Following a statement from Wrexham AFC earlier today confirming the decision not to appeal the transfer of Luke Armstrong, we are now able to confirm Luke has been registered for our SkyBet League Two squad.
Wrexham’s statement read: ‘Having reviewed the additional information received from the EFL and considered this in the context of the submission of the documents for the transfer of Luke Armstrong from Harrogate Town, the Club have determined there is no reasonable chance of success if we were to appeal the EFL’s decision to reject the transfer.
‘Now this decision has been made, we wish to apologise to Luke as we were unable to complete the transfer by the deadline and Harrogate Town, who we are sure will be as disappointed as we are that the transfer will not now be completed in this window.’
Manager Simon Weaver was able to provide a further update on the situation, adding:
“I think everybody involved in this potential transfer needed closure. We know now that we will have Luke Armstrong with us until January at least and that is a huge boost to us because Luke is a very good player.
“For both Luke and the club now it’s about moving forward. To do that, we will be sitting down with Luke tomorrow at training to make sure his mind is clear and that he is happy to return to match action.
“If you are to perform to the best of your ability then it’s important that you have that happiness. Beyond that, if Luke feels ready to return it’s a straightforward footballing decision for Paul Thirlwell and I.
“Of course, as manager, I have full allegiance to Harrogate Town but emotionally Luke has been through quite the rollercoaster in the last seven days.
“Both Luke and his partner were excited by something new happening in their life and a lot of energy went into that so we need to make sure that he is alright. If not, we have to do everything we can to make sure he will be in the future.
“While these discussions were ongoing, Luke trained with the squad on Monday and he applied himself brilliantly, that is something which was clear for all to see in the games leading up to this potential move.
“With a potential appeal still in the air, we elected not to include Luke against Nottingham Forest U21s, but he was there supporting his team-mates. We have a great group of lads and Luke will find it easy to fit back in with them again
“Now I hope that the feeling which has been hanging over the club can be lifted. We want to move on together and while it has been a rollercoaster for everyone involved, we move forward with one of the best strikers in League Two.
“Circumstances have dictated that Luke remains a Harrogate Town player and moving forward I hope that everybody can get behind Luke and the rest of the squad as we look to build on last night’s victory.”
As the club completed two deals on deadline day, we believe this is a good time to acknowledge the hard work which went on behind the scenes by our staff to secure these transfers and to play a role in this potential transfer.