A real stalwart of the lower divisions, Eric Harrison made more than 500 League appearances in a career which extended over 15 years. He would have played considerably more had he not been one of the last to do National Service in 1960–61. He developed through the ‘A’ and Reserve teams at Halifax. Whilst in his first spell at Barrow, he was a member of the side that was promoted for the first time in their history. Less happily, he was back with Barrow as player-coach when they lost their League status. ‘Chopper’ Harrison was a hard-tackling defender during his two seasons at Haig Avenue, having been brought by Don McEvoy, who had him under his charge at Barrow. Subsequently, he has enjoyed long spells as Youth Team coach at first Everton and later Manchester United, where he has been for 14 years.

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