Harrogate Town chairman Irving Weaver has admitted he shares supporters' frustration with the club's league position - but insists the fight to remain in League Two is far from over.
In a statement to fans, Irving said he felt the same “deep disappointment and frustration” as supporters, describing the campaign as “our most difficult and challenging season yet” since promotion to the EFL in 2020.
Despite the struggles, Irving was clear that the club’s resolve has not wavered.
He said:
“There is absolutely no question that we are going to fight hard to stay in it. We are prepared and committed to working even harder to protect the work put in by everyone connected with our club.”
Irving highlighted an unprecedented injury crisis as a key factor behind Harrogate’s difficult season.
Since October, the club has suffered 32 injuries, 19 of them severe, resulting in 1,824 days of lost playing time.
While stressing “this is not an excuse”, he admitted there was “no doubt that this situation has seriously impacted our season to this point”.
He said the club had consulted with “industry experts and some of the most experienced football medical professionals” in an effort to resolve the situation and added that there were now signs of improvement, with players returning and nine new signings brought in during the January transfer window.
“As a result, we have significantly strengthened the squad over the past month,” Irving said, pointing to recent performances as evidence of progress. He described Tuesday night’s match against Swindon Town as “one of our strongest performances this season”, despite the result.
Looking ahead, Irving acknowledged the growing competitiveness of League Two and the financial pressures that come with it.
He said:
“The increasing gap in player wages and operational running costs make it a real challenge whilst trying to remain competitive at this level."
He also confirmed ongoing talks with potential investors, stressing the importance of protecting the club’s long-term future.
“Every decision made will be in the best interests of the club and its stakeholders.
"We need your support more than ever before,” he said. “Let’s stay united, get behind the team and continue to do our town proud.”
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