Tensions build between Harrogate Town and supporters

A group of Harrogate Town supporters challenged the club’s management in an unsavoury confrontation on New Year’s Day.
Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver.(1501042AM5)Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver.(1501042AM5)
Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver.(1501042AM5)

One fan has even said he will stop organising supporters’ transport following the incident.

Town have gone seven matches without a win in Vanarama North and the 4-2 defeat to close rivals Guiseley marked the low point of a miserable Christmas period.

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Tensions have run high between supporters and the club’s management throughout this season’s struggles, which has seen Town drop to 16th and only three places away from the relegation zone.

Supporters confronted boss Simon Weaver and his dad Irving, the club’s owner, at Nethermoor Park, Guiseley to voice concerns about the club’s form and captain Shane Killock’s exit - with the defender’s loan move extended at Guiseley until February.

A player was then alleged to have carried on the argument in a sweary confrontation outside the ground - having to be held back by team-mates in the exchange.

Town supporter Jordan Ford said the incident would bring a halt to his work organising away-day travel for the club.

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He said: “I am more frustrated by the player rather than the Weavers.

“You don’t expect a player to try and start a fight with you in the car park. If it wasn’t for about four or five other players, he probably would have hit me.

“I certainly won’t be bothering with many more away trips.”

Town boss Weaver downplayed the incident and said emotions can run high in the heat of defeat.

He said: “There wasn’t that much of a confrontation. Every supporter has a right to an opinion, which is fine.

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“It’s going to happen sometimes so I can understand him being emotional about losing to local rivals. When emotions are high and there’s also a disappointment level, it’s only going to ignite it.

David Moyes had 75,000 people nailing him. One, two, three four, ten people, if you give in to that, you need some help in the rest of your life because you’re weak.

“People look for anarchy in the ranks but there isn’t any.

“I think the players showed great solidarity around a couple of supporters who were obviously wanting to vent their anger at them.”

Town’s hopes of a play-off ambitions are already hanging by a thread with 17 matches left.

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Weaver admitted that his side were in “dangerous territory” and would have to start preparing for a relegation battle if they fail to arrest their slide down the table.

He added: “We have to be realistic about where we are and that we have to do so much more.”