Harrogate Town's durable new centre-half Sam Dreyer says he 'can do both sides of the game' after joining from Torquay United
Harrogate Town’s durable new centre-half Sam Dreyer says he can defend – and play out from the back.
The 22-year-old has joined the National League Sulphurites from sixth-tier Torquay United for an undisclosed transfer fee as a replacement for Cathal Heffernan, who was lured away by League One Cambridge United last week.
He arrives off the back of two impressive campaigns with the Gulls, which culminated in him being named the club’s Young Player of the Year at the end of 2025/26.
Perhaps more notable is the fact that Dreyer made 46 National League South appearances during his first year with Torquay, then a further 43 last season, helping them to the play-offs on each occasion.
The former Stevenage and Peterborough United man started 88 of those 89 matches, and went on to complete the full 90 minutes on all but four occasions.
But, in addition to that durability, Dreyer insists that he has plenty more to offer his new team.
“I’m a centre-half who can do both sides of the game,” he said. “I can play but can also head, tackle and put my body on the line to stop goals.
“And I’m really happy to be here. There’s a really good vibe about the place and the project seems really good, so I’m excited to get going.
“I want to play as many games as possible here, play as well as possible and hopefully it’ll be a successful season for us.”
Town’s newest recruit started his career at Stevenage and featured for Biggleswade, Hendon and Bedford before signing for Peterborough in 2023.
A loan spell at Hampton & Richmond is where Dreyer caught the eye of Torquay, who swooped to secure his services ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
The defender was an instant success, earning himself a place in the 2024/25 National League South Team of the Season, and eventually being appointed club vice-captain.
This term, he started each of the Gulls’ opening five league fixtures, playing the full 90 minutes in all of those matches before Harrogate made their approach towards the end of August.
Dreyer will wear the number 16 shirt at Town and is available for this weekend’s National League trip to Scunthorpe United, subject to FA and National League approval.