Harrogate Town vs Tranmere Rovers

The EnviroVent Stadium Wetherby Road

HG2 7SA

01423 210600

BOARD

Chairman

Irving Weaver

Vice Chairman Howard Matthews Chief Executive Officer Sarah Barry Directors Angus Taylor Dave Riley

Associate Director Mike Partridge Finance Director Julian Davis Marketing & Brand Director Ryan Scott Commercial Director Joanne Towler Life President George Dunnington Vice Presidents Clive Dunnington David Batty

FOOTBALL

First Team Manager Simon Weaver Assistant Manager Paul Thirlwell Goalkeeper Coach Phil Priestley Head of Player Recruitment Lloyd Kerry Analyst Glen Cruckshank Chief Scout Lee Barraclough Head Physiotherapist Rachel McGeachie Assistant Physiotherapist Cyra Smith Sports Psychologist Phil Lee Fitness Coach Ashley Slawson Academy Manager Paul Stansfield Head of Youth Coaching Josh Law Youth Development Phase Lead Josh Walsh Youth Development Josh Falkingham Academy Secretary Jane McCulloch Women’s Manager Reese Brassington

OPERATIONS

Head of Football Operations Abbey Smith Club Administrator Jane McCulloch Community Development Iain Service Tom Blackburn

Supporters’ Liaison Officer Phill Holdsworth Fan Engagement Manager Hamilton Mattock Ticketing Office Manager Carey Huegett Facilities Manager Mark Rowley Retail Manager Claire Kontominas Bar Supervisor Claire Bentley Club Chaplain Rob Brett PA Announcer Alan Tootill Head Groundsman Iain Bullock

MEDIA

Media Manager Hal Boxhall-Dockree Content Creator Nickolas McInally Media Assistants Brody Pattison Danny Pugsley Club Photographer Matt Kirkham Graphic Design & Programme Rich Saltmarsh

What’s INSIDE

Reg.

Designer: Rich Saltmarsh

Hal Boxhall-Dockree, Nickolas McInally, Phil Harrison, Simon Weaver, Josh Falkingham, Leigh Edwards, Paul Stansfield, Reese Brassington.

Matt Kirkham

here

with

Bea, Erin, Isla and Quinn for a special 10th birthday treat. As ever, she’ll be hoping to get some more autographs on her shirt.

8th

today with eight of his

at

I’m sure

be able to hear

from the Black Sheep Stand!!

SIMON WEAVER

Good Afternoon everyone,

I’d like to welcome you to The EnviroVent Stadium for today’s match against Tranmere which is our third home match in seven days. I would also like to extend this welcome to the supporters, directors and staff of Tranmere Rovers.

In our last league match we picked up an important three points and put in a good performance against a good Hartlepool side. Looking at the first half we managed to cause them a lot of damage which was pleasing to see and we had a lot of players who more than stood up to the physical demands which this league sets.

As a team we dug deep, stayed organised, our intensity was fantastic and that helped us to get the result. There were some nerves in the squad which is only natural given the run we had been on but we made sure that we dealt with those well and managed to get in front and defended well enough to stay ahead.

Aside from the result, we had a lot to be pleased about over the weekend when looking at the elements of our game both in and out of possession. Whether it be recovery runs, aerial battles or in the chances we created, there were so many examples to reflect on which we have been working hard in training to make sure we build on that here today.

The two goals were good goals and I think we have to praise Alex Pattison for his role in recent

weeks. He is a great character and an even better player and can have a devasting impact in games. Jack Muldoon showed fantastic desire and strength to get his goal and that will do his confidence the world of good.

However, as a squad, our focus has now turned to trying to build on that good result. We have set the bar for our performances and our intensity during matches must meet that. Those qualities have been part of our identity for several years now and it’s important that show that we’re all on it.

I don’t like singling out individuals on occasions like that but the impact Falks [Josh Falkingham] has had since recovering from injury has been fantastic. We all know the leadership qualities which he possesses and the impact of those can be felt on and off the pitch. He is a player who drives those around him to a higher level.

Tranmere are a good side who are in good form having won their last six league games. We have enjoyed some tough battles against them in recent years and I’m sure this one will be exactly the same. However, being at home it’s up to us to take the game to them and see if we can get the three points and build a bit of a run.

Thank you for your support!

AS A SQUAD, OUR FOCUS HAS NOW TURNED TO TRYING TO BUILD ON THAT GOOD RESULT. WE HAVE SET THE BAR FOR OUR PERFORMANCES AND OUR INTENSITY DURING MATCHES MUST MEET THAT...

Contemporary new homes

JOSH FALKINGHAM

Hello everyone and welcome back to The EnviroVent for today’s league match against Tranmere Rovers.

In our last league match we were able to collect a much needed three points against Hartlepool United. That result was a big one for us and with the run we have been on it was never going to be straight forward. I spoke about taking things one match at a time last week and that is the position we are in now.

As a group it’s important that we back up that strong performance and positive result with another strong performance today against Tranmere Rovers. They are high in confidence and on good form so I think this will be a good test for us but that result last weekend has given us more confidence than we have had in previous weeks.

It goes without saying that we want to build on that good result last time out and start to put together a bit of momentum. However, the only way to do that is to keep putting in good performances every week. We want to keep that mood going around the place and with so much football to be played we have a chance to do that.

There is no doubting that Alex Pattison is one of our key players and his performance last week was brilliant. He steps up for us with a goal and an assist which was massive. Looking at his goal his

eagerness to get in to the box and cause problems gets a goal from virtually nothing.

I was pleased to see Jack Muldoon does what he does best and gets a goal from it. The timing just before half time was crucial, we knew there would be a reaction at half time and that second goal allowed us to manage the game well.

In our matches against Bradford City and Hartlepool we have shown a quality in attack to create good chances. We know what we have at the top end of the pitch and I do believe that as confidence grows we will continue to improve and create more and more.

We know the challenges which Tranmere will bring. They have won six on the bounce and will be full of confidence. Any time I have faced them in previous seasons they have been a really solid outfit and I think this season will be no different.

They are arguably one of the form teams in the league and for us I think we have a good chance to test ourselves against them.

Enjoy the game!

Falks

AS A GROUP IT’S IMPORTANT THAT WE BACK UP THAT STRONG PERFORMANCE AND POSITIVE RESULT WITH ANOTHER STRONG PERFORMANCE TODAY AGAINST TRANMERE...

@HarrogateTown harrogatetownAFC

HarrogateTownAFC

JOSH

For most, the route to professional football is seldom straight forward. However, in Josh Coley’s case his path into the football league has been especially difficult.

Many 16-year-olds may be ready to compete in youth leagues organised through football academies across England. However, the Town loanee was competing in a men’s non-league division. Here, three points was all that mattered.

Words: Nickolas McInally

Speaking on the experience Coley said: “I’ve been playing men’s football pretty much since I turned 16. I had one year of academy football when I signed for Norwich but other than that I’m 24 now and I have been involved in it for most of my football career.

“I think my experience is different to someone who has come through an academy and played a lot of academy football. There is definitely an increased physicality to men’s football, I’ve been kicked up in the air countless times, but I think it hardens you and improves that side of my game.”

Despite his seven years of experience in men’s football, the 24-year-old believes he has still to develop in reaching his full potential.

“I’m still learning now even though I’m getting older. This club is a great place to learn, I’ve noticed that from the minute I have come in and I’m looking to keep that going in the weeks and months ahead.”

At 19, Coley was featuring for Baldock Town and during the 2017/18 season he picked up Young Player of The Year in the division as the side gained promotion and won a domestic cup.

Reflecting on the standout season, the wide man said: “Baldock Town was a great spell in my career, I was playing with my mates and enjoying football. We were winning games and we achieved some great things. I think I scored something like 26 goals and got 32 assists.

“I got such a confidence from that period, that season was brilliant I don’t think I played that way again until I was at Maidenhead a couple of years later.”

While his impressive form stood out on the football pitch Exeter man was working as a Labourer as the dream of professional football remained.

However, Coley believes this experience has helped him to appreciate the joys of professional football at this stage of his career.

He explained: “I was working with one of my team mates at the time, I enjoyed it but I want to stay in professional football. I think that helps me to put in the extra work to continue to improve as a footballer. Whether people see it or not doesn’t matter to me because I do it for me and my career.

“That comes from my appreciation of the work which people have to do. When I was trying to juggle both I would come home from work at 6 and go straight to football after being out for 12 hours earning money.”

In a standout season for non-league Baldock a chance at professional football beckoned for the winger. With interest levels high, it was Norwich City where he would be given an opportunity to impress on trial.

Discussing the opportunity, Coley said: “There was an agency who reached out and offered to help me. There was a lot of clubs who wanted me to come in on trial and I went to Norwich for a week.

harrogatetownafc.com

“I trained Monday and Tuesday and they said they would like to extend my trial for another week. Then I was asked to join the side on a pre-season training camp. When we got there, we played Borussia Dortmund and won 6-0. I started and played 72 minutes and we were relentless that day. It was their U21 side, but they were a good side and it was a great experience to go up against them.”

However, despite playing against one of the best sides in world football, this paled into insignificance for what followed after the match.

In recalling the day, Town’s number 10 stated: “We were going back to the hotel and the gaffer for the U23 side at the time asked to speak to me in the hotel. I knew this was going to be the conversation where I found out if I was getting a deal or not. Everyone was downstairs, and he didn’t say anything for what seemed like an eternity. Then he said, ‘The club would like to offer you a deal.’ I just remember giving him a hug and there were tears coming because this was everything I had ever worked for.

A phone call and some text messages quickly followed as Coley began to inform family and friends of the news that he had just achieved one of his dreams.

Recalling those phone calls, he said: “None of them could believe it, obviously when you get to the age of 20 it’s probably harder to win that contract. There was definitely a shock factor for

them and me. It was all a bit surreal; I remember phoning my mum and she was in tears because she knew how much I wanted this it was a great achievement.”

While some may view the trade of first team football for academy football as a potential risk to a player’s development, there was no doubt in the winger’s mind when the contract was offered.

He said: “I don’t think it was a risk, this was always an opportunity which I wanted and if I had the chance to play for an academy, I would relish it. Looking back, the amount of information and everything I had learned was all stuff I needed to know about the game. It was a given for me, it didn’t matter what age I was. The opportunity to have access to this information and the facilities was something I could never pass up.”

A loan spell with Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic would follow. However, this was one which prevented a strong challenge to a relatively inexperienced Josh Coley.

He explained: “Dunfermline was my first experience of professional football. That was a difficult challenge to adapt to. I was around eight hours away from where I was living, and I wasn’t playing every week so being away from my family it was hard.

“I think that took its toll in the end. I wish I had played more; I was 20 with little experience in

Coley playing on loan at Dunfermline Athletic

Kieran McManus/Shutterstock

professional football and with players who were more experienced than me they tend to get picked.”

After his period with Dunfermline came to an end so to did the winger’s time with Norwich City. However, upon reflecting on this period in his career the Town number 10 believes the significance of the move impacted his ability to perform.

He said: “From the minute I got there it all felt a bit surreal, I worked so hard to prove I was good enough, but I don’t think I got over the fact I was actually there, and I think that stopped me from playing my best football.

“When I found out my contract wasn’t going to be renewed, I was numb. I had seen a lot within those two years, and I thought I was done with professional football. I didn’t really want to be around it. I don’t think I was prepared for the experience of professional football.

“I left there and went to play with my mates again and just got back to enjoying football. I was there for three months and then we went into lockdown and didn’t have a club. I think there was a bit of fortune, and I was able to get a contract with Maidenhead in the National League and I loved my time there.

“I think I had a point to prove when I went there. I wanted to show that I was built to play professional football and that I was good enough to do so.”

After a standout season in the National League, Coley was given his opportunity in the football league once again as he signed for Exeter City in the summer of 2021.

However, after an injury plagued the first six months of his league season, the winger found his first team opportunities limited.

He said: “The injury seemed to be getting worse and there was no progress. I had to have a couple of scans to get to the bottom of what was happening. I tried to train with it and there was still pain. I was watching the team do so well and knew it would be tough to get myself in to the team straight away.”

After completing the loan move to Town in the summer transfer window, Coley has revealed it was a sustained period of interest from Simon Weaver which convinced him to make the move.

He explained: “I knew the gaffer had been interested in me for a while and he had wanted me to come here to do what I do best so that was probably one of the main reasons. I’m from York originally, I lived here for 16 years, and I have a lot of family in and around Harrogate so that was another factor.

“This is a great club and a great changing room to be a part of. We have a lot of quality in the squad, and we need to show that on the pitch. I want to play my part in getting this club as high up the table as possible.”

THE MEN IN CHARGE

Peter Gunby 1971-77

Peter Gunby rejoined Town for the 1971/72 season as the new Player-Manager having previously played for the club from 1959-64. During his two spells at Wetherby Road he made 291 appearances in total which places him twelfth on the club’s all time list of appearances.

As a player, right-half Peter began his professional football career for Leeds United in 1955, before moving on to Bradford City the following year where he played three games before his pro career was cut short by injury. After being placed on the transfer list and facing the prospect of being transferred to a club down south, he decided to finish football and take up a trade as an electrician, however, he was persuaded by then Town secretary, Charles Hartley, to carry on as a part time player with Harrogate Town. He agreed and went on to play in Town’s successful side of the early 1960s under manager Jack ‘Boss’ Townrow. After leaving Town in 1964, he played for Mexborough and Selby Town before returning to Town where he finished his playing career.

When he hung up his boots, Gunby turned to coaching at Harrogate Town. As manager of Town between 1971 and 1977, he took charge of 221 league and cup games winning 85 drawing 55 and losing 81. In his first season in charge, when he also captained the side, Town were promoted as runners up of Yorkshire League Division Three and the following season won the West Riding County Cup beating Leeds Carnegie 2-0 in a replay.

After leaving Town in 1977, he spent three years as Junior and Reserve Team coach at Huddersfield Town before new Leeds United manager Allan Clarke took Peter on as a coach in 1980, where he would remain working under subsequent managers Eddie Gray and Billy Bremner throughout the 1980s. He also had two short spells as Caretaker Manager of the Whites in 1985 and 1988.

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

He returned to Town as Coaching Consultant in 2000, developing young players and was a hugely popular figure for all his services on and off the pitch. Additionally, along with his wife Maureen, Peter oversaw the transformation of former Leeds and Town Chairman Bill Fotherby’s house into an accommodation for young academy players to live in. Peter ensured all standards were high and not only helped to develop footballers, but developed exceptional personal traits in young professionals.

During the 1990s, Peter and Maureen would move to live on Leeds United’s Thorp Arch training complex, where as housemaster, Peter would continue to look after the club’s youngsters until his retirement in 2000, working with the likes of Jonathan Woodgate, Gary Speed, David Batty, Denis Irwin, Gary Kelly, Alan Smith and Brian Deane.

After a career dedicated to football and to improving the life of others, Peter Gunby was awarded an OBE in 2007. Peter attended and made a speech at Town’s Centenary celebrations in 2014 and was still playing walking football at 80.

He died on 26 March 2022, aged 87.

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INCLUSION HAS NO OFF-SEASON

Whether you’re a sports fan, a committed gym-goer, or part of your local community sport club, it’s important that we all keep up our efforts to make sport everyone’s game year-round. Since Rainbow Laces first kicked off in 2013, over a million of you have laced up in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport. You can make a difference just by starting conversations with those around you, calling out anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment when you hear it, and raising awareness of the stigma and discrimination that LGBTQ+ people in sport still face.

Countless individuals, grassroots organisations, and sports clubs are already lacing up to keep up their work for sports inclusion. We know we’re always strongest when we stand together – so join us in keeping it up. Sport can bring so many benefits to our lives – not just in terms of wellbeing, but also in the ways it brings people together. LGBTQ+ people deserve to be a part of this. We shouldn’t feel excluded just because of who we are.

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

CONNECT WITH US

Facebook: HTAFC Community Foundation Twitter: @htafccf www.htafccommunity.co.uk

NCS CHANGEMAKERS LINK WITH LOCAL CHARITY NEW BEGINNINGS

Recently, our NCS Changemakers have been focused on developing a video for domestic abuse awareness month

As a group, they felt that it is something that isn’t talked about enough and they were desperate to change that. As a result of this, the Changemakers have partnered up with New Beginnings, an after-crisis support service for children and women who have previously been subjected to domestic abuse. The video provides different perspectives on domestic abuse and violence from young people around Harrogate. The eye-opening video is set to be released later this month and provides confidence to those people affected, that there is help out there.

Keep an eye on our social media channels for this release and follow for any updates.

PLANET LEAGUE

Wow what a start! If you haven’t already signed up to Planet League – do it now!

This is a free platform that provides lots of fun challenges, activities and ways that you can help reduce CO2 and save the planet. Doing so you can score virtual goals for Harrogate Town AFC and move us up the league!

For more details and to sign up, please visit planetleague.co.uk

@HarrogateTown harrogatetownAFC

#ProudToBeTownHarrogateTownAFC

TOWN WALKING FOOTBALLERS ENJOY CUP ACTION!

Fresh from there successful Northern Premier League season our over 60’s walking footballers were back in action in the inaugural Cowan Cup.

The first round, which was run as a mini league saw Town face Rothwell in the first game. Despite controlling tempo and creating chance after chance it took a cool finish from Bernie O’Brien to see the lads through 1-0. In a tensely fought second game against a very strong Wakefield side, Town were unfortunate to lose by virtue of a penalty conceded late in the game. Bouncing back, Town moved onto their final game against a Leeds Titans team that were unbeaten in two years

in all competitions. In arguably the game of the tournament, Harrogate managed the game superbly. Jon Hudson in goal made two big saves to keep us in it. With the game being won with a venemous Tom Robinson strike, to send Harrogate to the final against Blackburn.

In a very tight final, the teams couldn’t be separated, and it finished 0-0, with the game going to penalties. Unfortunately Town lost 2-1 in the shootout.

We have some of these players here at the match today! We hope that you can join us in celebrating theirs and the Walking Football Members participation and success this year.

SEASON CONCLUDES FOR OUR 50’S WALKING FOOTBALL TEAM

It’s been a successful season for our over 50’s Walking Footballers. Despite injury setbacks to key players during the season, the team showed huge resilience to finish the Northern Premier League season last Sunday.

A 2-0 win in the final game, with goals from Richard Abbott and Neil Waite prove to be enough to see them finish third in the league, just two points off top spot.

We hope to build on this next season and welcome new players

GREAT START TO AUTUMN FOR TOWN RUNNERS

who wish to join us. We currently deliver 5x sessions a week!

The September success of the Great North Run, inspired the group to participate in a virtual 5/10k run in early October to raise awareness of the Harrogate Homeless project. On a beautiful evening for running about 35 of the group took on the challenge, completed it and finished with smiles on their faces and the obligatory cake in hand at the end.

As if this wasn’t enough two more of our runners took on the Manchester half marathon and smashed it. Patrick McKeown who has been running with us since we started joined one of our latest recruits Neil Broadley on the day. For Neal this has been an unbelievable journey since joining us in the summer. Initially just wanting to complete a 5k, he pushed on and was part of the Harry Gator York 10k team in August. On October 9th he completed the half marathon in an impressive 2hrs 15 minutes.

Neal, pictured explained, “I couldn’t have done this without the running group, I would have never dreamt of even doing a 10k, never mind a half marathon”.

We aim to inspire, encourage, and support everyone in our Health and Well being programmes and give them the opportunity like Neal to achieve their dream. If you have any questions or want to get involved drop us an email: stevepattison@ harrogatetownafc.com

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The Duchy Hospital Launches Private GP Service

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

Do you find it difficult to see your GP at a time that is convenient for you? 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. Queens Road, Harrogate, HG2 0HF www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/duchy

FIXTURES & RESULTS 2022/23

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Tue 8 Carlisle United H 15:00

Sat 12 Leyton Orient H 15:00

Sat 19 Mansfield Town H 15:00

DECEMBER

Sat 3 Rochdale A 15:00

Sat 10 Northampton Town H 15:00

Sat 17 Doncaster Rovers A 15:00

Mon 26 Grimsby Town H 15:00

Thu 29 Bradford City A 19.45

JANUARY

Sun 1 Hartlepool United A 15:00

Sat 7 Colchester United H 15:00

Sat 14 Stevenage H 15:00

Sat 21 Grimsby Town A 15:00

Sat 28 Sutton United H 15:00

FEBRUARY

Sat 4 Carlisle United A 15:00

Sat 11 Stockport County H 15:00

Tue 14 Salford City A 19:45

Sat 18 Crewe Alexandra H 15:00

Sat 25 Swindon Town A 15:00

MARCH

Sat 4 Gillingham H 15:00

Sat 11 Crawley Town A 15:00

Sat 18 Barrow AFC H 15:00

Sat 25 Newport County A 15:00

Fri 31 Tranmere Rovers A 19:45

APRIL

Fri 7 AFC Wimbledon H 15:00

Mon 10 Leyton Orient A 15:00

Sat 15 Doncaster Rovers H 15:00

Tue 18 Walsall H 19:45

Sat 22 Northampton Town A 15:00

Sat 29 Mansfield Town A 15:00

Sat 6 Rochdale H 15:00

Dooley

OG USED SUBSTITUTES

Thomson Pattison w Armstrong Daly w Muldoon w (67); Frost (77); Ilesanmi (87)

Dooley Thomson Pattison Armstrong Daly Muldoon (69)

Dooley Thomson Muldoon Ilesanmi Daly Armstrong (59); Burrell (60)

Dooley Ramsay Pattison Armstrong Daly Muldoon (62); Richards (71); Thomson (76)

Dooley Ramsay

Thomson

Pattison w ❚ Armstrong Daly w Thomson (65); Richards (73); Muldoon (79)

Ramsay

Pattison Armstrong Daly Muldoon (55); Richards (73); Frost (73)

Austerfield Ramsay Muldoon Armstrong Daly Frost (45); Richards (45); Burrell (45); Horbury (80) Austerfield Ramsay Muldoon Frost Daly Horbury (27); Armstrong (59); Welch-Hayes (63)

Coley Ramsay Angus Armstrong fp Daly Grant (65); Horbury ❚ (70); Muldoon (76) Coley

Ramsay Pattison Armstrong Folarin Daly (60); Grant (75); Muldoon (84)

Coley Ramsay Pattison Armstrong Folarin ❚ Daly (45); McArdle (45)

; Muldoon (54); Austerfield (61)

; Angus (71) Coley Muldoon Pattison Armstrong Daly Folarin (69); Angus (75)

Folarin ❚ Muldoon Pattison Armstrong Daly Coley (56) Horbury Frost Grant w Armstrong Folarin Pattison (55); Austerfield (55)

Ramsay (55); Headley (55); Ilesanmi (70) Grant Muldoon Pattison w Armstrong Daly Falkingham (45)

Coley (84) Burrell Muldoon w Pattison w Armstrong Grant Thomson (67); Dooley (88); Daly (88) Horbury Frost O’Boyle w Folarin Daly Muldoon (73); Ramsay (75)

; Burrell (45)

in his seventh season as an EFL referee, this is the Staffordshirebased official’s second game in charge at the EnviroVent Stadium having refereed our 5-4 win over Cambridge United in April 2021. This will be his fourth Town appointment having refereed or trip to Newport last season and to Morecambe in December 2020.

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TRANMERE ROVERS

IN THE DUGOUT

MICKY MELLON Age: 50 Appointed: Jun 2021

Tranmere Rovers re-appointed Micky Mellon in June 2021 one year after his departure from Prenton Park having lead Rovers from the National League to League One following successive promotions. Mellon joined Dundee United after Rovers relegation to League Two in 2019-20.

His managerial career started at Fleetwood Town who he guided to the EFL in April 2012. Prior to his appointment at Fleetwood, Mellon had coaching experience at Lancaster City and Burnley before being assistant manager at Barnsley. In the 2014-15 season Mellon’s Shrewsbury achieved promotion to League One before his first appointment as Tranmere boss in October 2016.

As a player, his career began in 1989 and he represented Bristol City, West Bromwich Albion, Blackpool (where he made 138 appearances), Tranmere Rovers (twice), Burnley and Kidderminster Harriers.

Alan Walter/Shutterstock

Phil Oldham/Shutterstock

ROSS DOOHAN

Age: 24 Signed: Jul 2022

Rovers made the permanent signing of Ross Doohan from Celtic over the Summer after the goalkeeper spent last season on loan at Prenton Park, impressing with 21 clean sheets in League Two, the joint best in the division. The 24 year-old Scot had been at Celtic since 2016 and had various loan spells whilst there, most notably at Scottish Championship side, Ayr United, where he made 80 appearances in two full seasons on loan between 2018 and 2020. Premiership loans followed at Ross County and Dundee United in 2020/21.

ETHAN BRISTOW

Age: 20 Signed: Jul 2022

Rovers signed Ethan Bristow in the Summer after his release from Reading. The left-back signed his first pro contract in 2019 for Reading having come through the Berkshire clubs Academy and was a consistent performer in the Premier League 2 for The Royals. His performances for the Under 23’s earned the 20-year-old a starting place in Reading’s first game of the Championship season in 2021/22 against Stoke City and he went on to make seven first team appearances in the league and cup throughout last season.

KANE

HEMMINGS

Age: 31 Signed: Jan 2022

RECENT LINE UP

Signed from Burton Albion in January, prolific forward Hemmings bagged 19 times in 54 league appearances for the Brewers over a season and a half before moving to Merseyside. His youth career began at Tamworth before he joined Rangers in 2008 signing pro in 2010. After Rangers were liquidated in 2012 season, Hemmings was among the players who stayed at Ibrox and went on to play 10 games for the Gers before joining Cowdenbeath in 2013 after a loan spell there the previous season. After 18 goals in 31 league games, he moved south of the border to Barnsley for a season before returning north to Premiership Dundee in May 2015. That was followed up by EFL experience at Oxford United, Mansfield Town, Notts County and then Burton after another season at Dundee. In his career, Hemmings has scored over 140 goals and is approaching 400 total appearances.

HEMMINGS

HAWKES

LEWIS

SIMEU

MERRIE

BRISTOW

DACRES-COGLEY

DOOHAN

O’CONNOR

Neal Simpson/Shutterstock

Alan Walter/Shutterstock

Neal Simpson/Shutterstock

MORRIS

MANAGING TO SUCCEED

Football historian LEIGH EDWARDS profiles five leading Tranmere managers...

JOHN KING

John King gave Tranmere Rovers outstanding service in various capacities. Starting with Everton, the wing-half moved via Bournemouth to Tranmere in February 1961 and skippered promotion in 1966-67, joining Port Vale in July 1968. After a spell at Wigan, he rejoined Tranmere as coach and became boss for five years in May 1975, plotting promotion in 1975-76. He managed Northwich’s 1984 FA Trophy final success and rejoined Tranmere as manager in April 1987. Guiding them from the Fourth Division to First Division playoffs and Leyland/DAF Cup success, he became director of football and died in March 2016.

BRYAN HAMILTON

Ex-Northern Ireland international midfielder Bryan Hamilton was Tranmere Rovers’ player-manager. Initially with Linfield, he joined Ipswich Town in August 1971 and moved to Everton in November 1975. He was a League Cup finalist in 1977, then played for Millwall and Swindon Town before becoming Tranmere’s player-boss in October 1980. Scoring six goals in 109 League games while at Prenton Park, he left Rovers in February 1985, then managed Wigan Athletic’s 1985 Freight Rover Trophy triumph. He later had spells in charge of Leicester City, Wigan again, Northern Ireland and Norwich City.

JOHN ALDRIDGE

Ireland international striker John Aldridge guided Tranmere to the 2000 League Cup final. Starting with South Liverpool, he joined Newport County in May 1979 and starred in their 1979-80 promotion success. He moved to Oxford United in January 1984, helping reach the top-flight and win the League Cup in 1986. Joining Liverpool in January 1987, he starred as they won the League Championship in 1987-88 and FA Cup in 1989. After a spell with Real Sociedad, he joined Tranmere in July 1991 and became player-boss in April 1996, netting 138 goals in 242 League games before resigning in April 2001.

BRIAN LITTLE

Ex-England international striker Brian Little managed Tranmere Rovers to the League One play-offs in 200405. He spent his playing career with Aston Villa, starring as they won promotion in 1974-75 and the League Cup in 1977. Later coaching Villa, Wolves and Middlesbrough, he then managed Darlington and Leicester City to promotion. He rejoined Villa and plotted their 1996 League Cup final triumph, then had spells in charge of Stoke, West Brom and Hull. Managing Tranmere from October 2003 until June 2006, guiding them to the FA Cup sixth round in 200304, he then managed Wrexham and Gainsborough.

MICKY MELLON

Micky Mellon managed Tranmere from the Conference to League One in consecutive seasons. Initially with Bristol City, the midfielder helped win promotion in 1989-90 and joined West Brom in February 1993. He was a promotion winner again that season, moving via Blackpool to Tranmere in March 2001, then Burnley, Tranmere again, Kidderminster, Witton and Lancaster. He managed Fleetwood from the Conference North to Football League, then coached at Barnsley, since managing Shrewsbury to promotion in 2014-15, Tranmere from October 2016 until July 2020, Dundee United and currently Tranmere again.

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Brian Little -

Colorsport/Shutterstock

John KingColorsport/Shutterstock

John AldridgeAndrew Cowie/Shutterstock

ANYONE WHO ENTERS THE PITCH WITHOUT PERMISSION AND THOSE CARRYING OR USING SMOKE BOMBS OR PYROS WILL NOW RECEIVE AN AUTOMATIC CLUB BAN.

‘LOVE FOOTBALL. PROTECT THE GAME’

A message about anti-social and criminal behaviour

To mark the new season, we want to make you aware of new measures being taken across all of football to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience. We are supporting strong action from the FA, Premier League and EFL to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviours that put all of us at risk.

This reflects the seriousness of the risks to fans and staff – pyros can burn at 2000 degrees Celsius and cause lifechanging injuries, while entering the pitch endangers players, managers and match officials.

We know those who commit these illegal acts do not represent the majority of supporters.

#LoveFootball #ProtectTheGame

ACADEMY

Last Saturday, the Academy took on Rotherham United Under 18’s at York St John University in the Group Stage of the EFL Youth Alliance Cup.

Harrogate started the game well with Josh Brodella being the biggest threat with his direct running and skill. At half time the score was 0-0, but Harrogate were coming off a little more frustrated than their opponents as they had the best chances.

Half time came at a good time for the visitors and having regrouped, they had their best spell of the game

for the first twenty minutes of the second half resulting in a series of long throws and corners. They finally took the lead from a long throw which found Rotherham’s Kanye Nisbett unmarked at the back post to head home.

This seemed to galvanise the home team and the dangerous Brodella scored the equaliser in the 67th minute after a great run from Brad Williams.

Town were now on the front foot and could have won the game when Bobby Attree hit the cross bar with the final action of the game but the whistle went to leave the final scoreline 1-1 and a share of the points to leave town fourth in the five team group.

A lot of positives to take with the whole squad contributing.

Town: Mooney, Wilson, Birmingham, Smalley, Attree, Taylor, Williams, Tweed (c), Lee, O’Boyle, Brodella Subs: Giles, Moorby, Nicholson, Liddle

Town have been drawn at home to Stockport County in Round One of the FA Youth Cup. The tie will played at The EnviroVent Stadium on Tuesday 1st November at 7.45pm.

Entry details will be announced in due course.

Josh Brodella bagged his first goal

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NEXT UP ON THE ROAD

TUESDAY 25

SKY BET LEAGUE TWO

Tickets are on General Sale. Tickets are to be purchased directly from Walsall by visiting www.eticketing.co.uk/ walsallfc/Events

Prices: Adult £22 I Over 60s* £18 I U21s £17 I U18s

Family Ticket (1Ad+1U18) £24

Prices increase by £2 on match day. Away fans are housed behind one goal in the University of Wolverhampton Stand

GETTING THERE: (approx. 130 miles from Harrogate)

The Banks’s Stadium, Bescot Crescent, Walsall, WS1 4SA

By Road: (from North M6): Leave the M6 at Junction 9 and take the A461 towards Walsall. Bear right onto the A4148 (Wallowes Lane) and turn right at the second set of traffic lights. You will see the ground on your left.

Car Parking: There is a car park located at the ground behind the away stand. The entrance to this car park is off Bescot Crescent next to the Park Inn Hotel. Opposite the away end is Bescot Railway Station, which also offers pay and display parking. Alternatively, there is some street parking off Wallowes Lane.

By Rail: Bescot Stadium Railway Station, just a two-minute walk from the stadium, is served by trains from Birmingham Grand Central (New Street) and Wolverhampton.

Harrogate Town Independent Supporters Club is running coaches to our fixtures at Walsall and AFC Wimbledon. For further details or to book your place on either of the coaches, please contact Jordan Ford on 07989 969575

HOME CARLISLE UNITED*

AWAY BRADFORD CITY

Date

HOME

TOWN

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HARROGATE TOWN

Manager: Simon

Mark Oxley 1 Miles Welch-Hayes 2 Joe Mattock 3 Josh Falkingham 4 Will Smith 5 Warren Burrell 6 George Thomson 7 Dior Angus 8 Danny Grant 9 Josh Coley 10 Max Wright 11 Sam Folarin 12 Lewis Richards 14 Jaheim Headley 15 Alex Pattison 16 Josh Austerfield 17 Jack Muldoon 18 Tyler Frost 19 Kayne Ramsay 20 Pete Jameson 21 Stephen Dooley 22 Rory McArdle 23 Kyle Ferguson 24 George Horbury 25 Emmanuel Ilesanmi 26 Matty Daly 28 Luke Armstrong 29

TRANMERE ROVERS

Manager: Micky

Ross Doohan

Josh Dacres-Cogley

Ethan Bristow

Lee O’Connor

Tom Davies

Chris Merrie

Kieron Morris

Reece McAlear

Kane Hemmings

Josh Hawkes

Charlie Jolley

Joe Murphy

Jordan Turnbull

Ben Hockenhull

Jon Nolan

Rhys Hughes

Kyle Jameson

Neill Byrne

Elliott Nevitt

Luke Robinson

Paul Lewis

Mateusz Hewelt

Joel Mumbongo

Dynel Simeu

Jake Burton

Arthur Lomax

Samuel Taylor