Popular former Sheffield Wednesday defender signs for National League club
Ex-Owl is ‘excited’ by new project
Popular former Sheffield Wednesday defender Tom Lees has signed for a new club.
The centre-back played a vital role in The Owls achieving two Championship play-off finishes a decade ago, making more than 270 appearances across seven seasons. He returned to play a charity game at Hillsborough over the summer and spoke fondly of his memories from his time at S6.
The 36-year-old was a free agent after leaving Peterborough United at the end of last term and had recently been on trial at Rotherham United. However, Lees has now penned a contract with Harrogate Town, who were relegated from League Two in May and will be playing in the National League.
“I've had a few offers in the Football League, but after sitting down and talking with the club, there's an exciting couple of years in store here and the start of a good project,” he said. “I've lived in this town for most of my life, this is my local club, it means a lot to me to be involved and hopefully have a positive impact on my local team.
“I've had loads of friends that have played for the club. I've known Josh Falkingham since I was six years old and just from living in the town and being local, I know a lot of the players, know a lot of the staff, a lot of people on and off the pitch and the coaching staff.
“I had a real connection as soon as I got talking about this this move, I wanted to be surrounded by like-minded, good people, and that's been proved today when I went into the club and had my first day in the building.”
After leaving Wednesday, Lees also played for Huddersfield Town and spent last season at The Posh.
Harrogate’s recruitment chief, Lloyd Kerry, added: “We’re delighted to have him, he comes in with great experience and a CV that speaks for itself. He’s a proper leader so will come in and set the standards and guide some of the young lads.
“To play that many games at a top level you have to be top professional and he’ll lead by example, you need leaders in the dressing room and in the team and Tom is definitely that. He organises, is dominant in the air, calm on the ball, is versatile enough to play across the back three and overall is an accomplished defender. He’s a big name and comes in having played 30 odd games in League One last season so it’s a really big signing for us.”