Simon Weaver 26 Community News

THE GAFFER SIMON WEAVER

Good afternoon and welcome to The EnviroVent Stadium for the final time this season as we bring our 2021/22 League Two season to a close.

It’s been long season with ups and downs along the way and when reflecting on it initially, we were disappointed that we’ve finished in the bottom half. However, when looking at the statistics and taking a less emotional viewpoint, we can see that we haven’t had a lot of good players available for important chunks of season and that hurt us. I think we’ve got to give credit to the lads for the start they made which ultimately sealed the deal and kept us away from the bottom two spots. Being realistic, the aim of our first couple years in this league was to establish ourselves and we can be proud to say we’ve done that. Picking out highlights from this season, I’d say winning against Portsmouth in the FA Cup is right up there. It was fabulous how we played that day against a very good side and a big club. That match just showed what we’re capable of on our day and to win late on, added to the thrill. Both games against Bradford were also great moments and were wins we needed. It was as big a highlight as any to see 700 of our supporters relentlessly singing at Valley Parade and outsinging a home crowd, many of whom will have seen Bradford in the Premier League. We were so proud of the fans and I think the expressions on player’s and staff’s faces after the game showed it. That night was a clear indication that the club is growing. It's also been a season of growth off the pitch and it’s been great to see the improvements made and the structures put in place for the Club to continue to evolve. There has been tough moments during the campaign but everyone held their nerve and as a result of that, there’s more pride than ever to wear the badge. The last couple of results have helped reenergise the group and reaffirmed that when we pass it well, we can beat anybody, like we did last week against Forest Green. We need to have belief in how we want to play and be confident going into next season of implementing our style of play. I think we can all be excited for the summer and the plans we have in place. Finally, I want to finish my notes talking about Lloyd Kerry who will play his last game on Saturday. I’m not one to let my guard down too often but I think this Saturday will be an emotional one as me and Lloyd go back a long way. I remember vividly the night I went to watch him play for Tamworth and picturing what he’d look like in our team. What he’s done for the Club since and what he’s achieved has been remarkable and he’s been a credit to himself, his family and Harrogate Town. Lloyd’s played through different cycles of teams and stood out in each one because of his dedication, attitude and desire to win. He has such battling qualities, reads the game so well and it’s why he’s won so many second balls over the years. I’ve said to a few people in the past that you have to go through many different gears to reach Lloyd’s state of mind and him alongside Josh Falkingham formed that midfield duo, who without, we may never have achieved what we did. His legendary status will no doubt grow in the next few years and today he deserves a great send off. Enjoy the game and thank you for all your support this season. Simon