Former Middlesbrough FC and Wycombe Wanderers midfielder signs for Harrogate Town

Harrogate Town have completed their first bit of business of the summer transfer window. Picture: Getty Images

The League Two Sulphurites have landed 23-year-old central midfielder Alex Pattison who spent last season playing in the Championship with Wycombe Wanderers.

"He's a powerful, quick and explosive midfielder," manager Simon Weaver said of his new recruit.

"He's only 23 so he's still learning and will get better, but he's already got the experience of having played across all three divisions in the Football League.

Alex Pattison has inherited Jon Stead's number 16 shirt. Picture: Harrogate Town

"He is one who we think will do very well for us. I'm delighted to be able to bring him here."

Darlington-born Pattison came through Middlesbrough's academy and got his first taste of senior football in December 2017 during the first of two loan spells with York City.

He then made the temporary switch to Yeovil Town for 2018/19, joining Wycombe on a permanent deal following his release by Boro at the end of that campaign.

He helped the Chairboys achieve promotion into the Championship during his first season at the club, featuring 24 times in all competitions for Gareth Ainsworth’s side to trigger a one-year contract extension.

He was something of a bit-part player in the second tier last term, making just four Championship starts and two substitute appearances as Wycombe were relegated straight back to League One.

Pattison will wear the number 16 shirt at Harrogate, recently vacated by veteran striker Jon Stead, who has retired from the game.