Harrogate Town striker Luke Armstrong was on course to move to Wrexham, but the paperwork was not submitted in time.
Striker Luke Armstrong remains at Harrogate Town
In a dramatic transfer twist, Harrogate Town striker Luke Armstrong has failed in his bid to move to League Two Wrexham.
An EFL spokesperson has today confirmed the following:
"The registration of Luke Armstrong from Harrogate to Wrexham has been rejected on the basis of the paperwork not being submitted by the necessary deadline."
As a result, Luke remains a Harrogate Town player
Earlier on transfer deadline day (1st September) Harrogate announced the arrival of Middlesbrough forward Jeremy Sivi who is on loan until January.
The 21-year-old started his career at Leyton Orient, before signing a professional contract with 'Boro in May 2023. The London born attacker scored five goals in 12 appearances for 'Boro's under-21's in 2022/23, before signing an extended deal in May 2023.
Simon Weaver added:
“He’s a tall, wide forward that is blessed with pace and trickery and can score goals, so we’re really excited about bringing him in. That vitality that these lads seem to bring with a point to prove coming into senior football, he has bags of talent and athleticism, hopefully we can provide him with a stage to showcase his talents. He’s going to be surrounded by good people at the club that want to help him, we think he’ll relish playing for points and get excited about playing men’s football where the pressure is on and the crowds are loud.”
Town also announced a second signing late on; the return of striker Josh March, on a permanent transfer from Stevenage.
The 26-year-old is a familiar face to Harrogate fans having scored five goals for the club while on loan during the 2020/21 season.
Following his loan, March returned to parent club Forest Green Rovers, who he helped achieve promotion to League One, where he would make 26 appearances at that level for the club.
March then joined Stevenage on a permanent deal, but now returns to Wetherby Road.
Manager Simon Weaver said:
“We are delighted to have Marchy back with us. He plays the game with lots of energy but also knows where the back of the net is. In his last spell with the club he scored freely and anytime he crossed that line you knew he was going to be a threat going forward. He has an edge and that’s what we like about him. Obviously, since he was last with us, he has had promotion experience with Stevenage and Forest Green. Having those experiences brings an understanding of what it takes to do well at this level.”
Speaking shortly after putting pen-to-paper, March said:
"I am really pleased to be signing for this great club again. I have nothing but fond memories of my first spell and I know the gaffer and (Paul Thirlwell) Thirs well. As soon as I heard of the interest, I was keen to get it over the line. I feel like I have unfinished business here and I can't wait to get out there and play in front of the supporters."
Born in Stourbridge, March began his career with Alvechurch in 2015, becoming the club's first contracted player in a decade in May 2017.
He became a vital player for the non-league side, scoring an impressive 81 goals in 184 matches to help Alvechurch rise from the Midland Alliance to the Southern Premier.
March then moved onto National League North side, Leamington, for the 2019-20 season, scoring 24 goals in just 26 appearances before signing for League Two side Forest Green Rovers in January 2020, ahead of his first spell at Town.
Both deals are subject to EFL approval and with Armstrong now remaining at Town, the club are yet to reveal what ramifications the twist has on the aforementioned signings.
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