Harrogate Town chairman wins political praise and hopes historic promotion will 'keep putting town on the map'

Harrogate Town manager, Simon Weaver, and chairman Irving Weaver, with the National League play-off final winners' trophy. Picture: Matt Kirkham

The chairman of Harrogate Town said the club's historic promotion to the English Football League will 'keep putting the town on the map' as he was congratulated by local leaders.

Irving Weaver told a meeting of Harrogate Borough Council he hopes there will be a boost to the town's economy next season after the club beat Notts County at Wembley to secure promotion and their highest ever league finish.

"Let's hope that together Harrogate Town can still promote further the best interests of Harrogate", he said.

"I'm hoping that bigger away crowds will start to spend money in the town and let's hope we can keep putting you on the map."

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After football was halted in March because of the coronavirus pandemic, clubs in the National League voted to end the season in April.

There was a period of time when it looked uncertain whether play-offs would be held, leaving Harrogate, who were second at the time, unsure if their hopes of promotion would be dashed.

But their 3-1 victory over Notts County on Sunday saw the Sulphurites victorious in the end.

Mayor Stuart Martin told Weaver: "On behalf of the council I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Harrogate Town Football Club.

"Irving, would you please pass on our congratulations for this fantastic achievement and wish everyone the very best for the next season."

In accordance with EFL regulations, the club will need to rip up their artificial pitch at the CNG Stadium and replace it with grass.

It means they will start next season sharing a ground with League One side Doncaster Rovers.

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Harrogate only turned professional in 2017-18 under the management of Irving's son and former Lincoln City defender, Simon Weaver.

His team now faces a very tight turnaround before next season gets under way on Saturday, September 12.

Speaking at last night's council meeting, Coun Chris Aldred told Weaver: "On behalf of all the local residents, I just want to congratulate you because it is tremendous news.

"When I moved to Harrogate 20 years ago you couldn't believe this would happen.

"You, Simon and Gary have done an absolutely brilliant job and as you say, you will be putting Harrogate on the map."

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter