Leeds United academy product Harrison Male makes Tranmere Rovers move after surprise York City exit
Harrison Male has secured an EFL move after being released by York City
Harrison Male has been snapped up by League Two outfit Tranmere Rovers following his surprise departure from York City.
The 25-year-old was arguably the National League’s most impressive gloveman last season, starring in York’s dramatic title triumph.
A product of the Leeds United academy, Male did not miss any of York’s league fixtures but was released at the end of the season nonetheless.
Harrison Male recruited by Tranmere Rovers
After a stint with the Professional Footballers’ Association’s (PFA) free agents squad, Male has now penned a one-year deal at Tranmere.
The goalkeeper said: “I’ve been here a few days and have been really impressed with the facilities and speaking to the manager made me believe it is the place I wanted to come to play my football.
“The lads have all been great with me and I can’t wait to get in front of the fans and show them what I can do.”
Tranmere’s manager, ex-Barnsley head coach Darrell Clarke, has lauded Male as an “excellent shot-stopper” with a “real confidence”.
He said: “We're really pleased to bring Harrison to the football club. He's an excellent shot-stopper, commands his area well and has a real confidence about him.
“At 25, he's got a good amount of experience behind him but still has plenty of room to develop and is hungry to improve. We're delighted to get the deal done and I'm looking forward to seeing him continue his development with us.”
Harrison Male’s York City exit
York fans were caught off-guard by Male’s departure and the goalkeeper himself was in the same boat.
In an interview with Sky Sports earlier this month, the former England youth international 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.”