FULL-TIME GIG NOT SO HARRO-ING, SAYS BOSS

SIMON Weaver believes Harrogate Town are already in the right professional mindset to go full-time next season.

The Wetherby Road outfit believe the decision will help it achieve its ambitions going forward having narrowly missed out on a place in the final of the National League North play-offs last year.

“We are moving into a new era for the club and we strongly believe that now is the right moment to announce our intention to go full-time,” boss Weaver confirmed.

“We have spoken about if for a while, but now we have the infrastructure in place to make this step up.

“We already have a professional mindset here, and I want every player to also have that mentality of being a full-time footballer

“As a club we have been preparing for this transition for a while, and as such it is important for us to be honest and open with everyone involved as early as we possibly can.

“Making our intentions known now gives our players, staff and supporters the best possible opportunity to adapt and prepare for the exciting change that is ahead of us.

“Ultimately, there are a number of clubs at this level that are already fulltime, professional clubs, and you can clearly see the benefit of working with players on a daily basis. For me, you can’t underestimate how much of a massive leap in the right direction this is for our football club.”

Weaver’s side currently lie a distance off a play-off place, but managing director Garry Plant agrees that Town are ready to make the transition.

“This is a big decision for all of us,” he added. “We understand the impact that moving to full-time will have on players, staff and supporters but ultimately we believe it to be the best course of action at this moment.”