Harrogate Town AFC have confirmed that central defender Alan White has signed a permanent deal with Evo-Stick Premier First Division North side Darlington 1883.
Alan joined the club in December 2011 form Boston United and soon became a hit with the Town fans due to his all action displays.
His first goal arrived against his former club in April 2012 and he made his 50th appearance for the club against Solihull Moors in April 2013. Alan’s last appearance in a Town shirt came this season when he took the place of injured Leigh Franks in the 1-0 defeat to Brackley Town.
Overall, Alan made 58 appearances, scoring 3 goals.
Speaking about Alan’s departure, manager Simon Weaver commented:
We are sorry to see Whitey go but he’s been offered a deal with his home-town club that he just couldn’t turn down. I have a lot of time and respect for Whitey as a player and as a man. He’s been a tower of strength for us and we wish him well at Darlington.
Alan said:
Making the decision to leave Harrogate was a really tough one, I’ve had a fantastic time since joining two years ago and working alongside Simon and Macca has been an absolute pleasure.
They’re both exceptionally professional and gifted coaches but more importantly lovely blokes and very good friends. It’s a club with a bright future, an ambitious chairman and ambitious manager and most importantly a talented squad of players. I’d like to thank the supporters for their loyalty and enthusiasm and making me welcome ever since I arrived, and I hope they continue to support the club on what will hopefully be a successful journey in the future.
In the end my decision all boiled down to playing regular football and getting the most out of however many years I have left. To remain at Harrogate this season would, if I’m being realistic, mean sitting on the bench with limited starting opportunities.
I’d like to wish everyone involved at Harrogate, the fans, back room staff, volunteers, and players every success in the future and thank them for their part in making the last 2 years a part of my career I’ll look back on with great fondness.
Everyone at Harrogate Town AFC have wished Alan all the best at Darlington 1883.
Photography by Peter Arnett
