Harold Jarman was undoubtedly one of the greatest Bristol Rovers players of all time. Harold along with his team mate and friend Geoff Bradford were the jewels in Bristol Rovers' crown as the club enjoyed their finest spell in their history during the late 1950's. A product of the City, Jarman was spotted by Rovers playing for Clifton Villa, his local Downs League team, and signed as a professional in 1959. His skill, commitment and eye for goal quickly made him a favourite with the crowd at Eastville and he played an important part in the clubs' steady improvement on the pitch which culminated in them challenging for promotion from the Second Division after having establishing themselves as a Second Division Club.
He was also involved in two League Cup quarter final appearances for Rovers in the early 1970’s. A much sought after winger Jarman won many admirers and was considered by some in the early 1960’s as a possible full England International cap, His career really took off in the mid 1960’s when the free scoring Rovers side strived to achieve promotion back to the Second division after their relegation in 1962. He was a consistent goalscorer and holds the club record of the most goals by a winger.
During his later seasons at Eastville he even enjoyed his own unofficial fan club in the North Enclosure who would delight at his skills in beating opponents. He enjoyed an impressive career lasting fourteen seasons before spending a season in South Wales with Newport County before being tempted to take his skills to North America and New York Cosmos. Although he has taken on many different roles for clubs in the UK and the United States, his heart has always belonged to Bristol – he returned initially as youth team manager, then caretaker manager (saving the Rovers from relegation) before returning to coach and manage the youth and reserve teams.
During the summer months between 1961 and 1972, Harold also enjoyed playing professionally for Gloucestershire County Cricket club, delighting crowds with his skill particularly his astute fielding.
He has many wonderful memories of days mixing with England’s most talented footballers and travelling all over the country doing something that he thoroughly enjoyed. “H” was initially a Bristol City fan in his youth and he and his brothers played together in a Bristol Downs league team. His love of sport in general which was encouraged by one of his school teachers ensured Harold strived hard to both enjoy and make a living at two sports - football and cricket. Harold was one of the first British footballers to go to America as a pro-footballer with New York Cosmos.
Harold since his retirement has enjoyed golf and has maintained an interest in Rover’s fortunes. He is a regular at the Memorial Stadium when he and his wife Penny are not watching Downs League football. The book is accompanied by some fascinating pictures and statistics, many unpublished from Harold’s own personal collection.
A book signing has been arranged on Saturday 20 September at Bristol Rovers home stadium. Jarman his family and some of his former Rovers team mates will be in attendance together with the two authors. Put it in your diary to celebrate one of Rover’s real legends. See you there!