Perfect Harmon-y for Ross County new signing after leaving elite
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GEORGE Harmon reckons a year away from the “fake football” of England’s Premier League 2 was great preparation for the rigours of Scotland’s top-flight.
The Ross County summer signing was reared in West Bromwich Albion’s highly-rated category one elite youth academy, benefitting from one the country’s top coaching environments up to under 23 level.
But the 21-year-old left-back believes that proving himself in real men’s football with humble Oxford City last season was crucial in lifting his game to the next level.
The part-timers finished fifth in the National League South, with the energetic young Harmon becoming a cult hero to supporters.
Malky Mackay and head of analysis and scouting Enda Barron took keen interest and sealed a permanent move for him last week.
“It’s a massive opportunity and I just can’t wait to get started,” Birmingham-born Harmon said. “West Brom were really good for me. I was part of the 23s set-up there and made the bench for the first team in the FA Cup once. They taught me a lot, but Oxford City gave me a really good opportunity.
“That was massive for me. It was a challenge, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a lot better – real men’s football, compared to Academy football which can be so-called fake football.
“Teams just want to pass out from the back, whereas in men’s football there is the need to get three points above all else, with a lot more fans there to satisfy and impress.
“It was a new experience and all about stepping up my game and using my body a bit better. It has improved me and hopefully prepared me for Scottish football, where the level is very good.”
Harmon’s aim is to keep improving and developing, but he feels ready for a starting place.
“Any footballer has weaknesses. No footballer is the finished product and I want to make sure I can be the best version of myself and be able to be as good as I can be for this club.”
