James Harper

Arsenal

Born in Chelmsford, Essex, Harper attended the Anglo European School in the nearby village of Ingatestone. He started his career as a trainee with Arsenal, but as his first team opportunities were limited, he first went on loan to Cardiff City, before signing permanently for Reading for an undisclosed fee said to be "a substantial six-figure fee" at the end of February 2001.

Reading

James had a real impact at Reading including playing a key role in a number of promotions, single handed defeat of Liverpool (Reading's only ever win over one of the premier leagues big four), and inexplicably wearing a shirt that was far too big for him. After helping Reading to win the 2005–06 Football League Championship, and thus win promotion to the Premier League, he scored his first Premiership goals for Reading in a clash with Newcastle United at St James' Park, scoring twice despite losing 3–2. At the start of July 2007, Harper signed an improved three–year contract to keep him at Reading until the end of the 2009–10 season.

Sheffield United

Harper joined Sheffield United in September 2009, on loan until the end of the season. With his contract set to expire at the same time, Reading manager Brendan Rodgers admitted it was likely that he had played his last game for Reading. Harper duly made his début for The Blades in an away victory at Derby County just under a fortnight later. After being a regular in the first team from that point his loan deal was…

Harper rejected the chance to go to the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Ghana, saying: "I've never even been to Ghana. I don't know the colour of their flag and it's not my country. I wouldn't feel right putting on the shirt." He qualified to play for Ghana because his mother was born there.

Club

As of match played 29 March 2022

Reading Football League Championship: 2005–06 Doncaster Rovers Football League One: 2012–13