Player Database - George Harrison

Debut game
v Coalville Town (a) 10th September 1910

Final game for Gresley Rovers first team
v Loughborough Corinthians (a) 11th February 1911

George quickly began to build a reputation as a tricky left winger with a fearsome shot and was soon signed by Leicester Fosse (now Leicester City) February 1911. He also played for Preston North End and Blackpool.

George won Championship with Everton 1915. He went on to make 190 appearances for the club, scoring 17 goals.

However, this remarkable man, like so many at the time, was forced to pause his career when war arrived. He signed up to fight in the First World War on February 7, 1916, and joined up with the elite Scots Guards the following year.

From there he travelled to France, entering front line trenches at the Battle of Passchendaele, where he fought for his country and was subjected to gas attacks.

Harrison was in hospital when the war ended.

The winger continued his career after wartime. He became the first recorded player from South Derbyshire to win an England cap, he played twice in 1921.

He became an Everton legend, as he remains today, before moving on to play for Preston and Blackpool.

He finally hung up his boots at the age of 39, coming home to Church Gresley in 1936 to run the Rising Sun pub. Tragically, Harrison was blighted by ill health and falling into depression took his own life at the age of 46 on 12th February 1939.
(Burton Mail)

On 12th February 2016, and after research by local man Kieran Smith, a new headstone was erected on George's grave in Church Gresley Cemetery funded by Everton FC's Heritage Society. A well attended service at the graveside included representatives of Everton FC, Gresley FC and Preston North End.