George Harkus

Sojourn abroad Harkus spent the rest of 1930 in France with Lyon OU, before returning to England. After an unsuccessful trial with Oldham Athletic, he settled in New Milton where he ran the Wheatsheaf Public House, and turned out for the Hampshire League team New Milton Town.

Return to Southampton In February 1932, Southampton were facing an injury crisis with Alec Campbell, Johnny McIlwaine and Bert Jepson amongst the injured. Manager George Kay called on Harkus's services for two matches, against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bradford both of which resulted in defeats.

Later career He then moved to Lancashire to join Southport as a player-coach, but was seriously injured in a reserve team match against Barrow, preventing him making any first-team appearances. He did, however, join Boston United for the 1933–34 season making 16 appearances in the Midland League.

Military career After retiring from football, Harkus took up employment with the Ministry of Labour in London. On the outbreak of the Second World War, he joined the Royal Air Force and, serving in the Middle East, he attained the rank of flight lieutenant. In the birthday honours list for 1949, Harkus was awarded the M.B.E. for "keeping up the morale in the forces whilst stationed in the Middle East".

He remained in the R.A.F. after the war and continued his links with football. He had recently been appointed to their selection committee before his death at Southampton on 28 September 1950, shortly after his 52nd birthday, following an illness.