Harrogate boss Weaver becomes co-owner

What the report says

Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver has become co-owner of the National League club, in a move that ends his father Irving Weaver’s ownership. The change was announced by the North Yorkshire side and involves local businessman Jonathan Bleazard as the other new co-owner. Harrogate described it as an important new chapter for the club.

Simon Weaver has managed Harrogate since 2009, while Irving Weaver became the club’s owner in 2011. During that period, Harrogate won promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history in 2020 and then spent six seasons in League Two. The club were relegated back to the National League last season and are currently second after 13 matches.

Irving Weaver said the move should not be seen simply as a family handover, stressing that Simon Weaver and Bleazard are both making a serious commitment together. Simon Weaver said his role as manager will stay the same and that he will continue to be judged on results. BBC Sport reported that Harrogate are next due to play Bury in the FA Cup. In general, club ownership changes can affect long-term planning, but the article does not indicate any immediate changes to the team’s football operations.