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    Players Leaving Thoughts?

    paulstreet
    paulstreet


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    Post by paulstreet Wed May 03, 2017 12:41 pm

    List of 8 players released by the club on the official forum. I'm disappointed to see Colbeck leaving. Thanoj seemed a massive signing in the summer, he didn't do badly but never really made the impression I was expecting. Sad to Shiels go, never let us down in my view. Brooksby never really given a chance, strange signing in retrospect. Elliot no surprise and I guess full time was always going to be difficult for Ellis. Thought JP might stay, but things seemed to have gone awry the last few weeks. Turner was on the initial list, but his name has now disappeared. No mention of Chib but it would be very surprising if he stayed, never given a chance by Simon.

    So looks like we will need two centre halves. Wonder if Parker will stay? Seems to divide opinion. I think he is OK. Agnew and Burrell in midfield, presumably Kerry in Jan 2018 when he returns. So we need at least one specialist midfielder. Another winger, presumably. And how many strikers? I'm assuming that Knowles will stay, fine by me, but clearly a risk. We will at least two specialist strikers. No disrespect to Ainge, but I think his goals this season (important as they were) were probably a one off. I aso think we badly need a goal scoring midfielder, hope Agnew fills that role next season.

    Oh well, just some ramblings, but it should be an interesting summer.
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    Surplus


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    Post by Surplus Wed May 03, 2017 5:03 pm

    For those that haven't seen the statement. Presumably negotiations still ongoing with all players not mentioned including Turner, Chilaka, Parker, Ainge etc. Seem to remember Fylde losing a number of players as full time didn't suit their circumstances.

    SQUAD BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE FOR 2017/18
    by HTAFC Staff in Information 02 May 2017

    SQUAD BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE FOR 2017/18
    Following the end of our 2016/17 Vanarama National League North campaign, the club would like to make the following announcement regarding our playing squad for next season.

    Firstly, we would like to thank all the players for their efforts over the course of this season. We are pleased that a number of the current squad have already committed their future to the club for next year, with others expected to do so in the coming days.

    However, it is widely known that the 2017/18 campaign will be a watershed season for our club. As we revealed back in January, Harrogate Town will operate on a full-time basis from July, the start of the 2017-2018 season. Making our intentions clear at the turn of the year has enabled every member of the squad to consider their options, and weigh up the feasibility of turning full-time should an offer be presented to them. It is understandable that each player has their own unique set of individual circumstances, and as a club we also have a set of guiding principles which must be considered when evaluating the playing squad.

    Since announcing our intention to move to full-time, there has been a high level of interest from players outside our club who are keen to join us, and we are confident of being able to strengthen the squad with new additions over the summer. Every player who joins us this year will be solely focussed on professional football, fully understand the parameters we are working within, and crucially, share the ambitions of everyone involved with Harrogate Town.

    As expected, the transition to full-time presented some difficult decisions to the club, and after a period of negotiations we can reveal that the following players will be leaving us when their current contracts expire: Chris Elliott, Danny Ellis, Luke Shiels, JP Pittman, Wayne Brooksby, Tom Platt, Andi Thanoj, Joe Colbeck. Discussions are ongoing with other members of the squad and further details will be released in due course.

    We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to all of the players who are moving on for their contribution to the club and wish them all the very best in the next chapter in their careers.
    paulstreet
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    Post by paulstreet Tue May 16, 2017 10:24 am

    Very quiet on here, unlike Facebook which is buzzing and the natives are not happy! a lot of concern about the lack of new signings and the retention of so many of last year's squad, who badly under performed. Particular concern being expressed about the 'strike force', or rather 'unstrike force'. Ainge is apparently being re-signed as a striker, I for one doubt he can repeat his exploits of last season, and, in any case, should a new full time team be using a make weight striker? (sorry Simon!). Then there is Knowles, loads of potential but seriously injury prone, a huge risk there. Marcus Day, in my view, nowhere near ready for this level (a season on loan in the NPL would surely benefit him) and Jordan Thewlis. Now, I like Jordan, he worked hard, had loads of energy when he was with us before, scored a few good goals. But a move to Trinity was hardly a move upwards, and this seems a curiously lazy signing. Are there no other strikers out there wanting full time football? So its a worrying situation. I was expecting great things this close season (still may happen, of course), but, so far, its the dampest of damp squibs. Only Josh from Darlington (and maybe Belshaw, if the club ever confirms his signing) seem at all exciting, and the prospect of a full season from Agnew.

    So not exactly doom and gloom, but seriously under-whelming so far. Lets hope for better.
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    CCOB


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    Post by CCOB Tue May 16, 2017 10:35 am

    Plenty of time left for new signings, the play off final was only 3 days ago. Still 6 weeks to go till pre-season training begins. I would think the manager is just sorting out who's staying first.
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    Top Cat


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    Post by Top Cat Tue May 16, 2017 11:23 am

    CCOB wrote:Plenty of time left for new signings, the play off final was only 3 days ago. Still 6 weeks to go till pre-season training begins. I would think the manager is just sorting out who's staying first.

    He should of done that before the seasoned ended and had it ready to release, just another way we do things different to other sides, look at Fylde 3 days after the season finished they had there list of retained and released published, details of matchday prices and ST prices for the up coming season done, and have had 2 and a half weeks to already start negotiations with new players, where as town 3 weeks after the season have just confirmed which players we are keeping and now know which position we need to signing players for next season, 6 weeks till pre season starts we have no goal keeper and 1 fit defender in our squad, hopefully he has a lot of players ready to put pen to paper I'll hold my breath.
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    TheNeil30


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    Post by TheNeil30 Tue May 16, 2017 11:43 am

    We've probably signed lots of players but the person who the club call a 'communications manager' probably can't be arsed to confirm it.
    paulstreet
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    Post by paulstreet Tue May 16, 2017 12:11 pm

    Yes, doesn't help does it? Thing is going full time is a massive thing for the club, and I really expected Simon and Irving to be really bold and re-model the squad to at least try and make the most of it. Maybe they will still, but to date none of the new signings (Falkingham, Belshaw and Thewlis) are from a higher league. Falkingham is probably an upgrade (hope so!), Belshaw on a par with Crook (minus the bloopers!) and Thewlis a bit of a punt.

    Maybe I'm naïve, but I was expecting that going full time we could attract quality players from the National Premier, maybe even League 2. So far the squad looks just like last years, a mid table outfit at best. Still time as CCOB says. Lets face it we need a new full back, two centre halves, and (please!) a top quality striker...splash the cash Irving, otherwise going full time will be a waste of time (and money!).
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    Chips97


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    Post by Chips97 Tue May 16, 2017 12:14 pm

    I am worried mostly about our forward line so far!
    Ainge was brilliant last season but his goals did seem to be drying up towards the end of the season. The real question is can he do it again next season?
    Marcus Day is no where near good enough for the first team, especially for a team apparently pushing for promotion! He needs to be sent out on loan for the full season.
    Dom Knowles is in my opinion our best finisher at the club and will score goals if he can keep himself fit!!!
    Jordan Thewlis will work hard, score the odd goal and has pace but is not going to score a ton of goals which is what we need! I prefer him more as a right winger anyway.

    I am excited by Josh Falkingham, he sounds like a Lloyd Kerry type of player and should fit in while Kerry is out injured and then they can battle for a first team place.

    We need to bring in some top quality defenders and not just young lads, we need some big solid defenders a bit like Ellis to challenge near the top.

    If Belshaw signs I will be extremely happy with that as he is a top quality keeper but we will still need a backup! I was hoping Crook would stay to battle with Belshaw for a starting position.
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    Post by Top Cat Tue May 16, 2017 12:45 pm

    Keepers as of yet with nothing announced we don't have one

    Defence atm we've only got 2 left backs signed up Parker and swain when he's fit, need to sort this, don't want kids like that lad on loan from Bradford far to week, need experience at this or a higher level.

    Midfield is about there emmett ,Agnew, falkingham, Burrell, Leesley Kerry when fit, perhaps a bit of cover on the wing thewlis could do that, roger the run man tells me rob worell may come back,

    Forwards a big worry knowles ( can he stay fit?) ainge ( can he repeat last season?) thewlis ( can he score enough goals?) need at least 1 another out and out striker who can score goals like JPP but stays fit.

    Going Full Time I expect us to sign players for certain positions not just utility players that can do a few positions ok but not great at one Tom Platt as a example.

    Nothing mentioned but presume our dual registered players like Cadman and Jerome, can't think of anymore are gone?
    Townfan
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    Post by Townfan Tue May 16, 2017 6:05 pm

    Not much patience being shown on here (or on facesh**te).
    League season only finished four days ago.
    The time to moan is after 3rd Jul when training starts, in the meantime let's let the club get on with it.
    As someone said above, this is a massive step going full time; Fylde are already full time so they have an easier close season and will obviously not have the transition problems.
    More patience - less speculation please.
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    GARAGE


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    Post by GARAGE Tue May 16, 2017 7:05 pm

    Well said Townfan.
    We really do have impatient people out there.
    I'll bet at Christmas they want their presents a week early.
    paulstreet
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    Post by paulstreet Wed May 17, 2017 12:38 pm

    Lighten up guys! Its a fans forum, you know like we sort of talk about things, exchange ideas and (dare I say) speculation about our favourite team. I want more action on this site, not less.

    In any case the 'moaning' (lets call it 'concern') about our strike force for next season is more than mere speculation. According to the club all the players who are going to leave have left, which means presumably that Ainge, Knowles, Day, and Thewlis will be our strikers next season. Will we sign a fifth? I bloody well hope so because those four don't exactly fill me with confidence! As I said earlier, I doubt that Ainge can really do it again next season (love to be wrong, of course), Knowles is injury prone, Day isn't ready and Thewlis has potential, but we won't know until August I guess.

    I mean look, in the last two seasons, our bacon has been saved (goalwise) by two essentially freak events: Daniels one off goalfest two years ago, and a converted centre half banging 20 goals in to everyone's surprise, even Ainge's I'm sure. In other words a 'conventional' striker has not done the business for us since (dare I say) my favourite Graeme Armstrong! We might be seeing him again next season as well.

    On the plus side, Falkingham looks like a quality addition, and Belshaw looks at least as good a keeper as Crook. So, I don't moan all the time!

    One of the great pleasures of being a football fan is talking about it! I mean your actual team only plays 90 minutes a week, there is a lot of time to fill. Anyway I for one will not be observing a monastic silence for the next 6 weeks.
    Townfan
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    Post by Townfan Wed May 17, 2017 5:47 pm

    A player who keeps picking up an injury is called injury prone.
    In the 2015/16 season Knowles picked up a debilitating illness (like Robertson did this season).
    In the 2016/17 season he broke/dislocated his ankle which required two operations.
    IMHO that does not mean he is injury prone.
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    Post by Top Cat Wed May 17, 2017 5:58 pm

    I'd still say he's injury prone tho, this was taken from his twitter his twitter in October,

    'Tendinitis in my knee, pleurisy, torn hamstring, and now a broken foot!'

    IMO anyone who has a knee injury, tears there hamstring, and breaks there foot all inside 12 months could be described as injury prone.
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    Post by paulstreet Wed May 17, 2017 8:13 pm

    Ouch! Well said Top Cat! Always liked cats!
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    Darlofan97


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    Post by Darlofan97 Sat May 20, 2017 3:29 pm

    Falkingham is a very good signing for Harrogate. Doesn't get forward very much, more sits in front of the back 4. When he is on form he is excellent, a real tenacious midfielder who will probably pick up around 10 bookings a season!

    Sad to lose him, but he wants full-time football and is Leeds based, we cannot compete with that. I am more happy with us retaining Beck (who I believe you were in for). I'm also hoping for us to sign Colbeck & Chilaka after they were both released by Harrogate.

    George Thomson is also a fantastic signing.
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    Post by Dolf87 Sat May 20, 2017 6:10 pm

    Good to hear. Colbeck is class on his day. Solid work rate. He was the only one released I really wanted to stay. Chilaka is good and will get you a dozen goals or so. Probably didn't get enough of a chance under Weaver.
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    TheNeil29


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    Post by TheNeil29 Wed Jun 14, 2017 12:32 pm

    [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
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    CCOB


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    Post by CCOB Wed Jun 14, 2017 1:41 pm

    It's starting to look doubtful we will have a striker in the same class as him this season.
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    Post by Dolf87 Wed Jun 14, 2017 2:21 pm

    If Ainge is half as good as he was last season and Knowles stays fit, then we will have 2 strikers of that class. I was hoping we would secure a leagues class striker to add to the pot though. Still time.
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    Post by WhiteRose11 Wed Jun 14, 2017 10:45 pm

    and we have Thomson 20+ goals a season

    Cant wait for season to start
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    Post by Townfan Sat Jun 24, 2017 7:52 pm

    Interesting to note the common denominater in the signings we have made. Early twenties in most cases and on two year contractss. Are we looking a little further ahead than next season?
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    Post by Big Lundy Sat Jun 24, 2017 8:53 pm

    Might also have something to do with this!
    [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
    The “rumour” is that if you finish in a promotion or play-off spot for the Football league with a 3G pitch and you refuse to dig it up & replace it, not only do you miss out on promotion to the Football League, but you are instantly relegated back down to National League North or South!
    Shocked
    Can either Bromley, Maidstone United or Sutton United afford to finish in a promotion or play-off position next season?
    scratch
    At least Town’s current level will give us the opportunity for 1 promotion with the 3G pitch!
    But after that the “financial model” might have to change if the Football League still refuse to accept 3G pitches!
    With the costs involved with full-time football, ground improvements for the National League & potentially Football league we need to boost our support base & bring in as much brass as possible from the 3G pitches while we can to make it sustainable!!!!
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    Post by Top Cat Sat Jun 24, 2017 9:20 pm

    A RB and CB from a side who shipped them in for fun last season and got relegated to our division and Ferriby let them leave, a CB from a team in our division with a horrid defensive record and Ben Parker! Hope our new keepers a world beater
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    Post by Tommyb123 Sun Jun 25, 2017 7:43 am

    Ferriby didn't let him leave top cat. They were desperate to keep their captain.

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