Ben Harrison had Tranmere Rovers running through him, and had been a fan since his first game in 1970 – a half-century of phenomenal loyalty and contribution.
He was a tireless, enthusiastic character, and helped bring so much to the heart of Tranmere Rovers, and was a highly respected and regarded part of everything Rovers related.
The Chairman of Tranmere Rovers Trust since 2008, Ben worked in the voluntary and commercial sector for 25 years, co-founding Weston Spirit and working as Chief Executive for 18 years. He ran a number of retail and hospitality businesses, notably Home & Homebrew Tap with outlets in Oxton, New Brighton & West Kirby, and played a significant role in restoring the Byrne Avenue Baths, creating the original Tranmere fan ‘tent’ and was a key driver behind the soon to be completed Tranmere Garden fan park.
Mark & Nicky Palios, Chair and Vice chair of the club expressed their feelings and regard for Ben, “It is with enormous sadness that the Club has to report the passing of Associate Director and Chairman of the Tranmere Rovers Supporters’ Trust, Ben Harrison.
“The Club would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to Polly and his family.
“In the 9 years since we have been at the Club, Ben became a key member of the senior management team, a trusted advisor, and above all a personal friend to us both. He was absolutely key to the Club forging a fantastic working relationship with the Supporters’ Trust – something which is rare in football – and which has seen us collaborating so successfully on a number of projects, including support to the local community during Covid and beyond through the delivery of food parcels, and the SWA2 community tickets scheme (now known as Nate’s Tickets).
“He dreamed big and was hands-on and indefatigable in bringing those dreams to life – as is so well exemplified by the new fan zone, something that many thought would never happen. That building will stand as a permanent reminder to his vision and tenacity, and it is tragic that he never got to see it opened, although he was closely following its progress right up to the day of his passing.
“Although Ben became a personal friend, he was never afraid to challenge us when he disagreed with something, and we hugely valued his input, safe in the knowledge that he absolutely had the best interests of this great Club, and its fans, at heart.
“When you meet people in life, one of the questions we always ask ourselves is “Would you have them in the trenches with you?” and the answer in relation to Ben was a resounding “yes”. He stood up proudly for everything he believed in, he took on huge challenges and ran at them headlong. As Ben’s family so beautifully said, “He died as he lived, fearlessly and without compromise.”
“We will both miss him enormously, as will everyone at the Club.”
I personally got to know Ben really closely as we worked together in bringing to life, and then developing the new Tranmere Garden fan park, with our marvellous collaboration with German Kraft Beer. I enjoyed Ben’s love of life, and his always positive and enthusiastic outlook, and each time anyone of us will raise a glass in the new Tranmere Garden in the next few months, there will no doubt be the enduring memory of Ben with us.
The Trust and Ben’s family have helped create this fundraiser, https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ben-harrison and the very kind people at Crowdfunder have joined with us in supporting one of many fitting memorials to Ben’s work.
