Harrogate Town have completed their first two signings as an EFL club. Midfielder Connor Kirby, who was on loan at Macclesfield Town last season, arrives on a free transfer following his release from Sheffield Wednesday. Meanwhile, defender Jake Lawlor comes in after seeing his time at National League side Wrexham come to an end.
Harrogate Town Bring in Connor Kirby and Jake Lawlor
Kirby Signs Following Sheffield Wednesday Release
✍️ | We are delighted to reveal our first Summer signing, @ConnorKirby98 #ProudToBeTown pic.twitter.com/oq1saLYlWb
— Harrogate Town AFC (@HarrogateTown) August 11, 2020
Twenty-one-year-old midfielder Kirby arrives following his release from Championship side Sheffield Wednesday. He spent last season on loan in League Two with Macclesfield and was the runner-up in their Player of the Season award.
Kirby did break through at Wednesday, making his professional debut in April 2018 but he failed to nail down a regular place at Hillsborough.
Speaking to the club website about Kirby’s addition, manager Simon Weaver said: “Connor acquitted himself very well at Macclesfield and had a really impressive season.
“He’s a really energetic centre midfielder who is willing to break forward and put a tackle in, a good all-round, honest, hungry and talented lad.
“He has already shown he can do it in League Two and he’ll attack it with confidence, as soon as I met him I thought he would be a great fit for us.”
Experienced Lawlor Joins From Wrexham
✍️ | Introducing our second signing of the day, @Jake_Lawlor #ProudToBeTown pic.twitter.com/qgIEYHO6pK
— Harrogate Town AFC (@HarrogateTown) August 11, 2020
This move sees Lawlor get his first crack at the EFL at the age of 29. He started his career with Ossett Town before having a spell with Town’s neighbours, Harrogate Railway.
Lawlor then moved onto Guiseley and featured for AFC Fylde and Salford City before joining Wrexham in 2018.
Speaking to the club website, manager Weaver said: “I’ve liked Jake for years, he’s a good player and to add someone of Jake’s experience still with that hunger to improve is a real lift.”
“He’s local, talented lad and will do well here I’m sure, getting the right characters in means everything to us.”
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