Askey Relies on Fit Tyler Harvey for Truro City Revival

John Askey has seen what a fully firing Tyler Harvey can do to this division. Now he wants the sequel.

The Truro City boss is pinning much of his National League South survival plan on the 31-year-old striker staying on the pitch and staying sharp, after Harvey opened the new campaign with the first goal of the Tinners’ season in a 2-0 win over Maidenhead United last Saturday.

Two years ago, Harvey was the heartbeat of Truro’s charge. He hit 25 goals as the Cornish club stormed to the National League South title in 2024-25, spearheading their rise from the seventh tier to a historic first season in the National League.

Last term told a very different story.

Injuries stalked him. Rhythm disappeared. Harvey managed just five goals in 25 appearances as Truro struggled and ultimately dropped straight back down from the fifth tier.

“Tyler, for the majority of the season last season wasn’t properly fit,” Askey told BBC Radio Cornwall, laying bare the frustration of watching his main marksman fight his own body as much as opposition defences.

Now there is a quiet urgency about keeping him right.

“We’re just hoping that he can stay fit for all the season because he does make a difference to us,” Askey said. “He’s proven time and time again in this league that he can get goals which are going to be vital for us.”

Harvey, once on the books at Plymouth Argyle, has grown into far more than just a finisher for Truro. His influence stretches through the side, from link-up play to the chances he fashions for others.

“He’s got a good football brain,” Askey added, looking ahead to this Saturday’s trip to Chelmsford City. “Not only does he get goals, he creates chances for other people as well and when he’s on full form he makes a big difference to us.

“We just have to manage his injuries and hopefully he’ll play the majority of the games.”

Truro know exactly what a fully fit Harvey looks like in this league. The question now is whether they can keep him on the pitch long enough to change the course of their season.