Promising career cruelly cut short

WAYNE HARRISON

Liverpool are to hold a minute’s silence ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Athletic as a mark of respect for Wayne Harrison, who died aged 46 on Christmas Day after pancreatic problems.

Harrison famously left Boundary Park for Liverpool in a deal worth £250,000 — then a record fee for a teenager — in 1985, aged 17. Injury problems and accidents led to his retirement in 1991.

Harrison, from Stockport, died in hospital.

“We would like to extend our deepest condolences and sympathies on behalf of players, officials and supporters of Oldham Athletic to Wayne’s family and friends at this sad time,” an Athletic statement read.

A testimonial game between Athletic and Liverpool was held at Boundary Park for the player in April, 1992, for which a crowd of 4,400 turned up.

Following his retirement, Harrison worked for Robinson’s Brewery and turned out for Sunday League outfit Offerton Green. He died on Christmas morning at Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport.