Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver has admitted defeat in his hopes of signing Jack Diamond from Sunderland this summer.

The Lowdown: Impressed

Diamond impressed while on loan at Harrogate last season, scoring 14 goals and making a further seven assists in 45 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

He has also played 42 times for the Stadium of Light outfit over the past four campaigns, scoring twice and supplying six assists (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Weaver update

Speaking to The Harrogate Advertiser, Harrogate boss Weaver has claimed that although they tried, it is 'unlikely' that Diamond will be returning to the club for next term, after getting 'knocked back' by the Wearside club:

“I would say Jack Diamond coming back is unlikely now, but we really did try.

“We had a good go at getting him back here again. We’ve tried to sign him on a permanent deal but got knocked back. We’ve tried to bring him back on a loan basis, on any basis we could to be honest.
“We've tried, but Sunderland own Jack, he is their player and we have to respect that.
"With regard to the loan, they've said to us that they want to see the lad tested at League One level now that they have gone up to the Championship. "Obviously it is disappointing because Jack Diamond is a real talent and he made a big impression during his time here. But, we are excited by the transfer business that we have already done this summer and the other deals that we are still currently working on.”

The Verdict: Interesting

It is certainly interesting for the Black Cats supporters to hear that the club want to send Diamond out on loan to a League One side next season, having smashed it in League Two. Of course, promotion up to the Championship might have tempted Diamond to stay put next term, but Alex Neil clearly wants the 22-year-old to further his development before being a part of his squad. Diamond has shown that with regular game time he can perform at a high level, so perhaps a similar vein of form in the third tier next season could see him become a fixture in Neil's first team from the 2023/24 campaign.