Reginald Frederick Harrison (22 May 1923 – 17 September 2020) was an English professional footballer who played as a right winger.
Early life
Born in May 1923 in Normanton, Derby, Harrison left school at 14 to train to be a decorator.[2] During World War Two he served with the Royal Engineers, serving as an Army training officer based in England.[2]
Career
After playing non-league football for Derby Corinthians,[1] Harrison signed for Derby County at the age of 16.[2] He signed amateur forms in 1941 and turned professional in 1944, whilst he was also serving in the Army.[3] During the war he guested for Sheffield United, Notts County, Charlton Athletic and Hartlepools United.[3] He scored 52 goals in 254 league appearances for Derby,[1][4] and 59 goals in 281 games in all competitions.[2] Whilst with Derby, Harrison won the FA Cup in 1946.[2] As of September 2018 he was also the oldest living FA Cup winner.[3]
He left Derby to play for Boston United.[4] He joined Long Eaton United as a player in 1957, becoming player-manager in February 1958, remaining in that position until May 1962. He later also managed Wilmorton & Alvaston and Alfreton Town.[5]
After retiring as a player, Harrison worked for Derby City Council's Youth Service, and set up a youth centre and football club.[6]
Personal life
Harrison and his wife celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in March 2015.[2] The couple had two children (including a son who died from leukemia at the age of 7), two granddaughters, and, as of March 2015, one great-grandson.[2] In September 2018 it was proposed by the local council that he would be awarded the Freedom of the City of Derby.[3]
He died at home in Alvaston on 17 September 2020 at the age of 97.[6][7] At the time of his death he was the oldest living FA Cup finalist.[7]
References
- ^ a b c "Reg Harrison". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Derby County FA Cup-winner Reg Harrison and wife Win celebrate 70 years as a team". Derby Telegraph. 17 March 2015. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
- ^ a b c d "Rams last surviving FA Cup winner to be given Freedom of the City". Derbyshirelive. 25 September 2018 – via www.derbytelegraph.co.uk.
- ^ a b "Profile". Post War English & Scottish Football League A - Z Player's Transfer Database. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
- ^ "Profile". Long Eaton United F.C. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
- ^ a b "Reg Harrison RIP". www.dcfc.co.uk.
- ^ a b "'Legend' - Fans pay tribute to Derby County hero Reg Harrison". Derbyshirelive. 18 September 2020 – via www.derbytelegraph.co.uk.