Bailey Hobson has signed a new long-term contract with Harrogate Town, committing his future to the club until the end of the 2028/29 season. The 24-year-old midfielder has made a significant impact since joining as a free agent this summer, scoring five goals in his first 16 appearances.
Manager Simon Weaver moved swiftly to secure Hobson's services. "We've been really impressed with Bailey's contribution to everything on and off the pitch from day one," Weaver said. Hobson's influence was further recognised with a nomination for September's National League Player of the Month award, and he has worn the captain's armband on several occasions. His goal minutes, a key metric for the club, show he has averaged a goal every 288 minutes on the pitch.
Injury setback
Progress for the midfielder has been temporarily halted by a broken foot, which is expected to keep him sidelined for around three months. The injury is a blow for a Harrogate side sitting second in the National League with 32 points from 16 games. Their recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two draws and one loss in their last five outings, a sequence that includes a 2-2 draw at Forest Green Rovers.
Despite this setback, the new contract represents a major vote of confidence in Hobson's long-term role. His goalscoring from midfield has been a key asset for a team that has netted 34 times this season. The club's strong league position, just 12 points behind leaders Boreham Wood, shows their promotion ambitions and the importance of retaining key players.
Hobson is now focused on his rehabilitation, with his return likely to coincide with the latter stages of a key period in the campaign. The team's next fixture is at home to seventh-placed Altrincham on 14 November. His new deal ensures he will be a central figure in Harrogate Town's plans for seasons to come.
The original report is at Harrogate Advertiser
