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

Swn98 added 19:21 - Mar 30 Another sad loss i remember playing against him in a charity match even though he had retired a few years was still a good player. RIP, what a wretched few weeks it's been for our great Club.
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kpblues added 19:41 - Mar 30 Sad news. He was a very good left back whose career was cut short because of a knee injury in the infamous game against Lazio. Originally Mills was right back & Harper left back then as Burley came through and Harpers injury kicked in Mills moved into left back and later midfield. As an aside he fitted my parents conservatory and was a nice guy by all accounts. RIP
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MJR101 added 19:45 - Mar 30 Built my garage in 1991. Had good chats with him. Top bloke, great left back. RIP mate.
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wayway added 20:30 - Mar 30 R.I.P. Colin, for my money the best left back I have seen in a town shirt and part of Bill McGarry's brilliant promotion winning team in 1968. One of the best crossers of the ball the club has ever had
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baxter7 added 20:41 - Mar 30 Most underrated player in that era R.I.P Colin
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WashbrookBlue added 20:44 - Mar 30 A very sad week for the club and especially for those that remember the jumpers for goalposts era of early 70's football. Remember him being badly injured in the battle of Lazio, not sure he ever really recovered his place in side given the emergence of Burley and Mills switching to the left? Picture of that era attached with Jefferson, Morris, Collard et al and a very mean looking young Beattie! The events of this week and the disrespectful lack of connection that the current owner and manager have with such heritage seem to make this all the more poignant. https://goo.gl/images/wCGZjz

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baxter7 added 20:48 - Mar 30 Just hope our players wear armbands on Monday for 2 of the blues greats
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Tedsleftfoot added 21:07 - Mar 30 R.I.P Colin, such a dependable player who gave all for the club.
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howdonblue added 22:11 - Mar 30 RIP Colin One of our own
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massivemole added 07:09 - Mar 31 I was in the same school year as one of his sons. RIP. Chin up Jamie.
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chopra777 added 08:20 - Mar 31 Condolences to the Harper family. I remember Colin being at Everton House School Ipswich in the late 60's acting as a sports teacher for a few weeks. Great player and loyal member of Ipswich Town. Rip Colin. I think the other player who helped was a George S****** (cannot remember his name).
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pegasus added 08:46 - Mar 31 I was at school with Colin, too. A fine man and a fine player. My condolences to all his family. RIP Colin
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dirtydingusmagee added 09:09 - Mar 31 RIP Colin, seen playing plenty of times ,in the good times .
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roytheboy added 10:07 - Mar 31 I had the great pleasure of being introduced to Colin and Captain Mick in 1974, God bless you in Heaven Colin and may God give comfort to your Wife and family and to all those who love you.
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BlueandTruesince82 added 10:28 - Mar 31 What a week, the real Fergie passing, Mick leaving, now this. Crazy week for the Town. RIP
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harpe1c added 22:29 - Apr 7 Thanks to All that have taken the time to post lovely comments with regards to the passing of my Dad. I was too young to see my dad play and have always wondered and hoped that he was a good and respected player and person. It seems my hopes were founded but he was my hero anyway. Thanks to you all :-) Chris Harper and on behalf of Jamie, Zoe and wife Carol X
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