Harrogate Town sign Burnley FC goalkeeper Sam Waller on a permanent deal on transfer deadline day
Harrogate Town have strengthened their goalkeeping department with the signing of Sam Waller from Premier League Burnley.
The Sulphurites sold regular number one James Belshaw to Notts County earlier in the January transfer window, then lost the experienced Mark Oxley to a calf injury during the first half of Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Crawley.
Henry Gray, the man drafted in on loan from Ipswich to replace Belshaw, was introduced from the substitutes’ bench at the weekend, however he was not fully fit having tweaked a groin muscle during last week’s home defeat to Fleetwood.
With Oxley expected to be sidelined for some time, Town boss Simon Weaver had no option but to move for another gloveman, and says that he was delighted to be able to recruit a player of Waller’s quality at such short notice.
“We started the process of bringing a new goalkeeper in straight away after getting on the bus at Crawley and are really happy to have been able to get Sam,” Weaver said.
“He’s had good experience at Rochdale and Crewe and brings with him some vitality to that position.
"He’s well up for it and performed well at Crewe earlier this season.”
Waller, who has signed a contract until the end of 2025/26, spent the first half of the season on loan at Crewe, where he made 11 appearances between the sticks.
Although he played a number of games in the EFL Trophy, as well as featuring in the League Cup and FA Cup, the 22-year-old had to wait until mid-December to make his first League Two appearance.
But, having taken the place of Tom Booth for the 4-1 win over Tranmere, Waller impressed and went on to start the Alex’s next four league matches, before returning to Burnley.
"He's very vocal for such a young player and very calm - horizontal at times - and he does command his box,” said Crewe boss Lee Bell of his goalkeeper following his League Two debut.
Prior to his move to Gresty Road, Waller had been out on loan with Lancaster, Hyde and Rochdale, for whom he made 20 National League appearances during 2024/25.
The Stockport-born stopper, who becomes Town’s ninth signing of the January window, is available for Tuesday night’s fixture against Swindon, subject to FA and EFL approval.