Jonathan Blezard and Simon Weaver complete takeover of Harrogate Town AFC

Friday’s announcement, which has been expected for a number of months but delayed while the Independent Football Regulator signed off on the change of ownership, brings to an end Irving Weaver’s 15-year tenure as chairman and majority shareholder.

Simon Weaver, who is Irving’s son, has been first-team manager of the Sulphurites for 17 years and overseen two historic promotions and, more recently, relegation out of the Football League, will continue in that role alongside his new position of ownership.

While his co-owner continues to take full responsibility for matters on the pitch, 42-year-old Blezard, who is a local businessman with a background in sports analytics and trading and the founder of Angstrom Sports, has stated that he intends to ‘play an active role in the club’s development.’

A statement released by Town confirmed that both men ‘have committed material financial support’ having been chosen by Irving Weaver as his preferred option to take charge at Wetherby Road following two years of ‘careful consideration’ regarding the long-term future of the club.

But, Harrogate’s outgoing chairman was quick to stress that the change in ownership does not simply represent “family succession.”

Irving Weaver said: "Over the last two years, I have spent a great deal of time considering what the right long-term ownership of Harrogate Town should look like.

“We have explored a number of avenues and spoken with many people who expressed an interest in becoming involved with the club. But this was never about finding somebody prepared to buy or invest in Harrogate Town; it was about finding the right people with the right intentions, who could also demonstrate the necessary commitment and suitability.

“Given these expectations, the combination of Simon and Jonathan as co-owners was a very compelling option. This should not be viewed as family succession. Both Simon and Jonathan are making a significant commitment to this football club and, crucially, they are doing so together.

Their experiences and strengths complement each other extremely well. They share a genuine ambition for Harrogate Town while understanding the responsibility that comes with owning a football club.

“Having considered the alternatives, I believe this partnership provides a strong and responsible platform for the next chapter of Harrogate Town AFC.”

Irving Weaver initially took over at Town in June 2011, replacing Bill Fotherby at the helm, two years after Simon Weaver was appointed manager.

Following an indifferent six-year period, the club went full-time in 2017 and immediately earned promotion from National League North - the sixth tier of English football - via the play-offs.

Two years later, Town went up again, beating Notts County 3-1 at Wembley Stadium in the National League play-off final to secure their place in the Football League.

Less than 12 months later, the Sulphurites returned to Wembley, where they won the FA Trophy courtesy of a 1-0 success over Concord Rangers.

But, having punched above their weight in League Two for more than half a decade, the club was relegated from the fourth tier following a 2-1 home defeat to Barnet on the final day of the 2025/26 campaign.

By this point, Simon Weaver had already alluded to a change in ownership being on the cards, and in July of this year, he and Blezard became directors of a newly-incorporated company, FC Company Holdings Limited.

Following their relegation from the Football League at the end of last season, Town currently sit second in the National League having won nine of their opening 13 matches this term.