Harrogate Town has announced its fifth summer signing as goalkeeper Rory Watson joins on a one-year contract.
The 30-year-old joins Town after spending the last three seasons at York City.
Watson said:
“I’m ecstatic. I heard about the deal towards the end of last week and had a conversation with the gaffer and it felt like the move fit both parties, so I’m delighted to be here.
“I’ve been a part of successful teams in the past and looking at the squad being built here, I think this can be a real success as well.”
Rory was signed by Leeds United at the age of 10 before joining Hull City, where he would go on to earn his first professional contract in June 2014.
After spending the next couple seasons out on loan, including a stint at North Ferriby where he made 31 appearances, the shot-stopper left Hull City to join Scunthorpe where he would go on to make 85 appearances for the Iron.
Watson would go onto to join Wrexham and then Doncaster before joining his hometown team, York City in 2023.
While at York, Watson rejoined Scunthorpe on loan in the 2024/25 season before spending the 2025/26 season on loan at Darlington, where he made 17 appearances.
Town’s Head of Recruitment Lloyd Kerry said:
“Rory brings experience as he knows the level and we think he’s a really safe pair of hands.
“He’ll bring calmness to the back line. We’ve got quite a young team, so to have a few experienced players, like Rory, who the younger players can lean on is really important to have.
“We are really happy that we’ve got two really experienced goalkeepers in Oxley and Watson.”
Watson previously played with Mark Oxley at Hull City and Kerry believes they’ll push each other this season.
He added:
“I think it always helps when you get to a new club and you know a familiar face, I’m sure they’ll both be really competitive and push each other.
The experienced Watson arrives at Town still eager to develop.
He added:
“I know I’m 30 years old but I still want to learn the game and learn aspects of it.
"I know much of a good guy Ox is and how good of a keeper he is, so I’m looking forward to learning off him and hopefully push him as well.
“I can’t wait to get going, it’s going to be nice to get a full pre-season with everyone and get to know what they and the club are about.”
Rory will wear number 30 at Town and will officially join on 1st July, subject to relevant governing bodies’ approval.
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