Harry Cripps

Harry Cripps, (b. Dereham, 29 April 1941, d. 1995) was an English professional footballer who played for South East London side Millwall for the majority of his career, becoming a cult figure in the process.

Initially on the books of Millwall's bitter rivals West Ham, he was a member of the FA Youth Cup Final team of 1958-59 alongside Bobby Moore, Eddie Bovington and Jack Burkett.

Cripps was signed by The Lions in 1960 and gradually rose through the ranks, making his first team debut on 19 August 1961 against Wrexham following an injury to Johnny Gilchrist. He rapidly became a fan favourite due to his bustling, combatative performances at full back, always looking to get forward and score goals, and becoming renowned as a fearless tackler. He was particularly prominent during Millwall's successive promotion seasons in the mid-1960s, during which time the team began an unbeaten home record at The Den which extended to an amazing 59 matches (1964-1967), drawing on the intimidating atmosphere generated by Millwall's legendary voiceferous fans.

This period saw the club return to Division Two after a lengthy absence, under the guidance of Manager Billy Gray and later, Benny Fenton. He was also a key part of what was perhaps Millwall's greatest ever side that narrowly missed out on promotion to the old Division One by just one point, during the 1971-72 season, that also included the likes of Barry Kitchener, Keith Weller and Eamon Dunphy. He left the club after fourteen seasons to join Charlton in 1974, by which time he had amassed a record breaking 400 league appearances for The Lions, beating the record of Jim Forsyth of 321 Football League appearances. He would later become a coach at Crystal Palace, as well as assistant manager at Charlton, Barking and Southend United. He was also a coach in the contrasting environment of Winchester College, an elite fee-paying school.

Arry's Bar at The New Den is named in honour of Harry Cripps, which is a play on words of his Millwall nickname, 'Arry Boy.

External links

* [http://www.millwallfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/HallOfFame/0,,10367~80367,00.html Millwall Hall Of Fame profile]

* [http://www.millwallfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/ArrysBar/0,,10367,00.html Arry's Bar at Millwall FC]