Charismatic Former Owner Bill Fotherby Mourned By Harrogate

Town’s ex-owner died suddenly on Tuesday on a family break in Tenerife aged 88.

Under his stewardship the club won promotion to the National League North in 2004.

Fotherby laid the foundations for Harrogate’s recent success and vice-chairman Howard Matthews said: “Bill was really charismatic and a great person, there simply aren't characters like him anymore.

“He was so passionate and enthusiastic about football. It was great fun working alongside him.”

First team manager Simon Weaver told us earlier in the season how he came about getting the job.

It was under Fotherby that he got his big break - but things could have been quite different.

“I got it because nobody else fancied it!” he said recalled the day he was handed the job back nearly a decade ago.

“The club were having problems, I saw the advert in the paper and threw myself forward for it.

“It’s incredible to still be here and I know that is all because of the chance I was given all those years ago.

“I’ll always be grateful for that opportunity.”