Harrogate Town AFC has announced a change of ownership, with Simon Weaver and local businessman Jonathan Blezard becoming co-owners of the club.
The move brings Irving Weaver’s tenure as owner to an end after more than two years of considering options for the club’s long-term future.
Simon Weaver will continue as men’s first-team manager while taking on a co-ownership role alongside Blezard, the founder of Angstrom Sports.
The club says both new owners have committed material financial support, although the amounts involved and the precise ownership split have not been disclosed.
The partnership is intended to provide continuity while bringing additional business experience and investment to the club.
A new chapter for Harrogate Town
Irving Weaver said the decision followed an extended process of exploring potential ownership and investment opportunities, with the club’s stability and financial security remaining priorities.
Irving Weaver said: Over the last two years, I have spent a great deal of time considering what the right long-term ownership of Harrogate Town should look like.
He said the partnership between Simon Weaver and Jonathan Blezard offered complementary experience, shared values and a commitment to the club’s future.
Irving also stressed that the arrangement should not be viewed simply as a family succession, highlighting the financial commitment being made by both co-owners.
Simon Weaver to remain as manager
Simon Weaver, who has spent 17 years with Harrogate Town, will continue to lead the men’s first team while working with Blezard on the wider development of the club.
Simon Weaver said: My position and my role as manager will not change, and my ambition remains exactly the same – to become the best football manager I can possibly be and to keep pushing this team forward.
He added that he accepted the responsibility of being judged on results, saying his new ownership position would not change the standards expected of him as manager.
Weaver also praised Blezard’s business acumen and approach, saying the pair had developed a strong relationship over the past 14 months.
Investment and future ambitions
Blezard said his involvement had grown after spending the past year getting to know the club’s staff, volunteers and wider community.
Jonathan Blezard said: I recognise what this Club means to its loyal supporters and the wider local community, and I can see its potential for the future.
He said he intended to take an active role in the club’s development and help make decisions both on and off the pitch.
Blezard also indicated that further investment and expertise could be brought into the club over time.
However, the announcement does not disclose the financial value of the investment, the ownership percentages held by the two co-owners or whether the changes will affect the playing budget.
Men’s and women’s teams included in plans
The new owners say their ambitions extend beyond the men’s first team to include the women’s section, player pathway, staff, volunteers, supporters and commercial partners.
The club will also continue its relationship with Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation, which delivers work across the local community.
Further details of the club’s future plans are expected to be announced in due course.
In the immediate term, the men’s first team will continue its push for promotion back into the English Football League (EFL).
The club has called on supporters to get behind the team at the Exercise Stadium, highlighting the importance of backing the players during the remainder of the season.
Questions remain over the financial details
While the announcement confirms a change in ownership and promises financial support, the precise scale of the investment and the new ownership structure remain undisclosed.
Details of any changes to the club’s financial commitments, transfer budget or longer-term plans have also yet to be provided.
The new partnership marks a significant development for Harrogate Town, with supporters likely to look for further clarity on how the change will shape the club’s ambitions both on and off the pitch.