Lee Harwood (footballer)

Lee Harwood (born 4 October 1960) is an English former footballer who played as a defender for Southampton, Wimbledon, Leatherhead, Port Vale, and Waterlooville.

Playing career

Harwood started his career at Southampton, turning professional at 18 years old after serving as an apprentice. He was loaned out to Wimbledon in the 1978–79 season, although he played just the one Fourth Division game at Plough Lane for Dario Gradi's "Dons". He was released from The Dell by manager Lawrie McMenemy, and spent one season in the Isthmian League with Leatherhead.

Harwood signed for John McGrath's Port Vale in February 1980. He formed an effective partnership with Phil Sproson, and played 15 Fourth Division games towards the end of the 1979–80 season. He scored his first goal in the Football League on 1 April, in a 3–2 defeat to Portsmouth at Vale Park. He played six league and cup games in the 1980–81 season, but damaged a cartilage in August and endured four knee operations, forcing him to retire from full-time football in November 1981. He did however return to old club Leatherhead and later played for Southern League side Waterlooville. Another serious knee injury forced early retirement from football 1984.

Statistics

• Sourced from Lee Harwood profile at the English National Football Archive (subscription required)