Hi- Following my reflection on Junior McGillivray, let me take you to the other vital area of any football Club - that of STRIKER - and re-call some halcyon moments from the career of Alex. Harley or as he was known in footie circles - MR. GOALS.
Alex signed on from Maryhill Juniors in June 1957, although he had to show ,much patience over his first two seasons, with only four first team outings. Things changed dramatically in season 1959/60 when following an in depth chat with Manager George Young, hen was assured that he would be given his chance in the Colours. Harley duly took this chance and duly netted goals galore over the next three Campaigns - 12, 42 & 33, to make it an amazing total of 87 Goals, from 101 starts. Remember too, that he did this facing the West of Scotland, might, of Rangers & Celtic squads. His 42 Goals in 1960/61 gave him the accolade of being Scotland's top scorer. What an achievement.
As a consequence of finishing Third in Division one, the Club rewarded the players with a superb Tour of America & Canada, where Harley's opersonal celebration brought him another 8 goals.
On Saturday 16th January, 1960 Harley scored a fine double against Dunfermline, and continued this the following week at Airdrie with a winner.
The National press were forced to acknowledge this Sensational scorer, and of course ensured that Rangers & Celtic were duly made aware that he should be with one of them - Both Clubs made a couple of attempts to lure him but ultimately he chose the route South.
A personal highlight of Harley's took place in season 1959/60 when his personal double against Rangers at Ibrox, created bedlam in the Harley household. They were all Rangers daft - and so was Alex. !!!.
Thirds' legend Dave Hilley, recalls a lovely tale of Alex' scoring tecniques. Thirds were playing Motherwell at Cathkin, and despite theri almost total domination they simply could not find the net. Ten minutes from time Harley pounced on a losse ball in mid field, but then appeared to be transfixed as to his next move. - One wag in the crowd screamed for ... sake Alex, put it in the net for safety- which triggered the desired re-action - Harley instantly hit a vicious thirty yader behind the stunned 'Well keeper.
Unfortunately for the Hi Hi fans Harley was in dispute with the Club in 1962, and despite plaintive pleas from the Board, The Manager, & the fans, he moved on to Manchester City in October that year, for a fee of around £18,000. One year later he took his boots to Birmingham City in exchange for a reported £42,000, but shortly after that move he crossed the Channel to play for N.I.Club Portadown.
Harley will remain rightly a Star for Thirds. His scoring talents permanently etched in the fans' minds. I must add that he was held in similar esteem by the opposition -
I have spoken with several former Rangers' & Celtic players of the early sixties, who genuinely have confirmed their own appreciation of Harley's talents
As Hi Hi fans, we can't be blamed for occasionaslly !!! referring to our amazing season of 1960/61. Third Lanark - third top of the Scottish First Division. Alex Harley - Scoptland's Top Scorer 42 Goals. Thirds' amazing quintette of up front Stars - Jimmy Goodfellow, Dave Hilley, Alex Harley, Matt Gray & Joe McInnes. 100 League Goals - What price these achievements today ?.
Alex Harley was a one off in so many respects - sadly he died at the very young age of 31. This super skilled Striker will aye be remembered by the thousands of Thirds' fans, privileged to witness his drive for Goals.
