Former Blues left-back Colin Harper has died aged 71 after a long illness.

Ipswich-born Harper came through the Blues youth system and made 171 Town starts and five sub appearances, scoring six goals, between 1966 and 1977.

He was a member of Bill McGarry’s side which won the Second Division title in 1967/68 and was a regular for Bobby Robson’s team which played in Europe on a yearly basis in the 1970s, most notably featuring in the 1-0 aggregate victory over Real Madrid in 1973.

In 1975 he was granted a testimonial in which a Blues side faced then England boss Don Revie's All-Stars at Portman Road.

Prior to leaving Town he had spells on loan at Grimsby and Cambridge before joining Port Vale where he was caretaker-manager.

He later managed Waterford, Chelmsford and Sudbury Town, prior to running a building firm locally after hanging up his boots during which time he regularly attended games at Portman Road.

Harper, who leaves a wife, Carol, and three children, died yesterday at a hospice where he had spent his final few weeks.

Photo: TWTD

tractorboybig added 16:46 - Mar 30 remembered. RIP
8

Millsey added 16:47 - Mar 30 Good player 😔 RIP Colin
10

Scuzzer added 16:50 - Mar 30 What a sad sad week it has been for Town. RIP Colin....you were a great player.
11

jabberjackson added 16:51 - Mar 30 RIP Colin An extremely strong full back, playing in a back four with Mills, Hunter and Beattie, he certainly had to be A sad few days for the great Ipswich Town We are indeed privileged to have so many heroes to remember
13

12th_Man added 16:55 - Mar 30 As I said earlier sad week for itfc fans
6

Suffolkboy added 16:56 - Mar 30 Sad to learn this news ; he was a solid contributor ,always reliable and we remember him as part of a really watchable team ,and someone who actually lived near us in Ipswich ! RIP and sympathies to his family .
11

ronnyd added 17:05 - Mar 30 Another Town legend from the good days. RIP Colin.
7

itsonlyme added 17:20 - Mar 30 More sad news regarding a stalwart of ITFC. Remember his playing days well. RIP Colin
7

therein61 added 17:20 - Mar 30 I remember Colin as a fully committed player who never gave up while not as gifted as some of his team mates his whole hearted effort was to be admired R.I.P Colin(and thanks for the memories) respects to your wife and children left behind.
7

pazzy added 17:21 - Mar 30 great player and great lad rip
6

grumpyoldman added 17:35 - Mar 30 Under rated steady player another connection to my youth gone. RIP
7

armchaircritic59 added 17:36 - Mar 30 One of those players that seemed to go under the radar. Saw him play lots of times. Very seldom had a poor game and underated. R.I.P Colin.
6

bgexile added 17:39 - Mar 30 Solid and reliable. Pretty much all you'd hope for in that position. RIP Colin.
5

BillyBaxterwasbest added 17:53 - Mar 30 A very god defender, remember him very well RIP Colin
7

BlueArrow added 18:08 - Mar 30 RIP Colin great memories of your playing for The Towen. Another sad day at the loss of a Blue 😔
7

TimmyH added 18:12 - Mar 30 It's been a sad time for Town over the last month or so for names passing away, it all brings back good memories of what this club use to be like. Colin was a useful left back though only watched him once or twice. RIP Colin and thought go out to his family.
6

petermorris added 18:23 - Mar 30 One of our own. A commited defender who played for the badge, and a thoroughly decent bloke. Condolences to his family.
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petermorris added 18:23 - Mar 30 One of our own. A commited defender who played for the badge, and a thoroughly decent bloke. Condolences to his family.
4

Dissboyitfc added 18:30 - Mar 30 So sad, one of the first ever players i remember! RIP Colin
6

blueboy1981 added 18:33 - Mar 30 R.I.P. Colin - Great memories of another solid and dependable player. As always - condolences to all family and friends. Another 'true blue' has left us.
5

runaround added 18:38 - Mar 30 R I P Colin
3

buckyblue added 18:43 - Mar 30 Very sad,underrated marauding left back from Bobby Robsons first rising team.especially remember him at end of 1972 season when we beat Man city at home 2-1.they were vying for the championship and he played an absolute blinder.RIP Colin.
6

norfsufblue added 19:02 - Mar 30 One of my first favourites and played in the first game I saw at Portman Rd... proper player inan awesome back four. Sad to see so many former greats leaving us but hopefully will never be forgotten as one of the men who made The Town. RIP Colin
5

Bluetone added 19:12 - Mar 30 Partnered Mick Mills and was badly injured by Duncan Forbes. He always gave of his best a good player may he rest in peace.
4

Cakeman added 19:16 - Mar 30 Same for me norfsufblue, Colin was playing in the the team for the first Ipswich match I saw back In 1972. A very steady but underrated player.
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