Club Historian Ron
Parrott has just received sad news indeed, with the passing of former Hereford
United star midfielder, Harry Gregory at the age of 72. Ron commented “Harry
was one of my all-time Hereford heroes and it seems just like yesterday that he
graced Edgar Street with his swashbuckling yet stylish and cultured brand of
football. I for one, will never forget him”
Ron's pen-pic for Harry is as
follows:-
Born Hackney 24th October 1943, died London 6th June 2016
Harry
was a junior with Leyton Orient and won international honours at Schoolboy and
Youth levels. He had five seasons at Brisbane Road, making 79 League
appearances and scoring 12 goals, before signing for Charlton Athletic in
August 1966. A stylish midfielder, Harry spent four happy seasons at the
Valley, playing 149 League games and scoring 24 goals before signing for Aston
Villa in October 1970. His stay at Villa Park was fleeting and Colin Addison
signed Harry for Hereford United in August 1972 for a fee of £5,000. He formed
a very effective midfield alongside his former Villa team-mate David Rudge.
Harry’s flamboyant style made him a firm favourite with fans, especially the
female ones!
Harry played 82 first-team games for United during his three
seasons at Edgar Street, scoring just six goals, a total considered by many to
be scant reward for his outstanding talent. He left Hereford in July 1975 and
had a spell in non-league football with Chelmsford City and Brentwood.
Following his retirement, Harry became a regular visitor to The Valley and was a familiar
face to guests in The Valley’s hospitality suites when he became a matchday
host in 2012, providing a friendly smile as he welcomed supporters, posed for
photos and recounted tales from his memorable career.
