Harrogate Town: York City midfielder Tom Platt returns to CNG Stadium

Harrogate Town have snapped up the services of former midfielder Tom Platt after agreeing loan deal with York City.
Tom Platt keeps his eyes on the ball in a previous spell with TownTom Platt keeps his eyes on the ball in a previous spell with Town
Tom Platt keeps his eyes on the ball in a previous spell with Town

The 21-year-old returns for a fourth spell at the CNG Stadium, the third being during 2012/13 campaign.

He will head straight into Town’s squad for Saturday’s trip to Chorley, but his participation is depend on the state of Paul Thirlwell’s calf injury.

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Town boss Simon Weaver said it was a “no brainer” to bring the player back to the club.

Weaver said: “There’s been a few time when we have tried to get home back when he has not been in the team, but it has not been an option until now.

“Russell (Wilcox) sees the benefit of getting him some games.

“It’s possibly the only person I would bring in right now. Platty gives us that attacking drive and nous in the box from midfield.

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“His personality is quality, it was a no brainer to bring him into a place where he feels comfortable.”

Tom Platt in action for Harrogate TownTom Platt in action for Harrogate Town
Tom Platt in action for Harrogate Town

Platt made 28 appearances in three spells at Town on loan from the Minstermen during the 2012/13 campaign.

His total of 11 goals helped Town reach the FA Cup second round and put them firmly in contention for a play-off finish.

Platt was recalled to the York squad when Nigel Worthington took over as manager following the sacking of Gary Mills.

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Platt was a regular starter under Worthington but has found chances limited under new York boss Russell Wilcox who has allowed the midfielder to return to the CNG on an initial month-long period.

The 21-year-old was a favourite amongst the CNG faithful during his previous stays, and made a lethal link-up with striker Dom Knowles, who re-joined Town at the start of the season.

Town were in fourth place in the table when both Knowles and Platt exited in the space of two weeks in March 2012, culminating in a sixth-placed finish for the club.

Weaver added: “I have always said the season we had Knowles and Platty, we were flying at the time.

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“When Dom went to Burton and Tom went back to York, that transfer deadline killed us for goals and as a goal threat.

“If only we had managed to keep them at the time. But now we have a second bite of the cherry.”