Farnham Town are pleased to confirm that midfielder Harry Cooksley will be remaining with the Club for the 2024/25 season.
The 29-year-old arrived at The Memorial Ground last summer after spending the season playing Step 3 football as captain at Hartley Wintney and was one of several players who joined with a wealth of experience higher up the pyramid having also spent time with Aldershot, AFC Wimbledon and Farnborough.
Cooksley became an immediate lynchpin in the team and scored his first goal for the Club from the penalty spot in a 3-0 win away at Cobham back in August, but made himself known to the Farnham faithful in the following game with his stoppage-time winner against AFC Stoneham in the FA Vase First Qualifying Round.
He quickly became known as ‘The Surrey Zidane’ among the fans and not only entertained matchgoers with his impressive performances, but he equally impressive goal celebrations throughout the campaign which were always a highlight.
More or less an ever-present in the side, Cooksley made 50 appearances for the Town in 2023/24, including 48 starts, and provided 33 goal contributions to the team split almost perfectly – 17 goals, 16 assists. In January, he was promoted to Club vice-captain after Ryan Kinnane was made permanent Club captain.
Many times throughout the season, Harry stepped up when the team needed a moment of inspiration. In pursuit of the league title, Cooksley netted crucial late winners in the away trip to Colliers Wood United and the home win over Jersey Bulls in back-to-back games which helped preserve our 100% winning record in the league at the time.
Beloved by the fans, everyone at Farnham Town is excited about the prospect of Cooksley lacing up his boots again next season at The Memorial Ground.
Manager Paul Johnson said: “Harry was one of the first players we picked out as someone we wanted to bring to the Club last summer, and we were thrilled that he decided to make the move here despite other offers.
“We knew all about his quality in possession and the threat he posed with the ball at his feet, especially from dead-ball situations, and he proved that time and time again this past season. He bailed us out a few times with goals from the spot and free kicks, but he thrives in those moments when the pressure is on.
“He’s a player who has had a lot of success and experience further up the levels. He’s a leader in the dressing room and is a player many of the younger lads learn a lot from. Harry’s going to be an important player for us next season and I’m pleased he’s decided to stay here.”