Local lad wins contract ahead of Gloucester trip
GAFFER Simon Weaver has given his backing to Town's bid to relocate to Claro Road, ahead of tomorrow's test at Gloucester City (3pm).
“It’s the chairman’s ultimate aim and he deserves it because he’s so passionate about driving this club forward,” he said.
“And I think it’s the vehicle to drive us forward too because a new ground and investment would help bring in new players and build for the future.
“It’s a real chance to raise the bar for sport in Harrogate.”
Meantime, Town have announced the long-term capture of popular midfielder Adam Nowakowski, who earlier this week signed a deal to keep him at the CNG Stadium until the end of next season.
The 22-year-old local lad was busy playing Sunday League football until a few months ago, but several sparkling performances have earned him a permanent place in Simon Weaver’s plans.
“It’s happened quite quickly but it’s great news,” said Nowakowski.
“I was playing Sunday League football before and got what I guess was a bit of a lucky break.
“I’ve played squash and cricket in Harrogate so to have a contract playing football for Harrogate Town is amazing.
“The chairman and the manager have been really great with me and I felt really welcome.
“I graduate from Uni’ in two months but now I’ve got my degree I’ve got the option to play football full-time and nothing to lose so I’m looking forward to having a proper pre-season in the summer and giving it a really good go.”
Nowakowski is particularly ready for the challenge of staving off relegation and keeping Town in the Blue Square North.
“At the moment we’ve got a fight on our hands,” he said.
“But we’ve got people and characters in the squad who can get us out of this.
“We just need the supporters to keep coming down to watch and keep getting behind us.”
On the pitch, Town remain in a precarious position after a 3-0 defeat at home to AFC Telford saw them slide back into the Blue Square North bottom two.
Tuesday night’s hosting of Gloucester City was postponed due to snow so Weaver is eager for tomorrow’s return trip to City’s Corinium Stadium to get the go-ahead, and believes Town can return with points in their pocket.
“They share their ground with Cirencester Town and I’ve heard the pitch is dreadful,” he said.
“We’ve just got to try and be physically dominant like how we were against Gainsborough and Vauxhall, play the percentages and be aggressive.
“I really believe we’ll catch the other teams above us. We’ve just got to be consistent and start fired up.”
Town head south missing both striker Peter Knox and defender Martin Foster, both of whom are suspended after picking up red cards.
Dave McTiernan is out through a broken jaw, but Weaver is hoping that central defenders Simon Sturdy and Matt Bloomer plus ‘keeper Aaron Ratchford can shake off niggling injuries by tomorrow.
Telford struck three times in their first ever win at Wetherby Road last Saturday, Sean Newton converting a 37th minute free kick before Damian Reeves broke away to double the advantage on 69 minutes.
Jon Maloney’s tug on Andy Brown’s shirt handed Telford a penalty which Brown put away 11 minutes before time.
“Last week’s result was disappointing but I can’t be too downhearted,” added Weaver.
“To pick up six points from two games was good and we still played well against Telford, who are an experienced side that have been together a long time, so I’ve got to focus on that.”.
“I think a lot of teams would expect that a 3-0 win would have knocked us but it hasn’t.”
Blue Square North
Bottom Sixpldpts
Gloucester 2930
Hyde 2630
Redditch 30 29
------------------------------------------------------
Gainsborough 2826
Harrogate Town 2822
Vauxhall Motors 3121
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Weather for Harrogate
Friday 10 February 2012
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Temperature: -8 C to 1 C
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