Harrogate Town footballer and local lad Jack Emmett has been forced to quit the club due to an ongoing illness.
Jack has made the decision to step away from football for an indefinite period to focus on recovery from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), a long-term illness causing extreme tiredness.
As well as two promotions, the 27-year-old finishes his time at Town with an impressive 229 appearances to his name.
Jack said:
“Thank you to the club and to everyone who has supported me during my time here.
“It has been an incredible journey and I have loved every minute, but I know this is the right decision for my health moving forward.
“Hopefully one day I will be able to fully recover and return to the game.”
A local lad and fans favourite, Jack progressed through the Town youth system before joining Simon Weaver's first team squad in August 2014.
The Harrogate Town boss gave his reaction to Jack's departure:
“It’s a sad loss for the club and the supporters. Jack has been thrilling to watch over the years, he has always played with a joy and desire to run at people and entertain.
“He was part of the first U17's set up under Mark Forster who recommended we take a look at him, and we would later send him on loan to Forster’s Wetherby side, he was getting kicked all over park but kept getting up, we were so impressed with his attitude.
“We kept in touch when he went away to University and were delighted when he returned and would be training full time with us. I remember in pre-season at Thorpe Arch we put him in central midfield against Leeds United and he was waltzing past players, that was a big turning point for him and the club as he went on to play a massive part in us earning promotion from the National League North.
“His recent issue has saddened us all, but we respect his views and that his health is of paramount importance.
“He’s been with me for 11 years here and we have always shared a good bond. I’ll always think highly of Jack and the door is always open for him at Town - he is very much still a part of our family.”
The club have expressed their utmost gratitude to Jack for his efforts and wish him a full recovery.
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