Like most players in his era, his Football League appearance tally is much lower than it would have been had the war not broken out but he continued to play for several years afterwards.

A tough-tackling but skilful centre-half, Harris was a regular in the Chelsea side throughout his career and was club captain until Roy Bentley took over the role.

Harris was a quiet dignified man and, moulded his players into a highly efficient team without fuss, always shunning the limelight.

Despite financial problems, he led United to fifth place in the first season back in the top division, and over the next few years relied on a steady flow of youngsters graduating from the Northern Intermediate league team to replace players sold to remain in profit.

After years of mid-table finishes, he was "promoted" to general manager in August 1968 after the team had been relegated the previous season, replaced by Arthur Rowley.

Harris understood the principle of getting the right man for the job and, this was typified by his signing of Trevor Hockey to boost United's promotion challenge in 1971.