Friday's Former Stags: Harry Middleton

Birmingham-born Middleton began his career with Wolves and lists Scunthorpe United, Portsmouth and Shrewsbury Town as his former clubs.

He moved to Stags in November 1964 with John Gregson in a double swoop made by then manager Tommy Cummings to boost his side’s promotion push.

The striker didn’t disappoint and finished the season top scorer with 16 goals in 24 appearances though the campaign finished under dramatic circumstances.

A passage on the Mansfield Town official club website reads: “After the Stags beat leaders Carlisle United 2-0 at Field Mill on Easter Monday 19th April, Stags were sitting second in the table (with two teams to be promoted) and with just two games to go.

“The Stags were a point behind the leaders and two points ahead of third-placed Bristol City. The following day, Stags travelled to leaders Carlisle for the return match, when victory could have seen the Stags go a long way to lifting the title.

“But in a nightmare first half, Carlisle scored three times to eventually win 3-0. Meanwhile, Bristol City were winning. So Bristol City moved into second place on goal average, which was the equivalent of about six goals better than Stags.”

Middleton, a former England youth international, had an exemplary scoring record with the Stags, netting a goal nearly every other game.

He scored eight in 21 the following season and eventually went on to Walsall before ending his career at Worcester City.

What are your memories of Middleton as a Stags player?

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