It was only back in early November 2023 that we were carefully assessing Harrogate Town’s chances of League Two survival right here at the Harrogate Informer. However, just three months on from predicting that the Sulphurites would stay up, we’re now asking if Simon Weaver’s men can do the impossible and achieve promotion to League One?
Town’s form and odds of going up
While the League Two table is always changing, Town have displayed a level of form over the festive season that strongly hints towards a sustained promotion charge over late winter and into spring. Overall, the club have managed to pick up 16 points from a possible 21 over Christmas and into the new year; the highlight being an impressive 3-1 win over Notts County.
The Magpies are in the hunt for back-to-back promotions after returning to the Football League through the National League play-off final at Wembley in May 2023. Beating a side who are seen as firm favourites to go up is a timely boost for Town.
Additionally, history is on Harrogate’s side here as most successful promotion runs via the playoffs begin in December; picking up momentum in the second half of the season is a proven way of arriving in the playoffs while in the best form.
🗣: “Spirits are high.”
Simon Weaver hopes his side can continue their recent form when we face Grimsby on Saturday 📺
Full interview 👇
— Harrogate Town AFC (@HarrogateTown) January 18, 2024
To that end, after matchday 27, the Sulphurites sit just two points behind seventh which is the last play-off place. This is where it begins to get interesting given that despite being within striking distance of the playoffs, Town have been priced at 100/1 to be promoted.
This is a price that the bookies will be watching closely as it is likely to drop should the club continue to mount a credible promotion charge. For now, any Harrogate fans who feel that the club will go up to League One for the first time in its history can access the Free Bets site to claim new customer bonuses from the likes of BetMGM, Betway, and bet365. In some cases, as much as £40 in free bets are being offered which can be used on League Two’s outright promotion market.
Now, for the million-pound question, will Town do it?
The foundations are in place
The reality is that only time will tell. However, what is a certainty is that the players have done the town of Harrogate proud by putting the club into the promotion mix. Essentially, even if they were to miss out on going up, the 2023/2024 season will still be remembered fondly and might well provide the platform to get the job done during 2025.
3 more points on the road 🙌ðŸﾏ» pic.twitter.com/tsGrItDoFK
— Dean Cornelius (@deancornelius86) January 14, 2024
Fans only need to take note of the improved atmosphere and sense of excitement at Wetherby Road to realise that nothing that happens over the next few months will be in vain. Success is ultimately built on a culture of excellence and that is without question being established in North Yorkshire.
A new dawn beckons over Harrogate
In times gone by, Harrogate was more renowned for being a destination for tourists looking to recharge their bodies and minds. From the iconic Turkish Baths to the breathtaking Plumpton Rocks with its 30 acres of exquisite parkland, Harrogate was and of course still is synonymous with the finer things in life as well as outstanding natural beauty.
However, there is a quiet revolution going on at Harrogate Town which might mean the region develops a reputation for being a football stronghold. Indeed, the club is on a mission to become a force in English football and as things stand, could be on course for a history-making season.
