Harrogate Town boss reveals what he's looking for during January transfer window

Harrogate Town attacker Sam Jones is back at Wetherby Road following a brief loan spell with National League rivals Solihull Moors. Picture: Matt Kirkham

The Wetherby Road outfit have allowed midfield duo Joe Leesley and Scott Brown to go out on loan in recent weeks, while left-back Mitch Hancox has returned to parent club Solihull Moors.

And although Sam Jones - the makeweight in the deal to bring Hancox to North Yorkshire - is now back at the CNG Stadium, Weaver is still aiming to recruit a couple of extra bodies.

“We are on the look-out. The ideal scenario would be that we can bring in a couple of players - that would be great,” the Town chief revealed

“We’re watching players in three or four different games this week because I feel we’re a little bit light up front.

“If Jack Muldoon tires then we don’t really have that option to replace what he brings. We’re seeing if there is anyone who we can add who plays down the middle and has that pace.

“I also want a defensive player who can operate in multiple positions. Someone in the Warren Burrell mould, capable of playing across the back-four. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many of those around.”

Although a different type of forward to Muldoon, the returning Jones will offer Town another attacking option.

And, given his track record as a proven goalscorer at National League level, Weaver may wait to see if Jones stakes a claim for a re-call before deciding to move for another striker.

“Sam Jones comes back into contention now,” he added.

“We’re looking for that injection of energy in training and him to be screaming out ‘include me’ by way of his performance.

“It will be either Sam or someone who we bring in who we’ll utilise as the extra attacker.”

In terms of the type of deals Town look to complete during this transfer window, Weaver doesn’t expect to be making any permanent signings.

“Obviously we have to balance the books. It’s my job as first-team manager to work within our budget, but Joe Leesley going to Stevenage does free some of that up,”he said.

“We are looking primarily at loan deals, however, potentially with an option to make things permanent further down the line if the player works out for us.”