Fit-again Lucas Barnes 'ready to get back to it' after being handed new Harrogate Town contract
Fit-again Lucas Barnes says he is “ready to get back to it” after being handed a new contract by Harrogate Town.
Injuries limited the 19-year-old academy graduate to just one extremely brief first-team appearance last season, but the Sulphurites have seen enough promise in his game to offer a one-year extension.
Having spent two years playing youth football for the Wetherby Road outfit, the central midfielder made his senior debut away at Morecambe on the final day of 2024/25 when he replaced club legend Josh Falkingham.
He was then given a first professional deal last summer, but his hopes of forcing his way into Simon Weaver’s plans were scuppered by fitness issues.
But, having been afforded the opportunity to help Town bounce straight back to the Football League following their relegation on the final day of last term, Barnes will doubtless be looking to try to stay fit and take full advantage.
“I’m very grateful for the extension,” he said. “I had a tough year last year with my minutes, especially with my injury but I’m just raring to go for the new season.
“I’m ready to get back to it, I’ve been training all of the off-season, and I’m looking forward to being back out on the grass and playing games again.”
On what he has to offer in the middle of the park, Barnes added: “I think my play style suits what the gaffer wants and I think I’ve got the physical attributes to play for him.
"I love the way he plays so I think it suits me very well.
“I think I learnt a lot from the players in my first season especially how they act not just on the pitch but off it as well.
“It was good to learn from Bryn Morris and Jack Evans, who play in my position, as I also able to pick up the small details of the game from them.”
Town’s demotion to the National League after five seasons in League Two is unlikely to do Barnes’ chances of getting more regular game-time any harm, and the club’s Head of Player Recruitment believes that the youngster is ready to challenge for a place in Weaver’s squad.
“We think Lucas can push the more experienced players and really stake a claim for a shirt,” Lloyd Kerry said. “He is hungry to do well.
“He’s earned his one-year extension for his attitude, application and performance levels in training.
“He is developing nicely and we’re hoping he gets some opportunities on the pitch this season.
Kerry also believes that Barnes’ progression can help inspire those youngsters currently making their way through Harrogate’s youth set-up.
“It gives our young players in the centre of excellence hope and encouragement of earning a pro contract if they’re seeing a lad who has been in their shoes make it into the first-team squad.
“The pathway is there, and I’m sure in the future we’ll bring more younger players through our system.”