Harrogate Town Archives - Page 18 of 29

Harrogate Town appoints Sarah Barry as chief executive

Harrogate Town has appointed Sarah Barry to the newly created position of chief executive.

The club, which has won its first three matches in League Two this season, announced the appointment today.

Chairman Irving Weaver said Ms Barry, who was managing director of former local radio station Stray FM, had a “wealth of experience and business acumen in leading a team”.

He added:

“It is an exciting time as fans return to football and with Harrogate Town’s first full season with fans in League Two and I am delighted that Sarah is going to join us in a new role as chief executive officer.”

Harrogate-born Ms Barry began her career in advertising sales after leaving university and joined Stray FM in 1994.

She said:

“I have always known there was something very special about this club, its people and spirit. From the start, I felt aligned with what it represents so this move feels very natural for me.

“I’m passionate about my hometown and nothing can bring people together like football can, which I also love, so I am incredibly excited to be joining.

Ms Barry will take up her role on September 13.

Harrogate Town to return to action after covid outbreak

Harrogate Town are set to return to action today after a covid outbreak set back the start of the club’s League Two campaign.

Town will face Barrow at the EnviroVent Stadium, two weeks since the club last played against Rochdale in their opening game.

The outbreak forced the club to postpone two EFL fixtures and forfeit a Carabao Cup tie against Rochdale.

Five players tested positive and others had to self-isolate as a result of the outbreak.

Manager Simon Weaver said on Thursday that the postponed fixtures were frustrating, but added that the players were now through the worst of it.

“Initially it was a feeling of frustrating and deflation really. We’d come off the back of a really good opening day win and the circumstances of a last minute winner from Warren as well. It was a blow but it’s not insurmountable.

“Covid is part of our everyday life now so people getting it wasn’t a total surprise and I think we’ve reacted strongly to it. The players have rested up and come through the worse of it now and we’re looking forward to a couple days training and a big game.”

Not using covid as an excuse

Town returned to training on Thursday morning following the enforced break, which saw games against Crawley and Leyton Orient rearranged.

Weaver said the players would have two sessions ahead of Barrow, but would not use covid as an excuse for the short preparation.

He said:

“I think we don’t use covid as an excuse, no matter what.

“We’re firmly focused on the game and we’ve got that excitement in our stomach like how it was on the opening day.

“The crowd were exhilarating on that day and really lifted us all so we’re really looking forward to getting back home and that’s the lucky thing about it, the first game back is at home – a place we’ve got very good recent memories of.”

Simon Weaver after the win against Rochdale on the opening game of the season. Picture: Matt Kirkham, Harrogate Town.

Weaver expects a physical game

Both Barrow and Harrogate Town were promoted from the National League in 2019/20, but Town got the upper hand over the Cumbrian side last season.

Jack Muldoon scored both goals in two 1-0 wins over Barrow in both clubs inaugural season in the EFL.

Barrow will be without striker Dimitri Sea, Jamie Devitt, midfielder Mike Jones and Tom Beadling for today’s clash.

Sea will remain on the sidelines as Barrow follow concussion protocols and Devitt has a thigh injury.

Jones is short of fitness and Beadling faces a long period out due to a partial tear to his crucial ligament.

Town manager Weaver said he expects Barrow to be more physical this season.

He said:

“They’re up for it and I think a bit more physical this season, and under Mark Cooper they have a lot of experience.

“But, we also think we have a lot in our ranks which can allow us to have a real good go at them and play our way. It’ll be great to have the fans behind us like against Rochdale and to win would be great, especially in the circumstances.”

Harrogate Town invites over 50s to join walking football team

Harrogate Town is inviting people to join their walking football team to help boost physical and mental health.

Walking football is a twist on traditional football that is played by people who have mobility or other issues.

It’s generally played by the over 50s although the majority of players with Harrogate Town are in their 60’s, with some even in their 70’s.

The club has a 50’s team and a 60’s team who both play competitively in the Northern Premier League and they also play friendlies with clubs throughout Yorkshire and the North East, both home and away.

The club holds sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Rossett Sports Centre. There are different sessions to accommodate players of all ages and abilities, including those who are new to the game.

Harrogate Town walking football player Andy Town said:

“I decided to call it a day at the age of 62 after a football injury. When my wife said ‘why don’t you try walking football?’ I responded as I imagine most old footballers might react, with a mixture of incredulity and mirth.

“After giving it a go, I found that like ‘real’ football it can be played at different levels, from slow and social to fast and competitive. I’ve met lots of interesting people and made a whole new group of friends.”

Would you like to give walking football a try? Email community@harrogatetownafc.com or htwfc2020@gmail.com

Jeff Stelling to march from Harrogate Town in aid of prostate cancer

Well-known Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling is set to march from Harrogate to Leeds in aid of Prostate Cancer UK this month.

Jeff, who is known for anchoring Sky’s Soccer Saturday coverage, has raised more than £1 million for the men’s health charity and has taken part in four marches since 2016.

This year, he is set to walk from Harrogate Town’s EnvioVent Stadium to Elland Road in Leeds via Kirk Deighton Rangers and Leeds Rhinos.

The stop at Kirk Deighton will be poignant as the club was home to Yorkshireman Lloyd Pinder, who sadly died of the disease last year after striking up a firm friendship with Stelling.

The walk, which is taking place on August 31, will be one of four walking marathons he takes part in.

Jeff said:

“Covid has had a horrific impact on lives across the UK, but prostate cancer has not gone away. In fact it’s now more important than ever that we support men and their loved ones.

“One in eight men in the UK will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. I deal in stats, but that one still shocks me. This is our dads, partners, brothers, grandads, uncles and friends.

“That’s why I wear the Prostate Cancer UK ‘Man of Men’ badge. That’s why we’ve marched across the UK three times, helping raise more than £1 million for crucial research to beat prostate cancer.”

Jeff has invited 400 football fans to take part in his walking marathons, including the walk to Elland Road, to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

For more information on how to sign up, visit prostatecanceruk.org/jeffsmarch.

Harrogate Town rearranges first game after coronavirus outbreak

Harrogate Town have rearranged their first game after a coronavirus outbreak in the squad.

The club will now play Leyton Orient away on Tuesday, August 24 with kick-off at 7.45pm.

Away tickets will be available to purchase from the ticket office at the Breyer Group Stadium

It comes a week after Harrogate Town said “a number of individuals” were unable to play or train due to a positive test or contact with someone who has had one.

At this time it is currently unclear when Town will play the postponed Crawley Town game.

However, the club were forced to bow out of the Carabao Cup because they were unable to rearrange the Rochdale game before the second round.

A spokesperson for the club said previously:

“It means a number of individuals are unable to play or train due to either a positive test or the requirement to self-isolate in line with government and English Football League guidance.

“The club will continue to work with covid protocols as set out by the EFL to ensure the safety of our players and staff.”

Harrogate Town Supporters Trust launches with fan perks

Harrogate Town Supporters Trust, which has had a controversial existence since news broke of the group last month, has launched and will offer several perks to members.

Other football league clubs, such as Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford City already have fans trusts, which are democratically run and governed by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Full membership to the Harrogate Town trust costs £15 a year for an adult and £10 for concessions and under-18s. Members will receive discounts in the club shop on Commercial Street, priority tickets for cup matches, and local business discounts.

Coach travel to away matches will be provided through Murgatroyd of Harrogate.

The trust will also organise a fan base at Harrogate’s Cedar Court Hotel where fans can meet before some home games. There will be food and drink offers for members as well as discounted car parking for fans walking to Wetherby Road.

A spokesperson for the trust said:

“Our mission is to help, maintain, and support the presence of an outstanding, sustainable and modern professional football club in Harrogate by being the democratic and representative voice of the supporters of the club who, through its actions, strengthen the bonds between the club, its fans and the community it serves.

“We are an independent, democratic, not-for-profit, community-based organisation who are family orientated with the aim to provide an excellent fan experience to both home and away matches.”

The announcement of a trust was welcomed by some fans but many members of Harrogate Town Independent Supporters Club, which has been running for several years, believe it is an attempt to undermine its work.

Leaflets about the newly-formed trust were circulated to Town fans at a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United under-23s at Wetherby Road. This alarmed many members of the supporters club, with some accusing the trust on Facebook of underhand tactics.

There was also anger about the trust’s plans to put on coaches for away games, which supporters club committee member Jordan Ford has organised for many seasons.

However, the chair of the trust told the Stray Ferret that alternative away travel was needed because some fans’ drunken behaviour deterred some families and fans from travelling.

Harrogate Town out of cup after players catch coronavirus

Harrogate Town have been forced to bow out of the Carabao Cup after players in the squad tested positive for coronavirus.

While the club tried to reschedule their round one fixture, which was due to be played tonight, they were unable to organise it in time.

The club released a statement this evening which said:

“The available date proposed would not have provided enough time for logistical arrangements to be made, or tickets to be sold for the round two tie.

“In accordance with the Carabao Cup rules, Harrogate Town will therefore forfeit the tie.”

Harrogate Town said yesterday evening that “a number of individuals” are unable to play or train due to a positive test or contact with someone who has tested positive.

Two trips in League Two to Crawley Town and Leyton Orient are also off, which were due to be played on August 14 and August 17 respectively.

Those who purchased a ticket for the Rochdale game tonight will receive a full refund.

Harrogate Town postpones three matches due to covid outbreak

Harrogate Town said tonight it has postponed the club’s next three games after players in the squad tested positive for coronavirus.

It will mean tomorrow night’s Carabao Cub fixture against Rochdale at the EnviroVent Stadium will not go ahead as planned.

Two trips in League Two to Crawley Town and Leyton Orient are also off, which were due to be played on August 14 and August 17 respectively.

The club said this evening that “a number of individuals” are unable to play or train due to a positive test or contact with someone who has tested positive.

If Harrogate Town are unable to re-arrange the cup fixture against Rochdale before the next round then they would have to forfeit the tie.

Those who purchased a ticket for the Rochdale game will receive a full refund if it cannot go ahead.

A spokesperson for the club said:

“Due to positive covid cases within our playing squad, our next three fixtures have been postponed, including tomorrow’s Carabao Cup fixture against Rochdale at The EnviroVent Stadium.

“Our SkyBet League Two trips to Crawley Town and Leyton Orient on Saturday 14th and Tuesday 17th August have also been postponed.

“In respect of rescheduling the Carabao Cup game, the League will consider any proposal put forward by the Club as under the rules, if a fixture is not able to be re-arranged ahead of the following round, then a club would have to forfeit the tie.

“It means a number of individuals are unable to play or train due to either a positive test or the requirement to self-isolate in line with government and English Football League guidance.

“The club will continue to work with covid protocols as set out by the EFL to ensure the safety of our players and staff.

“All supporters who had purchased a ticket for our Carabao Cup fixture will receive a full refund should the game not be rearranged, or their ticket will be valid for the new date of the fixture.”

Harrogate Town removes ticket sales from website for tomorrow’s match

Harrogate Town have taken down a link to purchase tickets for their Carabao Cup first round game against Rochdale AFC tomorrow night.

The move has led to speculation that the club has again run into problems with North Yorkshire County Council around ground safety.

Fans had been able to purchase tickets for tomorrow’s match through the club website until the option was removed. Rochdale fans are also unable to buy tickets through their website.

Some fans have reported online that they were able to purchase tickets at the club’s shop on Commercial Street today.

The Stray Ferret approached Harrogate Town for comment several times this afternoon but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

We also asked the county council if it has issued the club with a safety certificate for the game but did not receive a response.

It is the latest twist in the safety saga, which it appeared had been resolved.

North Yorkshire County Council banned fans from attending a friendly against Sunderland on July 24 after identifying 17 “unacceptable risks” for fan safety at the club’s EnviroVent Stadium on Wetherby Road.

These included problems with the CCTV system, the ground’s control room and stewarding.

With less than three days to go until the club’s first league game of the season on Saturday, which coincidentally was also against Rochdale, the county council issued a safety certificate and fans from both clubs were able to attend.

Supporters had hoped this was the end of the matter but the situation appears confused again now.

Gallery: Harrogate Town fans return for start of season

Harrogate Town fans flocked to Wetherby Road in numbers today for the return of league football.

Supporters packed inside the EnviroVent Stadium to welcome back Harrogate Town as they opened their 2020/21 League Two campaign against Rochdale.

Town fans were robbed of the experience of visiting Wembley stadium for the National League play-off final, which coincidentally was a year ago this weekend.

Fans were then left to follow the club through their laptop and mobile phone screens for most of last season as the covid pandemic saw football played behind closed doors.

But, after a record number of season ticket sales, the Town faithful are back and hopefully for the entirety of the League Two campaign.

For many supporters, today was the first chance to watch Town play league football in the flesh.

Here’s a selection of pictures from the first EFL game back at Wetherby Road.