Barnard is joined by Dave Wheat who takes over as treasurer after enjoying 13 years in the first XV and spending two seasons as captain.

The new chairman has been involved for the last nine years with the junior section, and in 37 seasons of playing has also turned out for Pythons.

“Dave and I joined the Committee to give something back to the club and rugby as a whole and to take the club forward in accordance with the will of the membership and in line with the club’s stated objectives,” said Barnard.

He also added that he aims to work tirelessly to bring an effective and acceptable resolution to the ground location issue, provide transparency and appropriate communication in all club dealings and maximise financial returns for the benefit of the club and its membership.

Barnard is looking forward to working with the Committee and Harrogate members to take the club forward, the first steps of whch will be to consult with members regarding their views, opinions and vision for the club.

Meanwhile on the pitch, Harrogate team manager Graham Siswick has revealed the management team of Mike Aspinall and Ryan Peacey are working to hard to bolster the ‘Gate squad before the start of the season.

He said the majority of last year’s squad have resigned and they’re looking at bringing in other players before their big kick-off on September 5.

“We’ll be able to announce something about signings in the next few weeks,” said Siswick.

“But we’re preparing for the new season. The players have got individual fitness regimes they’re keeping to and we’re looking forward to the pre-season friendlies.”

‘Gate start pre-season training next Thursday and have friendly fixtures on Saturday August 15 away at Pontefract, August 26 at home to Darlington Mowden Park with the second team at home to Bradford Salem on the same day.

On August 29 the first team and seconds will play Blaydon at Claro Road.

Harrogate start their league campaign at home to Rugby Lions on September 5. The league will be renamed National Two North this season due to restructuring.

September: 5th Rugby Lions (H); 12th Westoe (A); 19th Caldy (H); 26th Loughborough Students (H). October: 3rdPreston (A); 10th Hull (H); 17th Kendal (A); 24th Broadstreet (H); 31st Waterloo (A). November: 7th Huddersfield (H); 14th Bradford & Bingley (A); 28th Leicester Lions (H). December: Fylde (A): 12th Hull (H); 19th Macclesfield (H).January: 2nd Westoe (H); 9th Caldy (A); 16th Loughborough (A); 23rd Preston (H); 30th Hull (A). February: 13th Kendal (H); 20th Broadstreet (A); 27th Waterloo (H). March: 10th Huddersfield (A); 20th Bradford & Bingley (H); 27th Leicester (A). April: 3rd Fylde (H); 10th Hull (A); 17th Macclesfield (H); 24th Rugby Lions (A).