KATHERINE SWINN

@ katherine_ swinn

Last season was disappointing in the league. We started really well but our form dipped from November onwards. Our FA Cup run was a highlight, as we reached the third round for the first time and won away at Portsmouth.

The big talking point is the players we’ll be signing. Plenty have left, so replacements will be needed. Defender Kyle Ferguson, signed from Altrincham this summer, looks a good prospect.

Our key player will be Alex Pattison, if he stays. The attacking midfielder hit 10 goals and six assists last season. Our most underrated player is

George Thomson. A right- winger, he helps out centrally and at right- back.

The opposition player who grinds my

gears is Walsall’s Peter Clarke, then of Tranmere, whose antics resulted in our striker Luke Armstrong being sent off.

Fans think our ground is getting better but want to see further improvements made, including a supporters bar and a club shop. The active player I’d love to have back is goalkeeper James Belshaw.

The thing my club really gets right is listening to the fans. Recent matchday improvements are from our feedback.

Fans think our owner has generally done a fantastic job – we wouldn’t be where we are without Irving Weaver. But some fans would like his manager and son, Simon [ below], to have more accountability to him. I’m least looking forward to playing

Salford. We never seem to beat them.

Look out for Emmanuel Ilesanmi, 17 – quick, strong and already popular. The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is mixed. Weaver’s now been in charge for 13 years and the club have had the best period in its history. However, his stubbornness, poor man- management and tactical deficiencies cause concern. If he left, he should be replaced by

Dave Challinor: a promotion winner and successful at every club he’s led. The one change I’d make would be to see the return of the traditional yellow- and- black stripes. I won’t be happy unless we concede fewer goals, improve at home – and maybe have another good cup run? We’ll finish higher than last season, I hope. I’ll be optimistic and say 12th.

FFT VERDICT

24TH

Last season was Harrogate’s first year of regression since 2016- 17, in National League North. Their long- serving manager has added the experienced Joe Mattock from Rotherham, but Jack Diamond’s loan ended. Fail to fix defensive woes and this could be a dogfight.