Club legend who helped Harrogate Town make history at Wembley to join Hall of Fame

Midfielder Josh Falkingham, whose contribution to Harrogate Town’s spectacular rise in the English Football League over the last decade has been incalculable, will join the glittering names on the the Hall of Fame display located in the supporters bar at The Exercise Stadium, Official Store on Commercial Street, Executive Lounge and Cedar Court Hotel.

Also joining him is Roy Dalby, a man hailed in the 1980s as the “best Secretary in the whole Northern Premier league”.

Harrogate Town AFC Hall of Fame was established in May 2022 to celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to the football club since it was formed in 1914.

With the support of Chairman Irving Weaver Manager Simon Weaver, CEO Sarah Barry and Fan Engagement Manager Hamilton Mattock the Hall of Fame idea has prospered with the help of Phil Harrison, Harrogate Town's club historian, and Bernard Higgins, Hall of Fame chairman.

JOSH FALKINGHAM

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition of being captain of Harrogate Town AFC and inspiring Town with promotion through the play-offs to the National league in 2017/18.

Promotion was finally achieved to the Football league in 2019/20 through the play-offs when Notts County were defeated 3-1 at Wembley on August 2, 2020 in the final.

Josh also skippered the club to victory in the 2019/20 FA Trophy Final again at Wembley when they beat Concord Rangers 1-0 with Josh scoring the goal and Town winning the competition for the first time ever.

The Final was delayed due to Covid and played on May 3, 2021.

Josh began his career at Leeds United Academy before signing for St. Johnstone in 2010 playing mainly for Arbroath and Dunfermline Athletic he returned south of the border after signing for Darlington in 2016.

Josh signed for Harrogate Town in 2017 and would go on to skipper the club for eight successive seasons making 305 league and cup appearances for the club scoring eight goals by the end of 2024/25 season before hanging up his boots.

Josh was appointed Director of Youth Football at Town in July 2025.

In late December 2025 as a result of an extensive injury list at the club, Josh came out of retirement and played a further four games for Town.

ROY DALBY

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition as the man who was brave enough to say the club should join the new Division One of the Northern Premier league from NCEL for 1987/88 when other committee members were not sure.

He was a well known popular local figure in football circles who had been Secretary of Harrogate Railway in the 1960s and early 70s before Town Manager Alan Smith invited him to join the Wetherby Roaders in 1985.

NPL Secretary Duncan Bayley praised Roy as the best Secretary his committee had worked with.

At the 1989/90 AGM Roy suggested raising money by floating £100,000 worth of shares and that Town should become a Limited Company with a board of Directors to replace the committee and

Roy became that first Company secretary 1990-96 then sole Club secretary 1996 until retiring from the post in 2001.

He sadly died in September 2007.