Harrogate Town Manager Simon Weaver Under Fire After 9-2 Loss

Harrogate Town’s 9-2 defeat at Mansfield Town has left long-serving manager Simon Weaver facing tough questions from fans, local media and his father, club owner Irving Weaver. The pair have worked together to transform Harrogate guiding the club from the National League North to League Two since Irving took over in 2011. Simon, now the longest-serving manager in England’s top four divisions had already been in charge for two years before his father’s arrival.

Under their leadership, Harrogate has achieved two promotions and an FA Trophy win, though recent struggles have tested their resolve. Despite the heavy loss, Simon remains determined to turn things around. He acknowledged the pain of such defeats especially since his father is the owner and expressed his commitment to improving the team. Harrogate with one of the smallest budgets in the EFL is in its fifth season in League Two and remains in a battle to avoid relegation.

Despite the setbacks, Simon has found a way to bounce back including a 0-0 draw against Crewe just days after the Mansfield defeat. The Weaver family’s relationship remains strong, with Irving admitting the difficulty of making tough business decisions. However, they have avoided major conflict focusing on problem-solving and mutual respect.

Simon’s tenure at Harrogate is now nearing 16 years and while he sometimes wonders whether staying at one club too long could limit his career prospects, his goal remains clear: to take Harrogate to the next level. As Harrogate faces Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Cup, a win would secure a spot in the third round for the second time in the club’s history and provide a potential financial boost.