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01

May 2021

Community
Community

'We believe we can win': Harrogate Town boss on Wembley cup final

Published: 1 May 2021, 08:00 BST

by Thomas Barrett

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Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver said his squad aren't taking Concord Rangers lightly, in what is being billed as a David vs Goliath cup final at Wembley on Monday.

fa-trophy-simon-weaver

Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver said his squad aren't taking Concord Rangers lightly, in what is being billed as a David vs Goliath cup final at Wembley on Monday.

Town are two divisions above the semi-professional National League South outfit who haven't played a game since January 2, but the long-serving boss told the Stray Ferret his players aren't expecting an easy game.

He said:

"We've seen hundreds of teams bitten by smaller clubs. People expect us to win but it's not as easy as that. This group of players won't take things lightly.
But we have a strong resolve and belief we can win."


The rise of Harrogate Town towards the football league for the first time in their history captured the imagination of the football world last summer, which Weaver said clubs like Concord Rangers will take inspiration from.

Many of the Town players such as Lloyd Kerry, Mark Beck and James Belshaw played for the club when they were at the same level as Concord, which Weaver said means they will be hungry to win on Monday:

"Our group of players are from when we played in the National League. We have no illusions of grandeur or egos in our camp, or we'd get rid of them."


For many professional footballers playing at Wembley is the pinnacle of their careers, especially those in the lower divisions, and Weaver said the game on Monday will be a special experience.

"I'm ecstatic to be having an opportunity to make the journey. It's exactly the same feeling as last time."





Read more:




  • BT Sport to show Harrogate Town’s Wembley final for free




  • Harrogate Town allowed capacity crowds once covid restrictions end







With Town's first season in the EFL drawing to a close, Weaver reflected on a positive season that has seen them stay in the division for another year.

He said the "light at the end of the tunnel" is fans returning next season.

"There have been many positives including the two wins against Bradford City and the fixture against West Bromwich Albion. But it's been a steep learning curve. It's been like entering a war zone with our pitch being cut up, but that will be a lot better next season."


After Town won their historic play-off final in August, the sun shined on the streets of Harrogate for a memorable open-top bus parade. Weaver is hoping for similar scenes if they lift the trophy.

He added:

"That would be beautiful. It was totally amazing how many people in Harrogate turned out last time."


The Stray Ferret social media accounts will not be posting any updates this weekend about the FA Trophy Final in solidarity with football clubs withdrawing from platforms in protest against online racial abuse.