Image – RB Media
A note to everyone associated with Harborough Town FC 🐝
After Saturday’s fantastic away win against Halesowen Town FC, the club achieved its goal of promotion. We can now officially say that we are the 2025/26 Southern Premier Central Division Champions, winning the league with two games to go.
I wanted to write a few words of thanks and congratulations, but before I do, I would like to let everyone know that this coming Saturday (18th), at our final home game of the season, the team will be presented with the league shield. We hope you can help us fill the ground to capacity. Tickets will be available on the gate, but please plan to arrive early and, where possible, walk to the ground to help ease parking congestion.
Anyway, on to what this message is really about.
To Mitch and his Staff
You have delivered what you promised at the start of the season. You do what you always do. You give 100% to every training session, every game, and leave no stone unturned. I am privileged to see first-hand the hard work that goes into every session and matchday. Gaffer, your leadership is contagious. You lead by example, as you always have done. The respect you command is clear, not only from our own staff and players, but from other clubs as well.
I see how professional Dave Staff is with his training and coaching, how Owen Wright supports and assists, Mitch Kahan and Lewis putting countless hours into working with the goalkeepers, Jacob preparing all the analysis and data to ensure the team is ready for every game, Grace and Matt overseeing recovery, fitness and physio, Liam carrying out scouting duties every single week of the year, and latterly Setch and Sam contributing to recruitment and coaching.
These are the people you see on matchdays but may not always be aware of their roles at the Football Club, or the time and effort they dedicate behind the scenes. Every one of them deserves huge credit for what has been achieved this season.
To the Players
Where do I even start? What a squad we have. Truly fantastic, with real talent throughout. You go out week after week, in training and in matches, and deliver what is asked of you by the management team. To have lost only three league games all season, with two still to play, is a remarkable achievement.
You should be incredibly proud, not only of your performances, but of how you conduct yourselves. Winning league titles and cups is never easy, and over the past five years you have helped deliver three promotions and three cup wins for this Football Club. Some of you have taken this club to places it could once only dream of. Tonbridge and Reading in the FA Cup are memories that will stay with you forever.
But this league title, the one that takes Harborough Town FC into the National League North, Step 2 of the non-league pyramid, is arguably the greatest achievement in the club’s history so far. For that, I thank each and every one of you for the part you have played in our shared success.
To the Football Board, the Trust, our volunteers and staff
Thank you. You are a huge part of everything we do and how we look after our visitors. I rarely hear anything but praise for how you conduct yourselves and operate on matchdays. In fact, we consistently receive thanks from other clubs and officials.
You are a real team, and it is remarkable that you give your time so freely for the good of Harborough Town FC and the wider Market Harborough community. You help drive standards higher and higher, something that is essential for any successful organisation.
To our unbelievable Media Team
Just wow. I was recently shown some figures and they were truly mind-blowing. To see how this area of the club has grown over the past few years is staggering.
A special thank you to Andy Sparrow and Chris Lander for leading this team, and for the tremendous effort and time you give, not just on matchdays or in the build-up, but often at very short notice. Whether it is a last-minute signing or a late request, your response is always “can do.”
To the wider team, Russell, Ben, Rukanah, Deano, Kevin, Jayne and Oliver, thank you for your continued support and contribution. It does not go unnoticed.
To RB Media
Brandon, Rhian and your team, again, incredible work. The images and stories you help create have been outstanding, and we hope you have enjoyed being part of the Harborough Town family.
To our Junior Section
Who celebrate their 50th anniversary this season, and particularly the coaches, thank you. The time and commitment you give to supporting young players is nothing short of exceptional. The early mornings, the cold and the rain, and everything else that comes with it, your efforts are recognised and greatly appreciated by both the Board and the Trust.
Outside the Football Club
We have received fantastic support from our sponsors and partners. There are too many to mention individually, but with my “First Team” hat on, I would like to extend special thanks to Specialist Logistics Services, MIDA, Avatar Dining, The Fibre Group, The Market Harborough & Bowden’s Charities, Harborough District Council, the Football Foundation, and Brooke House.
Your support off the pitch has been invaluable, and we are extremely grateful. Where possible, please continue to support those who support the club.
Finally, to our Supporters and the wider Market Harborough Community
What a journey this has been. Five years ago, we were playing at Step 5 in the United Counties League, with an average crowd of around 100. That has steadily grown, and this season, with two games still to play, our average home attendance stands at an incredible 745.
That level of support is remarkable. The players and management thank you regularly, but it cannot be overstated just how important you are to this Football Club. Your backing makes a real difference, and we value it hugely.
Thank you all, UP THE BEES!
Peter Dougan
HTFC Chairman