Former Bantams Defender Joins Harrogate Town

Rory McArdle Joins Harrogate Town

Harrogate Town have confirmed they have sign Northern Ireland International defender Rory McArdle. The experienced centre-half has made over four hundred Football League appearances for Rochdale, Scunthorpe and Bradford City and he has wealth of experience.

The defender started his career at Sheffield Wednesday before signing for Rochdale AFC and making more than 125 appearances in his three year stint with the Dale. McArdle then moved north of the border to Aberdeen for two seasons and then joined Bradford City. The Northern Irishman became a key figure for the Bantams and featured heavily in Bradford’s remarkable League Cup run in the 2012/13 season, scoring against Aston Villa in the semi finals and then starting in the final at Wembley against Swansea City.

McArdle also has promotion winning experience with Bradford City scoring in the 2013 Football League Two Play-off Final to help the Bantams win 3–0 against Northampton Town and secure promotion to League One. His importance to the side continued to grow and in the 2014/15 season McArdle won Bradford City’s Player of the Season award.

McArdle then moved onto Scunthorpe United after making 231 appearances for Bradford City. Having been made captain of the Irons he then made the decision to leave the club in the summer of 2020, signing for Exeter City for the 2020/21 campaign.

Speaking about joining Harrogate Town Rory McArdle said, “I’m delighted, once I was aware there was interest, I was keen to pursue and get the deal over the line. From the outside looking in and seeing how far the club has come over recent years, it’s something that’s going in the right direction. They’re looking to keep building on the success they’ve had, especially last year and that’s something I’m looking forward to be a part of.

I spoke with Jon Stead and he said nothing but good things about the club, character wise I think I’m quite similar to Steady so for him to have enjoyed his time here as much as he did it’s something I’d like to think I’m going to be able to enjoy as well. If I can be half as successful as what Steady was when he was here then it’s something I’d be happy with.

Coming in as a new lad, I’m looking to learn as well. It’s important to have a bit of experience (in the team) and looking at the squad, we’re going to have a good blend of that. If I can help any of the lads in any way then that is something I’m looking forward to but equally, I’ll be forth giving of them giving me any advice or tips. It’s a long old season so it’s important everyone helps each other out. Whether that’s in training, on the pitch or something that has nothing to do with football, as long as we’re all heading in the right direction.”

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