Harrogate Town vs Swindon Town by pixelbuilders

SWINDON TOWN Saturday 30 July 2022 3pm

Official Matchday Programme 2022-23 Issue #01 £3

Harrogate’s Number 1 Family Estate Agent

ISS. #01 - HTFC v STFC

Proud to be part of your Team Better Informed Better Advised Better Decisions

BOARD Chairman Vice Chairman Chief Executive Officer Directors Associate Director Finance Director Marketing & Brand Director Commercial Director Life President Vice Presidents

FOOTBALL First Team Manager: Assistant Manager: Goalkeeper Coach: Chief Scout: Head of Player Recruitment: Head Physiotherapist: Assistant Physiotherapist: Sports Psychologist: Fitness Coach: Academy Manager: Head of Youth Coaching: Youth Development:

OPERATIONS Club Secretary: Community Development: Supporters’ Liaison Officer: Head Groundsman: Ticketing Manager: Facilities Manager Retail Manager Club Chaplain: PA Announcer

MEDIA Media Manager: Media Assistants: Club Photographer: Graphic Designer:

Irving Weaver Howard Matthews Sarah Barry Angus Taylor Dave Riley Mike Partridge Julian Davis Ryan Scott Joanne Towler George Dunnington Clive Dunnington David Batty Simon Weaver Paul Thirlwell Phil Priestley Lee Barraclough Lloyd Kerry Rachel Davis Cyra Smith Phil Lee Ashley Slawson Paul Stansfield Josh Law Josh Falkingham Josh Walsh

About Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better —to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Our colleagues provide our clients in over 120 countries with advice and solutions that give them the clarity and confidence to make better decisions to protect and grow their business.

04 Simon Weaver 06 Josh Falkingham 08 New Recruits Pre-Season 14

Abbey Smith Iain Service Tom Blackburn Phill Holdsworth Iain Bullock Hamilton Mattock Mark Rowley Claire Kontominas Rob Brett Alan Tootill

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Editor: Rich Saltmarsh Design: Rich Saltmarsh Contributors: Hal Boxhall-Dockree, Phil Harrison, Leigh Edwards, Simon Weaver, Josh Falkingham Photography: Matt Kirkham

Joe Mattock

20 From the Vaults 22 Community News 26 Swindon Town 30 Ex-Files 30 Town Squad & Sponsors 34 Stats Zone

Hal Boxhall-Dockree Brody Pattison Danny Pugsley Matt Kirkham Rich Saltmarsh

The parent company of Harrogate Town Football Club is Harrogate Town AFC Ltd and the ultimate controlling party of Harrogate Town AFC Ltd is R.I. Weaver who is the significant shareholder. Company Reg. No. 2523873

aon.com

The EnviroVent Stadium Wetherby Road Harrogate HG2 7SA t: 01423 210600 e: enquiries@harrogatetownafc.com

36 Fixtures & Results

40 U18s Academy 42 On the Road

OUR FLAGBEARERS

Kirk deighton rangers under 11’S

©2022 Aon plc. All rights reserved. Aon UK Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 00210725. Registered Office: The Aon Centre, The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, London EC3V 4AN. Tel: 020 7623 5500. 2

HarrogateTownAFC

@HarrogateTown

harrogatetownAFC #ProudToBeTown

harrogatetownafc.com

THE GAFFER

SIMON WEAVER WE’VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TEST OURSELVES AGAINST SOME QUALITY OPPOSITION THIS PRE-SEASON HIGHER UP IN THE FOOTBALL PYRAMID, WHICH WILL STAND US IN GOOD STEAD FOR TODAY’S TEST...

Contemporary new homes

Contemporary new homes near you M A K E

YO UR S

Welcome back to The EnviroVent Stadium as we get our third SkyBet League Two season underway against Swindon.

us in good stead for today’s test against a team we expect to once again be pushing for promotion at the top of the table come April/May.

We go into today’s game on the back of a positive end to pre-season at Gateshead. We showed some good passages of play and looked like we could cut through the opposition when we had that urgency we know we are all about. When we passed the ball well, we created some good chances and it’s a real positive for the camp to go into the season on the back of a win.

Swindon are a team with plenty of quality and play an attractive style of football, but we are certainly ready for the challenge.

We are always looking to improve though and have spent a week on the training ground sharpening up in areas in order to be ready for today’s challenge. The squad has been freshened up over the Summer, we felt the need to do that in order to keep progressing and build on last season. The new lads that have come in are all great characters, full of talent and want to make a big impression at this club. Everyone has come in refreshed, with a good attitude and ready to work.

HarrogateTownAFC

@HarrogateTown

CMY

Last season’s opening fixture was a great occasion as we were able to experience EFL football together with you the supporters for the first time and were rewarded with a fitting end as our longest serving player Warren grabbed the winner. Your support got us over the line on that day and we can’t wait to hear you getting behind the lads once again, today and over the course of the season.

Simon

We’ve had the opportunity to test ourselves against some quality opposition this pre-season higher up in the football pyramid, which will stand

M A K E

harrogatetownAFC #ProudToBeTown

YO U R S

THE SKIPPER

JOSH FALKINGHAM I’M GUTTED NOT TO BE OUT ON THAT PITCH TODAY. INJURIES AT ANY POINT ARE NOT GOOD, BUT IT FEELS WORSE IN PRE-SEASON WHEN THERE’S THAT BUZZ OF COMING BACK IN.

elcome back to The EnviroVent Stadium for today’s season opener against Swindon Town. Swindon are as tough a start as we could have got really. When we last faced them they were on top of their game and in really good form. I fancied them to go up last year and if it wasn’t for the lottery of penalties I think they would have finished the job. They had a fantastic season, played a really good style of football and will be one of the favourites again, so I’m sure all our lads will be massively up for it. To be at home on the opening day is a big boost for us, we’ve been lucky to be at home on the first week quite often when I’ve been at the club and we’ve had some good results in that time with the fans right behind us. I’m gutted not to be out on that pitch today. Injuries at any point are not good, but it feels worse in pre-season when there’s that buzz of coming back in. You want to be out there with all the new players getting the hard work in the legs. I must admit this injury spell has been tough, but you’ve got to stay positive, have a strong mental attitude and keep doing all the work you possibly can. I’ve had Will and Rory with me and the three of us have been pushing each other on trying to

HarrogateTownAFC

@HarrogateTown

get the work in and keeping spirits high. I’m not far away from being back out on grass, I’ve been doing some anti-gravity treadmill running this week just to get that motion back and feel good progress has been made the last couple of weeks. One thing I learnt from last season is that you can’t rush the recovery and risk breaking down again, hopefully the boots will be back on in the not so distant future.

BANISH CONDENSATION & MOULD IN YOUR HOME WITH ATMOS® brings clean, fresh and filtered air into the home, diluting high levels of humidity and indoor pollutants for a healthier indoor atmosphere, free from condensation and mould.

Does look f this a Arran miliar? ge a F REE Home Surve y now

Free property survey Low running cost Low maintenance Eliminate mould

Pre-season on the whole has had some good parts and some testing parts and that’s been down to the quality of opposition. In pre-season you’re wanting to see good performances and the new lads bed into the club and I think everyone has adapted well. The new lads have been great so far, obviously I’ve not been able to train with them yet, but being around the place, a lot of them have come from a long way away and have integrated really well, which isn’t always easy. As much as I want to be out there playing today, I’m really looking forward to sitting in the stand with you all and getting behind the lads.

Banish condensation Improve indoor air quality

THE

Proud to be Town EnviroVent are proud official sponsors of Harrogate Town AFC

STADIUM

Falks harrogatetownAFC #ProudToBeTown

Call us on 0345 27 27 807

MATCH ACTION

OUR NEW RECRUITS DURING PRE-SEASON Miles Welch-Hayes v Rotherham

FRI 07.07.22

HARROGATE TOWN

SHEFFIELD WEDS

Richards 25

Windass 11, Smith 32(p)

Pete Jameson v Sheff Wed

TUE 12.07.22

HARROGATE TOWN

ROTHERHAM UNITED

Richards 25

Odiffin 9, Barlaser 12, McGukin 76

Matty Daly v Sheff Wed

SAT 16.07.22

HARROGATE TOWN Richards 25

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0 WED 20.07.22

HARROGATE TOWN

BARNSLEY

Wright 11, Pattison 72

Marsh 45, Moon 58

SAT 23.07.22

GATESHEAD

HARROGATE TOWN

Martin 61

Trialist 4, Armstrong 40, 66

HarrogateTownAFC

Joe Mattock v Sheff Wed

@HarrogateTown

harrogatetownAFC #ProudToBeTown

Max Wright v Rotherham

Kyle Ferguson v Huddersfield

harrogatetownafc.com

MATCH ACTION

Jaheim Headley v Huddersfield

Lewis Richards v Barnsley

Stephen Dooley v Barnsley

HarrogateTownAFC

@HarrogateTown

Josh Austerfield v Barnsley

harrogatetownAFC #ProudToBeTown

SUMMER

Proud to Sponsor Harrogate Town for the 2022/23 season !

SOCCER CAMP

FOR BOYS & GIRLS AGED 6-14 Providing boys and girls with high quality coaching through a variety of different activities in a fun and safe environment. All attendees receive a Harrogate Town medal for their participation in the camp.

Week One:

25-28 July

Week Two:

8-11 August

Week Three:

@HarrogateTown

DISCOUNT APPLIES FOR PDC MEMBERS

To register your place, scan the QR code and fill in the form...

22-25 August

At St John Fisher High School 3G Pitch HG2 8PT from 10am-3pm every day HarrogateTownAFC

£PER2DA8Y

harrogatetownAFC #ProudToBeTown

Pick up your copy every Thursday Visit our website for all your breaking news at www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk

PLAYER INTERVIEW

After seven years and three promotions at Rotherham, Joe Mattock is preparing for a first taste of League Two with Harrogate Town. ‘Baz’ as he’s known by teammates, takes us through the journey that took him to Wetherby Road. INTERVIEW: Hal Boxhall-Dockree

attock grew up in Eyres Monsell, Leicester, first getting involved in the game at local club Aylestone Park at Under 9 level, though was soon picked up by Leicester City’s Academy at U12 level. It wasn’t all plain sailing for the future Foxes defender though with a tough spell at U14 level almost ending his association with his hometown club. “I loved every minute of my three years at Aylestone Park, making friends and playing with a couple of lads who also went on to join Leicester’s Academy. I had a really poor season at U14 level and was given six weeks to prove myself or be released. I was a left winger up to that point, but my coach at the time moved me to left back and I was able to really step up my game. It was at a time when attacking full backs were really making an impact in the game. I knew I had something to prove and just progressed from there really, a year later I was playing for England schoolboys!

MATTOCK 14

HarrogateTownAFC

@HarrogateTown

harrogatetownAFC #ProudToBeTown

harrogatetownafc.com

TO HAND IN A TRANSFER REQUEST AND FORCE A MOVE FROM YOUR BOYHOOD CLUB IS A BIT MUCH, IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN THE PAST THAT WOULD PROBABLY BE IT, BUT THAT’S HARD TO SAY AS THAT HAS LED ME TO WHERE I AM TODAY...” “My family were massively supportive to me growing up, my Dad was there all the way, as was my Grandad, who is no longer with us, he used to take me to training when my Mum couldn’t and has been a massive influence on me.” “My own family remain the biggest influence on me today, they are what I want to play for and who I want to make proud.” Mattock grew up supporting the Foxes, with Leicester’s 1999/2000 Worthington Cup win over Tranmere one of his earliest memories of the game.

“Nigel pulled me into the office and said ‘Joe before the end of the season I’m going to give you a chance’ - that weekend he put me in the squad and I made my debut against Norwich. I remember it just feeling like the biggest moment ever for me and my family.” Mattock’s time at Leicester ended at the end of the 2008/09 season when the youngster handed in a transfer request, asking to leave his boyhood club.

West Bromwich Albion would swoop for 19-yearold Mattock, despite Leicester boss Nigel Pearson keen to keep the player he has just handed the number three shirt to. Playing under Roberto Di Matteo with the likes of Graham Dorrans, Chris Brunt and Youssuf Mulumbu, Mattock would earn promotion to the Premier League in his first season at The Hawthorns.

So when Nigel Worthington handed Mattock his Leicester debut at just 16 years old, it was a dream come true…

“I had a few bad influences at the time and was a bit naïve, your path is your path and I’ve still done pretty well from there on, but I do look back and think maybe I didn’t do the right thing there.

“We played a lot of good football in that side and got a lot of respect from other teams, what I noticed was teams would stand off us and I’d never had that anywhere else, it was nice to be a part of that.

“My debut came sooner than I thought, I always had this burning desire to be the youngest player to break through and in my last couple of months as a first year scholar they bumped me up to start training with the first team.

“To hand in a transfer request and force a move from your boyhood club is a bit much, if I could change one thing in the past that would probably be it, but that’s hard to say as that has led me to where I am today and to the family I’ve got.”

“Roberto definitely taught me a few things, I went in as an attacking full back and he wanted me to be a bit more of a defender. Going forward used to be my first thought, whereas he showed me the ugly side if you like.”

HarrogateTownAFC

@HarrogateTown

harrogatetownAFC #ProudToBeTown

Mattock wouldn’t get the chance to feature in England’s top tier though, with Di Matteo pulling the defender into his office and revealing he felt him ‘not quite ready yet’ with loan spells set to make up the immediate future. Mixed spells at Sheffield United, Portsmouth and Brighton followed, the latter being Mattock’s most enjoyable spell having missed out on the Championship Play-offs by just one point. The former Leicester man would eventually find a permanent home at Sheffield Wednesday, though despite making some good friends, he admits it was a ‘strange’ time in his career.

harrogatetownafc.com

O FFI C I AL B E E R

“The time I was there we were always mid table, never really pushing for promotion or in danger of going down so it was a little bit strange. “I enjoyed my time there, the fans have a massive impact on matchday and the size of the club was one of the first things I noticed, but towards the end I suffered a groin injury and my contract came to an end.” It was Mattock’s next club Rotherham United that Town’s new addition credits for getting his game back on track, following three ‘comfortable’ years at Hillsborough. After playing under a series of Managers in South Yorkshire including Steve Evans, Neil Warnock and Kenny Jackett, it was Paul Warne’s appointment at the New York Stadium that provided a period of stability. “I went there and thought I need to get my game back on track, I’d not had that same burning desire as when I was younger, I was in some sort of comfort bubble just turning up and playing football. Warney changed the way I looked at football again, he instantly recognised the bubble I was in and told me exactly that; sometimes that’s all you need. “The players and fans had kind of accepted defeat a little bit before he came in, he rebooted

us, changed the training ground, got new facilities and brought some really good lads in. “We’ve got a real mutual respect for each other now, he’s helped me and I’ve helped him achieve what we have achieved, we went to Wembley twice and had a lot of awesome memories. “We did have some hard times, but when we did get relegated we did it giving it everything, the Championship is a tough league. Winning the Playoffs will always stick out as a great memory, you get a trophy and it’s a big day out at Wembley and a massive celebration.” The character of the squad was a big factor in the success at Rotherham according to Mattock, who has already noticed similar characteristics within his current teammates.

AS A HARROGATE TOWN AFC SEASON TICKET HOLDER, RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR BILL AT ALL BLACK SHEEP BREWERY PUBS #PROUDTOBETOWN

“We had a real good camaraderie, the Gaffer used to say leave your ego at the door before you come into the training ground and if there were any bad eggs they just got shipped out straight away. “That’s one of the first things I’ve noticed here at Harrogate, there’s no egos here, they are all good lads. There is a lot of talent in this team, a lot of power, a lot of pace, lots of respect for one another and respect for the management team and that’s exactly what you need for a successful season.”

@BLACKSHEEPBEER @BLACKSHEEPBREWERY @BLACKSHEEPBREWERY

HarrogateTownAFC

@HarrogateTown

harrogatetownAFC #ProudToBeTown

BLACKSHEEPBREWERY.COM BLACK SHEEP BREWERY, WELLGARTH, MASHAM, RIPON, HG4 4EN

barclay

FROM THE VAULTS

THE MEN IN CHARGE Jimmy dyer 1921-1923 PLAYED 81 / WON 25 / DREW 15 / LOST 41

LED solutions

Town Historian Phil Harrison reviews the successes and failures of the Club’s managers over the years...

Forward ‘Jimmie’ Dyer was born in 1883 in Blacker Hill, Barnsley and played for Wombwell Town before joining Barnsley where he played two football league games during the 1901/02 season. May 1905 saw him join Manchester United from Ashton Town and he made one appearance for the ‘Red Devils’ on Saturday 14 October 1905 in a 1-0 defeat against West Brom at the Hawthorns. He then joined Southern League West Ham United and played three games for the Hammers in September 1909 before returning north to Bradford Park Avenue. Spells at Doncaster Rovers, Mexborough and Castleford Town (where he scored a hattrick against Harrogate) followed.

Using the very best LED technology and sophisticated design expertise. We create Innovative LED lighting solutions to enable you to perform at your very best.

Joining Harrogate AFC as Player/Manager for their first season in a Midland League for the 1921/22 season which included the likes of Nottingham Forest, Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday reserve sides, Dyer, aged 38, made his debut at Wetherby Lane as Captain in August 1921 which ended in a 2-1 defeat to Wakefield City. On that day it cost one shilling (5p) to get into the ground and 2/- (10p) in the stand. To cater for fans there was two buffets on the ground selling teas, Oxo and other refreshments. Dyer played inside left (in the forward line) in this game but reverted to right half (midfield) for other games. His only goals for the club were on 1 April 1922 when he scored a brace in the 4-2 victory over Wombwell Town at Wetherby Lane. For 1922/23 Harrogate returned to the Yorkshire League as things hadn’t worked out financially with low crowds, but Dyer continued solely as ‘Boss’ that season, spending two terms with Harrogate. He died in 1971, aged 88.

Above: The Herald reports ‘Jimmie’s’ arrival at Harrogate

Harrogate AFC 1921/22

(Jimmy Dyer standing far left)

HarrogateTownAFC

@HarrogateTown

harrogatetownAFC #ProudToBeTown

SPORTS LIGHTING SOLUTIONS Contect Us for a Quote barclayledsolutions.com harrogatetownafc.com

COMMUNITY

JOSH FALKINGHAM NAMED 2021/22 HTAFC COMMUNITY CHAMPION

For more information about the Foundation or any of our programmes, please email: community@ harrogatetownafc.com

HARRY GATOR JOINS TOWN RUNNERS FOR YORK 10K!

CONNECT WITH US Facebook: HTAFC Community Foundation

Our Town Runners had another new member join them this summer, our very own Harry Gator!

Twitter @htafccf www.htafccommunity.co.uk

Josh, who received the award last week, has been a strong advocate of the work undertaken by Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation since his arrival at the Club in 2017. He understands and recognises the impact he and his fellow players can have in inspiring and empowering fans and residents alike. His role this season as PFA Representative has been hugely influential in leading by example, acting as a role model for young players and senior players. One of Josh’s biggest strengths is his communication, throughout the year key community messages and engagements have been shared by Josh, following up on players availability and re-enforcing the importance of players being involved with the community. He has also expressed a desire to become more involved with helping the Club grow and develop into the future. A prime example took place over Christmas where playing staff called older or vulnerable season ticket holders for a catch up, whether this was talking about health, life or football! Over 120 people were called, with players genuinely enjoying the experience. Josh’s enthusiasm and passion encouraged other players to see the power that they can have as role models and what it means to local people. 22

HarrogateTownAFC

@HarrogateTown

This award is fully deserved he is not just a Team captain but a Club captain and one that we are very happy to have associated with the Foundation. Josh said: “I’m very thankful and grateful for the award and the more we can do John Wallace and Helen Greensit in the community and the closer we can (Service Manager for Mind in Harrogate) make that bond between the players and supporters, the better it is for everyone associated with Harrogate Town Football Club and the Town itself. When we go out and see the younger fans and their faces light up, it’s brilliant to see. The Community is huge for us and we see ourselves as a community Club, the special relationship we have is only going to grow and get better and we’re all so excited for what’s to come.” John Hudson PFA – Director of Corporate Social Responsibility: “The PFA has been immensely proud of the outstanding efforts of players during a very difficult season once again and we feel they should be recognised for their support and involvement in the local community. The Award will hopefully raise awareness of the importance many of our members attach to their roles off the pitch and highlight their commitment to support those most in need during the pandemic. We would like to offer our congratulations to this season’s recipient of the 2021/22 PFA Community Champion Award.”

harrogatetownAFC #ProudToBeTown

JOSH FALKINGHAM NAMED 2021/22 HTAFC COMMUNITY

Harrogate Town Club Chaplin Rob Brett chats to John Wallace, Trustee of the mental health charity Mind in Harrogate District (MiHD) about their new initiative Route One to Wellness... RB: I am delighted to introduce John Wallace, Trustee of the mental health charity Mind in Harrogate District (MiHD). John, please can you tell us more about Route One to Wellness. JW: Route One to Wellness is an innovative collaboration between four mental health and wellbeing charities in Harrogate District. These four organisations are linked by the Route One bus service, hence the name. RB: Thanks John, who are the charities involved? JW: Orb Community Enterprise, MIND in Harrogate, Claro Enterprises and Wellspring Therapy and Training work together under the Route One to Wellness Partnership. RB: Who is Route One to Wellness aiming to help? JW: Route One to Wellness has been created to provide support

for the residents of Harrogate and district experiencing or at risk of poor mental health. The support available includes general wellbeing services such as mindfulness and relaxation, through to skills development and creativity, and counselling sessions and bereavement support. RB: How do fans and their family and friends access these services? JW: The Route One partnership works with local GP practices and with health & social care providers to ensure those who need it get the right support, in the right place and at the right time. Every GP practice now has a ‘Social Prescriber’ who can refer directly to Route One to Wellness, so you can go directly through your local surgery. RB: Thanks John. In footballing terms “route one” is going direct and it sounds like the Route One to Wellness partnership offers direct support for those experiencing or

Harry joined the group in June and after a few weeks of training has decided to tackle the York 10K on Sunday 7th August 2022. Harry will be joined by a group of Town Runners aiming to raise awareness of some of the health and wellbeing programs that our Community Foundation successfully run and to raise some money for the Foundation. Alongside Town Runners which now has over 50 members, and recently took over the Harrogate Parkrun, we have our Man v Fat weight loss program, Walking Football and Sporting Memories for those who suffer with dementia, depression, loneliness and for the carers too within Health and Wellbeing.

If you would like to support Harry and donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/ campaign/ TownRunnersYork10K

harrogatetownafc.com

HERE’S A ST AT I BET YOU DIDN’T KN W 24

HarrogateTownAFC

@HarrogateTown

harrogatetownAFC #ProudToBeTown

OVER HALF A MILLION SKY BET CUSTOMERS USE DEPOSIT LIMITS TO MANAGE THEIR BETTING BUDGET. THAT’S ENOUGH TO FILL: 6 WEMBLEYS. 201 ALLY PALLYS. OR 8 CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP DAYS. (THAT’S A LOT OF TWEED)

ALL GOOD BOOKMAKERS HAVE DEPOSIT LIMITS. SO WHOEVER YOU BET WITH, SET AN APPROPRIATE ONE FOR YOU AND THEN ENJOY THE SPORT. DEPOSIT LIMITS

THAT’S BETTING BETTER.

THE AWAY END

IN THE DUGOUT

SWINDON TOWN

DOUBLE TROUBLE

HARRY McKIRDY Age: 25

Signed: Aug 2021

Arriving at the County Ground last summer, McKirdy came through the ranks of Aston Villa’s Academy and has played for a host of EFL clubs including Stevenage, Crewe Alexandra, Newport County, Carlisle United, and most recently Port Vale. Boasting an incredible work-rate and the ability to be a huge threat inside the box, as well as being able to make things happen anywhere in the final-third, the 25-year-old emerged as one of the most dangerous attackers in League Two last season finishing top scorer (22) as well as providing most goal assists (8) for Swindon.

SCOTT LINDSEY

▼

Age: 50 Appointed: June 2022

James Marsh/Shutterstock

Scott Lindsey returned to The County Ground in August 2021 as Assistant Manage, and in June 2022, was appointed First-Team Head Coach, taking over from Ben Garner who left for Charlton. Lindsey first joined Town in 2014 as U18s Manager following spells with Lincoln City and Tamworth, before joining former Town Boss Mark Cooper at Forest Green Rovers as his Assistant Manager. Lindsey was part of the Rovers team that clinched promotion to the Football League, but returned to Wiltshire this summer in order to join Ben Garner’s backroom staff.

LAST TIME OUT

SHADE MCKIRDY

REED WILLIAMS

1879

NICKNAME

THE ROBINS

HarrogateTownAFC

GROUND

COUNTY GROUND

@HarrogateTown

CAPACITY

15,547

POSITION TH

Lost in Play-Off Semi Final

harrogatetownAFC #ProudToBeTown

Age: 28

Signed: Aug 2021

Signing for Swindon last Summer from Cardiff City after representing Wales at Euro 2020, Williams arrived at The County Ground looking to use his experience to help the Reds climb back up the EFL. Starting his career with Crystal Palace, the midfielder broke onto the scene at the beginning of the 2011-12 season, making his firstteam debut for the Eagles in August 2011. Williams signed a five-year extension with Palace in 2012, and he appeared on nine occasions in the Premier League during the 2013-14 season. After loan spells with Ipswich Town (twice), Nottingham Forest, MK Dons and Sunderland, the 28-yearold signed for Charlton Athletic in January 2019, where he played a key role in the Addicks securing promotion back to the Championship before joing Cardiff in January 2021. Williams has won 28 Caps for the senior Wales team and he was part of the Welsh team that made a stunning run to the Semi-Finals of the 2016 European Championships.

PRE-SEASON FORM

HUTTON

BRENNAN HARRIES

FOUNDED

JONNY WILLIAMS

ADELOYE

GLADWIN

LAST SEASON

▼

MACDONALD

BRYNN

4-0

12 Jul (a)

0-1 2-4 L

16 Jul (a)

23 Jul (h)

harrogatetownafc.com

MANAGING TO SUCCEED Football historian LEIGH EDWARDS profiles five notable Swindon Town managers from the past...

DANNY WILLIAMS Danny Williams guided Swindon Town to a promotion and League Cup ‘double’ in 1968-69. A former wing-half, he turned professional with hometown Rotherham in October 1942 and starred in their 1950-51 Third Division (North) title triumph. He made a club record 459 League appearances for the Millers before becoming trainercoach in July 1960, then was manager prior to taking charge of Swindon in August 1965. Leaving the County Ground in July 1969 to manage Sheffield Wednesday, he then managed Mansfield Town before rejoining Swindon as boss from March 1974 until May 1978. He died in February 2019.

LOU MACARI Former Scotland international midfielder Lou Macari managed Swindon Town to the Fourth Division title in 1985-86. He won all three major Scottish honours with Celtic before moving to Manchester United in January 1973, featuring in three FA Cup finals including their 1977 triumph. Joining Swindon as player-boss in July 1984, he also guided them to promotion in 198687 and Second Division play-offs in 1988-89. He left in July 1989 to

HarrogateTownAFC

manage West Ham and briefly Birmingham before leading Stoke City to the Second Division title in 1992-93. Rejoining Celtic as boss, he later managed Stoke again and Huddersfield Town.

Cup final successes and was a finalist again shortly before joining Monaco in June 1987. He helped win the French League title in 1987-88 and was appointed Swindon’s player-boss in April 1991, scoring once in 64 League games while at the County Ground. Moving to Chelsea in a similar capacity in June 1993, he guided them to the 1994 FA Cup final and later managed England, Southampton, Spurs and Wolves.

Proud to support Harrogate Town Football Club

PAOLO DI CANIO OSSIE ARDILES Former Argentina international midfielder Ossie Ardiles was unlucky not to lead Swindon Town to the top-flight in 198990. Together with Ricky Villa, the World Cup winner made headlines with his transfer from Huracan to Spurs in July 1978. He helped them win the FA Cup in 1981 and UEFA Cup in 1984, moving to QPR in May 1988. Appointed Swindon’s boss in July 1989, he plotted their 1989-90 Second Division playoff final success but they were denied promotion due to an illegal payments scandal. He took charge of Newcastle United in March 1991, then managed West Brom and Spurs before coaching overseas.

Italian Paolo Di Canio guided Swindon Town to the League Two title in 2011-12. The maverick striker starred for Lazio, Ternana, Juventus, Napoli and Fabio Capello’s AC Milan, gaining Serie A title and UEFA Cup honours before moving to Celtic in July 1996. Joining Sheffield Wednesday in August 1997, he moved to West Ham in January 1999 and was leading marksman in 1999-2000. He joined Charlton Athletic in August 2003, then Lazio again and Cisco Roma. Managing Swindon from May 2011 until February 2013, taking them to the League Trophy final in 2012, he then briefly managed Sunderland.

GLENN HODDLE Ex-England international midfielder Glenn Hoddle plotted Swindon Town’s 1992-93 First Division play-off final triumph. Signing professional for Spurs in April 1975, he starred in their 1981 and 1982 FA

@HarrogateTown

harrogatetownAFC #ProudToBeTown

Call 01423 524 322 or visit www.howardmatthews.co.uk 14605 Harrogate Town Pre-season Programme Ad.indd 1

28/06/2022 13:03

Supplying the Building Industry and Homeowners throughout the UK

CLUB CONNECTIONS

THE EX-FILES

Plasmor are pleased to sponsor Harrogate Town A.F.C.

Phil Harrison profiles the five players who have represented both Town and this afternoon’s opponents Swindon Town... Jerry Yates

Trevor Benjamin

STUART ELLIOTT Defender/midfielder Stuart Elliott joined Swindon Town on loan from Newcastle United in early 1998 making two appearances for the Robins in the First Division. Elliott played for a string of clubs before spending the 2002/03 season at Harrogate Town playing eight games after making his debut as a sub in March 2003 in a 4-1 win over Colwyn Bay. He moved to Harrow Borough of the Isthmian League Premier Division in August 2003 and later played for York City 2007/08 making 46 appearances.

TREVOR BENJAMIN Jamaican international striker Trevor Benjamin began his career at Cambridge United (146 apps) and played for a record 16 league clubs during his career. His most notable spell was at Premier League Leicester City (90 apps) signing for them from Cambridge for £1.3 million in 2000. His spell for League One Swindon Town came in 2006 on loan from Peterborough United and he played eight times for the Robins. After dropping into nonleague in 2008, he joined Town in the Conference North in September 2009 and scored three goals in 30

HarrogateTownAFC

Paul Thirlwell

five games including a brace on his debut in a 3-2 loss at Northwich.

Alex MEECHAM A Norwich City youth player, midfielder/striker Alex Meechan senior career started at Division One Swindon Town for the 1997/98 season, making his one and only appearance for club as a sub at Wolves in October 1997 before moving to Bristol City. Another who played for a string of clubs, he originally joined Harrogate on a one month loan from AFC Telford United in October 2011, scoring on his debut in a 2-1 victory over Gainsborough Trinity. He joined Town permanently for the 2012/13 season and made a total of 23 (12) appearances scoring four goals before moving on to Worcester City in October 2012.

JERRY YATES Jerry Yates had a youth career with Doncaster and Rotherham United and made 52 appearances for the Millers before joining Harrogate Railway on loan for 2014/15. He spent the following season on loan at Town and scored five goals in eight gamess before being recalled by Rotherham. In June 2019, Yates

@HarrogateTown

joined League Two Swindon Town on a season-long loan and played 35 games and scored 14 goals for the Robins, helping them finish as Champions. The 25-year-old is now with Blackpool who he joined in July 2020 and scored 23 goals in his first season there helping them win promotion to the Championship.

PAUL THIRLWELL Former England U21 international and current Harrogate Town Assistant Manager, Paul Thirlwell, began his senior career with Sunderland aged 18 in 1997 and played 92 games for The Black Cats including in the Premier League. Whilst on Sunderland’s books, the midfielder had a three-month loan spell at Swindon Town in late 1999, playing 12 league games for the Wiltshire club. Permanent spells at Sheffield United (2004) and Derby County (2005-07) followed before he moved to Carlisle United where he spent nine years and racked up 225 appearances for the Cumbrians. He joined Town in May 2015 and went on to captain the side and played 30 (5) times between 201517 before being appointed Assistant Manager for the 2016/17 campaign.

harrogatetownAFC #ProudToBeTown

www.plasmor.co.uk

www.plaspave.co.uk Plasmor Limited • Womersley Road Knottingley • WF11 0DN Telephone 01977 673221

SQUAD & SPONSORS

HARROGATE TOWN 2022/23

Sponsor Codes: P: Premier Partner H: Home A: Away B: Boots G: Gloves

To sponsor a player, contact Jo Towler joannetowler@harrogatetownafc.com

MARK OXLEY

MILES WELCH-HAYES

JOE MATTOCK

IN A PT A C

JOSH FALKINGHAM

WILL SMITH

JOSH AUSTERFIELD

P: Andrew Allerton H: G race, Jake & Harry Ward

LEON LEGGE

PETE JAMESON

22 20

24 20

STEPHEN DOOLEY

RORY McARDLE

KYLE FERGUSON

H: F raser Macdonald & Jackie Wilson B: Joel Dowie Ward

GEORGE HORBURY

MATTY DALY

LUKE ARMSTRONG

ASSISTANT MANAGER

GOALKEEPER COACH

PHYSIOTHERAPIST

FIRST TEAM ANALYST

PLAYER RECRUITMENT

Simon Weaver

PAUL THIRLWELL

PHIL PRIESTLEY

RACHEL DAVIS

GLEN CRUICKSHANK

LLOYD KERRY

G: Alfie Clarke

Creasey Consulting Ltd

N O N A LO

HarrogateTownAFC

FIRST TEAM MANAGER

P: Olly Hodson H: M aria & Joel Dowie

N A LO

H: Kallum & Kai Takacs A: Elliott & Aidan Marks

ALEX PATTISON

N O

JAHEIM HEADLEY

LEWIS RICHARDS

MAX WRIGHT

N A LO

GEORGE THOMSON

N O

JACK MULDOON

WARREN BURRELL H: West Barn Interiors

Stowe Family Law

@HarrogateTown

harrogatetownAFC #ProudToBeTown

STATS ZONE

TOWN PLAYER STATS 2022/23 # NAME

AGE PREVIOUS CLUB

APPS

MINS

GLS

Southend United

07/21

0 (0)

Cups

Season

Town

APPS

GLS

APPS

GLS

APPS

GLS

0 (0)

❚

❚❚

❚

Mark Oxley

Miles Welch-Hayes 25

Colchester United

06/22

0 (0)

Joe Mattock

Colchester United

06/22

0 (0)

Josh Falkingham

Darlington

07/17

0 (0)

227

Will Smith

Barnsley

06/19

0 (0)

102

Warren Burrell

Buxton

01/16

0 (0)

323

George Thomson

FC United of Manchester

05/17

0 (0)

237

11 Max Wright

Grimsby Town

07/22

0 (0)

14 Lewis Richards

Wolves (Loan)

07/22

0 (0)

15 Jaheim Headley

Huddersfield Town (Loan)

06/22

0 (0)

16 Alex Pattison

Wycombe Wanderers

05/21

0 (0)

17 Josh Austerfield

Huddersfield Town (Loan)

06/22

0 (0)

18 Jack Muldoon

AFC Fylde

06/18

0 (0)

195

20 Leon Legge

Port Vale

01/22

0 (0)

21 Pete Jameson

York City

05/22

0 (0)

22 Stephen Dooley

Rochdale

06/22

0 (0)

23 Rory McArdle

Exeter City

06/21

0 (0)

24 Kyle Ferguson

Altrincham

06/22

0 (0)

25 George Horbury

Harrogate Town Academy

06/22

0 (0)

28 Matt Daly

Huddersfield Town (Loan)

06/22

0 (0)

29 Luke Armstrong

Salford City

06/21

0 (0)

US & THEM LEAGUE POSITION

19 YELLOW CARDS

THE REF

based on 2021-22 season

POINTS

FOR

AGAINST

H 25 A 28

H 32 A 32

H 36 A 39

RED CARDS

CLEAN SHEETS

FAILED TO SCORE

YELLOW CARDS

53 64 75

64 2 GOAL TIMINGS

Sky Bet League Two SIGNED

Minute

For

Against

0-15

16-30

31-45

46-60

61-75

76-90

AVERAGE POSSESSION

50% TOTAL SHOTS

562

AVERAGE HOME ATTENDANCE

2,301

22nd

LEAGUE POSITION

POINTS

FOR

AGAINST

H 34 A 43

H 35 A 42

H 25 A 29

RED CARDS

CLEAN SHEETS

FAILED TO SCORE

GOAL TIMINGS For

Against

16-30

31-45

46-60

61-75

76-90

0-15

AVERAGE POSSESSION

60% TOTAL SHOTS

662

AVERAGE HOME ATTENDANCE

9,790

2nd

The Duchy Hospital Launches Private GP Service Do you find it difficult to see your GP at a time that is convenient for you?

77 77 54

78 5

Minute

OliVER Langford

Dr Jason Jones will be seeing patients at The Duchy Hospital, giving time for concerns to be discussed. We also offer a comprehensive GP led Health Screening service. West Midlands-based Oli Langford is now in his 13th season as an EFL referee, having made his debut in 2008. Whilst this is his first time in charge of a Town game, he refereed Sutton's 2-3 defeat at Newport.

LAST SEASON

GAMES 35 ❚ 144 ❚ 2

I’m very happy and excited to be joining the team at The Duchy and providing some Primary Care services. Being based within the hospital will also give me access to all the hospital’s facilities, services and consultant colleagues. This should improve the patient journey if any secondary care referrals are needed. Dr Jason Jones, General Practitioner

For more information or to book an appointment call 01423 567 136 Queens Road, Harrogate, HG2 0HF www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/duchy

HarrogateTownAFC

@HarrogateTown

harrogatetownAFC #ProudToBeTown

harrogatetownafc.com 24496 0035 HOS ADV / 06.2022

FIXTURES & RESULTS DATE JULY

OPPOSITION

Sat 30

Swindon Town

COMP

37 RES