Fan favourite Jack Emmett leaves Harrogate Town
He's taking an indefinite leave to focus on his recovery
Last updated 7th Jan 2021
Harrogate Town AFC have announced that central midfielder Jack Emmett is leaving the club, taking a step away from football to focus on recovery from illness.
The local lad earned himself 229 caps for Town as well as seeing the club earn two promotions.
In a statement, Jack Emmett, said: "Thank you to the club and to everyone who has supported me during my time here.”
The 27-year-old is continuing to work with a specialist to overcome chronic fatigue.
He added: “It has been an incredible journey and I have loved every minute, but I know this is the right decision for my health moving forward. Hopefully one day I will be able to fully recover and return to the game.”
As a fan favourite, Jack progressed through the Town youth system before joining Simon Weaver's first team squad in August 2014.
The 2017/18 season saw Emmett deployed in central midfield where he formed a partnership with Josh Falkingham, with whom he was named joint Players Player of the Season and helped Town into the National League for the first time.
Jack’s success continued on the pitch, helping Town reach the National League Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium and secure promotion to the EFL.
Manager, Simon Weaver, said: “It’s a sad loss for the club and the supporters, Jack has been thrilling to watch over the years, he has always played with a joy and desire to run at people and entertain.
“He was part of first U17s set up under Mark Forster who recommended we take a look at him, and we would later send him on loan to Forster’s Wetherby side, he was getting kicked all over park but kept getting up, we were so impressed with attitude.
“We kept in touch when he went away to University and were delighted when he returned and would be training full time with us. I remember in pre-season at Thorpe Arch we put him in central midfield against Leeds United and he was waltzing past players, that was a big turning point for him and the club as he went on to play a massive part in us earning promotion from the National League North.
“His recent issue has saddened us all, but we respect his views and that his health is of paramount importance.
“He’s been with me for 11 years here and we have always shared a good bond, I’ll always think highly of Jack and the door is always open for him at Town, he is very much still a part of our family.”
The club wished Emmett all the best in his recovery.