Josh Harrop has made a return to football with Cheltenham Town confirming the signing of the former Preston North End ace.
There are a few players who haven’t quite lived up to the hype at PNE in recent years.
Tom Bayliss springs to mind but Josh Harrop is certainly up there following his 2017 move from Manchester United.
PNE paid around £600,000 to sign Harrop from United and excitement levels were high.
The attacking midfielder had started United’s final game of the 2016-17 season and scored in a win over Crystal Palace.
North End signing a goalscoring United debutant on a permanent basis was cause for excitement – but Harrop didn’t quite live up to the hype.
Harrop had his moments and a 2018 knee injury certainly set him back, but after scoring some superb goals in the 2019-20 season, he just fizzled out.
Loan spells Ipswich Town and Fleetwood Town didn’t help and PNE ripped up Harrop’s contract in September 2022.
Josh Harrop signs for Cheltenham Town
Harrop spent time with Northampton Town last season but didn’t have his contract extended, and he has been without a club for the first half of the season.
The 28-year-old is back now though having impressed during a trial spell with League One side Cheltenham Town.
Harrop has joined the Robins until the end of the season and will be looking to help Cheltenham move away from the relegation zone.
Darrell Clarke’s side sit third-bottom of League One and are four points from safety, so Harrop will need to make a big impact.
Harrop has spoken to Cheltenham’s official website, noting that he has been working hard as a free agent and can’t wait to get going with Cheltenham.
“I’m really delighted to be here, it’s a great opportunity for me and I’m delighted to finally get the deal done,” said Harrop. “I’ve been working really hard since I’ve been a free agent and I’ve been able to show that to the gaffer and now he’s given me that opportunity to come in and play until the end of the season.”
“I can play as number eight, a number 10, I like to play through the middle and try to score goals and pop up with assists,” he added.
We all know how much talent Harrop has in his locker; the last few years have been tricky for him but most PNE fans will be keen to see him shine again and get his career back on track.
Harrop will now be in line to make his debut for Cheltenham on Tuesday night as they travel to take on Bolton Wanderers.