Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver becomes co-owner after 17 years in charge

Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver insists becoming co-owner will not alter his expectations in the dugout.

The 48-year-old is adamant that he will continue to be judged on results as he looks to push the National League club forward.

Weaver, who has managed Town since May 2009, takes on custodianship of the club alongside local businessman Jonathan Blezard, succeeding his father Irving, who took ownership in 2011.

The move marks a new chapter for Harrogate, who rose from the National League North to the Football League under the leadership of Simon and Irving Weaver before suffering relegation from League Two last season.

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Standards remain unchanged

Sulphurites have since made a strong start to life back at Step 1 football, sitting second on 28 points after 13 matches – seven adrift of leaders Boreham Wood after picking up nine wins.

Weaver said in a club statement: “My position and my role as manager will not change, and my ambition remains exactly the same – to become the best football manager I can possibly be and to keep pushing this team forward.

“I fully accept that, as manager, I will continue to be judged on results in exactly the same way as any other manager in football.

“Becoming a co-owner does not change that responsibility or the standards I expect of myself.

“I love the challenge of management, and I will continue to give everything I have to developing the team and helping us achieve success on the pitch.

“At the same time, I’m hugely excited about working closely with Jonathan on the wider and longer term vision for the club.”

Incredible leader

Weaver also paid tribute to his father’s contribution to the club, praising the values he brought to Harrogate during his time as chairman.

“As chairman, my dad has played an enormous part in the progress of Harrogate Town AFC, and I can’t thank him enough for the trust he has placed in me,” he added.

“He has been an incredible leader throughout his life in business, bringing those same values into football – honesty, hard work, integrity and determination.

“Those qualities have been central to the club’s progress, and I think the journey during his time as chairman speaks for itself.

Irving said his decision to relinquish control followed more than two years of consideration about the club’s long-term future.

“Over the last two years, I have spent a great deal of time considering what the right long-term ownership of Harrogate Town should look like,” he said.

“We have explored a number of avenues and spoken with many people who expressed an interest in becoming involved with the club.

“But this was never about finding somebody prepared to buy or invest in Harrogate Town; it was about finding the right people with the right intentions, who could also demonstrate the necessary commitment and suitability.

A new chapter for Harrogate

“This should not be viewed as family succession,” Irving stressed.

“Both Simon and Jonathan are making a significant commitment to this football club and, crucially, they are doing so together.

“Having considered the alternatives, I believe this partnership provides a strong and responsible platform for the next chapter of Harrogate Town AFC.”

Blezard, founder of Angstrom Sports, said he was confident in Harrogate’s potential.

“I recognise what this club means to its loyal supporters and the wider local community, and I can see its potential for the future,” he said.

“I intend to be an active owner, contributing to the club’s growth and helping us make the best possible decisions both on and off the pitch.

“We expect to attract further investment and expertise over time, but above all, we want to build on what makes Harrogate Town special.

“Together, we intend to make Harrogate Town something that the whole town can feel part of and be proud of.”

Harrogate travel to face Bury on Saturday int FA Cup fourth qualifying round.

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