Harrogate Town snap up a left-back and a goalkeeper on eve of debut EFL season

Harrogate Town have strengthened their squad with two new additions on the eve of their League Two debut.
Harrogate Town have completed a double transfer swoop.Harrogate Town have completed a double transfer swoop.
Harrogate Town have completed a double transfer swoop.

Boss Simon Weaver's top priority this summer was a left-back and he has finally managed to land one in the shape of Salford City's Dan Jones.

The 25-year-old England 'C' international, who can play full-back or centre-back, arrives on a season-long loan deal alongside goalkeeper Melvin Minter.

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“I’m over the moon to finally get the deal done, speaking to the gaffer and to Thirs I couldn’t wait to get it done," said Jones, who is eligible for Saturday's League Two curtain-raiser at Southend United.

“Everything they’ve said, the way they portray the club and the lads I’m delighted to be involved. I want to play as many games as possible and help the lads as much as I can.

"I like to play left-back as I like to get on the ball and get forward. I’m quite quick and like the battle of the one-versus-one.”

Born in County Durham, the 6ft tall defender began his career in the Football League (EFL) with Hartlepool United, before spending time at Grimsby Town, Gateshead and FC Fylde.

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He then made the switch to Barrow at the start of the 2017/18 season, racking up more than 75 appearances for the Bluebirds and earning himself a place in the 2018/19 National League Team of the Season.

His form tempted Salford to come calling following their promotion to League Two for 2019/20, though he spent a large chunk of last term back on loan with Barrow.

Twenty-five-year-old Minter has signed a short-term contract and will provide cover for Joe Cracknell while he deputises for Town's injured first-choice stopper James Belshaw.

Minter came through the ranks at Brentford and has played semi-professional football for Hanwell Town, Harrow Borough, Whitehawk FC and most recently Kings Langley in the Southern Football League.

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spent two seasons at Barrow before joining the Ammies following their promotion to League Two for 2019/20.

last season, then being sent back to Holker Street on loan for the remainder of the campaign.