Harrogate Town has signed Lucas Barnes on a new one-year contract, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2026/27 season.
Lucas originally joined the club through the academy, spending two years with the youth set-up before signing his first professional contract with the club last summer.
The midfielder made his first-team debut for the club on the final day of the 2024/25 season against Morecambe, where he replaced Josh Falkingham and made an instant impact.
Lucas said:
I’m very grateful for the extension. I had a tough year last year with my minutes, especially with my injury but I’m just raring to go for the new season.
I think my play style suits what the gaffer wants and I think I’ve got the physical attributes to play for him. I love the way he plays so I think it suits me very well.
I think I learnt a lot from the players in my first season especially how they act not just on the pitch but off it as well. It was good to learn from Bryn Morris and Jack Evans, who play in my position, as I also able to pick up the small details of the game from them.
I’m ready to get back to it, I’ve been training all off season and I’m looking forward to being back out on the grass and playing games again.
Town’s Head of Player Recruitment Lloyd Kerry believes that the 19-year-old will be ready to challenge for a regular place in the first-team squad next season.
Lloyd Kerry said:
We think he can push the more experienced players and really stake a claim for a shirt, he’s hungry to do well.
He’s earned his year extension for his attitude, application and performance levels in training, he’s developing nicely and we’re hoping he gets some opportunities on the pitch this season.
Lloyd also believes that Lucas’ progression can help inspire those youngsters currently in the Town pathway.
Lloyd said:
It gives our young players in the centre of excellence hope and encouragement of earning a pro contract seeing a lad who has been in their shoes be in the first team squad, the pathway is there and I’m sure in the future we’ll bring more younger players through our system.
Lucas said:
I think it shows all the younger lads that there is an opportunity there, you’ve just got to be prepared to put the hard work in.
