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Town's First Ever Substitute Dies - Ipswich Town News

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.

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