In October Leighton Town received the sad news that former player and Manager Harry Kirton had passed away aged 90.

Harry who was a popular figure in Bedfordshire football had been with both Luton Town and Dunstable before joining Leighton, initially as a player.

In 1966 Town finished bottom of the South Midland League and as the League was run on an invitation basis Leighton had to appear before a League Committee to explain how they would change their fortunes and warrant their inclusion for the following season. Harry was drafted in by Archie Kemster to give his opinion of the playing strength of the Club. His comments to the League were received favourably and Leighton were re-elected.
Harry was given the Manager’s job for the new season and the team won the League at a canter. Harry’s comment was that the players had worked hard to achieve success and he wanted to build the Club into something ‘really big’.

Town were promoted to the Spartan League and in their first season finished in third place behind Tring Town and Hampton. The real high point of the season was winning the Beds Senior Cup against a strong Vauxhall Motors team. It had taken 40 years to win the Trophy.
In the 68/69 Season Town finished 5th in the League and won the Beds Senior Cup for the 2nd year running and team spirit was getting stronger. 3 Trophies for Harry in 3 seasons, not a bad start !!

In the close season Harry decided to step down from the Manager’s job on a matter of principle and it was announced that Peter Clarke would take over as Manager with Mick Bailey as Captain. Town finished in third place in the Spartan League but the Beds Senior Cup was won for the 3rd year in a row.

In the 1970/71 Town lost in the Final of the Beds Senior Cup to Wootton Blue Cross.
Players who had played for Harry said that playing for him was fun and his efforts will be remembered for moving the Club forward.

There may be some irony in the fact that Harry sadly passed away in the year that Leighton Town finally managed to win our first Beds Senior Cup since the early nineties.
Harry, a nice man, a football man, thanks for the happy memories.

Rest in Peace.

Before Saturday's game (26th November) there will be a minutes silence in memory of Harry which will be attended by former players and some of Harry’s family.