Eric Harrison - Everton Coach

Eric Harrison R.I.P ( middle row far left next to Bob Latchford )

Although indelibly linked to Manchester United and his development of the 'Class of 92' he should be remembered for his earlier role at Everton FC.
He joined Everton in 1972, after hanging up his boots following a 550 match playing career with Barrow, Southport and Scarborough, and in 1977 guided the Toffees to their first FA Youth Cup final for 12 years with a team that included future first-teamers Kevin Ratcliffe, Steve McMahon, Mark Higgins and Joe McBride. He later progressed through the ranks to become a key part of Gordon Lee's first-team set-up in his final seasons with the Club.
Former Everton captain, Mark Higgins worked under Harrison as a reserve and first-team player at Everton has this to say of Eric. "He was a big part of my life right through from school and into my later career as well. I grew up with Eric and when I heard he'd passed away it was a really sad moment. He was a tough coach to work under and training was always hard - but it was great at the same time."
Another ex Everton captain Phil Neville said  "He was probably one of the most special coaches this country has ever produced."

Having spent nine years at Everton, the final three of them as assistant manager to Gordon Lee, he 
decided to look for a fresh challenge after Lee was sacked and opted to move on. He was brought to Manchester United by Ron Atkinson in 1981 to work as as a Youth Team manager. 
Five years later Alex Ferguson arrived and appointed him Head of Youth Development.  
However, dissatisfied with the number of players coming through the United youth system, Ferguson called a meeting with Harrison to discuss potential improvements. Harrison pointed out that he had already made Norman Whiteside and a couple of others into first team players, but Ferguson argued that this was still not enough. Harrison retorted "Right, we'll do a deal. You get me better-quality players, and I'll get you more youngsters in the first team." 
Ferguson agreed and set about increasing the club's scouting network two-or-threefold.

to work as a youth team manager. Five years later, Ferguson arrived, made him head of youth development, and demanded in return that more players be brought through.

Read more at: https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/obituaries/eric-harrison-football-coach-1-9594766

Sir Alex Ferguson paid his respects "If you wanted a teacher who would give you the right way forward, the right path, Eric was that man.The Class of  '92 was the pinnacle of his coaching but all the young players who came through at that time will recognise the contribution he made in their careers and the character he built in them.
"He made them good human beings."
Harrison was awarded an MBE for his services to football in 2017.
He passed away on Wednesday, 13th February 2019.