A local boy - from Wigston - Harold Riley, whose passing has just been announced, came from a sporting family background. Both his father and grandfather played first class cricket for Leicestershire. Howard played 233 games for City between 1955 and 1965. All but 11 of his 193 league games were in the top-flight. A bit-part player for his first four seasons at the club whilst completing his national service, Howard then established himself in the side between 1960 and 64, the second-best era in the history of the club with four cup finals and the near-miss title run in 1963.
Known as ‘puffer’ Riley because he went like a train down the right wing, Howard also possessed a very hard shot and great crossing ability. He provided impeccable service to Leicester front men such as Ken Keyworth and Mike Stringfellow but also had a good scoring record of his own, netting 47 during his Leicester career which included the winning goal in the 1964 League Cup final.
In 1963, at the age of 25, Howard went part time to train as a PE teacher, a decision which Riley now thinks shortened his career at the top level He lost his place in the 1964/65 season and moved on to Walsall before a two-year stint in the United States and a return to England to play for Barrow. Howard returned to Leicester where he had a 27 year teaching career before retiring. tIn 1970, his former teammate Richie Norman, by then manager of Burton Albion, brought in Riley for a couple of seasons on a part-time basis.