Harrogate Town take on Accrington Stanley in Boxing Day clash

Harrogate Town are set for a Boxing Day clash with Accrington Stanley.

Town go into the game hoping for three points in their pursuit to solidify their place in EFL League Two.

The game represents the first of a busy Christmas schedule for Harrogate, with Tranmere Rovers visiting the EnviroVent Stadium on Friday and a trip to Morecambe on New Year’s Day.

Harrogate will be hoping to make it three wins from three after beating Grimsby Town 2-1 at Blundell Park on Saturday.

Goals from Liam Gibson and Abraham Odoh sealed three points for Town which leaves them 14th in League Two.

Following the match, Simon Weaver, Town manager, said the win had given the team confidence going into the Boxing Day fixture.

He said:

“There’s a lot to look forward to.

“We’ve said lets make it three wins on the bounce. We’re back at home and it’s hard opposition again.

“But this has given us another level of confidence against a team that have been unbeaten in seven and we’ve won the game. It’s good for team spirit.”

Meanwhile, play-off chasing Accrington Stanley go into the game off the back of a 2-1 win at home to Walsall on Saturday.

Stanley sit eighth in the table, one point off the play-off places.

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Harrogate Town striker Luke Armstrong to join Carlisle United

Harrogate Town’s Luke Armstrong will join Carlisle United on a permanent transfer.

Armstrong, 27, will sign for the Cumbrian side on January 1, 2024.

In a joint statement, both clubs said the striker will leave Harrogate with immediate effect and begin training with Carlisle pending the opening of the transfer window.

The statement said:

“Harrogate Town, Carlisle United and Luke Armstrong can each confirm they have all reached and completed an agreement for a permanent transfer on 1 January 2024.

“Having already successfully completed his medical at Brunton Park, Luke will now leave Town with immediate effect to begin training with United, pending the opening of the transfer window and transfer of his registration.”

The move comes as a planned transfer for Armstrong to join Wrexham in the summer fell through.

The English Football League rejected a a deadline day deal between the clubs for the 27-year-old after it said the Welsh side failed to submit paperwork on time.

Wrexham apologised to Harrogate after it was “unable to complete the transfer by the deadline”.

Armstrong, who scored 31 goals in 116 appearances for Harrogate, will now join Carlisle who currently sit in the bottom four of League One.

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate Town announce hydration tie-up

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Harrogate Town AFC have announced a new sponsorship deal with sports drink brand Cellnutrition Sport.

The Sunderland-based company will be the official hydration partner of the club, providing its HYDRATE 78 and HYDRATE 78 Night products to the entire first-team squad for the 2023/24 season.

Both products, which are included in the company’s Cellular Fitness protocol, are designed to aid fast recovery from exertion, sustain focus, eradicate cramps, help deeper sleep, prolong stamina and enhance brain hydration.

First-team manager Simon Weaver said:

“We are thrilled to partner with Cellnutrition Sport, a company that shares our commitment to excellence. Hydration is essential for athletes of all levels, and the Cellular Fitness protocol provides the best hydration solution on the market.

“We are confident that this partnership will help our players perform at their best and recover quickly after games.”

Town trialled the Cellular Fitness protocol for a period of three months at the end of last season.

Ben Rome, first-team strength and conditioning coach said:

“We had an issue with three of our first-team athletes becoming susceptible to cramping in the latter stages of games.

“The three players started to use HYDRATE 78 before, during and after training and matches, along with taking HYDRATE 78 night on an evening before bed.

“The results we saw was an instant improvement in all player’s hydration testing scores, along with a reported improvement in both sleep quality and muscle soreness.

“The three players were able to complete all remaining fixtures without reporting any problems with muscle cramping; one player even scored a crucial equaliser in the 98th minute of a game.”

Spa declared best in region

Rudding Park in Harrogate is celebrating after being named Best Spa in the North East at the annual Good Spa Guide Awards in London.

Rudding Park was a runner-up in this category last year, and this time beat stiff competition from six other finalists across Yorkshire and the North East.

Sarah Johnson, head of Rudding Park Spa, said:

“We are thrilled to have won this award, particularly against such strong competition. We always strive to offer guests the very best experience and are looking forward to launching some new spa experience in the new year.”

Rudding Park Spa has expanded in recent years with £9.5 million of investment and now has a roof-top spa and garden, hydrotherapy pool, spa bath, oxygen pod, garden cabin sauna and cabana.

In September, the estate announced it would invest between £30 million and £40 million to build a brand-new five-star country club.

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Harrogate Town eye glamorous FA Cup third round spot

Harrogate Town will hope to book a place in the third round of the FA Cup tomorrow when they play four-time winners Bolton Wanderers.

Town will travel to the Toughsheet Community Stadium to take on the League One leaders for a chance to play against Premier League and Championship sides in the next stage.

Wanderers go into the game in form with 38 points from 18 league games.

Harrogate defeated non-league Marine 5-1 in the first round to avoid a potential cup upset. Now they are hoping to provide an upset of their own.

Simon Weaver, Town manager, described the match as a challenge for the players.

He said:

“It’s a great ground to go and play in a FA Cup tie. They are doing fantastically well at the top of League One.

“It’s a big challenge for us, but we plan on enjoying the day.”

Harrogate will be hoping to reach the third round for the second ever time after reaching the stage in 2021/22.

More than 400 supporters will make the 69-mile trip for the second round match.

A chance to play against Premier League sides such as Manchester City and Liverpool in the third round will be up for grabs.

Harrogate Town will kick off against Bolton at 3pm tomorrow.

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Season high crowd watch Harrogate fightback against Wrexham

More than 3,700 fans watched Harrogate Town fight back to draw against Hollywood-backed Wrexham FC.

The highest crowd of the season so far braved the cold temperatures to see Harrogate earn a point against the newly promoted side.]

Build up to the game centred around whether Wrexham’s A-list owner Ryan Reynolds and co-owner, fellow actor Rob McElhenney, would make the visit to the EnviroVent Stadium.

Club officials cited the “Hollywood factor” as the reason behind the Wetherby Road side’s fastest selling game.

Instead, all the focus was on the pitch and the small matter of three points being up for grabs.

Wrexham went 2-0 up with strikes from Andy Cannon and Elliott Lee. However, Dean Cornelius reduced the deficit with a goal before half time.

Early in the second half, Andy O’Conner brought Town level with a header from a free kick.

Both Wrexham and Harrogate had chances to take all three points, but in the end shared the spoils.

A crowd of 3,767 – the highest of the season so far – watched the spectacle.

Wrexham fans also packed the newly opened away end at the EnviroVent Stadium after making the 115 mile trip on a Tuesday night.

While the “Hollywood factor” was cited as a reason for those flocking to Wetherby Road, Town will be hoping to build upon the support as they look to secure their EFL League Two status this season.

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate PR agency joins B Corp ethical elite

Are you already thinking of how to reward your employees this Christmas? Why not choose the Harrogate Gift Card?

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Harrogate PR agency Cause UK has achieved the prestigious B Corp certification.

B Corp is a certification awarded for ongoing commitment to meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Cause UK was established in 2010 by sisters Clair and Ann Challenor-Chadwick, and specialises in supporting organisations that have positive impact. Its clients operate in the arts, charity, social enterprise, and public sector. The team also supports ethical businesses.

Clair said:

“B Corp is a rigorous process that demands Cause UK meets the highest standards of social responsibility and environmental stewardship. So, we’re incredibly proud to meet this milestone.”

B Corporations are accredited by B Lab, a non-profit network that works to transform the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. Its international network of organisations supports a collective vision of an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.

B Corp certification is awarded to businesses that strive to balance purpose and profit, using their operations as a force for good.

Harrogate companies that have already achieved the certification include Harrogate Spring Water and lifestyle brand NEOM Organics.

Clair added:

“In 2024, we aim to represent more businesses in order to afford us to support more good causes. We believe most businesses now take responsibility for people and planet, and we’re keen to work with those who share these values as part of our five-year growth strategy.”

Sponsors lend names to Harrogate Town stands

Harrogate Town unveiled two new stands last night for its League Two clash with Wrexham. 

The PIB Insurance stand is brand new and large enough to host a record away crowd, and the new-look Myrings stand now has seating behind the goal in what was previously an all-standing section. 

Ross Barnitt, a senior director at PIB, said:  

“Back in the 2015 season I was fortunate to witness Town achieve their highest ever league finish to secure play-offs in the National League North. At the same time, PIB was formed with its first two employees. 

“In the years that followed, Town have written their own history with impressive promotions to the National League and then the Football League, and PIB have grown to more than 4,000 employees across eight countries. 

“Our shared commitment to supporting local communities and shared passion for excellence makes us very proud to partner with Harrogate Town at this exciting time in their history.” 

Harrogate estate agent Myrings is a long-time supporter of Harrogate Town. Managing director Gemma Myring said: 

“Myrings are extremely proud to unveil the amazing new stand for home supporters. This marks yet another terrific milestone on the Club’s journey into Sky Bet League Two of the Football League along the road to the next promotion. Just in time for their home fixture vs Wrexham too!” 

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Ryan Reynolds fever hits Harrogate ahead of big match

Speculation as to whether Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds will turn up to Harrogate Town’s clash with Wrexham tomorrow evening has been rife today.

Town are expecting a record attendance for the match at the EnviroVent Stadium on Wetherby Road.

The rumour mill went into overdrive when the Harrogate Town Supporters Group account on Facebook posted a picture showing a man of similar size, age and build as the Deadpool A-lister near a four-seater private helicopter, which purported to be of “Ryan Reynolds landing in the grounds of a well-known local hotel this morning”. 

The post may well have been a spot of mischief-making, but Reynolds’ presence at the match is not out of the question. He and his business partner and friend, fellow actor Rob McElhenney, bought Wrexham in 2020, and their investment in the club helped it to win promotion from the National League to League Two at the end of last season. 

They are not known to frequent games beyond Wrexham itself, but they have come under fire for using private planes to transport players around the country for away fixtures. 

The helicopter in the photo is a Bell 206B Jet Ranger currently registered in the fleet of Heliflight UK, which is based at Gloucester, but also has a presence in Wolverhampton, 65 miles from Wrexham. 

When the Stray Ferret asked 10 days ago if Wrexham’s star owners were expected at the EnviroVent Stadium tomorrow, Harrogate Town’s spokesman said:  

“I would think it’s very unlikely. I’m not aware of Ryan Reynolds having been to any other away games – but you never know.” 

Town’s media assistant, Nickolas McInally, said today:  

“We are not aware of whether or not Ryan Reynolds plans to attend the match.

“With regards to tickets, this will be a record crowd with only a couple of hundred remaining. Tickets will be on sale online or in the club shop until 2pm tomorrow [Tuesday, November 28].

“We will also have our new stand in use for the first time.”

Tickets for all matches are available online only at the club’s e-ticketing webpage.

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Harrogate Town tickets selling fast due to ‘Hollywood factor’

Harrogate Town’s match against Wrexham at the end of the month is already the Wetherby Road side’s fastest-selling game – thanks to what a club spokesman called the “Hollywood factor”. 

Wrexham AFC is owned by A-list movie star Ryan Reynolds and his business partner and friend, fellow actor Rob McElhenney.

The pair bought Wrexham in 2020, and their investment in the club helped it to win promotion from the National League to League Two at the end of last season.

Their involvement with the club has been charted by Welcome to Wrexham, a Disney+ documentary series that will enter its third season next year.

Tickets for the Harrogate-Wrexham game went on sale a month ago – on October 16 – to home supporters who have been to at least one home match this season. Most of them have already been sold, leaving just a few still up for grabs.

Hal Boxhall-Dockree, media manager at Harrogate Town, told the Stray Ferret: 

“It’s the Hollywood factor. People are just more excited about this one – not necessarily our regular fans, but we’ve certainly had more interest from a lot of people who come less often. 

“Some of them will have watched Welcome to Wrexham, which has generated a lot of media hype.” 

All 450 tickets allocated to travelling Wrexham fans have already been sold. According to Colin Henrys, Wrexham’s head of media and communications, this is not unusual following the club’s acquisition by Reynolds and McElhenney. He said:

“This is very much the ‘new normal’. We’ve sold out all of our away league games this season, and you can see from looking through the attendances this season that every team we’ve visited has posted either their highest – or at the very least one of their highest – crowds of the season. This is a continuation of the trend we noticed last season too.”

But asked if Wrexham’s star owners were expected at the EnviroVent Stadium on November 28, Harrogate Town’s spokesman said: 

“I would think it’s very unlikely. I’m not aware of Ryan Reynolds having been to any other away games – but you never know.” 

Whether he makes an appearance or not, the match is unlikely to be a dull affair. Despite a 15-year absence from league football, Wrexham haven’t lost a match in their last 10 league outings and currently stand second in League Two, just behind Stockport County. By contrast, Harrogate are in 14th place, having won half of their last 10 league games. 

Tickets for the League Two clash are scheduled to go on general sale after the weekend, but Hal said: 

“We’ll wait till Monday and then see how sales are going. At this rate, we may not need to release tickets for general sale at all.

“We are down to our last few tickets, so I would recommend people get them now to avoid disappointment.” 

Harrogate Town have two matches to play before they meet Wrexham: a home tie against Swindon Town this Saturday (November 18), and an away fixture against Crawley Town on Saturday, November 25. 

Tickets for all matches are available online only at the club’s e-ticketing webpage.

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New Harrogate Town stand to double away capacity

A new away stand at Harrogate Town is expected to nearly double the capacity for travelling fans.

Sarah Barry, chief executive at the club, confirmed at a fans forum at the Cedar Court hotel on Thursday that the standing terrace is expected to be completed in 10 days time.

The stand is expected to increase the away capacity from 600 to at least 1,148.

Ms Barry told supporters that the ongoing building work at the ground had seen the capacity reduced to 450.

Meanwhile, a seated home stand is also set to finish construction this month.

Ms Barry said:

“The away standing terrace that is being built, all being well and subject to all the usual sign offs with safety advisory group and building control, should be ready in theory for the end of next week.

“That’s really good news. The seated stand is a home stand and that should be ready by the end of the month.”

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The new stands will include another refreshment kiosk for home supporters and bar for away supporters, which are expected to be complete in January.

Ms Berry added that the club was expecting a big crowd for the Wrexham game, which will take place on November 28.

She said the club hoped to have the new away terrace operational in time for the match against the Welsh side.

Meanwhile, Irving Weaver, Town chairman, told the forum that he still hoped to find the club a dedicated training ground in the Harrogate district.

Mr Weaver said the club had made “five or six” attempts in “five or six years” to find a site.

He said:

“It is right at the top of the agenda. 

“Having got the ground itself. into an acceptable form in the EFL, we will move forward with our own facilities. It will be cheaper than hiring facilities from the West Riding County FA.”

Mr Weaver said he wanted a site that would be able to accommodate all players from the player development centre to the first team. 

Harrogate Town set for FA Cup clash against non-league Marine

Harrogate Town will take on non-league Marine today in the first round of the FA Cup.

Town will be aiming to avoid an upset against the Merseyside outfit, who sit three divisions below them in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

Marine broke club records in the 2020/21 season when they defeated both Colchester United and Havant and Waterlooville FC to reach the third round of the competition for the second time.

The reward was a tie against Premier League Tottenham Hotspur, which was billed the biggest mismatch in FA Cup history with 161 places between the two sides. Spurs went on to win 5-0.

Simon Weaver, town manager, said his side will have to remain focussed against the Merseyside club in order to progress in the competition.

He said Harrogate had been training on a 3G pitch, which Marine use at their home ground, in preparation for the tie.

Weaver added that his side were prepared for the FA Cup and its “unpredictable nature”.

He said:

“It’s massively important to our season. You can’t budget for it, because of the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup.

“But it can be a huge bonus, not just for the coffers but for the feel good factor around the place from the changing room to the fans and at board room level. 

“Everyone will come together as a collective force to do well in the FA Cup. It lifts the whole club.”

So far, Marine have overcome National League North side Spennymoor Town and National League outfit FC Halifax Town to reach the first round.

Town will be hoping for a repeat of last season’s FA Cup first round, when they defeated Bradford City 1-0 at Valley Parade.

Harrogate Town will kick off against Marine at Rossett Park at 3pm this afternoon.

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