Shared Harrogate Town and Railway defender rebuffs Scarborough Athletic approach

Harrogate Railway defender Harry Coates has rebuffed an offer to join fellow Evo-Stik Northern Premier First Division strugglers Scarborough Athletic.
Harry Coates in action at Radcliffe Borough (Photo: Caught Light Photography)Harry Coates in action at Radcliffe Borough (Photo: Caught Light Photography)
Harry Coates in action at Radcliffe Borough (Photo: Caught Light Photography)

New Scarborough boss Steve Kittrick put in a 'seven days' notice for the centre-back last week.

But the former York City youth team player chose to stay at Station View following a discussions with Railway boss Lee Ashforth and Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver.

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Coates signed for Railway on dual registration terms with Town earlier this month and has been a central figure in Ashforth's plans.

Ashforth said: "Scarborough wanted Harry and put in the seven days.

"I want round to his hous and said how he we could help him and he chatted to (Harrogate Town boss) Simon Weaver about it as well before deciding to stay.

"I was honest with him and said that if I thought it was a good move for him, I would have said it was.

"I didn't think what they have offered him was a good move.

Lee Ashforth, centre, visited Coates' house to persuade him to stay (Photo: Caught Light Photography)Lee Ashforth, centre, visited Coates' house to persuade him to stay (Photo: Caught Light Photography)
Lee Ashforth, centre, visited Coates' house to persuade him to stay (Photo: Caught Light Photography)
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"Thankfully he has stayed with us and it's great from Simon's point of view to have players with us. “It's now important that Harry is patient because next year will be a big year."

The youngster spent the season at Railway last year, where he played predominantly at right-back under Billy Miller.

He has been knocking on the door of the first team at Harrogate Town this season and also spent time at Evo-Stik North Premier outfit Matlock Town.

"When he played for us last year he was a bit on the weak side and he needed to fill out a little bit. For me, he has done that," added Ashforth.

"He looks absolutely brilliant. He is winning all the headers and being more vocal.

"It's all added to his game like Simon has asked him to do."