Harborough Town add Football League pedigree with Britt Assombalonga signing

Harborough Town have completed a major signing ahead of their historic first season in the National League North with experienced striker Britt Assombalonga joining the club.

The 33-year-old arrives at the Beehive with 486 senior appearances to his name, having spent the majority of his career in the English Football League.

Assombalonga has represented the likes of Peterborough United, Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough, as well as enjoying spells abroad including with Turkish side Adana Demirspor, before most recently playing for Barnet last season prior to leaving the club at the end of the campaign.

The former DR Congo international has scored 173 career goals whilst also turning out for the likes of Watford, Southend United and Antalyaspor.

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Perfect sense

His arrival marks another significant moment in Harborough’s rise through the Non-League pyramid, with Mitch Austin’s side preparing for their first-ever campaign at Step 2 following promotion from the Southern League Premier Central last season.

Assombalonga said the opportunity to join the Bees was an easy decision after discussions with the manager and staff.

“After speaking to the gaffer and hearing the way he spoke about the club, the staff and the players, the move made perfect sense for me at this stage of my career,” he told the club.

“From the minute I stepped into the building, everyone has made me feel welcome, and it was those experiences during pre-season that helped me make up my mind.

“We will take every game as it comes, and I, along with the rest of the lads, will give everything we have to help the club succeed.”

Enthusiastic

Austin believes the striker’s hunger and attitude can help him make a major impact at the Beehive.

“We had connections through the coaching scene and, with Britt moving locally, we had the opportunity to bring him in for pre-season and see whether he still had the bit between his teeth,” Austin said.

“Since he walked through the door, he has shown himself to be a really enthusiastic person who loves football.

“He is very different from some former professionals you come across, and he is someone we are really excited to work with.

“I’m going to be on him because I want him to have a high-scoring season with us. We want to get the best out of him while making sure he enjoys his football.”

Austin took to social media to further express his delight with his latest recruit.

“This is Football Manager 2027 stuff!” he added. “With all ex-professionals, desire to still want to play is a major factor in our decision to sign Britt.

“He’s been training and playing games for two/three weeks and he’s been an absolute pleasure to be around fits in well.

“[A] great character [that] will help us progress and I hope to see him smiling and scoring goals!”

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