Weaver compares new Harrogate Town signing Andi Thanoj to former ace Adam Bolder

Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver has likened new recruit Andi Thanoj to former Town hero Adam Bolder.
Andi Thanoj in action for Alfreton TownAndi Thanoj in action for Alfreton Town
Andi Thanoj in action for Alfreton Town

Thanoj signed for Harrogate on Thursday after leaving National League North counterparts Alfreton Town.

The midfielder, who has two U21 international caps for Albania, spent two seasons in the Midlands after starting his senior career at Grimsby Town.

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Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Bolder had been a mainstay in Town's midfield under Weaver's first three years at Town before leaving for North Ferriby United at the end of the 2013/14 campaign.

Weaver drew similarities between Bolder and Thanoj's passing ability and believes the new signing will be well suited to the new 3G pitch being built at the CNG Stadium.

The boss said: “He'll be playing on a good surface and hopefully in a good team so he can make the most of his talent.

“He seems motivated with the coaching and training he will receive and is well up for jumping on board.

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“He's a very gifted passer in the Adam Bolder mould, and that's something I felt we have missed.

Simon Weaver has likened Andi Thanoj to former Town midfielder Adam BolderSimon Weaver has likened Andi Thanoj to former Town midfielder Adam Bolder
Simon Weaver has likened Andi Thanoj to former Town midfielder Adam Bolder

“He's happy collecting the ball and supplying it.

“He's got a nice swagger about him and that's something we want to add to games in order to dominate that centre midfield.”

At 23, Thanoj has already earned a reputation as a cultured midfielder at non league level and was a popular figure at both Grimsby and Alfreton, who finished six places below Town in tenth last season.

He won the young player of the year award twice at Grimsby and scored against Town for Alfreton last season from a peach of a free-kick.

Simon Weaver has likened Andi Thanoj to former Town midfielder Adam BolderSimon Weaver has likened Andi Thanoj to former Town midfielder Adam Bolder
Simon Weaver has likened Andi Thanoj to former Town midfielder Adam Bolder
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Having lost leading free-kick option Brendon Daniels to AFC Fylde last month, Weaver said Thanoj would get a chance to add more goals to his tally from dead ball scenarios in a Town shirt.

Weaver said: “I am sure he will be one of the first in line for trying free-kicks. You can see from his goal against us, watching it over and over, he wraps his foot around it.

“He's very technically gifted from dead ball kicks. He will be taking a lot for sure.

“Grimsby fans rated him from his time there but as so often is the case at a big club, you are in and out.

“He left and found regular starts at Alfreton and has ripped it up.”