Former Everton striker Jimmy Harris has sadly passed away at the age of 88, it has been confirmed.
An official statement from Everton announced : "Everton is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Jimmy Harris, aged 88. Harris remained an Evertonian to the core, however, and continued to regularly attend matches at Goodison into his senior years. The thoughts of everybody at Everton are with Jimmy’s family and friends at this difficult time."
The Birkenhead-born forward rose through the ranks to reach the Blues' first-team in 1951 and is fondly remembered for his contributions for the club throughout the 1950s. Making his senior debut in 1955 and ended the 1955/56 season as the Toffees' top-scorer with 21 goals to his name.
Harris recorded a tally of 72 goals in 207 appearances for Everton before leaving the club in 1960 to sign for fellow First Division side at the time, Birmingham City. He remains the Blues' joint-27th all-time top-scorer, tied with current assistant manager Duncan Ferguson.
His fine form continued even after leaving Goodison Park, finishing as Birmingham's leading scorer in each of his first two campaigns. As well as helping the West Midlands club reach Inter-Cities Fairs Cup final in 1961, Harris went one better two years later as he claimed the League Cup.
Further spells at Oldham Athletic and League of Ireland side St Patrick's Athletic followed after leaving Birmingham, before calling time on his playing career in 1967.
