Les Hart - A Bury Legend
By George Cottam
Born in Ashton-in-Makerfield on 28th February 1917, Les Hart was a very talented footballer and his career began strongly, playing for Earlstown White Star. He rapidly built a promising reputation throughout the northwest and before committing himself to Bury, he turned down a number of clubs, including Liverpool.
If there could be just one word to describe Hart, that word would be loyal. Making his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in 1936, his association with the club lasted 44 years! He held the captain’s armband for a period of 12 seasons, during which he led his team to the top of Division Two by 4 points in 1949. Cementing his position at right back, he made 265 official appearances for Bury, though during the war years Hart made 200 extra appearances, again showing true loyalty to his beloved club.
Hart made his final playing appearance for Bury in 1953 and then took up a post as first team trainer, coach and physio, applying his wealth of experience to all 3 positions. Coming up against other legends such as Sir Stanley Matthews and Bob Paisley, he refused to break his loyalty to the Shakers as the offers kept coming. During his spell as trainer, he turned down an offer to become Head Coach of West Yorkshire’s, Leeds United. |
Hart’s long-standing association with the Shakers led him to becoming manager of the first team. Bury’s record league victory, 8 – 0 against Tranmere Rovers, came under the stewardship of Hart and this record still stands today.
Before the start of the 1968/70 season, Hart moved to the position as club physio to make for new manager, Tommy Mc Anearney. He continued in this position until 1980, when caring for his wife’s ill health prevented any continuation of the most loyal of associations with Bury FC.
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Photographs courtesy of Martin Ogden, Bury Football Club and Forever Bury - The Bury Supporters Society Ltd.
Most photographs used on these pages are copyright to Martin Ogden and Bury Football Club and permission must be sought from both parties regarding usage of these photographs. These images have been reproduced with the permission of the aforementioned parties.
All materials on this website © Forever Bury.
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Photographs courtesy of Martin Ogden, Bury Football Club and Forever Bury - The Bury Supporters Society Ltd.
Most photographs used on these pages are copyright to Martin Ogden and Bury Football Club and permission must be sought from both parties regarding usage of these photographs. These images have been reproduced with the permission of the aforementioned parties.
All materials on this website © Forever Bury.