All at AFC Bournemouth were sad to hear of the passing of former head groundsman, referee liaison officer and lifelong Cherries fan John Harriss on Sunday evening, aged 88.
John’s time on the staff at Dean Court started in 1970, spending 37 years as the club’s groundman, before moving to a role as referee liaison officer on matchdays. On Sunday, John spent the afternoon at home watching his beloved Cherries earn their historic first victory over Arsenal.
John’s journey with the club began in 1939 as a keen supporter of the Cherries from the terraces, while he made his first steps as a groundsman during his national service at Bulford Camp on Salisbury Plain.
Joining the Cherries initially as a groundman’s assistant before taking over as head groundsman, John also became an American football referee in his spare time, including refereeing two bowl games in Leicester.
Wanting to stay involved with Bournemouth even into his seventies and eighties, John took up a role assisting with referees and has still been a regular visitor to Vitality Stadium this season, often seen chatting with manager Eddie Howe – one of 19 managers he worked alongside – ahead of Premier League kick-offs on the grass John for so long maintained.
In 2013 John’s contribution with the Cherries was recognised as he was awarded with a high commendation for the Unsung Hero Award at the Football League Awards in London.
The club would like to offer their sincere condolences to John’s family and friends, and thank him for his hard work and commitment during all of his years with the football club.
