Former Blackburn Rovers Trainee Makes League Two Switch

Harrogate Town have confirmed the arrival of former Blackburn Rovers trainee Jack Evans from FC Halifax Town as their first new signing ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The dynamic midfielder, who was instrumental in Halifax’s back-to-back play-off finishes, arrives with a wealth of non-league and EFL experience and is expected to add steel and composure to the Sulphurites’ engine room.

Jack Evans Career

Born in Warrington, Evans began his career at Blackburn Rovers, turning professional in 2018 before embarking on a series of loan spells to build senior experience. He featured for Lancaster City, Hungerford Town, Gloucester City, and AFC Fylde during a three-year stint at Forest Green Rovers, making his professional debut in the EFL Trophy in 2020.

Following his release from Forest Green at the end of the 2021/22 season, Evans joined Hereford, where consistent performances in the National League North earned him a move to Halifax in July 2023. He scored on his debut for the Shaymen and went on to become a regular in their midfield, helping the team reach consecutive National League play-offs.

Evans spoke of his excitement at stepping into the EFL with Harrogate Town:

“I spoke with The Gaffer and Paul Thirlwell about where I fit into the plans here and the more I got to know about the club, the more it aligned with myself as a player and a person. I’ve loved my time at Halifax and have a lot of respect for the manager and players there, but as a young ambitious player I want to be playing in the EFL.”

The deal is subject to FA and EFL approval, but the club appear confident Evans will be a key figure in their midfield rebuild. His versatility and leadership qualities are seen as assets as Harrogate aim to improve on last season’s finish.

“I’m made up to get the deal done early and can’t wait to meet up with all the boys and get started in pre-season,” Evans added.

Evans becomes the first addition to Harrogate’s squad this summer, with further signings expected in the coming weeks as the club targets a stronger showing in League Two.

Writer’s View

This is a smart bit of business by Harrogate Town. Jack Evans has quietly built an impressive non-league CV and shown real resilience in climbing the pyramid. His ability to anchor midfield, distribute intelligently, and contribute defensively makes him a ready-made fit for League Two.

With Harrogate in need of midfield depth and leadership, Evans’ arrival ticks a lot of boxes. If he can carry his Halifax form into the EFL, he could quickly become a mainstay at Wetherby Road.

Gary Hutchinson is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Real EFL, which he launched in 2018 to offer dedicated coverage of the English Football League. A writer for over 20 years, Gary has contributed to Sky Sports and the Lincolnshire Echo, while also authoring Suited and Booted. He also runs The Stacey West and possesses a background in iGaming content strategy and English football betting. Passionate about football journalism, Gary continues to develop The Real EFL into a key authority in the EFL space.

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