It has been a challenging campaign for Simon Weaver’s Harrogate Town but they have confirmed an impressive loan signing for versatile Bristol Rovers player Bryant Bilongo.
The 23-year-old only arrived at the League One club in the summer but has been moved despite being one of the more impressive players in the squad this season, with new manager Inigo Calderon hoping to improve the team’s fortunes after arriving late last month.
Bilongo Is Shining Even though Bristol Rovers flattered to deceive, they had a busy summer transfer window and seemed to have a team that could compete in the third division, but their dismal season has left them only five points above the relegation zone.
The club has made a move by replacing Matt Taylor, who was in charge for just over a year, with Calderon. The calibre of clubs behind them in the table is helping them remain afloat and could prove pivotal come the end of the campaign.
Bilongo, who has made 11 starts and 14 outings overall in League One, has not been the cause of their bad play. The left-sided player, who can play in the defensive four or midfield, has a tackle success rate of more than 75%, makes 1.2 interceptions per game, and is among the club’s top three aerials won.
Going forward, he has scored a goal and provided an assist. Only Shaq Forde has completed more dribbles per game at Bristol Rovers and no player has a better record for crosses blocked.
This all points to Harrogate Town pulling off a real coup by announcing a deal for the former Middlesbrough academy prospect.
Harrogate Town Require Upgrade in All Areas
Harrogate Town themselves are just five points above the bottom two in the fourth tier. They have scored only 21 goals in their 25 matches and boast the lowest expected goals tally of all teams in League Two.
Their problems do not stop there as they have the worst record for expected goals against. They desperately require new arrivals and the acquisition of Bilongo is a positive step forward, with the player a real talent who should star at this level.
Leave a Reply