Everton is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Jimmy Harris, aged 88.
A boyhood Evertonian born in Birkenhead, talented forward Harris came through the ranks at Everton before emerging as one of the Club’s most celebrated players of the 1950s.
He made his First-Team debut in August 1955 – replacing legendary striker Dave Hickson in the team for a 1-0 victory over Burnley – and scored his first Toffees goal the following week as West Bromwich Albion were beaten 2-0 at Goodison Park.
A fast, skilful and intelligent attacker, Harris went on to enjoy an exceptional debut season and finished as Everton’s top scorer in 1955/56 with 21 goals.
His performances were recognised with a call-up for England Under-23s, and he netted on his only appearance for the Three Lions in a 3-1 win over Scotland in February 1956.
Harris continued to make regular match-defining contributions during his time with Everton and scored a total of 72 goals in 207 appearances before moving to Birmingham City in 1960.
He sits joint-27th in Everton’s all-time goalscoring chart alongside legendary striker and current Blues assistant manager Duncan Ferguson.
Harris’s goal tally for the Blues included a hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in October 1958, with his treble proving in vain as the home side won a remarkable game 10-4.
During his time with Birmingham, Harris scored in both legs of a famous Inter-City Fairs Cup semi-final success over Italian giants Inter Milan. The Midlands side were edged out by Roma in the final.
Before concluding his playing career in 1967, Harris also enjoyed spells with Oldham Athletic and League of Ireland side St Patrick’s Athletic.
Harris remained an Evertonian to the core, however, and continued to regularly attend matches at Goodison into his senior years.
The thoughts of everybody at Everton are with Jimmy’s family and friends at this difficult time.
