Harrison given MBE
SIR Alex Ferguson has revealed his delight at the MBE awarded to former Southport star and Manchester United youth coach Eric Harrison.
Harrison shaped the careers of the famed ‘Class of 92’, including David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Gary and Phil Neville.
He played 75 for the Yellows from 1969 to 1971.
Ferguson said: “When I got the news yesterday, I was so delighted for him. The contribution I always think about with Eric, if you wanted a teacher who gave you the right way, the right path forward, Eric was that man.
“When I came to United, I decided I should go along with Eric, because you know what happens when new managers come into a club, they clean out, they bring their own staff in.
“I just brought Archie Knox with me, I thought I could stand on my own feet, I was prepared to give the other staff an opportunity. I was really lucky in the sense that as I got to know the work Eric was doing, it was a great decision, he was fantastic.
“Obviously the ‘Class of 92’ was the climax of his coaching career, but all the young players who came through at that time will always look at the contribution he made and the character he built in these people. He made them good human beings.”
Harrison’s former charges have certainly never forgotten their mentor and he was a regular visitor to Madrid during Beckham’s time at Real.
The former England captain, meanwhile, visited Harrison along with Gary Neville and Scholes this summer after learning of his struggles with dementia.
Beckham took to Instagram to offer his congratulations after hearing the news.
Beckham wrote: “So proud of Eric for being awarded an MBE ... Someone that has done so much for me personally and for a man that as a kid scared the hell out of me but prepared me for the career I was going to have for club and country.
“This honour is for the work that he has done for Manchester United producing great young players year after year. Congratulations Eric to you and your family.”
Appointed by Ron Atkinson in 1981 following a playing career that began with home club Halifax, Harrison (pictured) was made head of youth development by Ferguson when he became manager in 1986.
Harrison guided his golden generation to successive FA Youth Cup finals in 1992 and 1993 before they went on to great success in the first team, forming the backbone of the side that won the treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup in 1999.