As Newport County get set to lock horns with Harrogate Town, we take a closer look at Saturday's opponents.
What’s their story?
Founded in 1919 as Harrogate Hotspurs, the club took on its current name after football resumed following the Second World War. From humble beginnings, Harrogate Town steadily rose through the footballing ranks, securing their first major triumph in 2001-02 when they won the Northern Premier League Division One title. This victory saw them become founding members of the newly-formed Conference North in 2004, where they competed for over a decade.
The club's fortunes took a significant turn in 2018 when they earned promotion from the National League North after a resounding 3-0 play-off victory against Brackley Town. This marked the beginning of a golden era for Harrogate Town. Just two seasons later, in 2019-20, the club achieved the ultimate milestone—promotion to the Football League for the first time in its history. A 3-1 win over Notts County in the National League play-off final sealed the achievement, cementing the club’s place among English football’s elite.
Adding to the celebrations, Harrogate lifted the FA Trophy in the same season, defeating Concord Rangers 1-0 thanks to a decisive goal from Joshua Falkingham in the 76th minute.
Since then, Harrogate Town has firmly established itself in League Two, consistently growing and evolving. Last season, the club recorded its highest-ever league finish, proudly securing 13th place as they continue to build a legacy in the Football League.
Who’s the boss?
Simon Weaver has been at the helm of Harrogate Town since May 2009, making him the longest-serving manager across the top four divisions of English football. As both a player and manager, Weaver’s journey in football has been nothing short of remarkable.
His playing career as a defender spanned from 1996 to 2012, during which he played in the Football League for clubs such as Lincoln City (2002–2004), Doncaster Rovers, Macclesfield Town, and Kidderminster Harriers. Weaver also enjoyed a lengthy non-league career, featuring for clubs like Ilkeston Town, Nuneaton Borough, Scarborough, York City, Tamworth, Boston United, King’s Lynn, and Redditch United.
Weaver’s managerial story began in 2009 when he was appointed player/manager of Harrogate Town. Since then, he has transformed the club, leading them to unprecedented success. Under his leadership, Harrogate earned their first-ever promotion to the National League in 2018, followed by another historic promotion to League Two in 2020.
Weaver's management style was on full display in Harrogate Town’s first-ever English Football League match—a stunning 4-0 victory over Southend United. His record speaks for itself, having managed 788 games for Harrogate, amassing 304 wins, 195 draws, and 289 losses. This gives Weaver a win percentage of 38.58%, a testament to his consistency and long-term vision for the club.
Who’s the captain?
Experienced midfielder Josh Falkingham is the current captain of Harrogate Town and a key figure in the club's rise. His footballing journey began at just eight years old in the youth system of his boyhood club, Leeds United. After being released by Leeds in 2010, Falkingham moved to Scottish Premier League side St Johnstone on a short-term deal, making one appearance before being released at the end of the season.
In June 2010, Falkingham signed for Scottish Third Division side Arbroath, where he made his debut in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Dunfermline Athletic in the Challenge Cup. Over two seasons at Arbroath, he made 78 appearances, scoring 17 goals and catching the eye with his performances.
Falkingham’s next move came in 2012 when he signed a three-year deal with Dunfermline Athletic. He made an immediate impact, scoring in his league debut during a 4-0 victory over Cowdenbeath. His time at Dunfermline was marked by helping the club secure promotion back to the second tier of Scottish football in the 2015-16 season, though he was ultimately released.
After four months without a club, Falkingham joined National League North side Darlington, where he made 26 appearances and scored one goal during the 2016-17 season.
In May 2017, Falkingham signed for Harrogate Town and has since become a key figure in the club’s success. Under his leadership, Harrogate achieved promotion to the Football League in 2019-20. Falkingham also etched his name into the club’s history by scoring the winning goal in their first-ever FA Trophy triumph in 2019-20.
With his experience, leadership, and determination, Josh Falkingham continues to be a vital part of Harrogate Town’s journey.
Key Player
Ellis Taylor has quickly established himself as a key player for Harrogate Town during the 2024-25 season. Joining the club at the start of the campaign, the winger made his debut with a brief cameo in Harrogate's 2-0 defeat to Bromley on the opening day. His first start came in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, where he provided an assist in a 2-1 victory over Lincoln City.
Taylor’s form continued, earning him his first League Two start in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Accrington Stanley, where he scored Harrogate’s second goal. In total, Taylor has made 14 appearances this season, finding the back of the net three times and registering one assist.
A product of Sunderland’s youth academy, Taylor made four senior appearances for the Black Cats, including an assist in the Carabao Cup. He also had a loan spell with Hartlepool United during the 2022-23 season, where he made eight appearances.
Now thriving at Harrogate Town, Taylor’s early impact suggests a promising future as he continues to develop under Simon Weaver’s management.
