Simon Weaver explains what is next for Harrogate Town in terms of transfer incomings and outgoings

Relegated from League Two on the final day of 2025/26, the Sulphurites are preparing for life back in the National League after six years away.

They have already signed eight new players and strengthened their goalkeeping department, defence, midfield and attack.

But, having released nine members of his squad earlier this summer upon the expiry of their contracts, manager Simon Weaver has subsequently lost two men he desperately wanted to keep hold of.

The departure of influential captain Jack Evans and promising centre-half Chanse Headman for League One has forced the Town boss into something of a rethink, and he has confirmed that the club are still looking to bring players in before August 8’s opening-day-of-the-season clash with Solihull Moors.

Some of the funds received from Bromley for Headman have already been spent on recruiting another young defender in the shape of Archie Baptiste, who arrived at Wetherby Road from Championship Middlesbrough last week for an undisclosed fee.

And Weaver says that he intends to reinvest the significant sum of cash that Notts County paid to secure the services of Evans – although it might not be in another centre midfielder.

"We won’t necessarily be looking to go out and sign a replacement in Jack’s position,” he told the Harrogate Advertiser. “We do have options in the centre of midfield.

“Him leaving is going to pave the way for someone else getting an opportunity to establish themselves in his position.

"We do have funds from Jack’s transfer to put back into the playing budget and there are a few areas of the squad that we are still looking to strengthen.

“Left-back is a priority. We are looking at the market, looking at possible loans. We are very much looking.

"There are a few positions where we are still wanting to do something, but left-back is a key area.”

As disappointed as he was to see Evans and Headman move on, Weaver has revealed that there is a possibility that one more player could potentially follow them out of the Marcy Fitness Stadium.

Speculation continues to swirl on social media regarding the future of winger Reece Smith, who was reportedly the subject of interest from League Two Walsall and Oldham earlier in the summer.

But the Harrogate chief says he is hopeful of keeping his existing group together.

“I’d be very happy not to lose anyone else,” Weaver said, speaking prior to Saturday’s 2-2 pre-season draw with Doncaster Rovers.

“The maximum I would expect in terms of players going out is one more. There is a player, who I won’t name, who we had an offer for earlier in the summer.

"But, that has not been followed up since, so we will see.”

Thus far, Town have brought in goalkeeper Rory Watson, defenders Baptiste and Lewis Payne, midfielders Bailey Hobson, Will McGowan and Morgan Williams, and forwards Ciaran McGuckin and Rohan Vaughan.

All eight of those players have joined the club on permanent contracts, with Weaver still yet to take advantage of the loan market.