Town make first signing since promotion as defender joins

Callum Howe has joined Harrogate Town. Picture: Matt Kirkham

Boss Simon Weaver completed the signing of centre-half Callum Howe on Friday, the 24-year-old joining from League Two outfit Port Vale less than a fortnight after his new club’s play-off final success over Brackley Town.

Doncaster-born Howe began his career with Scunthorpe United, moving to Lincoln City in 2015 before completing a move to Port Vale earlier this year.

He boasts plenty of National League experience, having turned out on loan for Gateshead, Alfreton, Southport and Eastleigh in addition to winning the title with Lincoln in 2016/17.

Town chief Weaver revealed that he plans to make “three or four” additions to his playing group over the summer, but the core of this season’s promotion-winning side are expected to be given the opportunity to prove themselves in the fifth tier of English football.

The club have been speaking to their players in recent days regarding their futures, and a retained list is due to be released imminently.

One man who will not be at the CNG Stadium when the new campaign kicks off is left-back Louie Swain.

He took to social media on Thursday to announce that “sadly today brings the end of four seasons with my home-town team, this season by far being the best, topped off with promotion!

“Going to miss all involved and wish everyone the best for next year.”