Outgoing Harrogate Town CEO Sarah Barry ‘immensely proud' of her five-year tenure
Outgoing Chief Executive Officer Sarah Barry said she is “immensely proud” of the progress Harrogate Town made during her time at the club.
The Sulphurites announced on Thursday that the former Stray FM boss would be stepping down after five years in the role, with Karen Tyson arriving at Wetherby Road from York RLFC to take up the position of Managing Director.
Barry departs having overseen some notable achievements off the field, including a new average attendance and a significantly improved matchday experience for fans visiting the Marcy Fitness Stadium.
And the Harrogate Advertiser understands that her exit is not directly linked to any potential change in Town’s ownership.
“The last five years have been incredible,” Barry said. “There is too much to list, but I’m immensely proud of how far we have come in that time.
“Representing Harrogate Town AFC as CEO has been an absolute honour and a privilege.
“It takes a lot of dedicated people to run a football club. My heartfelt thanks and appreciation goes to each and every one of our fabulous team of staff, suppliers, commercial partners and volunteers for everything you do, and for making my time here so special.
“And to our fantastically loyal supporters, whose positivity throughout the last year in particular has been outstanding. It cannot be underestimated how much this has helped the team on and off the pitch as we adapt and get ready to go again.”
Arguably Barry’s most significant success was the growth of Town’s average attendance beyond the 3,000-mark for the first time in the club’s history.
That record was broken during the 2025/26 campaign when the average crowd turning out to watch home games more than doubled compared to where it was prior to Barry’s appointment in the summer of 2021.
In addition, her focus on improving the match-day experience at Wetherby Road culminated in Town being ranked third highest in the whole of the Football League in last season’s Family Excellence Scheme ratings.
But, rather than focus on her own achievements, she chose to use her farewell message to pay tribute to the Weaver family, who both own and manage the club.
“I’d like to express my sincerest gratitude to Irving, Dorothy and Simon Weaver,” Barry added. “Firstly, for giving me the opportunity, and for their kindness and support to me personally.
“And more importantly, for everything they have done and accomplished for this football club in the last 17 years.
“What Harrogate Town has achieved is simply extraordinary and it would not have been possible to get anywhere close without their time, ambition and relentless commitment year in year out. They deserve so much recognition for their invaluable contribution.
“The journey continues and we’ve had a brilliant start to the season. There’s still a long way to go but it’s a great position to be in and whatever happens, I hope we can deliver an exciting and enjoyable season for everyone involved. There are really exciting times ahead.”
Although she has left her role as CEO, Barry will still retain some involvement at Town as she continues as a trustee of the club’s Community Foundation board.