Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver has vowed to do everything within the club’s means to retain pivotal players whose contracts expire this summer.
Only eight members of the first-team squad are currently tied down until 2026 or later, leaving the futures of several experienced performers in question. Among those whose deals are up are long-serving defender Anthony O’Connor and leading scorer Josh March, who struck nine times this term.
Speaking to BBC Radio York, Weaver confirmed the club’s intent to fight to keep vital contributors:
“We have our budget but we are going to try our best to keep key players. It won’t be for the want of trying. We want to please the fans and if I sat down with them now, I am sure that if they looked at our list of who we want to retain, they would be happy.
“But, there will be agents involved, as there always are, probably asking for more than we can probably do, and we will stretch as much as we possibly can. But, the important thing is that we have got a team that is still in the Football League and whoever wears the badge will wear it with pride, I am sure.”
Saturday’s 2-1 win over Morecambe ensured the club’s League Two survival for a fifth consecutive year. With safety secured, focus now shifts to reshaping the squad.
Out of Contract Players
Among the out-of-contract names are defenders Zico Asare, Matty Foulds, Warren Burrell, Toby Sims, Liam Gibson and O’Connor, as well as midfielders Dean Cornelius, Matty Daly, James Daly, Levi Sutton and Stephen Dooley. Forwards Jack Muldoon and March are also on the list.
Club captain Josh Falkingham will not return in a playing role, while loanees Jasper Moon, Bryant Bilongo, Eko Solomon and Olly Sanderson have returned to their parent clubs.
Those still contracted beyond this summer include James Belshaw, George Thomson, Tom Hill, Bryn Morris, Ellis Taylor, Ben Fox and Tom Cursons. Academy graduates Lucas Barnes and Marcus Etherington have also signed pro terms.
Writer’s View
Harrogate’s challenge now lies in balancing ambition with financial restraint. Retaining key players like Anthony O’Connor and Josh March is vital if the club hopes to climb the League Two table.
Weaver’s public commitment to fighting for his core squad will reassure fans, but much depends on negotiations behind the scenes. With over a dozen players potentially departing, it could be a transformative summer at Wetherby Road.
