Irving Weaver took over Harrogate in 2011 with his son Simon in situ as manager. Now comes their first game as an EFL club
As a town more renowned for tea rooms and sulphur springs than football, it is perhaps no surprise publicity is somewhat thin on the ground for the Football League’s newest club. The main roads surrounding Harrogate’s modest, refurbished stadium do not feature signs pointing out its location and Harrogate, it seems, has not yet realised that after 91 years in non-league, it boasts a team among the elite.
“I tried to get us a road sign after being here a couple of years, but the planning people said no,” says Irving Weaver, Harrogate’s chairman. Ten years ago Harrogate were spared relegation from the National League North only because of financial irregularities elsewhere. Three years ago they went full-time and after defeating Notts County at Wembley last month, they will play their first competitive fixture as a league club on Saturday when they visit Tranmere in the Carabao Cup. Because they have to replace the 3G pitch and install natural grass their first home game will be on 17 October. Until then, they will play at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium.
Continue reading…Irving Weaver took over Harrogate in 2011 with his son Simon in situ as manager. Now comes their first game as an EFL clubAs a town more renowned for tea rooms and sulphur springs than football, it is perhaps no surprise publicity is somewhat thin on the ground for the Football League’s newest club. The main roads surrounding Harrogate’s modest, refurbished stadium do not feature signs pointing out its location and Harrogate, it seems, has not yet realised that after 91 years in non-league, it boasts a team among the elite.“I tried to get us a road sign after being here a couple of years, but the planning people said no,” says Irving Weaver, Harrogate’s chairman. Ten years ago Harrogate were spared relegation from the National League North only because of financial irregularities elsewhere. Three years ago they went full-time and after defeating Notts County at Wembley last month, they will play their first competitive fixture as a league club on Saturday when they visit Tranmere in the Carabao Cup. Because they have to replace the 3G pitch and install natural grass their first home game will be on 17 October. Until then, they will play at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium. Continue reading…
