Local lad Tom Lees turns down EFL offers for Harrogate Town project

Former Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town defender Tom Lees has turned down Football League offers to join hometown club Harrogate Town, believing there are “an exciting couple of years in store” at Wetherby Road.

The experienced centre-back arrives with almost 700 professional appearances to his name after spells with Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town and, most recently, Peterborough United.

He made 33 League One appearances for the Posh last season.

According to Opta, Lees has made 617 league starts across England’s top four divisions since his first league campaign with Accrington Stanley in 2009-10 while on loan from Leeds. No player has started more league games in that time.

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Good project

Despite never having played below League Two and attracting interest from EFL clubs, Lees said the chance to represent his hometown club proved too good to turn down.

“I’m really happy to be here and meet everybody, it’s been a great day,” he told the club.

“I’ve had a few offers in the Football League, but after sitting down and talking with the club, there’s an exciting couple of years in store here and the start of a good project.

“I’ve lived in this town for most of my life, this is my local club, it means a lot to me to be involved and hopefully have a positive impact on my local team.

“I’ve had loads of friends that have played for the club, I’ve known Josh Falkingham since I was six years old and, just from living in the town and being local, I know a lot of the players, a lot of the staff and the coaching staff.

“I had a real connection as soon as I got talking about this move. I wanted to be surrounded by like-minded, good people, and that’s been proved today when I went into the club and had my first day in the building.”

Leader

Sulphurites are preparing for their return to the National League in 2026/27, with long-serving boss Simon Weaver targeting an immediate promotion push after last season’s relegation.

Head of player recruitment Lloyd Kerry believes Lees’ experience and leadership qualities will prove invaluable both on and off the pitch.

“We’re delighted to have him,” Kerry said. “He comes in with great experience and a CV that speaks for itself.

“He’s a proper leader so will come in and set the standards and guide some of the young lads.

“To play that many games at a top level you have to be a top professional and he’ll lead by example. You need leaders in the dressing room and in the team and Tom is definitely that.

“He organises, is dominant in the air, calm on the ball and is versatile enough to play across the back three.

“He’s a big name and comes in having played 30-odd games in League One last season, so it’s a really big signing for us.”

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