Mr Football mourned by many

Known as Mr Football, the veteran coach passed away in April aged 87 after more than 60 years of involvement at a host of clubs as a manager, coach or player, the list including Concord, Dagenham, Grays, Gravesend, Mornington Boys and Southampton.

Pictured below with his late wife Dolly who passed away aged 51 in 1979, the Arsenal fan was born in the East End and played for the Gunners and the Army as a youth while on National Service before working in the docks.

A Tilbury player in the 1950s, his finest moment in football came in 1978 as Dockers manager when he guided the club to the third round of the FA Cup before their dream ended in a 4-0 defeat in front of a crowd of 16,000 at Stoke City, the gate including 2,500 travelling fans.

In a statement released soon after hearing news of his passing, the Dockers paid tribute to their former player and manager.

A spokesman said: "He was a real 'Mr Football'. It just ran through his blood and he never lost contact with the game, coaching young players even into his 80s. The club send their condolences to his family and friends."

Mr Harris leaves behind his partner Jean Collins, sons Steve and Trace and a granddaughter. His funeral service takes place at 12.30pm on Monday 16 May at St Nicholas Church in Long Road, Canvey.

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