Bradford City v Harrogate Town - Fans no longer straying away

MUCH has changed over the years for Stuart McCall during his walks on the Stray in Harrogate.
Stuart McCall: Lives in Harrogate.  Picture: Bruce RollinsonStuart McCall: Lives in Harrogate.  Picture: Bruce Rollinson
Stuart McCall: Lives in Harrogate. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

A local resident, the Bradford City manager remembers the time when the parkland was populated by Leeds United supporters and then Bantams followers.

Now, the yellow and black stripes of Harrogate Town are firmly in evidence – testament to the remarkable rise of the town’s football club.

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Another marquee moment in their history will arrive tonight when they step out at Valley Parade for a Yorkshire derby.

McCall said; “I remember going back years ago when I came back down from Scotland and they have a big open space called the Stray (in Harrogate).

“The number of Leeds United tops you used to see... And then when we managed to play in the Premier League, it was great to walk out there and see as many Bradford City tops.

“And now for the folk of Harrogate, when you go down there, there are more Harrogate tops than anything.

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“For the town, it has been great for them. The Weaver family have worked hard and Simon’s dad has backed it and they have been backed well. It is a great story.”

McCall is the first to admit that Harrogate’s progression to the Football League is something that he never thought would have been imaginable a few years back, but he is unequivocal in his believe that they deserve to be where they are – with the story having more chapters to pen yet.

He added: “I would never have thought that, but full credit to them.

“I am really pleased. It is a good place and they thoroughly deserve to be where they are in now in league football.

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“Hopefully, managing against and beating them would be nice and I have full respect for them. Going to watch them last Saturday, you could tell they are a together bunch and they have had a lot of success recently and have a winning mentality and it is a game we are naturally looking forward to.”

Regardless of the result, the respect and links between the clubs will endure, with McCall admitting that the reverse fixture, scheduled for the CNG Stadium in April, is one that he is relishing.

McCall, who worked with Harrogate assistant Paul Thirlwell for a spell at Sheffield United, said: “We were in contact over the seasons and they have taken a few of our loan players and we have played them in pre-season and the one downside is they have had to dig up the Astro (pitch).

“But being in league football, they hopefully will have a lovely grass surface to play on by the time we play them there.”

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