28th September 1934

Worcester

Winger

Better known as a Hampshire cricketer, Bernie Harrison played for Exeter City during the 1960/61 season. Previously with Crystal Palace he joined the club from Southampton and later played for Poole Town.

Bernie joined Portsmouth on amateur forms before signing professionally for Crystal Palace in October 1955 for whom he made 92 league appearances scoring 12 goals. Signing for Southampton in August 1959, he spent most of his time at The Dell in the reserves having just three Football League outings.

After one season with the Saints, Bernie moved to Exeter City in July 1960 for a fee of £350 and made his debut in the opening fixture against Carlisle United. Appearing in 17 of the first 18 league matches, and scoring four times, Bernie played just once more thereafterwards against Crystal Palace in late December 1960. Leaving St James' Park at the end of the season, Bernie signed for Poole Town and eventually finished his football career with Winchester City.

Bernie was also a talented cricketer who appeared for Hampshire and was on the books when the club won the County Championship in 1961. During his period of National Service he represented the Army in both sports and, having made his debut for Hampshire in 1957, he was was still playing for the 2nd XI until 1968. Subsequently becoming a teacher in Basingstoke and Andover, Bernie published an autobiography entitled "Brushes With The Greats – The Story Of A Footballer/Cricketer" ahead of his death in 2006.

18

4