Harry Earle

Henry Thomas Earle (23 November 1868 – 1951), known as Harry Earle, was an English footballer who played as a centre-half and goalkeeper for Millwall Athletic, Clapton and Notts County from the 1890s to the early part of the 20th century.

Earle was born in East Grinstead, He continued to be the trainer of West Ham Schools throughout his playing career and beyond his retirement, leaving the role in 1912.

When he returned to the Old Spotted Dog Ground with his new club in 1905 for a friendly match, he encountered opposite number J. Wilding, who had once been the West Ham Schools goalkeeper under his charge. Wilding would go on to play for Clapton in two FA Amateur Cup finals.

Married to Emma Elizabeth Earle, he was the father of six children, one of whom, Stan Earle also played for Clapton, and for England as an Amateur and Full International and later, as a professional player, with West Ham United between 1924 and 1932.

Harry Earle died in 1951. His obituary, in the Stratford Express, was adamant that he had never once accepted a pay packet despite the imposition of his professional status.