THE term legend is bandied about all too easily nowadays but that description is certainly apt when it comes to Terry Harkin…

By: Michael Anderson

The Coleraine striker only spent a couple of seasons at the Showgrounds back in the early 60’s – the start of a remarkable footballing journey – but he achieved legendary status in that short time.

Indeed, he is still fondly remembered by fans of a certain vintage who recall his goalscoring exploits in the famous blue and white stripes.

He scored a staggering 54 goals in 79 appearances, firstly under manager Kevin Doherty, then Bertie Peacock.

Amongst that haul was SIX goals against hometown club Derry City in a North West Cup final – in the days when the competition held more prestige than recent years.

After grabbing two goals on his debut in a 5-2 Ulster Cup home win over Cliftonville on August 23 1960, there was no stopping Terry.

It wasn’t long before he drew attention from across the water and he signed off at the Bannsiders with another goal on his final appearance – a 2-2 Ulster Cup draw at Ballymena United on September 1 1962.

A £2,000 fee secured a transfer to Port Vale where he spent two years, scoring 11 goals in 27 games.

Then came a move to Crewe Alexandra where he holds their club record of the most goals scored in a season to this day – 34 from 42 matches in the old Division 4 in the 1964/65 season.

His record was exceptional everywhere he played – averaging almost a goal every two games – during spells at Cardiff City, Notts County, Southport and Shrewsbury Town.

Apart from a loan stint at Toronto Metros, Terry finished his career in the League of Ireland.

The goals continued to flow – 66 in 139 matches for Finn Harps before bringing down the curtain on an illustrious career at Dundalk.

It wasn’t just at club level where the prolific centre forward flourished either. He also scored twice for Northern Ireland in five outings.

L/Derry native Terry has happy memories of his time at Coleraine and still closely follows the club’s fortunes.

“I’m being totally honest when I say I loved every single minute of my time at Coleraine,” said Terry.

“I built up so many friendships and the people around the club were lovely.”

Terry joined the Bannsiders from junior football.

“I was playing for the likes of Don Boscos and a couple of the guys were coming down to Coleraine and it was suggested I come along.

“There was a lot of guys from L/Derry playing for Coleraine at that time.

“I was signed almost immediately. Jack Doherty the chairman got me an apprenticeship as a joiner too.

“That job was like the equivalent of a signing on fee in those days.

“Between that and my wage at Coleraine I was earning about £18 a week and I thought I was a millionaire,” he laughs.

“Everyone at the club helped each other out on and off the pitch in those days.

“I always gave 100% every game. I didn’t drink or smoke and trained hard.

“I met many wonderful people like Victor Hunter and Bertie Peacock.

“If it hadn’t been for them and others I would never have had the career in England I did.”

Now 84, Terry still looks out for the Coleraine result every week and watches them on television when he can.

And he believes Ruaidhri Higgins can help bring success to The Showgrounds.

“I couldn’t believe the news when I heard he had left Derry City,” added Terry.

“He is a great manager with terrific football knowledge and that is so important.

“I strongly believe he is a great appointment.

“Not only does he know his stuff but he is a good man and a lovely fella.”

Terry has been diagnosed with dementia but his memories of his time on the Ballycastle Road still remain fresh over 60 years after taking the Irish League by storm.

“Because of my dementia sometimes I remember some things clearly but can’t remember others.

“What I do know with complete certainty is that playing for Coleraine was an honour and privilege and the best time of my life.”

Terry Harkin’s goalscoring exploits over 20 years was exceptional.

What is even more remarkable is that every single goal came from open play.

“I never took a penalty or a free kick.”