Many attribute their success to mercurial young Norwegian manager Kjetil Rimehaug, who has built a winning team on a shoestring budget through an emphasis on youth and constant tactical innovation.

And while they may have fallen at the final hurdle this time around, the club's forthcoming move to the 30,000-seater Harrogate Stadion should provide some consolation.

If you were under the impression that Harrogate Town were a Blue Square North side with a ground capacity of 3,300, don't worry – they are.

Rap MC

Their incredible rise to the top has occurred only on the computer of one 19-year-old Norwegian student and part-time rap music MC, who contacted the Advertiser to share news of his success.

Kjetil Rimehaug, an avid Manchester United fan, has guided Harrogate Town through nine seasons on the computer game Football Manager.

He began the game as Leeds United boss, but after three successful years resigned in a row over investment in the youth set-up.

"I got the job at Harrogate, as they were the only club who would hire me at the time, " he said.

Limited budget

Despite a limited budget, he took Harrogate Town from the Blue Square North to the Premier League in six seasons and later won the UEFA Cup.

This week he divulged the secrets of his success.

"The two most important things I have brought to the job are my 'shopping skills' and my tactics, " he said.

"I work out a plan, and thoroughly check the players I buy, before I buy them. And I buy a lot of young players.

Big name signings

"I also rotate my tactics, based on the team I'm playing against. I use those holes in the opposite teams I can find, and I change my team regularly, so my opposition is never prepared."

Among the players to have graced the club's Wetherby Road ground are Arsenal loanee Jack Wilshere and Serbian winger Adem Ljajic.

In reality, Ljajic is a promising Manchester United youngster, but in Kjetil's universe he was released by United on a free transfer before becoming Harrogate Town's most explosive attacker - and being sold for £30m.

The club have recently broken the monopoly of the 'Big Four', finishing 3rd in the 2019-20 season, 4th in 2020-21 and 2nd in 2021-22, just four points behind Manchester United.

European glory

They've also graced the continental stage.

Kjetil talked us through the club's first European triumph - the UEFA Cup win in the 2019-20 season.

"In the final Harrogate had to meet Sevilla, " he said.

"Sevilla were the better team for the first 75 minutes of the game, but the last 15 minutes of the match were mine and my players should have scored three of four times.

The future

"The result was 0-0, and Harrogate continued to play great in extra time, scoring about five minutes in.

"Then I pulled my team back, and defended my way to victory - a bit cowardly, but I won the UEFA Cup!"

Having tasted glory once, Kjetil is keen to bow out on a high and is considering his options ahead of the 2022-23 season.

"My contract runs out after this season, and I've said to myself: if Harrogate win the FA Cup, Premier League or the Champions' League this season, I will decline a new offer and resign as manager of Harrogate Town, and leave the club to itself.