Harrogate Town add ex-Birmingham City man to their ranks

Harrogate Town's newest arrival, right, in action for Birmingham City. Picture: Getty Images

Mitch Hancox has made the temporary switch from National League rivals Solihull Moors, with striker Sam Jones heading in the opposite direction.

The 26-year-old, who came through the ranks at Birmingham City and made 33 appearances for the Blues in English football's second tier, will remain at Wetherby Road until January 5, 2020.

Since leaving St Andrew's, he has helped Macclesfield Town win the 2017/18 National League title before turning out for MK Dons and most recently the Moors.

"He's a natural left-footer, who will help strengthen our left-hand side," Town boss Simon Weaver said.

"I've seen him play left-back, on the left wing and in the centre of midfield and he is very comfortable in all of those positions.

"A bit of extra experience in the camp will help us at this moment in time. Nothing that he will come up against this season while he is with us will daunt him.

"We've got nearly all of the ingredients that we need in terms of ability, but we need to accelerate the learning process in terms of problem-solving during games, and Mitch will help with this.

"Already in training he's been barking orders and organising others. We've seen his leadership skills and we know about his experience of winning this division previously, so he's a really good addition."

Weaver revealed that he has been an admirer of Hancox for some time and that he is delighted to finally get a deal to bring him to North Yorkshire over the line.

"I watched Mitch while he was at Macclesfield and was really impressed by him. I've tried to bring him in previously but haven't been able to," Weaver added.

"We spoke to him in the summer but we were always going to lose that battle with Solihull because Mitch is based there.

"I chanced my arm earlier this week and made a call, but the only way that Solihull would let him come was if it was a swap deal and they obviously knew that Sam [Jones] hadn't been getting much game-time.

"It's a deal that works for everyone. Mitch wants to be playing regularly and Sam hasn't had the opportunities here that he will feel he has deserved."

Hancox goes straight into Saturday's squad for Town's home clash with Chesterfield, 3pm kick-off at the CNG Stadium.