Charlie Harper (Coach)
Charlie replaced former Preston North End player Bob Holmes as City trainer in 1906. The former athlete soon became a popular figure - and right hand man to manager Peter O’Rourke - at Valley Parade. Following City’s promotion to Division One, they undertook a Continental tour in the summer of 1909. W H Sawyer’s 1927 history of the club takes up one amusing tale. 'There was always plenty of fun on these Continental tours, and one incident, which was both amusing and exciting, may be mentioned. Charlie Harper, that conscientious and whole-hearted City trainer, had a set of players shin pads in his kit. It so happened that the customs officials decided to go through Charlie’s luggage, and when they came across the shin pads they felt sure they were some devices for hiding contraband goods. Other officials were called to inspect, and with much gesticulation, knives were produced to cut open the shin pads in order to find out what they contained.’ ‘Charlie was wild in his protests, which were not understood, and he made a hasty search for Mr Pollack (who was an accomplished linguist) to come and explain that the suspicious articles were nothing more than part of a "fussballspeiler’s" outfit. Eventually, the customs officials were satisfied, and the shin pads were saved’. Charlie’s role in preparing the team for the 1911 FA Cup replay was seen as vital. Indeed, on Tuesday 2 May 1911, at a complimentary civic dinner at the Victoria Hotel, the club presented Charlie with a brooch inscribed ‘Football Association Final Tie 1911’. It highlighted just how much the club appreciated their trainer. Manager Peter O’Rourke received an identical specially stuck brooch. Charlie was also paid the same £25 bonus given to the players. Charlie retired during the First World War to run the Welcome Hotel at Marton, near Blackpool. He also bred thoroughbred terriers and sold them to America. Back to: 1903-10 page, 1920s page
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