Former West Ham United striker Brad Dolaghan joins Harrogate Town from Worthing FC for undisclosed transfer fee
Harrogate Town have pulled off something of a transfer coup by landing highly-rated former West Ham United striker Brad Dolaghan.
The Sulphurites have paid newly-promoted National League rivals Worthing and undisclosed fee for the 21-year-old, who has put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Wetherby Road.
Dolaghan netted 23 goals last season to finish as the National League South’s top-scorer, and Town boss Simon Weaver believes that his capture is the final piece of the jigsaw as far as his forward line is concerned.
"Brad is an exciting young talent, who we believe will provide a real threat at the top end of the pitch,” Weaver told the Harrogate Advertiser.
"He has got good energy, works hard for the team, can run in behind and stretch the play, but primarily he’s a goal-scorer.
"Brad is a number nine really, but can also play as a 10 and he is someone who we think, because of his age, is only going to keep getting better and better.
"Bringing him in, with the other options we have at the top end of the pitch creates real strength in depth as well as more competition for places – which is what we want.
"Last season, we just did not score enough goals, and we didn’t have enough competition in the attacking third, but I think we head into the new season looking a lot better in that department now.”
Having come through the ranks at Worthing, seven goals in his first ten games tempted then-Premiership outfit West Ham into offering the forward a first professional contract in August 2024.
A loan spell at Aldershot followed and brought with it an FA Trophy winners medal.
Returning to Worthing ahead of the 2025/26 season after being released by the Hammers, Dolaghan picked up right where he left off as his 23 goals helped fire the Rebels to promotion.
On joining Harrogate, Dolaghan said: “I’m delighted to be here and really excited to get going. The project is a really exciting one, and one that I want to be a part of.
“To get Worthing up was the goal, and we did that. So, I’m really proud of that and looking to bring that momentum into this year.”
Dolaghan will wear the number 23 shirt for Town and will be in contention to make his debut for the club during this Saturday’s 2025/26 curtain-raiser at home to Solihull Moors (3pm).