Reg Harrison
Reginald Frederick Harrison was born on 22nd May 1923 in Normanton, Derby.
After playing non-league football for Derby Corinthians, Harrison signed for Derby County at the age of 16. He signed amateur forms in 1941 and turned professional in 1944.
This was whilst he was also serving in the Royal Engineers as an Army training officer based in England. During the war he guested for Sheffield United, Notts County, Charlton Athletic and Hartlepool United.
A right winger by trade, he scored 52 goals in 254 league appearances for Derby, and 59 goals in 281 games in all competitions over 11 years. Reg is perhaps best known for his appearance in Derby County’s victorious 1946 FA Cup Final, where his beloved team defeated Charlton Athletic 4-1 as they lifted the trophy for the first and only time.
He left Derby in 1955 to play for Boston United. He joined Long Eaton United as a player in 1957, becoming player-manager in February 1958, remaining in that position until May 1962.
After hanging up his boots, Harrison remained in football for a few years as a manager with Wilmorton & Alvaston and then Alfreton Town.
Harrison started in the Derby Leisure Services as a leader at Stockbrook community centre before moving to Chesapeake and later Field Lane. He dedicated much of his life to developing grass roots football in Derby and established football teams at each of the community centres where he worked.
Many of those who fondly share memories of Harrison today remember a humble and passionate man who gave assistance and support on and off the pitch while dedicating his life to improving local communities. His achievements were honoured by Derby City Council in 2019 when he was awarded the Freedom of the City of Derby.
Harrison and his wife celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in March 2015. He died at home in Alvaston on 17 September 2020 at the age of 97. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living FA Cup finalist.
A great testament to his legacy is that all of those clubs established by Harrison are still flourishing today.
