BROWN’S BOUNCED BACK FOR A SUPER 6
HARROGATE Town midfielder Scott Brown was 21 when he was told he may never play again.
But at the age of 35, he is chasing a sixth promotion as Simon Weaver’s side take on Notts County at Wembley this afternoon.
Brown suffered a horrific injury while playing for Cheltenham Town at Ashton Gate in January 2007, a day after making his loan move from Bristol City permanent.
His lower leg was shattered after feeling the full force of an attempted shot from team mate Damian Spencer and after a long period of recovery he was left with one leg shorter than the other.
He was initially forced to play with orthotic insoles in his boot, but he has defied the odds by going on to enjoy a long and successful career.
“I’ve been injury-free ever since apart from the odd ankle knock or pulled calf,” Brown said.
“It took me a good three years to regain full fitness, but the rehab I had was the best it could be and eventually I made a full recovery.”
Brown has already helped Bristol City, Fleetwood Town, York City, Chester and Accrington Stanley move up in the world since starting out at Everton.
“I’ve never been relegated, which is something I’m also proud of,” Brown said. “My favourite promotion was the League Two title with Accrington when we were favourites to go down.
“Going up in the playoffs with York runs it close though because winning at Wembley was special.”
Brown has also suffered the agony of losing a play-off final when Grimsby Town were edged out on penalties by Bristol Rovers in 2015.
“That was a horrible feeling and one I do not want to go through again,” he said.
Brown had another year on his contract at League One Accrington when he was offered the chance to join ambitious Harrogate on a two-year deal last summer.
“I asked John Coleman (Accrington manager) what he thought as I respect him and he’s done a lot for me,” Brown said.
“He said I’d probably play every game, which is what I wanted at my age, so I signed.”
Brown has not been given the regular football he craved, with only four starts and four substitute appearances for the Sulphurites.
“It’s been a bit of a nightmare,” Brown said.
“You try and keep your head down, but I just haven’t been given chances.”
Liverpool-based Brown was loaned to Northern Premier League side Warrington Town in December and on course for a play-off finish before the season was abandoned.
“My girlfriend got pregnant and she was struggling around Christmas, so I took a loan closer to home to support her and spend time with my other children,” he said.
“It softens the blow of being away when you’re playing, but when you’re not featuring, it’s a hard pill to swallow.
“We were on track for promotion at Warrington before the coronavirus kicked in, but I came back to Harrogate and hopefully I’ll have the chance to play at Wembley again.”
Even if his debut year at Harrogate has not worked out as planned, Brown is still hoping to be back in the Football League with the North Yorkshire club next term.
“It would be an amazing feeling to go up as I was brought to the club to help get them to the next level,” he added.
“Although I’d like to have played more, I’m still a part of what is a great set of lads and the staff are just as good.
“It’s a very ambitious club and the gaffer is a winner and a proper football man.”