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

1979-88, 1989-90, 1991-93, 1994-96

and January 1999 (caretaker manager)

Alan Smith was another former player (1974/75 and 1976/77) who returned to the club as manager in 1979. Alan recalls, ‘I well remember bumping into Town secretary Charlie Hartley in Harrogate in June 1979 and listening to his story of desperation. Within a week of listening to him and John Townrow (Jack’s son) a meeting was held at Wetherby Road and I was installed as player/ manager.’

His first season in 1979/80 saw a top six finish and then a runners-up finish and promotion to Yorkshire League Division Two in 1980/81. The following season (1981/82) Town finished as Champions of Division Two. 1982/83 saw the inaugural season of Northern Counties East League Football and a top four finish. Under Alan’s watch, the first floodlights were installed with crowds of 2,000 plus watching games against Leeds United first team and Manchester United in a charity game. In 1984/85 Town finished runners-up of NCEL Division One and new changing rooms built. 1985/86 saw Town finish third as well as winning the West Riding County Cup. Northern Premier League football arrived at Wetherby Road for 1987/88. In 1990 the new 350-seater cantilever stand was built and Town won the NPL Cup.

Local businessman Smith began his career at Harrogate Railway Athletic at 14 in the ‘A’ team in 1964 and played 111 games for the seniors scoring 51 goals from 1966-71. He had trials at Wolves playing in their junior side and had spells with York City, Bradford Park Avenue, Bridlington Town and Ossett Albion. He passed his preliminary coaching badge under the guidance of Peter Gunby as it was Peter who interested Alan with his coaching and training methods. Alan made 171 appearances for Town scoring 41 goals in three spells from 1974/75, 1976/77 and 1979-84. As Town manager over numerous spells, he took charge of 670 games, winning 283, drawing 157 and losing 230. After also serving as General Manager, Director and running the Under-15s and over 35s, he left the club in October 1999 after a testimonial match against York City. In the summer of 2001, Smith returned to Harrogate Railway where it all began in his new role as Under-19s boss, Commercial and sponsorship manager. He was Chairman at Station View 2012-14 and for 2015/16.

Alan Smith (pictured right) with the West Riding County Cup Trophy in 1986