60 seconds with Ron 'Chopper' Harris

Eurosport - Mon, 20 Jul 17:14:00 2009

Chelsea's longest-serving player ruins his hard man image by revealing he's a Take That fan.

FOOTBALL 2005-06 Premier League Former Chelsea captain Ron Harris with league trophy - 0

Tell us about your world record attempt.

I've been going round the country this year, signing as many autographs as I can at different events in order to set a world record, all in aid of Down's South London, a Down's Syndrome charity. I'll be at the London Football Expo at Earl's Court from July 24-26.

How does it feel to be remembered as a hard man rather than as a good defender?

I prefer to think of myself as just being very competitive.

What was your first car?

I never took my test until I was 39! Peter Osgood and David Hay used to be my chauffeurs. It wasn't until I moved to Brentford that I started driving, and I got a Honda Civic.

Best freebie you've ever blagged?

Myself, Ossie and Eddie McCreadie used to get sorted out with holidays from Pontins. We used to go to Torremolinos, Menorca lovely.

Your mates are over for dinner, what do you cook?

To be honest, I've been married for 40 years and my wife has spoiled me. I wouldn't even know how to turn the oven on. Maybe I could do everyone toast and soup, but that's about it.

What is on your iPod?

I wouldn't know how to work one of those! I can just about use a mobile phone. I like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, John Denver, none of this banging new stuff. Although I did go to see Take That at Wembley last weekend. Those boys can still put on a real show.

Who or what really grinds your gears?

Sometimes, when I do after-dinner speeches, there might be a couple of flash harrys who want to come up and mouth off. "My Dad says all you ever used to do was kick people," that sort of thing. But I know that I wouldn't have captained Chelsea Football Club for so long if that's all I could do.

What is the worst place you've ever visited?

We played a pre-season match in Haiti once, and one of our players got sent off, which caused all sorts of trouble among the players and fans - the game had to be called off at half-time.

If you hadn't been a footballer, what would you have been?

I used to play cricket for Middlesex when I was younger, and was offered a contract there. But Chelsea were offering me £7 a week, and I would have only got £4 at Lord's.

Which opponent did you most enjoy beating?

I always used to enjoy man-marking Jimmy Greaves, after he left Chelsea. He only ever scored one goal against me.

What was your most extravagant purchase?

I once spent £330,000 on a golf course. Sometimes these things work out, sometimes they don't.

What song would you sing at karaoke?

Sometimes, at Christmas if I've had a few, I might sing 'My Way' or 'Always On My Mind' for the girls.

Tony Mabert / Eurosport

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  1. Hi Ron I used to work with your Dad Pat when I was a­ lot younger. You and your brother were still at school­ and then you both signed for Chelsea. How is your Dad?

    From ramsdengreenaudrey, on Thu 5 Nov 5:12PM

  2. A nasty little thug.

    From Lawrence, on Mon 20 Jul 11:36PM

  3. I was lucky enough to see Ron play at The Bridge in the­ late 70's, he was a commited defender who wore the­ blue badge with pride, tough and commited yes, thug no,­ never!I met Ron last year and after all these years he­ looks as good as ever and a real true gent, who had­ time to talk and sign an autograph, so polite! He spend­ time with the Chelsea pensioners, a big man in every­ sense, thank you Ron!

    From cgwilliams1963, on Wed 15 Jul 9:52AM
  4. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    He was a Bloody thug

    From , on Wed 15 Jul 6:05AM

  5. This man was the mut's nut's....!!!!! gives any­ wanna be defender or future chelsea player an idea of­ how things need to be done at the bridge.... if you­ want an exmple of someone who has taken his lead, look­ no further than JT, Enough said.
    Well Done Mr­ Harris.........

    From amanda, on Tue 14 Jul 7:55PM

  6. like Norman Hunter, Tommy Smith and others Ron Harris­ was a good hard tackler, who could play, todays­ football is about been breathed on and falling over to­ con the refs, soon it will be a non contact sport the­ way FIFA is going.
    Thank God there are still throw­ backs like Ian Ashbee, Mascherano and the like who are­ hard tacklers but can play a bit. Football today is­ worse for the rule changes, bring back tackling !

    From Veneztiger, on Tue 14 Jul 3:06PM

  7. A true Chelsea legend

    From U R SOLES, on Tue 14 Jul 2:58PM
  8. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    i dont really understand?is he the new chelsea­ manager?how about ancelloti!i am the bigest and amazing­ shouting chelsea fc football fan to chelsea(greatest­ football club in the would!)i love all the players and­ maybe ancelotti,well i do unless you re manger.please­ do!your re a ac briliant mialan manger!stay!

    From Mauricio, on Tue 14 Jul 11:54AM
  9. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    He was a poor excuse for a footballer, nasty piece of­ work who spent half his time on the park trying to put­ his fellow footballers out of work by breaking their­ legs, a true chelsea thug.

    From , on Tue 14 Jul 10:41AM
  10. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    What a THUG, tried a few times to cripple G Best, but­ Best, being the best destoyed him.

    From , on Tue 14 Jul 10:27AM
  11. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Read Stanley Matthews book. A young Chopper Harris was­ kicking lumps off of him until an old pro called Eddie­ Clamp sorted out this so-called hard nut!

    From steve, on Tue 14 Jul 9:13AM

  12. Ron you are a legend live it up i grew up watching you­ and the boys fantastic memories thank you..

    From Peter B, on Tue 14 Jul 9:12AM
  13. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Owen should not go to MAN U (he deserves a better­ team!)

    From JASON, on Tue 14 Jul 8:26AM
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