Photo – Rob O’Brien
Author – Ben Monti
There aren’t many players who have been as reliable for Harborough Town over the last few years as Alex Morris, or the “Man-Mountain”, as Deano affectionately calls him. The 6ft 6 centre-back has been a colossus at the heart of the Bees’ defence and one of the first names on the team sheet for what feels like forever. His partnership with Liam Dolman has been pretty impenetrable for much of their time together, and Alex has become a real fan favourite along the way.
It seems slightly mad that he only arrived at the Beehive in the summer of 2023. Morris joined from Gresley Rovers after being named their Players’ Player of the Season and made quite the first impression in yellow, somehow completing the clean sweep of Supporters’, Players’ and Manager’s Player of the Season in his first year. In his time, he has secured secured two promotions, including last season’s Southern League Premier Central title, reached the FA Cup 2nd Round, and now has more than 150 appearances under his belt. Not bad for three years.
Mozza, as it turns out, was already keeping an eye on Harborough before joining too, regularly checking the Bees’ results while playing for Gresley. Fast forward three years and he’s now talking about hopefully hanging up his boots here one day. Quite a lot has happened in between. So, after recently ticking off appearance number 150, I wanted to know a little more about the man behind the Man-Mountain, the teammates who’ve shared the journey with him, and life away from the Beehive.
*********************
Ben: You’ve recently reached 150 appearances for Harborough. When you first joined, where were you in your career, what did you make of the club, and when did you realise you might be here for the long haul?
Alex: I joined from Gresley Rovers, where I had a great couple of seasons. We got promoted from the UCL North and stayed up in our first season at Step 4. I always used to check the Harborough scores when they were in the UCL South, so when the opportunity to potentially sign for them came, I jumped at it. I went round the gaffer’s house to meet him and discuss the upcoming season, and we instantly clicked. Our relationship has got stronger ever since. As soon as I got involved with the club and met the players and staff, I knew it was somewhere I would be for the long haul, and fingers crossed, I will hang up my boots here when the time comes.
Ben: Do you ever look at the level you’re playing at now, the grounds you’re visiting and even having someone like Britt Assombalonga as a teammate and think, how on earth have we ended up here, or was this always the goal?
Alex: It’s always great to be part of a club’s progression through the leagues, and I feel really privileged to have joined Harborough when I did. There is a real work ethic and drive to do well around the club, and I am glad we have been rewarded for our hard work over the last few years. I know the club wanted to progress when I joined, but three promotions in five years is a fantastic achievement, and I am proud I played a part in two of them. I always knew my time at Harborough would be enjoyable, but I didn’t expect us to be where we are today so soon. Hopefully, we can keep on pushing.
Ben: You’ve stepped up every time the club has. How much better are you today than the player who first signed for Harborough, and what have you improved most?
Alex: I have been really privileged to have great teammates and staff during my time at Harborough. I have learnt loads, and I think my game has improved drastically. I have always been quite big and strong, which helps in my position, but I think my reading of the game has improved the most since being here.
Ben: Who have been your best teammates during your time at Harborough, both as footballers and as people? Give me a few names and tell me why.
Alex: The changing room has always been unreal at Harborough. All the lads are top, and the staff have created a great environment for us to do well. Some of the lads I have been closest to during my time are Dan Cooper — what a guy, super stiff but an unreal 1v1 defender. CK, we both joined at the same time, and we sit next to each other. Grunts constantly, but a great lad. Then my car school boys, Gary Mulligan and Bully, both top footballers and gents.
Ben: You’ve played under Mitch for a long time now. What’s he actually like to play for, and why do you think he’s managed to keep getting more out of this group every time you’ve gone up a level?
Alex: Most of the lads who have played for the gaffer for a while will all agree he is a great man-manager. He is a top bloke and so easy to get on with, but he can also get us fired up in an instant. He does a really good job of getting the right lads together and creating a great changing room, which I think is half the battle. All the lads would run through brick walls for him, and we all know he has our back if needed.
Ben: Who is Alex Morris when he leaves the Beehive? What do you do for work, what takes up your time away from football, and what are a few things fans would find interesting to know about you?
Alex: For work, I am a Project Manager for Siemens Healthineers. I manage all the imaging equipment installations, such as MRI and CT scanners, into the hospitals in my area. Away from football, I keep myself busy in the gym and have a one-year-old lad who runs us ragged the rest of the time. Nothing overly interesting, unfortunately. Away from football, family and the gym, you will likely see me with a pint in my hand.
Ben: I always find this mad about non-league football. You can play a massive game on Saturday, and then you’re back at work on Monday like nothing happened. What’s that actually like?
Alex: I’m quite fortunate with my job, that it isn’t physically demanding, and my week is split between site visits and working from home. I can usually work my busy days on site around football, and it definitely helps with recovery. Saturday games aren’t too bad, but I always feel horrendous after a midweek game. I have no idea how some of the lads wake up and lay bricks all day.
Ben: I’m getting massively ahead of myself here, but let’s say we get through to the FA Cup First Round again. Are there a few clubs you are desperate to play against?
Alex: I wouldn’t really mind, to be honest. I know the club always likes a home draw, but a good away day somewhere would be great. Hopefully, we could make a weekend of it if the result is positive. It would be amazing to get to that round again, so fingers crossed we can make it happen.
Ben: Use the 150-plus games’ worth of experience to tell me: the best Harborough player you’ve played with, your toughest opponent, favourite game and best away day?
Alex: Best player: Connor Kennedy — his work rate and energy are on another level. He leads by example. Toughest opponent: Halesowen Town — great club with great fans. They have always been a tough opponent. Favourite game/best away day: FA Cup First Round away against Tonbridge Angels. The performance and atmosphere were top-tier.