New marquee signing makes Harborough Town debut - he once turned out for Wolves, Portsmouth and Wigan
Most weeks, Harborough Town signing a former Championship and League One stalwart would be the out-and-out headline story – but not on this occasion.
The Bees causing a huge upset to beat Morecambe 1-0 in their first-ever home National League North match takes the back page this week, but there’s more to celebrate on the transfer front.
Yes, following an initial trial period, former Wolverhampton Wanderers, Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic winger Michael Jacobs has officially signed for Harborough.
Arriving on a permanent deal following the expiration of his contract at Northampton Town, Jacobs swaps league football for Step 2 of the non-league pyramid.
Only last season, and albeit relegated come the end of it, Jacobs was playing in League One with Northampton as he made 20 appearances in the English third tier.
Jacobs, now 34, had returned to the Cobblers, where he earlier made his breakthrough before enjoying various spells with Derby County, Wolves, Blackpool, Wigan, Portsmouth and Chesterfield.
Throughout his impressive career, Jacobs has made 155 Championship appearances, scoring 13 goals and contributing 20 assists. In League One, he boasts 42 goals and 37 assists in 205 matches.
The 34-year-old may well have lost a yard of pace and is heading towards the end of his playing days now, but he still has so much to offer, not least his experience and technical ability.
After making his debut as a late substitute against Morecambe, Jacobs told @HarbTownFC: “The club has been great to let me come down, train and be part of the group.
“So, to get it done and be part of such a great occasion for the club is massive.
“I’ve had such a good career going here, there and everywhere. Playing for Northampton and being a part of the club again last year was great.
“For me, I’ve heard so much about Harborough and everyone spoke so highly of it. It’s now the time in my career I can concentrate and try and help other people out.”
Harborough boss Mitch Austin will be hoping that Jacobs - alongside fellow ex-Championship star Britt Assombalonga - can have a positive influence on the Bees’ debut National League North endeavour.