Rory McArdle extends stay at Harrogate Town

The former Northern Ireland international has agreed a one - year extension to his contract.

Author: Harry LongPublished 26th May 2022

Harrogate Town defender Rory McArdle has agreed a one - year extension to his contract.

The former Northern Ireland international signed from Exeter in June 2021.

He made 26 appearances during his fist season with the club, scoring his first goal at The EnviroVent Stadium in April 3-0 win over Carlisle.

Rory said: ā€œThe last season was a bit up and down from a personal point of view, so now weā€™ve got to take all the positives from last season, as well as areas where we fell short and work on rectifying that to keep the club moving forward.

ā€œTo miss a large part of the season was frustrating, weā€™d made a good start. At that point youā€™re just desperate to get back fit as quick as possible and to start having an influence on the squad on and off the pitch.

ā€œEveryone made me feel welcome when I arrived last Summer right from day one of pre-season and thatā€™s where our focus is now to be ready to hit the ground running again.ā€

Having made over 400 appearances in the Football League across an 18-year senior career, Roryā€™s experience and leadership were two of the qualities that convinced Townā€™s Assistant Manager Paul Thirlwell to retain the defenderā€™s services.

He said: ā€œAnyone in and around the club or who knows Rory know heā€™s such a good character on and off the pitch.ā€

ā€œHeā€™s had a few difficult times with his injuries last season, but whenever he has been on the pitch heā€™s had real leadership qualities and adds so much.

ā€œHeā€™s a guy that anyone would want around the football club, he helps the younger lads progress and develop their game, while also wanting to play as many games and make a big impact on the pitch.ā€