After a busy summer with comings and goings, an expanding junior set up and tough pre-season schedule, Harrogate Town Ladies are on the verge of their season opener against Ossett Albion.
Town will be plying their trade in the North East Regional Southern division, in their second season as a club. Expectations are high within the squad, with Manager Jon Maloney commenting, “We have managed to bring in some great players to compliment our existing group, which we now believe has a great balance of experience, creativity and commitment. I am thoroughly looking forward to getting competitive action underway this Sunday at Ossett, which we have worked tirelessly towards.”.
The club has been boosted by a number of high profile signings this summer, including ex Leeds United and American College footballer Jade Pennock, who will be coaching the future generation of Town Ladies at our Player Development Centre. Jade is pictured below alongside fellow new recruit Katie Rowlands, once of Hull City in the Premier League, who again will be a valuable asset to the team with her creativity and experience at the top levels of the game.
Also joining the club is Grace Foyer, who has recently completed a transfer from York City. Grace is an exciting young defender, who will strengthen the back line, whilst continuing her development alongside experienced captain Lindsey Whitton, who will once again don the armband. Striker Sue Elrington has joined the club, and will be looking to spearhead the attack and challenge near the top of the goal scoring charts. Caz Hulme has returned to the club, alongside Tilly Salter, who will again provide two very creative and direct wide options, with a wealth of experience that the younger players can tap into. Also signing are Emma Varley and Lucy Faraday, who have years of experience at this level and will provide stiff competition at the back.
Ladies Director of Football, Ged Maloney, is delighted with the retention of the core of last year's league winning side, with the addition of the new signings. Ged commented “ The management have worked extremely hard to keep the players they wanted from last year, and the calibre of player that have joined the club shows great ambition and an exciting challenge for the season”.
Town Ladies first league fixture is away at Ossett Albion this Sunday 17th September, 14.00 kick off. The game is to be played at Ossett Albion FC, postcode WF5 8JT. Town's first home game is on Sunday 8th October vs Doncaster Belles Ladies FC. Kick off will be 12.30pm at the CNG Stadium, with free entry and the 1919 bar open.
A full ladies fixture list will be released in due course.