Farsley's fate must not distract us, says Weaver
HARROGATE Town boss Simon Weaver has demanded his side maintain their Blue Square North status on "merit," and not rely on other clubs folding.
It’s been a dramatic week in the division. On Tuesday Farsley Celtic’s future was left hanging by a thread after the collapse of a city council-backed rescue deal for the Throstle Nest club.
Farsley’s mid-week fixture against AFC Telford was abandoned as a result. The Blue Square North have since charged Farsley with failure to fulfil their Telford fixture which can in theory lead to the club’s expulsion from the Football Conference. They have seven days to answer the charge.
Town are due to welcome the West Yorkshire outfit to the CNG on Tuesday night, three days after their home clash against Stalybridge Celtic (3pm ko).
But given the dire financial circumstances at Throstle Nest there is growing uncertainty as to whether that game will go ahead.
As unpleasant as it may taste for local football fans, Farsley’s demise could yet hand Town a lifeline.
Should Farsley be expelled from the league only two clubs would be relegated, thus boosting Town’s chances of survival.
Town currently sit bottom of the pile in the aftermath of Saturday’s washed out trip to Gloucester City and it’s turned out to be a glum few days for Weaver’s side with relegation rivals Vauxhall Motors winning their last two games.
“It’s looking ominous for Farsley,” said Weaver.
“We know it looks like a difficult situation there but we want to stay up on merit.
“We can’t rely on other teams going bust or going out of business.
“We’ve really got to concentrate on ourselves.”
Town’s general manager Alan Williams said it’s uncertain whether Tuesday’s home clash will get the green light given Farsley’s current problems.
“It’s all up the air; we need to organise the game but we can’t really do anything to find out what’ll happen yet,” said Williams.
“If Farsley were to fold, yes it would be advantageous for us because only two clubs would go down, but this isn’t just about football.
“It’s a business going under too, and people’s livelihoods depend on it.
“We’d obviously much prefer to avoid relegation on our own merits, and all of us at Harrogate Town, the chairman and everybody, wish Farsley all the best and hope they can sort their problems out.”
Weaver is hoping to field a full side for tomorrow’s Stalybridge clash, although Peter Knox will serve the first of a three-match ban.
However, dynamic midfielder Curtis Woodhouse has left the CNG by mutual consent to sign for UniBond First Division South outfit Sheffield FC.
But Town have announced the on-loan signing of striker Tom Cahill, from Fleetwood, who will stay until th end of the season.
Meanwhile Weaver has paid tribute to his former boss Keith Alexander, 53, who died suddenly after arriving home from Macclesfield’s League Two match at Notts County on Tuesday night.
Alexander offered Weaver’s first taste of non league action plucking him from obscurity after his release from Sheffield Wednesday. The boss then signed him a second time when he moved to Lincoln City, something Weaver is eternally grateful for.
“He gave me my big chance,” continued Weaver.
“It’s such a shock, not just to me but to Simon Yeo and Matt Bloomer too who knew him.
“He was such a great man and a brave man to go through everything he’s had to over the last few years.
“I used to call him most weeks and we were really good friends. He’s given me so much advice already and I’m going to miss not talking to him.”
Off the pitch negotiations are continuing as Town seek to find a new home.
After announcing their intention to bid for Claro Road and build a state of the art sports complex at the rugby ground, Town took a meeting earlier this week about an alternative site.
“We’re probably further on than we’ve ever been in getting a new ground,” said Williams.
“ We had a meeting about the alternative site to Claro Road which went very well and we’ve already arranged another meeting.
“Negotiations are ongoing on both sites but we can’t say any more about it for now.
“The details have to remain confidential until the time is right to announce any further developments.
“It’s not about ousting the rugby club though. If Harrogate Rugby Club did buy Claro Road then it would be fantastic for the future of sport in the town.
“At least one club will have secured their future.”
andrew.groves@ypn.co.uk
Blue Square NorthPPts
Fleetwood Town 32 66
Southport 29 61
Hinckley Utd 3152
Alfreton Town 30 51
Droylsden 28 46
Eastwood Town 29 45
AFC Telford 31 45
Stalybridge 26 42
Northwich 29 40
Workington 27 40
Ilkeston Town 28 39
Corby 27 39
Solihull Moors 32 38
Blyth Spartans 28 37
Farsley Celtic 30 34
Stafford Rangers 32 34
Redditch 32 32
Gloucester 29 30
Hyde 28 30
Vauxhall Motors 33 27
Gainsborough 2926
Harrogate Town 28 22
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Weather for Harrogate
Monday 21 May 2012
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