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Harold Prince (4 December 1921 – 2009) was an English footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Port Vale, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Stafford Rangers.

Career

Prince played for Bucknall, before graduating through the Port Vale youth side to sign professional forms with the Vale in September 1941. With World War II raging, he transferred to Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 1943 without having played a game for the "Valiants". He returned to The Old Recreation Ground in August 1944, making his debut in a 3–0 home win over Birmingham City in a Football League North match on 26 August 1944. He became the first choice stopper until stubbing a foot whilst taking a goal kick in a 2–1 defeat by Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road on 30 December 1944. In a display of poor sportsmanship, Crewe went ahead and scored as Prince lay injured on the ground. He recovered, but lost his first-team spot in October 1945, at which point he was used as understudy to George Heppell. In one rare appearance, on 18 April 1949, in a 1–1 draw with Bristol City at Ashton Gate, he managed to concede a 40 yards (37 m) 'punt' that sailed over his head. It was most probably a major factor in the decision to release him from his contract later that month. He had played fifty competitive games for the club, a good amount of experience to take into the non-leagues with Stafford Rangers.

Career statistics

Source:

References

1. ^ Kent, Jeff (1996). Port Vale Personalities. Witan Books. p. 240. ISBN 0-9529152-0-0.
2. Harry Prince at the English National Football Archive (subscription required)

• Footballers from Stoke-on-Trent
• English men's footballers
• Men's association football goalkeepers
• Port Vale F.C. players
• Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. players
• Stafford Rangers F.C. players
• English Football League players
• 1921 births
• 2009 deaths
• 20th-century English sportsmen