Bailey Hobson confident he can tick all the boxes for Harrogate Town - and score goals from midfield
Harrogate Town’s newest recruit is confident that he can tick all of the boxes as a National League midfielder – including the one labelled ‘goal-scorer’.
The 23-year-old became the Sulphurites’ first signing since they were relegated from League Two at the end of 2025/26 when he joined them on a permanent deal last month.
Hobson arrives from Chesterfield, who opted not to offer him a new contract following a three-year spell during which he struggled to nail down a regular starting berth.
He was sent out on loan to Kidderminster, Barnet and then Brackley, with that experience of playing fifth-tier football certain to come in useful next term.
And, in addition, the former Sheffield United trainee says he can offer a little bit of everything in the middle of the park, while also contributing further up the pitch.
"I work hard, I run, I can tackle, go box-to-box, and I can also score goals,” Hobson said.
"I can play as an eight or a 10. I can run up and down, up and down, or as a 10, I like to make late runs into the box, or drive with the ball and let one go, just getting into positions to score goals.
“I just want to try and make an impact and try to help the team get as many wins as we can.”
Although highly-rated by both the club’s coaching staff and their supporters, Hobson was very much a fringe player at Chesterfield, particularly last term when he was limited to just one first-team appearance.
Thus, he is understandably delighted to have been handed a “fresh start”, and the opportunity to feel like he belongs.
“I am so happy to sign for the club, so happy,” the ex-Spireite added.
"The call [from Simon Weaver] showed how keen he was, and you want to play for a coach who wants you. I got the call, and I just thought ‘yes, this is it’.
"Loans aren’t bad, but you aren’t a part of their side, so to get a new home, a fresh start and feel a part of something, I’m happy.
“I can’t wait to start afresh.”