Rory McArdle to step down as Harrogate Town academy coach

Rory McArdle

After just one year as Academy Lead Professional Development Phase Coach at Harrogate Town, Rory McArdle has made the decision to step down from his role at the club at the end of the 2023/24 season.

The former Harrogate Town defender took on the position at the start of the season will now move on from development coach. A decision in which all at Harrogate Town are behind after releasing a statement saying: “The club would like to place on record its thanks to Rory for his efforts within the Academy set up and wish him good luck for his future career in football.”

As a result of McArdle parting ways with the club, Town are now looking to recruit an A-licence Lead PDP Coach.

At the start of McArdle’s tenure, he stated: “This is something I have always been excited about doing. I am still involved in football but over on the other side now. I have learned a lot since I first started. I was always open to learning because I knew it wasn’t going to be easy.”

It certainly hasn’t been easy for McArdle and his side as good recruitment work has been needed with players coming and going. They currently sit 8th of 10 in the EFL Youth Alliance North East, however alongside Academy Manager Josh Law, the duo have been able to implement their own style of play and aid the young players’ development over the past year.

McArdle said: “When we (McArdle and Law) started speaking about the way we would play, our approaches are very similar. Everyone wants to play well, keep the ball, and create lovely passing moves. However, it isn’t always possible, but we are always open to playing the game which is in front of us.”   

Harrogate Town centre back and vice-captain Lewis Smalley, gave his thoughts on McArdle’s coaching over the season: “He’s (McArdle) definitely had a big impact on my development as well as all the lads… learning off of someone who’s played professionally has been great, especially for the first-year scholars.

Smalley went onto say: “There’s been a lot of changes from last season, but it’s been exciting change… it’s been a season where we’ve learnt a lot about ourselves as players, and a lot that is thanks to Rory (McArdle) and Josh (Law).”

Lewis Smalley

After having retired from professional football last summer, the job as Academy PDP coach was McArdle’s first time in swapping the pitch for the dugout. The former Bradford City and Scunthorpe United man when taking on the role said: “It’s my first coaching role so I’m starting afresh and will be learning along the way… Working with Josh (Law) is one of the things I’m really looking forward to… Josh is someone I can learn from, get feedback from, and we can look at how things can improve collectively.”

Despite his short time at the club, McArdle’s close ties with the club along with his drive to develop up and coming players has seen a big impact on the academy setup as a whole.

McArdle said: “I can see a massive improvement from all of the lads, not just on the pitch but off it too with their discipline. There’s a good group here… and I’m looking forward to following their journey’s.”

A closing note from the 36-year-old on his time coaching the Harrogate Town Academy was: “I want to thank all the staff, players, and the club for the past year. I wish everyone involved at Harrogate Town the best of luck going forward. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first taste of coaching at the club and wish all the best to the academy lads in the future.”