Ray Harford Loses Cancer Battle

By Gary Spate
August 9 2003

FORMER Fulham manager and Millwall coach Ray Harford lost his long battle against Cancer in the early hours of this morning. He was 58.

Harford was born in Halifax in 1945 and in his playing days was a centre-half.

His first coaching role came in 1982 when he was appointed assistant to Fulham manager Malcolm MacDonald. Two years later he became the Cottagers manager.

His last footballing job came in 1999 when he became a coach at Millwall. He was a major factor in the Lions' 2001 Division Two championship season.

A statement on the Millwall website said: "It is with deep sadness that Millwall Football Club announce the death of coach Ray Harford, who passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning. "Ray, 58, had been fighting a lengthy battle against cancer and his passing will be a great loss to football."

A minute's silence will be held before this afternoon's First Division clash with Wigan.