Harrogate Town announced today they will play two pre-season friendlies at home against Sunderland and Rotherham.

Town will welcome both sides to the EnviroVent Stadium in July as part of the club’s pre-season fixtures.

Championship side Rotherham United will face Town on Wednesday, July 21, in a 7.30pm kick off.

The club will then host League One club Sunderland at the EnviroVent Stadium for the first time on Saturday, July 24 in a 3pm kick off.

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The Black Cats will head to Wetherby Road less than a week after bitter north-east rivals Newcastle come to Harrogate on July 18.

The club said it is in “constant communication” with the authorities over the return of supporters amid high demand for tickets.

A spokesperson for Harrogate Town said:

“The club has been inundated with eager supporters, both old and new, keen to purchase tickets for the visit of Newcastle United, and we anticipate similar demand for our two other home pre-season fixtures.

“We are in constant communication with the relevant regulatory bodies about the return of crowds after lockdown restrictions are lifted and as soon as we have the green light tickets will be sold online via the club website and at the club shop on Commercial Street.

“We are committed to the return of supporters and are doing everything in our power to make this happen as soon as possible.”

Town are also set for trips to Huddersfield, Brighouse Town and Darlington.

Will Smith signs long term deal

Also today, centre-back Will Smith committed his future to the club by signing a new long term deal.

Smith, who has made more than 80 appearances for Town over two seasons, said he was delighted to stay at the club.

Will Smith, Harrogate Town centre back, has committed his long term future to the club. Photo credit: Matt Kirkham, Harrogate Town

He said:

“I was buzzing when the gaffer approached me and said he wanted me to sign a new deal. I’m ready to accept the challenge and hopefully we can kick on again and go further.

“I’ve learned a lot in the last two years. When I first arrived I was only a young lad and now I’ve grown up a lot and become better as a player and matured. 

“It’s been a great learning curve for me and to say I’m still 22-years-old, I’ve played a fair few games now and that’s only going to make me better.”

Manager Simon Weaver said:

“Will’s played a huge part in our progress as a club. He’s a strong, young player who is developing all the time and he was unlucky with an injury last year, but came back and immediately made his mark in his first game back. It shows a lot about his character and his rehab work.

“Overall he’s a strong, dominant centre-half that’s young and in the modern game, there’s not too many around that want to put their head through everything but he’s a good footballer as well. He’s a player who also listens to everything intently and wants to do well in the game.”