Harrogate Town will begin the 2023/24 English Football League Division Two season with a Yorkshire derby at Doncaster Rovers on August 5.
Town, who today announced Motherwell midfielder Dean Cornelius, 22, as their sixth summer signing, will then entertain Forest Green Rovers in the first home league fixture of the season on August 12.
Today’s fixture list also revealed the other all-Yorkshire clashes will see Simon Weaver’s men visit Bradford City on Saturday, September 16, before Doncaster Rovers visit the EnviroVent Stadium on Saturday, January 6. The home fixture against Bradford City is scheduled for March 23.
Wrexham, co-owned by Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds, are due in town in November 28 — a Tuesday night.
Christmas in Grimsby
The festive fixture list starts with a trip to Grimsby on Saturday, December 23, before a home match against Accrington Stanley on Boxing Day.
Three days later Harrogate, who finished 19th last season, host Tranmere Rovers, before a New Year’s Day trip to face Morecambe.
Today’s new signing Dean Cornelius
Good Friday sees the side travel to AFC Wimbledon, before an Easter Monday home clash with Gillingham.
The final home fixture of the season takes place on Saturday, April 20 when MK Dons visit Harrogate for the first time.
The final away fixture is at Salford City on Saturday, April 27.
Town’s 2023/24 EFL Trophy Group has also been confirmed, with the club drawn in Group C along with Carlisle United, Accrington Stanley and Nottingham Forest under-21s.
The draw for the first round of the Carabao Cup was also made, with Town set to host Carlisle the week commencing August 7.
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Harrogate sign Burnley goalkeeper
Harrogate Town AFC has announced the signing of goalkeeper Lewis Thomas on a one-year deal following his release from Premier League newcomers Burnley.
The 21-year-old will provide stiff competition alongside current goalkeepers Mark Oxley and transfer-listed Peter Jameson within the first-team ranks.
Thomas began his youth career with his local side Leicester before moving to Manchester City in 2016.
Having spent three seasons in the City academy, the stopper then made the move to Lancashire, signing for Burnley in 2019.
After featuring in match day squads, Thomas also enjoyed a brief loan spell with AFC Flyde during the 20/21 season.
After securing his fifth signing of the summer, Town boss Simon Weaver said:
“He’s a huge lad, so walking down the tunnel we’ve got another big unit in there, we think he’ll fit in really well with our goalkeeping department.
“Phil Priestley importantly gave us the nod that he respected the lad and thought he was very coachable and likeable, as well as having all the ingredients to do really well with his career.”
The goalkeeper takes up the number 13 jersey.
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Business Breakfast: Consultants appointed to £14m Knaresborough housing scheme
It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is lunch at Manahatta, on June 29th at 12.30pm.
Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.
A company has been appointed as consultants to a £14 million Knaresborough housing scheme.
Summers-Inman, which is based in Leeds, has won the contract by Yorkshire Housing to provide employer’s agent and cost consultancy services to the project.
The 64-home scheme is being built in partnership with Countryside Partnerships on the former Trelleborg factory site.
Work started on site in January this year and if all goes according to plan, the scheme will complete in October 2024.
David Blakey, Summers-Inman director and specialist housing lead, said:
“We are delighted with these appointments, many of which promise well for future work. It is a very active sector at a time when the need for affordable housing has never been more keenly felt and we are pleased to be working with Yorkshire Housing and Countryside Partnerships to be able to bring these houses to market.
“The existing Trelleborg factory was demolished some time ago and the new scheme is designed to create a community feel where residents will be proud to call home.”
Pictured above: (From left) Stuart La-Ffin of Countrywide Projects, David Blakey of Summers-Inman, Dave Bunko, site Manager at Countryside Partnerships and Christine Uren, development project assistant at Yorkshire Housing.
Harrogate Town announces new shirt sponsor
Harrogate Town has announced a new shirt sponsor for the 2023/24 season.
Tockwith company Oak By Design will feature on the back of the club’s shirts worn by the first team, women’s team and U18s academy.
The sponsorship will include home, third kit and goalkeeper kit.
Harrogate Town has announced Oak By Design as its new shirt sponsor.
Jo Towler, commercial director at Harrogate Town, said:
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Oak By Design for their generous support and belief in our club.
“We look forward to showcasing our new kit, proudly displaying the Oak By Design logo, and embarking on a successful journey together.”
Jamie Winspear of Oak By Design added:
“We are delighted to be a part of such an amazing club that works extremely hard to lead the way in so many sectors. They support several charities and young children who love to play the game.
“The club is all about encouraging the family day for everyone to enjoy and be part of. We very much look forward to supporting Harrogate Town AFC, not just for this season but hopefully for many more seasons to come.”
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Business Breakfast: Harrogate Specsavers sponsors Henshaws BedFest
It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is lunch at Manahatta, on June 29th at 12.30pm.
Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.
Harrogate Specsavers has been announced as main sponsor for this year’s Henshaws BedFest.
The festival, which takes place on June 10 at Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre in Knaresborough, is set to feature live music from local artists, a variety of street food vendors, a licensed bar and an ideal spot to watch the Bed Race.
The event will also raise money for Henshaws’ work supporting people with sight loss and a range of other disabilities.
Andy Bryer, retail director for Specsavers Harrogate, said:
“We’re delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Bed Fest, it’s such a fun-filled event tied to an iconic Knaresborough tradition and the proceeds go towards an incredible cause.
‘The work that Henshaws does is quite literally life changing and we’re really proud to be working with the team on ongoing fundraising and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.”
Harrogate Town announces new match day sponsor
Harrogate Town has announced Belzona Polymetrics as a new sponsor for next season.
The company, which is based on Claro Road, will feature on the club’s match day celebration announcements on its scoreboard.
Staff at Belzona in Harrogate.
Belzona, which was founded in 1952, is a global designer and manufacturer of industrial repair and protection materials.
Joanna Towler, commercial director at Harrogate Town, said:
“Their support means that we can continue to enhance the match day experience for our fans, creating an engaging sentiment at every game.
“We are proud to be partnering with such a reputable and community- minded company, and we look forward to a successful collaboration both on and off the pitch.”
A spokesperson for Belzona said:
“Historically, Belzona has always fostered strong links with the local community and is delighted to have the opportunity to uphold this relationship by supporting Harrogate Town AFC, a football club that lies at the heart of the town, providing entertainment and many jobs for the local community.”
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Business Breakfast: Harrogate law firm partners with Alzheimer’s Society
It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. Our next networking event is after-work drinks at Manahatta, on May 25th at 5:30.
Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.
A Harrogate law firm has announced it has extended a partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society for another year.
LCF Law, which is based on Station Parade, will work with the charity to help create wills for people who wish to donate to the society in their will.
The firm has worked with the Alzheimer’s Society for several years and works with dozens of people every year to draw up their will for free, in exchange for a donation to the charity.
Neil Shaw, head of personal law at LCF Law, said:
“After promoting this partnership to many organisations and community groups throughout Wharfedale, we have had plenty of interest from local people keen to donate or leave a bigger legacy in their will to the charity.
“We also have a similar partnership with Cancer Research and it’s a great way of supporting two charities that make a real difference to so many people.”
Harrogate Town awarded family excellence status
Harrogate Town has been awarded English Football League Family Excellence status for the first time.
The scheme recognises the continuous improvement and best practice that emerges across the league and rewards clubs for their efforts in attracting and retaining young supporters.
It will see the club receive two visit assessments each season, in order to determine the quality of the family matchday experiences they provide.
On the award, Hamilton Mattock, fan engagement manager, said:
“We are really pleased to receive the Family Excellence status; this is a testament to all the hard work everyone within the club has put into making Harrogate Town a family friendly experience on a matchday.
“This is only the beginning of the journey as we strive to continue to improve our supporters match day experience while continuing to improve on our facilities and touchpoints.”
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Harrogate Town freeze season ticket prices for upcoming campaign
Harrogate Town have frozen adult season tickets and cut prices for juniors for the 2023/24 season.
The club announced today adult tickets will remain at £349 for standing and £395 for seating.
Concessions will also be frozen at £285 for standing and £322 for seated.
Under-18s and under-12s tickets will be cut in price for the 2023/24 campaign.
Under-18 standing tickets will be priced at £132 for standing and £162 for seated, while under 12s will be priced at £99 for standing and £138 for seated.
The price represents a drop from £179 standing and £209 seated for under 18s and £129 standing and £159 seated for under 12s.
The club has also announced a family bundle option, whereby supporters can purchase multiple season tickets, such as one adult and one under-18, and save 10% off the combined cost.
Season ticket renewals for adults and concessions will remain frozen at last year’s prices. Renewals for under-18s and under-12s will be cut to the same price as new supporters.
Prices for new season tickets at Harrogate Town for 2023/24.
The club have also confirmed that supporters will be able to pay the cost in instalments.
Current season ticket holders have until June 16 to renew before the ticket is released on general sale. New season tickets will go on sale to all supporters from Monday, May 22.
In a statement, Harrogate Town said its decision to cut junior prices was “part of our commitment to being a family club”.
It added:
“With further developments currently underway, the club remains committed to continuing to grow the crowds by increasing the number of seats to 2000, and will have more facilities to cater for a growing fan base as we prepare for our fourth season in the Football League.”
Harrogate Town secured their EFL status last month with a 3-2 win at Newport County.
It means Harrogate can prepare for a fourth campaign in EFL League Two since their historic promotion in 2020.
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Harrogate Town release three players
Harrogate Town has revealed it is letting go of three players following the conclusion of the 2022/23 League Two season.
Dior Angus, Max Wright and Alex Pattison will be leaving the club.
Attacking midfielder Alex Pattison spent two seasons with the Sulphurites, making a total of 86 appearances after arriving from Wycombe.
He scored 19 goals and registered 14 assists at Town.
Angus and Wright arrived at the club last summer and made a combined 12 appearances for the club.
Simon Weaver’s side finished the season 19th in League Two.
Eighteen players remain under contract for the 2023/24 season.
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In addition, negotiations are underway with midfielder George Horbury on the academy graduate’s future.
Matty Foulds, Tom Eastman, Kazeem Olaigbe, Matty Daly and Danny Grant have all left following the expiry of their loan deals and Rory McArdle has retired after a 19-year playing career that included 39 appearances with Town.
The contracted players are:
Mark Oxley
Pete Jameson
Joe Mattock
Warren Burrell
Toby Sims
Anthony O’Connor
Kayne Ramsay
Josh Falkingham
George Thomson
Levi Sutton
Stephen Dooley
Sam Folarin
Jack Muldoon
Emmanuel Ilesanmi
Luke Armstrong
Miles Welch-Hayes
Kyle Ferguson
Will Smith
New terrace and kiosk at Harrogate Town approved
Plans for a new terrace and merchandise kiosk at Harrogate Town’s EnviroVent Stadium have been approved.
The club submitted the proposal for a 100-person terrace near to the north stand turnstiles, to Harrogate Borough Council before the authority was abolished.
It will also see a kiosk installed to serve fans refreshments and Harrogate Town merchandise.
North Yorkshire Council has now approved the proposals.
The club said the new terrace was required because the English Football League will no longer accept perimeter standing at stadiums.
In planning documents, it said:
“The proposed terrace will accommodate spectators which use the existing perimeter standing areas and will therefore not increase the overall ground capacity.
“The small kiosk building will be used for the club shop selling on site merchandising on match days, as well as a replacement (non-alcoholic) drinks servery to replace a kiosk within the AON Terrace that was recently converted to WCs.”
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It comes as the club recently saw its proposal to upgrade its Envirovent Stadium approved.
It will see almost 1,000 seats installed to bring the ground up to EFL standards.
To the south of the ground, the Myrings terrace will see 264 seats installed and the 1919 bar will be demolished and replaced with a new standing terrace.
A total of 603 seats have been installed in the Black Sheep Brewery stand.
The changes will not increase the overall capacity of 5,071 but will see the number of fans that can be seated rise from 1,193 to 2,060.
A strong end to the season has seen Simon Weaver’s team secure their status in Division Two of the EFL. They are currently 19th with one match remaining.
Harrogate Town secure English Football League statusHarrogate Town secured their status in the English Football League with a win at Newport County last night.
The 3-2 victory will see Town remain in League Two next season.
It means Harrogate can prepare for a third campaign in the EFL since their historic promotion in 2020.
Financially, it also means the club will continue to receive Premier League solidarity payments, EFL money and potential broadcasting fees if fixtures are shown on television.
The Premier League pays solidarity payments to all EFL clubs, with those in League Two receiving an estimated £450,000 each in recent seasons.
The club plans to renovate its EnviroVent Stadium on Wetherby Road to comply with EFL standards.
It can now proceed in the knowledge that its place among England’s top 92 clubs is safe for at least another year.
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Town’s 3-2 win at Newport last night was secured with a goal from Luke Armstrong seven minutes from full-time.
Armstrong’s 16th goal of the season leaves Harrogate nine points above the relegation zone with two games remaining.
Speaking after the match at Rodney Parade, manager Simon Weaver said he wanted the team to continue to build momentum despite securing survival.
He said:
Former Harrogate Town player Jack Diamond charged with rape“We said before the game that we want to finish with as many points as possible. We wanted to excite the fans, keep building momentum and end on a positive note for the fans.”
Former Harrogate Town player Jack Diamond has been charged with rape.
Northumbria Police confirmed today Gateshead-born Mr Diamond had been charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.
He joined Lincoln City on loan from parent club Sunderland after a second loan spell at Harrogate ended last year.
Lincoln City have terminated his contract and parent club Sunderland have suspended him pending the outcome of the judicial process.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said:
“In May last year, we received a report that a woman had been sexually assaulted inside an address in the Washington area.
“An investigation was immediately launched and a man was subsequently arrested.
“Jack Diamond, 23, of Fatfield, Washington, has now been charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault and is due to appear at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in May.”
Mr Diamond played for Town on loan during their National League campaign in 2019-20, scoring one of the goals at Wembley that earned promotion to the English Football League for the first time ever.
He returned to the club on loan during the 2021-22 season in League Two of the English Football League.
In his two loan spells, he scored 16 goals in 66 appearances.
A Lincoln City statement said:
“Jack Diamond’s loan spell at City has been terminated with immediate effect.
“The club are unable to make any further statement at this time.”
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