Ilkeston Town star earns Football League move
Ilkeston Town have confirmed the departure of striker Tom Cursons, who has joined Football League side Harrogate Town for an undisclosed fee.
Cursons, the joint-top scorer in the Northern Premier League's top division this season with 21 goals, has joined the League Two side on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
First joining the club from Barwell in December 2023, Cursons has shone for the Robins since his arrival.
He netted 12 goals in 18 appearances during the second half of last season and has continued his fine form into this campaign.
On his departure, Ilkeston boss Ian Deakin said: “I’m absolutely delighted for Tom on his move to Harrogate Town. He will be missed, of course, but it’s a fantastic opportunity for him to continue his trajectory upwards in football.
“From the moment we signed TC, you could see not only the potential he had but also what a great temperament and attitude he possessed.
“Now he moves on to his next chapter at a very good football club in Harrogate Town, where we all wish him well and nothing but success for the future.
“For me, this is a success for Ilkeston Town and continues the long line of young players going into full time football after being given the platform and environment to do so at Ilkeston.
“We are all extremely proud of TC and look forward to seeing him take on the next chapter of his career.”
In an exclusive interview with the NPL back in November, Cursons spoke of his "dream" to play full-time football, but insisted that he was happy to wait for the right opportunity.
He has now opted to join a Harrogate side that currently find themselves 17th in League Two.
Chairman Andrew Nally said: “Obviously it’s a sad day to see a great player like Tom leave the club, but it also gives me great satisfaction to see us be that platform for Tom to realise his dreams and play within the league pyramid.
“Over the past few months, interest has been growing in the player from the footballing world, but the club didn’t simply want to sell to the first bidder, nor necessarily to the highest bidder, and we have carefully chosen this deal, in what we think is right for all parties.
“Tom not only has great footballing ability, he is extremely hard working, has a desire to win, but more importantly has a lovely personality, and I wish him all the best at Harrogate."