Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris

Anyone who watched football in the 1960s and 70s will react to any mention of the name Chopper. To supporters of most clubs, Ron Harris was a brutal villain of the game, a no-nonsense stopper whose very presence on the pitch would raise the temperature by several degrees.

To Chelsea supporters, however, he epitomised a never-say-die spirit that carried the Blues through to FA Cup and European Cup Winners Cup success. His record of 655 League games for Chelsea is unlikely to be bettered and is a lasting testimony to a man who always gave 110% to his club. Ron always believed that even if his team was losing 2-0, with two minutes to go, there was always a chance of a result and his enthusiasm fed the rest of the team.

A professional footballer to the core, Ron was one of the best man-markers of his generation, as scores of his fellow pros will testify. A hard and unflinching player, Ron could also play a bit, as his hours of practising ball control as a youngster paid off.