisations, the club has had a challenging time during the pandemic with not being able to operate fully so we are obviously still playing catch up.

“As you would expect, as a relatively new league status club, and with fans allowed in for the first time this season since being promoted into the league, we are still growing our fan base and that will remain our priority.

“We have lots going on behind the scenes and will be announcing details of all new developments as soon as we are in a position to do so ahead of the new season but we are still in the planning and negotiations stages on various projects.”

Read more:

• Harrogate Town given go-ahead for new ticket office and turnstiles
• Man completes epic football fan challenge at Harrogate Town
• Harrogate Town plans new clubhouse at stadium

The club is currently in the process of improving facilities at the EnviroVent Stadium on Wetherby Road following promotion to the English Football League.

Last month Town officials applied to Harrogate Borough Council to build a new clubhouse at the stadium to meet demand from increased fans on match days.

Meanwhile, a new ticket office and turnstiles at the EnviroVent Stadium were approved by the council in April 2021.

Harrogate Town is planning a new clubhouse at the EnvioVent Stadium on Wetherby Road

The club has submitted a planning application to build the two-storey facility in the north-west corner of the ground.

It would be used to serve fans refreshments on match days and include an upper floor area for supporters to gather.

Officials at the club said in planning documents the facility is needed because the ground currently has no “enclosed spectator facilities”, apart from pay and go refreshment kiosks.

Read more:

• Harrogate Town given go-ahead for new ticket office and turnstiles
• Man completes epic football fan challenge at Harrogate Town

It would also be needed for the club to meet its English Football League membership criteria, which requires all member clubs to provide refreshment facilities for home and away fans in separate areas of the ground.

A planning statement submitted by the club to Harrogate Borough Council said:

“The club’s ongoing success means that match days attract more spectators. 

“The new spectator facility will not only allow the club to meet its EFL membership requirements, but will also improve the match day experience for the club’s growing fanbase.”

Town have had a successful few years on the pitch, including a historic promotion to the English Football League in 2020.

The club has already seen a number of developments approved by the council since promotion, including a new ticket office and turnstiles at the EnviroVent Stadium which were backed by the council in April 2021.

German football fan Daniel Barthold became a member of the exclusive 92 Club when he watched Harrogate Town yesterday.

The 92 Club is reserved for fans who have visited the grounds of all 92 clubs in the top four tiers of English football.

It includes every Premier League ground as well as all those in the Championship, League One and League Two.

So although Harrogate’s League Two 2-1 defeat against Hartlepool United yesterday won’t live long in the memory of many homes fans, it was a memorable occasion for Mr Barthold.

He was actually in Harrogate on New Year’s Eve to watch Town v Port Vale at the EnviroVent Stadium on Wetherby Road but the  following day’s match was postponed due to covid.

He described yesterday’s return trip as a “special day”. He said:

“The trip was very smooth yesterday, especially with the early kick off time.

“It was a bit odd because I was just in Harrogate two months ago so to come back just for the football is unusual. Normally I visit a city only once to see the ground and do a bit of sightseeing.

“I found Harrogate a lovely town and because it was the last ground missing out of the 92 I will always remember it.”

Read more:

• Green Shoots: Harrogate Town’s vegan footballer who is passionate about environment
• Retired Harrogate firefighter flies out to volunteer in Ukraine

Mr Barthold’s first English ground was White Hart Lane, home of Tottenham Hotspur, in 2001. He moved to the UK in 2010 and then set about completing the 92 in earnest.

Relaxing in Harrogate when he visited on New Year’s Eve.

Watching Celtic today

He is on the move again today, watching Livingston v Celtic, which will complete his list of grounds visited in the Scottish Premiership.

The superfan, who has even written a book about his travels, doesn’t plan to stop there.

“I’m trying to complete the UEFA members list, which means one match at least in each of the 55 member countries. I have done 53, Armenia and Kazakhstan are missing.”

“I’m a huge sports fan so I regularly attend NFL, NBA and NHL games as well in North America. I usually plan in advance and study the fixtures list of European football and other sports.”

His home club is FC St. Pauli from his native Hamburg.

McCormicks keep legal aid contract

McCormicks Solicitors of Harrogate have retained their contract with the Legal Aid Agency to provide legal services to provide duty solicitors.

Duty solicitors represent those who need a solicitor but can not afford one themselves, both in court, and when being interviewed by police.

Legal Aid Agency said clients gave “very positive” feedback on their service.

Head of McCormicks’ Crime and Fraud department Peter Minnikin.

Peter Minnikin said:

“The comments are a testimonial to the hard work and dedication of my colleagues. We think it is incredibly important to continue with this type of work that supports people at some of the most difficult times of their lives. The recent independent reports show that we continue to deal with this work to a very high standard.”

Aon sponsors Harrogate Town AFC Ladies

As part of the #HerGameToo moment, a campaign to eradicate sexism in football and promote women in sport, Aon PLC have sponsored Harrogate Town’s women’s team.

James Fell, head of Aon’s Leeds, Tingley and Harrogate offices said:

When the opportunity arose to sponsor Harrogate Town AFC Ladies team, we jumped at the chance as it is important that women’s football receives the same investment as men’s football.

Fostering an inclusive and diverse culture is part of Aon’s culture and helps drive the best outcomes for our colleagues, clients, firm and the communities in which we work. The sponsorship of Harrogate Town AFC Ladies team aligns with this commitment and we believe it will benefit both organisations as well as the local community.

Sarah Barry, CEO of Harrogate Town AFC, said:

“We are delighted with our partnership with Aon and their decision to extend their commitment to the club by becoming our Ladies Teams official sponsor. Aon’s values for inclusivity mutually align with our own and there has never been a more exciting time to be involved in women and girls’ football. It’s a privilege to be working with a forward-thinking organisation of Aon’s calibre, who epitomises the same values as ourselves, this will really help accelerate the growth in the Harrogate District and beyond”.

Read More:

• Welcome to Yorkshire enters administration
• Harrogate’s Cardale Asset Management acquired by London firm
• Harrogate’s Coach & Horses pub ‘coming back soon’ as plans approved

Harrogate’s Glawning wins best Micro-Business in FSB Awards 

Glawning Ltd saw off the competition to take home Micro Business of the year Award in FSBs Yorkshire & The Humber business awards.

Glawning have attracted media attention for their camping awnings and accessories, and the owners have even participated in the TV show Carry on Glamping with Jonny Vegas.

They will take their victory to Glasgow in May to go up against other regional winners in an event hosted by Claire Blading and JJ Chalmers.

One chant was sung loud and proud by Harrogate Town supporters at Valley Parade last night.

Inspired by a song sung by Liverpool fans, it describes how they have been there from the days of National League North, beating minnows Telford and Darlington along the way, and references past heroes Joe Leesley and Dom Knowles.

“We are the loyal supporters and we come from Harrogate!

“Allez Allez Allez!”

When Town fans entered Bradford City’s stadium, they sat down opposite the imposing JCT600 Stand. It wouldn’t look out of place in the Premier League, nevermind League Two of the English Football League.

It showed how far the club has come, and seemed to spur the record number of Town away supporters to sing the song about the journey up the divisions even louder.

Valley Parade’s imposing JCT600 Stand.

A memorable night

Four Stray Ferret reporters were among over 700 Harrogate fans who made the short trip to West Yorkshire for what was one of the most memorable nights in the club’s history.

They made more noise than the relatively docile 13,000 Bradford City fans, which promoted the playful Town faithful to goad them with: “Is this a library?” and “Shall we sing a song for you?”

But when the home side took the lead in the first half it threatened to dampen the party atmosphere in the away end.

Read more:

• Over 500 Harrogate Town fans heading to Bradford tonight
• Green Shoots: Harrogate Town’s vegan footballer who is passionate about environment

For a while it worked, until Warren Burrell scored in first-half injury time to change the direction of the game.

In the second half, Town took the lead thanks to a Beckham-esque free-kick from Lewis Page. A cooly-taken finish from Jack Diamond made it 3-1.

Jack Diamond’s goal sparked mass celebrations.

It prompted an evacuation of Bradford City fans towards the exit doors and full throttle singing among the Town fans.

Special moments

Covid has robbed Town fans of many special moments — Wembley trips, glamorous away days and seeing the club play league football at the revamped EnviroVent Stadium.

After the final whistle, the bond between the playing staff and fans was evident. The squad, led by manager Simon Weaver, applauded the travelling fans, signed shirts and took selfies with young supporters.

It was a proud day for Jordan Ford, who organises away day coach travel for fans on behalf of Harrogate Town Independent Supporters Club.

Yesterday there were over 200 fans on his coaches — a far cry from the 25 or so when he first started several years ago.

Town player Jack Muldoon took to Twitter after the match to pay tribute to the fans.

https://twitter.com/J_muldoon11/status/1496280985389912064?s=20&t=5SoSRoWdTANHtOYDUxzXbA

About 550 Harrogate Town fans will watch their team face Bradford City tonight in a Yorkshire derby at Valley Parade.

It’s one of the most hotly anticipated games in Harrogate Town history, especially after last season’s fixture was played behind closed doors due to covid restrictions. It’s the most away tickets sold for a Harrogate Town game in their 103-year history.

Bradford’s ground has a capacity of 25,000. Despite languishing in League Two of the English Football League, the 1911 FA Cup winners average crowds of 15,700 this year.

Over 222 fans will travel by coaches arranged by Harrogate Town Independent Supporters Club.

It’s a chance for Simon Weaver’s men to do the double over their rivals, after beating them 2-0 at the EnviroVent Stadium on February 5.

The Bantams sacked manager Derek Adams following the fixture and are yet to appoint a replacement.

Speaking yesterday, Weaver said:

“[This season has been] our first experience as a football league club with big crowds so there’s none bigger than tomorrow. It’s a big ground, great set up and a fantastic football club that we’re visiting so hopefully we will come out on top for the fans.”

Read more:

• Harrogate Town set for Bradford derby day showdown
• Green Shoots: Harrogate Town’s vegan footballer who is passionate about environment

Town have not played since last Tuesday’s 4-3 heartbreak away at Exeter City — a match Town led 3-1.

A home game against Leyton Orient was postponed on Saturday due to the snow. It’s been rescheduled for Tuesday March 22.

Tickets for tonight’s game are still available, with Harrogate Town fans able to pay at the gate by scanning a QR code.

https://twitter.com/officialbantams/status/1496077312344956934?s=20&t=dxsc-aD4mGVH0CMS8WHiKg