Harry Loasby

Harry Loasby

Born in Kettering in 1910, Harry only played 77 League games for his three clubs in an injury ravaged career but netted an unbelievable 58 goals in that time.

Spotted by Northampton after hitting 66 goals in a season for Wellingborough at 16 he continued in the same vein at the County Ground until a double leg fracture brought a halt to proceedings.

Released by Northampton who felt he would never return to full fitness he joined Gillingham where he continued to bang in goals but seeking a return to the Northampton area, where he had business interests, the Town took a punt in August 1931.

Best described as an opportunist, Harry suffered from a succession of minor stresses and strains in his early months at Kenilworth Road but after 14 goals in 22 starts for the reserves he was introduced to the first team with devastating effect netting 14 in 15 games before breaking his leg again at Watford.

This time he was told by medical experts to retire from the professional game and received a compensation pay-out from the Football League Benevolent fund.

The only partially fit Harry was then made player manager of Kettering at the age of 22!

Harry passed away in 1990.