Stunning start to the season for Harrogate as leading town figures offer their support for historic Football League camapaign

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The impact of its meteoric rise up the divisions had been felt across the town before the club has kicked a ball in its first year in the English Football league proper.

But, as the new league season started at the weekend with Town securing an historic 4-0 win away at Southend - it’s clear that is not only the team’s supporters who feel an exciting rubicon has been crossed.

Community representatives from very different areas of public life in Harrogate believe that with Harrogate making their League debut at Southend United, they are flying the flag for the whole town, as well as for good football, of course.

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MP for Harrogate & Knaresborough, Andrew Jones, congratulated Town on their perfect start to life in the football league following the resounding 4-0 victory away at Southend United.

Goals from Jack Muldoon, Lloyd Kerry and Aaron Martin sealed the win for Harrogate Town AFC in their first game in the football league.

Mr Jones said: “What a perfect start to the league battle. And away from home too! Town continue to keep Harrogate on cloud nine. This is a great achievement for the team and undoubtedly demonstrates their ambition for the season.

“Long may the team’s excellent form continue. I am looking forward to attending home games at the EnviroVent Stadium to cheer the team on from the stands once restrictions allow.”

Here are some other pre-season messages of support from leading figures from around Harrogate...

* Harrogate mayor Coun Stuart Martin MBE: “Since winning promotion there has been a real buzz around town and has no doubt encouraged even more youngsters to get involved in sport. I wish the team the best of luck for the year ahead and look forward to supporting them in person as soon as I can.”

* Martin Gerrard, President of Harrogate and District Chamber of Commerce: “Harrogate Town’s entry into the English Football League is fantastic news for Harrogate, especially at this difficult time. Congratulations to the entire Harrogate Town team.

“It’s another reason for the people of this great place to be proud of where they live and it adds another dimension to our diverse offering.

“It is hoped that the business community of Harrogate will benefit with increased footfall and activity and this important asset of the town will lead to growth in these troubled times.”

* Jackie Snape, chief exec of Disability Action Yorkshire: “As chair of Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation I am so excited about the opportunities Harrogate Town’s fantastic promotion has brought to us which will enable us to achieve our vision for a healthy, happy and connected Harrogate.

“As chief executive of Disability Action Yorkshire I share the view of the disabled people that we work with - the club has a strong commitment to making football accessible and we couldn’t be more thrilled that they have achieved such great success.

“As a resident of Harrogate I can only say - get in!”

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* David Bown, chief exec of Harrogate Theatre: “It’s very exciting to have my hometown team in the Football League and it provides yet another huge reason for people to visit Harrogate.

“Last Saturday witnessed a thrilling start to the new season as well, in their Carabao Cup debut, and that has now set up a mouth-watering clash in the next round with West Brom. Harrogate Town are a great news story in a difficult year.”

* Simon Cotton, managing director for HRH Group: “I, for one, am proud to be Town. Having already seen off fellow League Two rivals Tranmere Rovers in the Carabao Cup, and being drawn to play Premier League side West Brom in the next round of the competition, things were already getting exciting for Harrogate Town, even before their historic debut game in the National Sky Bet League Two which saw them win 4-0.

“Those results have also delivered on the anticipated media coverage that the club’s success will bring to the town with Sky promising to screen the West Brom game.

“I’m also looking forward to all the economic benefits that Town’s success will bring.

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“I want to say best of luck to all the team for the whole season ahead.”

* Coun Stanley Lumley, Harrogate Borough Council’s cabinet member for sport: “It has been a fantastic achievement by Harrogate Town winning promotion to the Football League this year. I wish Town every success next season, and hope supporters can soon return to EnviroVent Stadium and we get back to a safe and exciting atmosphere that football needs.”

* Club sponsor EnviroVent’s managing director, Andy Makin: “Reaching the English Football League has given the whole town a feel-good factor and the prospect of welcoming well-known clubs to the EnviroVent stadium in months to come is something we believe everyone in our community can feel excited about.

“Already the players have shown great promise and all at EnviroVent are sending our best wishes for the new season to manager Simon Weaver and the team.”