Player Profile

A true Swindon legend, Harland signed for the Town on 29th July 1966, the day before England beat West Germany in the World Cup Final at Wembley, after Town manager Danny Williams and chief scout Jack Conley sat outside Carlisle's ground overnight to make sure of his signature.

Harland made his debut on the opening day of the 1966/1967 season, in a 2-2 draw at Brighton on 20th August 1966. He was an ever-present in the Town side for the next three seasons, forming defensive partnerships first with Mel Nurse, and then Frank Burrows. He notched his first goal for the Town in a 3-2 defeat at Walsall on 23rd September 1967.

Following an injury to John Trollope at the start of the 1968/1969 season, Harland was handed the club captaincy, a role which he retained even after Trollope's return. He led the Town through some of their most successful seasons ever - a spell which included receiving the League Cup trophy from Princess Margaret after the 1969 Wembley win over Arsenal, promotion to Division Two, two Anglo-Italian trophies and the Town's highest league finish.

After Swindon's disappointing 1970/1971 campaign, they made a sensational pre-season signing - Dave Mackay arriving from Derby County. This move was the beginning of the end of Harland's Town career, firstly, he was moved into a midfield position to accomodate Mackay, then, when Mackay took over as manager, he was dropped from the side completely.

Unhappy with this treatment, Harland asked for a transfer, and he was sold to Birmingham for £15,000 in November 1971. He helped City to win promotion to Division One - and he returned to the County Ground for an FA Cup tie in January 1973. The Town won the match 2-0, Harland being saluted by the Swindon fans.

Playing Record

Senior

Reserve and Youth Team Appearances

Note that appearance data for reserve and youth teams may not be complete. Expand for more information.

Career details

Club	Details
New Brighton New Brighton	(youth)
Burnley Burnley	September 1958 (amateur)
Everton Everton	December 1959
Bradford City Bradford	July 1961
Carlisle United Carlisle United	June 1964 ; transferred out (July 29th, 1966)
Swindon Town Swindon	July 29th, 1966 (transferred in , £6,100 ); transferred out (December 2nd, 1971)
Birmingham City Birmingham	December 2nd, 1971 (transferred in , £15,000 )
Yeovil Town Yeovil Town	May 1975 (appointed player-manager)
Portsmouth Portsmouth	March 1979 (appointed assistant manager); sacked (rptd January 5th, 1982)
Gravesend and Northfleet Gravesend & Northfleet	1982 (appointed manager)