It’s fair to say Harrogate Town has been punching above its weight for a while since climbing out of the non-leagues in 2020.
A small squad is matched by a small budget, while the action takes place in a small stadium with small crowds. Despite these points, the club continues to stick around in League Two.
Considering that it took them over 100 years to reach that level, Harrogate’s not going to give it up without an almighty fight.
In five seasons in League Two, the club has yet to finish above the second half of the table. They’re usually in a battle to survive the drop. In fact, they only secured their status in the league for the 2025–26 season in their third last game, beating Fleetwood 3–1 at home in front of 3,000 fans.
While remaining in League Two is a fantastic achievement each time it’s done, can Harrogate aim higher? Maybe the top half of the table? Perhaps even a spot in the playoffs? This post takes a closer look at ways in which Harrogate can build on their success and climb further up the table.
Harrogate’s Odds: Still Outsiders for 2025–26
Okay, no surprises here. Harrogate Town won’t be among the favourites when the League Two betting odds are released for the 2025–26 season.
Being realistic, the bookies will likely place them closer to the bottom than the top. That’s not a knock on their resilience. It’s simply a reflection of their financial reality and past finishes. Most predictions will focus on survival rather than playoff ambitions. That’s good news if you’re an optimist because the odds will be long for any form of promotion.
Plus, that underdog tag has always suited Harrogate. In a league where resources often play a key role in dictating results, their continued presence speaks volumes. Although if they are to defy expectations again, it’ll require more than grit. It’ll need planning, a hearty dose of luck, and a few clever moves.
How Harrogate Can Climb the Table
A playoff push might feel like a dream at this stage. However, there are a few realistic ways that Harrogate could make steady progress up the table.
Retain their key players
Harrogate won’t have the budget to overhaul their squad this summer. Because of this, it’s essential that they keep hold of their most effective players. It has already been announced that six first-team members were released, including regulars Dean Cornelius, Matty Daly, Matty Foulds, and James Daly. They remain in contract negotiations with other out-of-contract players like Jack Muldoon, Warren Burrell, and Anthony O’Connor.
Ultimately, losing more leaders and key talents would only add pressure to an already thin squad.
Make smart, targeted transfers
With limited funds, Harrogate must shop smart. Think free transfers, short-term loans, and signing overlooked talent from non-league football. The club has done this well in the past, where they identify players who fit both their system and mentality.
Improve squad depth
Injuries and suspensions can impact every squad, big or small. Yet the latter are the ones often hit hardest. Last season’s run-in showed how stretched the squad can get when those injury numbers mount up. Because of this point, even just two or three solid, versatile additions to the squad could make a big difference across 46 games.
Maximise home form
If you’ve ever visited Wetherby Road, aka The Exercise Stadium, you’ll know that it’s not intimidating in terms of size. Nevertheless, it can be a tough place for other teams to visit. Harrogate needs to use this to their advantage and turn it into a fortress by picking up points consistently at home.
Harrogate averaged close to 1.5 points per game at home last season – a more than respectable number. Yet boosting this a little bit further could push them several places up the table.
With smart management and a few savvy decisions, a top-half finish isn’t impossible. Although nothing in League Two comes easy.
