Harrogate in talks with Thomson as eight released

Harrogate Town have released eight players while "discussions are ongoing" with veteran midfielder George Thomson following their relegation from the English Football League. Thomson, 33, has played more than 250 games for Town over nine seasons, but only returned in January after missing 16 months with injury. He helped Harrogate earn promotion to the National League in 2018, scoring 11 goals.

Two seasons later, Thompson scored in a 3-1 win over Notts County in the National League play-off final at Wembley to take Town into the Football League for the first time in their history. Winger Stephen Duke-McKenna, who scored six goals in all competitions last season, is among those departing. The other seven whose contracts are due to expire are Liam Gibson, Marcus Etherington, Zico Asare, Aiden Marsh, Levi Sutton, Conor McAleny and Sam Waller.

Harrogate said 17 players remain under contract including Ellis Taylor, Jack Evans, Chanse Headman and Cathal Heffernan. Midfielder Tom Hill has been invited back to train with the club for pre-season. Meanwhile, Jacob Slater, Henry Gray, Emile Acquah, Emmerson Sutton, Tobias Brenan and Bobby Faulkner have all returned to their parent clubs after the completion of their loans.

Harrogate relegated to National League with loss to Barnet