Town's First Ever Substitute Dies
Sunday, 27th Jan 2013 23:03

Former Town midfielder Dave Harper has died at the age of 74. Harper was with the Blues between 1965 and 1967, making 79 starts and two sub appearances, scoring three goals.

Peckham-born Harper came through the Millwall youth system and made his name with the Lions, playing 190 times and scoring five goals before joining Town in March 1965.

A former England youth international, Harper became the first player to appear for Town as a substitute in the Football League in a 2-0 defeat at Charlton on August 28th 1965.

In July 1967 he left Portman Road for Swindon, subsequently spending time with Leyton Orient.

After retiring from his playing career, Harper worked as a London cabbie and a publican. He died last Wednesday in Eastbourne, Sussex and leaves a wife, Jean, and two sons.

Photo: Action Images

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Sibelius8 added 23:20 - Jan 27 A good man. Saw him play many times. Always a good pro. It is with players such as Dave that the good reputation of our club was built upon over the years, as much as the more famous names, that we should celebrate. Thank you. We owe you much. RIP
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algarvefan added 00:29 - Jan 28 How different life was for footballers back then when they retired. As Sibelius8 says a good man, RIP Dave
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Fatcatevans added 09:20 - Jan 28 Top man. always gave everything for the cause
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hancockingoal added 10:36 - Jan 28 RIP to a nice man and a cultured wing half. He moved into Ray Crawford's old club house in Cedercroft Rd in Ipswich and used to bring his German Shepherd dog over Castle Hill Park. He often stopped and chatted to us young boys when we were having a kick about and he was very good at passing on tips. A real gentleman!
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WeWereZombies added 11:38 - Jan 28 Sad news, he lived five doors down from me after Ray Crawford moved. For some reason my crowd usually had our kick abouts in the rec opposite Meredith Road so I never got to know him other than seeing him play a few times. Odd to think of him at 74 rather than twentysomething, time catches up with us all but maybe too soon in David Harper's case.
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EatonBlue added 16:12 - Jan 28 RIP Dave. A stylish wing half who helped to get the club going in the right direction in the 1960's. He previously played for Millwall in the same team as Joe Broadfoot.
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