Harrogate Town transfer news: AC Milan prospect, Newcastle United Under-21 captain... and now Sulphurite
Harrogate Town have signed two 20-year-old central defenders in a day after Cathal Heffernan followed Chanse Headman in joining the League Two club's relegation battle.
The Sulphurites had already signed central defender Grant Horton in this window, as well as goalkeeper Harry Gray as they look to tighten up after 40 goals conceded in the first 24 games of the season, leaving them in the League Two relegation zone.
Heffernan and Headman have both come from Premier League set-ups on 18-month contracts, with Republic of Ireland youth international Heffernan having captained Newcastle United's under-21s after previously being on the books of AC Milan.
He says his career to date has been leading up to this point.
Heffernan began his career with Ringmahon Rangers, joining hometown team Cork City in 2019, moving to Italy in 2022. He joined Newcastle the following year.
"I'm buzzing, it's a massive move for me and my family and will be my first taste of men';s football, so I'm just really excited to get going.” he said.
“All the experiences in my career so far have been leading to this moment now, so if I can take all of that and put it together, then I think it'll give me a good shot.
“I'm grateful to the club for taking me here, this is a massive opportunity for me and I’m determined to repay the faith.
“I want to help the team get as many wins as possible and put in as many good performances as I can.”
Harrogate's head of player recruitment Lloyd Kerry described Heffernan as "energetic, puts his body on the line, he'll put his head in where it hurts and he's mobile," adding: "We like all aspects of his game/
"He was captain for the under -21s at Newcastle so has got good leadership qualities.
“He’s exactly what we’re looking for in a centre-half so hopefully he can come in, hit the ground running and push the other lads on as well."
Harrogate have also loaned Dundee striker Emile Acquah this month.