David Harris (footballer, born 1953)
David Harris (born 19 November 1953) is an English former footballer who played as a central defender. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, he was tall at 6 ft 2 in and began his career with Abbey Hulton United before joining Port Vale’s youth system. He turned professional with Port Vale in July 1973, when the club were in the Third Division.
He made his first-team debut on 3 November 1973 in a 3–1 win at Rochdale. Harris stayed with Port Vale for six seasons (1973–79), making 176 league appearances and scoring eight goals. He was named Port Vale Player of the Year in 1974 and again in 1977. His first senior goal came in an FA Cup win over Scarborough on 15 December 1973, and he also scored against Luton Town, Tranmere Rovers, Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion. After an extended run in the first team, he started the 1977–78 season by refusing a contract but still played 45 games, and Vale were relegated that year. He left Port Vale in May 1979 and joined Halifax Town.
At Halifax (1979–81) Harris appeared 71 league games and scored three goals. The team struggled in the Fourth Division, finishing near the bottom in 1980–81 and needing to apply for re-election in 1981. He then moved into non-league football with Stafford Rangers. Harris’s father, Wilf Harris, had a youth trial with Stoke City.
Total league career: around 247 appearances and 11 goals.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 09:51 (CET).