Town boss Simon Weaver believes the transfer of Abraham Odoh to Peterborough United has further strengthened the club’s pull on a transfer front.
Earlier today it was confirmed that Odoh would be making the move to the League One side in becoming the third player in less than six months to make the step up from Town’s ranks.
Speaking on the transfer, Weaver said: “We always want to provide a platform for young lads with aspirations of going further. We shouldn’t be down about this move, it’s another one to celebrate.
“In recent years, we have given platforms to a lot of loan players who have gone on to play higher up. Now we have three of our own players who have excelled for the club and been given that opportunity to play at a higher level.
“Abraham has been a fantastic signing for this football club, in less than a year he has gone on to play a lot of football and leaves a better player.”
Reflecting on this improvement, Town’s boss recalls a conversation 12 months ago which shows how far the winger has come in a relatively short space of time.
“Speaking with Abraham last season, he was caught up on his stats and what that meant. We spoke to him and tried to change his focus because it can become a worry.
“We gave him a little bit of faith to reassure him that the goals and assists will come. He just needed to keep getting himself into the right positions and from there we knew it would come.
“Looking back at the last season, he has been brilliant in terms of the goals and the assist numbers he has brought to the side so full credit to him.
Beyond his talent on the pitch, Town’s boss believes the 23-year-old is a shining example of what can be achieved for younger players.
“He brought a smile on his face every day, aside from his talent but it’s up to us to find the next Abraham or someone of that ilk.
“He is joining a very good club in Peterborough, they have high aspirations and in the last two seasons have found themselves battling to get into the Championship via the playoffs.
“They have watched him closely, they like what they see and have targeted him because of the work and the quality he has shown in a Harrogate Town shirt.”
While celebrating the success of Odoh’s transfer, attention has already turned to replacing one of Town’s top scorers last season.
“We are very hungry to make sure we use these moments to continue developing as a football club. We don’t want to stand still, we want to attract hungry players who will run through brick walls for our football club.
“We are looking at players out there who may not have realised their potential. If they approach things with the same attitude and mindset as Abraham did then I am sure they will realise that with us.
“We need to operate in that market, players who are the finished article are hard to come by. We are working really hard at the minute but a lot of players are on holiday, so things are moving slowly.
“Some players are also weighing up other options which is natural at this stage. However, we will be working with players who are hungry to improve and use the platform we provide here.”
With Luke Armstrong, Kayne Ramsay and now Abraham Odoh making the rise to England’s third tier, Weaver hopes the club’s approach to these situations will stand them in good stead moving forward.
“It’s a tough level to be at, you look at the level above and the playoff final attracted 70,000 spectators. That is the level and the standard which these players are going to.
“That is a huge carrot for players to chase but for us selling players is part of the business of football. We won’t stand in the way of players and to be fair to Ibby and Kayne before him they have both shown a fantastic attitude.
“I will be honest and up front when there are offers on the table for players. I hope that approach helps us to attract the next player with raw potential looking to fulfill that.
“The three players that we have moved on can all say that they enjoyed their football and their journey with Harrogtate Town.”
