LONG-SERVING Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver has become co-owner of the National League club alongside businessman Jonathan Blezard – following Irving Weaver’s decision to end his tenure.
The Town chief, appointed back in May 2009, will continue as first-team manager.
Blezard is the founder of Angstrom Sports and brings significant business and sporting experience to the club and intends to play an active role in the club's development.
On his decision to step down, 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.
"We have explored a number of avenues and spoken with many people who expressed an interest in becoming involved with the club.
"But this was never about finding somebody prepared to buy or invest in Harrogate Town; it was about finding the right people with the right intentions, who could also demonstrate the necessary commitment and suitability.
"This should not be viewed as family succession. Both Simon and Jonathan are making a significant commitment to this football club and, crucially, they are doing so together.”
Discussing his new position, Simon Weaver commented: "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.
"I fully accept that, as manager, I will continue to be judged on results in exactly the same way as any other manager in football. Becoming a co-owner does not change that responsibility or the standards I expect of myself.”
Flying high in the National League following last season’s relegation from the EFL, Harrogate visit Bury in a fourth-qualifying round FA Cup tie on Saturday.