Tyler Harvey: Key to Truro City's Revival

John Askey is banking on a familiar source to fire Truro City back in the right direction – a fully fit Tyler Harvey.

The 31-year-old striker, who terrorised defences with 25 goals when Truro stormed to the National League South title in 2024-25, opened this season’s account with the first goal in a 2-0 win over Maidenhead United last Saturday. For Askey, that finish was more than just an early strike. It was a reminder of what Truro look like when their main marksman is truly healthy.

Last season told a very different story. Harvey was dogged by injuries, restricted and frustrated, and ended the campaign with just five goals in 25 appearances as the Cornish club slipped out of the National League at the first attempt.

“Tyler, for the majority of the season last season wasn’t properly fit,” Askey told BBC Radio Cornwall, laying bare just how much those problems had blunted his attack. The message now is simple: keep him on the pitch.

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

Harvey’s importance to Truro runs deeper than a numbers column. A former Plymouth Argyle youngster, he has been central to the club’s remarkable climb from the seventh tier to that historic first campaign in the fifth tier last term. When Truro have surged, he has usually been at the heart of it.

Askey sees that influence every day.

“He’s got a good football brain,” the manager said, looking ahead to 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.”

That leaves Truro with a clear mission: protect their talisman. Askey knows the season may hinge on how well they manage Harvey’s body as much as his finishing.

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

If they can keep their number nine firing, Truro’s response to relegation might not take long to gather pace.