Cambridge United lost another local link with the past with the death on April 22, at the age of 90, of former ‘A’, youth and reserve team left back John ‘Sam’ Harris, writes Pat Morgan...
Born in 1935, Sam grew up in New Street – prime territory for an Abbey United supporter. He first watched the team play on Parker’s Piece in 1945 and, having represented Cambridge Schoolboys at left back, he was signed by player-manager Bill Whittaker at the age of 17 in 1952.
Balancing football with the demands of work and National Service, Sam married fellow Barnwell resident Sheila Quinton in 1955 and the couple moved to Chesterton in that year. He continued to play until 1961.
Sam was an attendee at Cambridge United Former Players’ Association events and made occasional visits to watch matches at the Abbey Stadium. Sadly, he died before being able to witness on television the culmination of United’s successful 2025-26 promotion push.
Sam left four children, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Sheila died in 2023.
