00:00Harry Charratt is truly the story of a goalkeeper who had a touch of madness.
00:03In the 1950s, Charratt played for Bishop Auckland,
00:06which is one of the most dominant amateur clubs in England.
00:09The club crushed the competition, winning 3 consecutive English Amateur Cups between 1955 and 1957.
00:15Charratt was even selected for the England amateur team.
00:18and will participate in the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.
00:21Despite his skill level, he categorically refuses to become a professional.
00:25He is a mathematics teacher; he likes his job.
00:27but above all his salary as a math teacher and the perks of his amateur club,
00:30It earns him more than if he were in the professional world.
00:33But it's not that or his track record that will make him famous.
00:35On the field, Harry Charratt is completely unpredictable.
00:38He chats with the fans behind his goal.
00:40He taxes them on candy or cigarettes.
00:42Sometimes he'll play an entire half with only one shoe.
00:44He clings to the crossbar, but in the middle of the action,
00:47And when his team is well ahead, he doesn't even hesitate to give the ball to his opponents.
00:51During a cup match where Bishop Auckland was leading 12 goals to 0,
00:54He remains motionless, leaning against his post.
00:56And literally, he's going to let the opposing team score several goals.
00:59Because for him, football must remain a game, a spectacle and a pleasure.
01:03But his most famous move came on Boxing Day.
01:05During a winter derby against Chilton,
01:07He will decide to build a snowman directly on his goal line.
01:10Except that the referee, amused, is going to give him a warning.
01:13One thing is beautiful, at least.
01:14Harry Charratt never played for fame or money.
01:17He played for fun, to make his friends laugh.
01:19and, incidentally, make an entire stadium laugh.
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