Whelan will also be involved with coaching at Harrogate Town

Harrogate Town's new signing Noel Whelan is unlikely to make his debut for the club this season.

The 33-year-old former Leeds, Coventry, Middlesbrough and Aberdeen forward signed for the Blue Square North club last week.

Boss Neil Aspin told BBC Radio York: "Noel can't come in to the reckoning. For Noel to be a footballer again he knows he needs to lose a lot of weight.

"I'd love to have him at the club but that's going to be for next year."

During his career Whelan has also played for Crystal Palace, Millwall, Derby County, Boston United, Livingston and Dunfermline. His last senior game was for Dunfermline in July 2006.

At some stage it would be nice if we could get him in a Harrogate shirt but that's going to take a bit of time Harrogate Town boss Neil Aspin

Aspin added: "I think he's a great lad but I don't really see him figuring.

"He's obviously been in training a few times but he's had a few injuries so I wouldn't really put pressure on Noel expecting him to play.

"At some stage it would be nice if we could get him in a Harrogate shirt but that's going to take a bit of time."

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