'I thought I did well' - Leeds United academy product Harrison Male admits 'surprise' at York City release
Harrison Male has opened up on York City’s decision to release him
Harrison Male has conceded he was surprised by York City’s decision to release him following their National League title triumph.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper, a product of Leeds United’s academy, started all 46 of York’s league games as they secured promotion to League Two.
He was hoping to follow the Minstermen into the EFL, only to be cut loose at the end of the campaign.
Male is now part of the Professional Footballers’ Assocation’s (PFA) pre-season camp for free agents, looking to find himself a new home.
Harrison Male admits ‘surprise’ at York City exit
Opening up on his York exit in an interview with Sky Sports, Male said: “It was a surprise. I thought I did well. There's not much more I could've done personally and as a team to be given a new contract. But everyone's got their own opinions and football is a game of opinions. Onto the next chapter.
“Nothing was ever put over to me. There was just a phone call and that was it. I believe I gave everything for the club. When I first got there, they had just got out of relegation towards the back end of the season and the turnaround we had in the squad in those two years, from finishing second and then getting promoted, was pretty incredible, so it did come as a surprise.
“I'd have loved to have been there for many years, but it's football. If someone doesn't feel like you should be there anymore, that's their decision.”
Released York City man targeting EFL
As a 25-year-old goalkeeper, Male has time on his side as he looks to bounce back from the blow of being released.
Scouts from across the pyramid are keeping an eye on the PFA’s pre-season camp, assessing players they could potentially pick up for free.
Male said: “I believe everything happens for a reason. My path is already there. It will happen at the right time. It's every lad's dream to play in the EFL and I believe I warranted that opportunity with how well I've done. For that to be taken away from me is pretty gutting, but I know for certain I will reach the EFL. I want to play as high as possible.
“I'm pretty straight-up and if I didn't feel I was ready, I'd probably say, but I started in step four and I've worked my way up, so I've got really good experience in the men's game to really push on."