Wayne Harrison, 'Original Rooney' And Ex-Liverpool Striker, Dies Aged 46

'Original Rooney' Wayne Harrison Dies Aged 46

Wayne Harrison, who became English football's most expensive teenager when he signed for Liverpool in 1985, has died at the age of 46.

Harrison, who retired from football in 1991 due to injury, passed away on Christmas Day after suffering from pancreatic problems.

The Stockport-born striker joined Joe Fagan's Reds for £250,000 in the mid-80s at the age of 17 from Oldham Athletic, but never made a first-team appearance for the Anfield club.

Harrison poses with then-Liverpool manager Joe Fagan on his arrival in 1985

He spent a spell on loan at former club Oldham and Crewe Alexandra, but was beset by injuries and misfortune.

At the age of 22, Harrison tore his cruciate ligaments in his knee in the final minute of a Liverpool reserve team match with Bradford City and never played again. After retiring he worked as a HGV driver and Harrison could not even make it onto the pitch for a testimonial arranged by Oldham.

A Liverpool statement read: "The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club go out to his family and friends at this sad time."

On their website, Oldham added they were "deeply saddened" to learn of Harrison's death.

"We would like to extend our deepest condolences and sympathies on behalf of players, officials and supporters of Oldham Athletic to Wayne's family and friends at this sad time," the Latics' statement said.

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