Mick O'Connell confident that Harrogate Railway are finally getting back on track after five years of struggle

After five years of almost constant struggle, Mick O’Connell believes that Harrogate Railway are finally on the verge of getting back on track.
By Rhys Howell
Published 25th Sep 2020, 10:09 BST
Updated 25th Sep 2020, 10:12 BST
Harrogate Railway boss Mick O'Connell celebrates after watching his side beat Cleator Moor Celtic in a penalty shoot-out. Pictures: Craig DinsdaleHarrogate Railway boss Mick O'Connell celebrates after watching his side beat Cleator Moor Celtic in a penalty shoot-out. Pictures: Craig Dinsdale
Harrogate Railway boss Mick O'Connell celebrates after watching his side beat Cleator Moor Celtic in a penalty shoot-out. Pictures: Craig Dinsdale

Relegation scraps, demotion and heavy defeats have become the norm for the Starbeck ooutfit in recent times, and the Irishman became the club's ninth managerial appointment in three-and-a-half years when he replaced Des Macorison in late January.

Relegated from the Evo-Stik League at the end of 2015/16, Railway have been in steady decline ever since.

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Three seasons of struggle in the NCEL Premier Division followed before they eventually fell through the trap-door into Division One, where they again found themselves at the wrong end of the table before Covid-19 intervened and 2019/20 was declared null and void.

Railway drew 1-1 with North Ferriby in their opening NCEL Division One fixture of 2020/21.Railway drew 1-1 with North Ferriby in their opening NCEL Division One fixture of 2020/21.
Railway drew 1-1 with North Ferriby in their opening NCEL Division One fixture of 2020/21.

Things are however starting to look a little more positive since former Railway player and Darlington coach O'Connell was appointed first-team boss.

“Obviously there’s a huge rebuilding job to do here, but I’m quite positive about how things are looking,” the 34-year-old told the Harrogate Advertiser.

“The club has been in free-fall for too many years, so we’re looking to stabilise, to change the energy around the place and try and get people coming through the turnstiles again.

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“We’ve worked very hard in pre-season and I think we’ve recruited well. We have a lot of young, hungry players now, so I think the squad is looking decent.

Harrogate Railway's 2020/21 squad in their new kit, sponsored by local firm Kitching Plant Hire.Harrogate Railway's 2020/21 squad in their new kit, sponsored by local firm Kitching Plant Hire.
Harrogate Railway's 2020/21 squad in their new kit, sponsored by local firm Kitching Plant Hire.

“It’s an old cliche, but we’ll just take it game-by-game. If we can finish mid-table this year I’ll be delighted. That will give us the platform to go and try and build something so we can push on next year.”

Railway kicked-off 2020/21 with a 9-8 penalty shoot-out win over Cleator Moor Celtic in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase, having drawn 1-1 after 90 minutes.

They then held North Ferriby to a 1-1 draw in their opening NCEL Division One fixture on Tuesday night, Kieran Greenaway netting their goal late in the first half.

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“It’s not a bad result, though I’m a bit disappointed we didn’t go on and win the game to be honest,” O’Connell added.

“We had enough chances to take all three points, but they [Ferriby] are a good side and I’d have taken a draw before kick-off, so I can’t complain too much.”

Railway entertain Brigg Town at Station View on Saturday, 3pm kick-off.