Harrogate still looking to move

Harrogate Town officials will still continue with plans to move to a new ground despite suffering a setback.

The club have been looking at a ground-share with Harrogate Rugby Union Club at Claro Road.

The merger plans have been delayed but general manager Alan Williams told BBC Radio York the proposed move from Wetherby Road is still alive.

"Negotiations are at a delicate stage. We're further now to going to a new ground than we've ever been," he said.

Williams added: "As the chairman said we have irons in the fire, we are at delicate talks now with people and it isn't finished. We won't give up. "

Chariman Bill Fotherby explained in his matchday programme notes that the club needs better facilities if it is to progress up the leagues.

He said he had been negotiating with Harrogate Borough Council and the rugby ground's new owners Crest Homes, who want to develop the site for housing.

Fotherby said he has also spoken to the rugby club, with a view to sharing Claro Road as a sports facility.

We shall do it ourselves now and the destiny of the club is now in our hands

Harrogate general manager Alan Williams

Crest Homes have already been denied planning permission for the site but they have appealed against the decision, which has delayed any merger plans between the clubs.

Fotherby has said he will approach Crest himself to continue negotiations.

Meanwhile Williams continued: "People say 'how can you afford to go to a new ground when you can't afford to pay the players?'

"Nobody has said we can't afford to pay the players. Nobody has said that Harrogate Town has got financial problems.

"Wetherby Road is now at a stage where it can't be re-developed any more for the Football League and that's what the club needs to advance.

"If we can't redevelop Wetherby Road we have to move but now the club - myself, the chairman and the other directors - have got the bull by the horns and we're going to do it ourselves.

"We've relied on other people but we shall do it ourselves now and the destiny of the club is now in our hands."