IT will be an historic day for Harrogate Town at Roots Hall tomorrow.

Harrogate, who were formed in 1919, will be lining up in the Football League for the first time in their history.

And Town’s managing director Garry Plant feels it will be one of the biggest games in the club’s history.

“The last biggest game was the play-off final this is the next biggest and the next biggest after that is West Bromwich Albion in the cup on Wednesday,” said Plant.

“They are all big games but we’re all very much looking forward to Saturday.

“It’s still quite surreal to be honest and it’s not really sunk in.

“It’s going to be brilliant but obviously it’s a great shame there are no supporters there.

“It’s our first match in the Football League so we would definitely have had a few travelling down and staying for the weekend.”

Harrogate were promoted via the National League play-offs last season, beating Notts County 3-1 at Wembley at the start of August.

But Plant feared Town could have missed out on their chance to go up when the coronavirus pandemic brought the season to a premature conclusion.

“There were moments during lockdown and leading up to the play-offs where we thought that was it and it definitely wasn’t going to happen,” said Plant.

“We were resigned to starting again but we then had some optimism it might still happen so it was hot and cold.

“But to have had the chance and to now be in the Football League is unbelievable.

“We’ve got to work hard but we’ve also got to enjoy it.”

Plant has been with Harrogate for the past five years and always dreamed a place in the League might be possible.

"Once upon a time it seemed far, far away but we did obviously think one day could we help Harrogate Town be an English Football League club and the answer was yes,” said Plant.

“But’s been down to hard work, investment, belief and a bit of luck along the way as well.”

Saturday's game is also the start of a busy week for Harrogate who face West Brom in the League Cup on Wednesday night before facing Notts County in the FA Trophy semi-final just 24 hours later.

The winners will advance to face Concord Rangers at Wembley later this month and Plant insists Harrogate are still taking the Trophy seriously.

"It’s as important as it has always been for us," said Plant.

"We’ve got West Brom next Wednesday and play Notts County the following day but you would never give up the opportunity to play at Wembley."