Bert Harris

Evacuated to a Welsh farm during the war, Harris did not even see a football until 1945. On his return, he represented Bootle Schoolboys and attracted Bolton’s attention when playing for the RAF in Shrewsbury. He sprang into prominence after displacing Eire International Jimmy O’Neill in the Everton goal for the last 5 games of 1955–56. After making 33 appearances in 3 seasons with Tranmere Rovers, he unexpectedly held his place at Southport throughout 1960–61 despite the presence of the more experienced Welsh International, Keith Jones. He was especially notable for his long, accurate throwing when clearing his area. He lost his place to Willie McInnes after only one game the following campaign but regained it when McInnes broke a finger. In 1963–64 he was similarly kept in the Reserves by Jimmy Rollo but won his place back in the closing games. He held it throughout 1964–65 but was freed at the end of the season and played for Kirkby Town, eventually becoming manager. Later heavily involved in the engineering business he inherited from his father-in-law, his football interest waned considerably

Profile reproduced with Permission from:
The Sandgrounders: The Complete League History of Southport F. C., by Michael Braham and Geoff Wilde (Palatine Books, 1995). ISBN 978-1-874181-14-9

Southport Playing Stats

First Team

	Heritage Qualifying				League Only				Cup Only				Other Only				All
Season
1960/1961	51	(0)	51	0	46	(0)	46	0	7	(0)	7	0	0	(0)	0	0	53	(0)	53	0
1961/1962	31	(0)	31	0	28	(0)	28	0	7	(0)	7	0	0	(0)	0	0	35	(0)	35	0
1962/1963	39	(0)	39	0	36	(0)	36	0	5	(0)	5	0	0	(0)	0	0	41	(0)	41	0
1963/1964	8	(0)	8	0	8	(0)	8	0	3	(0)	3	0	0	(0)	0	0	11	(0)	11	0
1964/1965	46	(0)	46	0	41	(0)	41	0	8	(0)	8	0	0	(0)	0	0	49	(0)	49	0
Total	175	(0)	175	0	159	(0)	159	0	30	(0)	30	0	0	(0)	0	0	189	(0)	189	0

Transfers