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‘I fell in love with football after Manchester United left’

Fifteen years after the most painful moment of his career, Halifax-born Jake Lawlor is shortly behind the realization of a long-standing ambition to play in the Football League.

Thursday 27 August 2020, 6:07 am

New Harrogate Town recruits Jake Lawlor for pre-season action against the Middlesbrough Under 23s. Image: Matt Kirkham

Released by Manchester United in his early teens, the six foot eight admits he was “in love with the game” and did not foresee any kind of future for himself within the professional ranks.

But, having moved up the pyramid, he will start 2020/21 as a League Two footballer after becoming Harrogate Town’s second signing since securing promotion to the fourth tier via the National League play-offs.

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“I’m happy to be here; this is a great opportunity to prove myself as a Football League player, ”said Lawlor, who played on the same youth team as Danny Welbeck.

“There has been interest from League clubs in the past, but it wasn’t the right time or the right move. It’s something I’ve wanted for a long time, but there were points where I didn’t think I could make it.

“When I was released from Manchester United at 14 it was the worst thing ever. I fell in love with the game. I didn’t care anymore.

“I lived in Brighouse and went there three times a week from the age of eight. I loved every minute but when they let me go I was devastated.

“I just wanted to play with my teammates and that’s what I’ve been doing for a while. I thought it was so. “

Lawlor was eventually lured back into semi-professional football by the Northern Liversedge Counties team at the age of 17, but his decision to accept a place to study at Sheffield Hallam University less than a year later seemed to indicate that his future. it was far from the game.

Although he was at that stage in his career operating in the lower tiers of the non-league, so considerable was his talent, the former Red Devil soon found himself on a rapid upward trajectory.

A stint with Ossett Town at 18 led to a relocation from the city rivals of his current employers: Harrogate Railway.

“Billy Miller took me to the Railway and I enjoyed the Evo-Stik League there,” he added.

“I was mainly used as a midfielder and I was only at the club for about six months when we played Guiseley and I must have caught the attention of Steve Kittrick and Mark Bower because they came for me.

“At first I was just playing a weird game, but then I established myself and spent six really good years there. We were promoted to the National League and survived twice after climbing. “

Short stints followed at AFC Fylde and Salford City before Lawlor moved to Wrexham where he spent the last two seasons.

He became a free agent this summer when his North Wales contract expired, and Harrogate boss Simon Weaver – a longtime fan of the 29-year-old – wasted little time making an approach.

And it only took a meeting with the man who has overseen two Town promotions in the past three seasons to convince Lawlor that Wetherby Road was the right place for him.

“Before I knew how last season was going to end, my agent told me there was interest from Harrogate and I asked to speak to the manager,” he said.

“I realized immediately after meeting him that I wanted to sign here. I told him I would come to whatever league they were in.

“Just talking to him, seeing the stadium, knowing how they play football, really attracted. Can’t wait to get started now. “

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