He expressed gratitude for the loyalty of the supporters despite the team experiencing a weak start to the season.
>>> Montreal Prepares for Canadian Grand Prix Amid Changing Weather and Upgrades
"We didn't start the season strongly, yet you still stood by us and believed in every single one of us," he stated.
Harwood-Bellis concluded his statement by reflecting on the collective effort of the squad and the fanbase throughout the grueling second-tier tournament.
"We can be proud that we battled through a tough Championship season together, and I'll always be grateful for the support you gave us every step of the way," he stated.
Earlier in the same semi-final fixture, referee Andy Madley briefly halted play following an allegation that Harwood-Bellis discriminated against Middlesbrough defender Luke Ayling regarding his speech impediment.
The Football Association reviewed the official match report and consulted with Middlesbrough, but they closed the investigation without penalizing the Southampton player after Ayling declined to pursue the matter.
Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert addressed the immediate aftermath of the heated on-field exchange between the two players.
"I’ve just seen they talked straight after the game and, obviously a lot of emotions, but they seemed fine," said Eckert.
Ayling previously spoke openly about his personal experiences navigating professional football while managing a speech disability.
>>> Doncaster Rovers Re-Sign Defender James Husband on Free Transfer
"You get people saying horrible things and people taking the mick but you have to blank that out, I don’t get bogged down by those comments," said Ayling.
