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Ellis Harrison

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Ellis Harrison
Harrison playing for Ipswich Town in 2018
Personal information
Full name Ellis Wade Harrison[1]
Date of birth (1994-01-29) 29 January 1994 (age 30)[2]
Place of birth Newport, Wales[2]
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[2]
Position(s) Centre-forward
Team information
Current team
 Milton Keynes Dons
Number 9
Youth career
0000–2011 Bristol Rovers
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2011–2018 Bristol Rovers 185 (44)
2016 → Hartlepool United (loan) 2 (0)
2018–2019 Ipswich Town 16 (1)
2019–2022 Portsmouth 64 (9)
2022 Fleetwood Town 20 (6)
2022–2023 Port Vale 34 (11)
2023– Milton Keynes Dons 41 (11)
International career
2013–2016 Wales U21 14 (3)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17:30, 16 November 2024 (UTC)

Ellis Wade Harrison (born 29 January 1994) is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a centre-forward for EFL League Two club Milton Keynes Dons. He represented Wales at under-21 level, scoring three goals in fourteen games.

Harrison began his career at Bristol Rovers, making his senior debut at 17 in April 2011. He scored twenty goals in forty matches as Rovers secured promotion into the English Football League through the Conference Premier play-offs in the 2014–15 season, including a goal in the play-off final. He was briefly loaned out to Hartlepool United in the 2015–16 campaign, though he would score eight goals for Rovers as they secured promotion out of League Two. He then scored twenty goals at League One level throughout the next two seasons, securing a £750,000 transfer move to Ipswich Town in July 2018. However, he scored just one goal for the Championship club and returned to League One on a £450,000 transfer to Portsmouth in June 2019. He scored 20 goals in 84 games for the club before joining Fleetwood Town for an undisclosed fee in January 2022. He moved on to Port Vale for another undisclosed fee eight months later. He finished as Vale's top-scorer in the 2022-23 season and was sold on to Milton Keynes Dons in September 2023.

Club career

[edit]

Bristol Rovers

[edit]

Early years (2011–2014)

[edit]

Harrison began his career at Bristol Rovers and made his senior debut for the Pirates in League One on 16 April 2011, in a 1–0 defeat to Southampton at St Mary's Stadium, when he came on as a 75th-minute substitute for Jo Kuffour.[3] This was the first time he had been in a first-team matchday squad, having been included after impressing caretaker manager Stuart Campbell during a reserve team game four days earlier.[4]

Harrison with Bristol Rovers in 2015

With the club now in League Two, Ellis made his first league start on 12 January 2013 in a 3–0 victory against Fleetwood Town, setting up Danny Woodards to score the first goal after only five minutes of play.[5] He scored his first goal for the club two weeks later on 26 January, in a 3–1 victory away at Rotherham United.[6] He scored both goals in a 2–1 victory over Rochdale at the Memorial Stadium on 16 March.[7] Manager John Ward went on to praise his maturity, predicting a "good future" for the teenager.[8]

Before the 2013–14 season, Harrison agreed on a new three-year contract with Rovers.[9] He featured in 25 league games, but scored just once, again against Fleetwood Town. Rovers ended the season relegated to the Conference Premier, ending their 94-year stay in the English Football League. Harrison meanwhile was placed on the transfer list by manager Darrell Clarke.[10]

Conference promotion (2014–15)

[edit]

Harrison initially featured sporadically at the start of the 2014–15 season. Still, he scored late winners against F.C. Halifax Town and Lincoln City in August and September respectively.[11][12] He scored his first professional hat-trick in the FA Cup fixture away to Dorchester Town.[13] Harrison ended the season with 17 goals in league and cup, including six in the final five league fixtures as Rovers finished just one point off top of the league and with it automatic promotion. Harrison was sent off in the play-off semi-final game with Forest Green Rovers,[14] but returned for the final at Wembley Stadium where he scored the crucial equalising goal against Grimsby Town. Rovers went on to win the game on penalties to return to the English Football League at the first time of asking.[15]

League Two promotion (2015–16)

[edit]

The 2015–16 season saw Harrison regularly feature, both in the starting line-up and from the substitutes bench, until the end of 2015 when he was often an unused substitute.[16][17] On 17 January 2016, he agreed to join fellow League Two side Hartlepool United on a month-long loan to attain more game time.[18] He did not impress Pools manager Ronnie Moore during his time at Victoria Park.[19] As Ellis returned to Rovers from his loan spell, he scored a crucial late equaliser against league leaders Northampton Town.[20] This proved to be important for the club's automatic promotion race, as Rovers went up on goal difference with a victory over Dagenham & Redbridge on the final day. Harrison scored eight goals in 32 games for Rovers, also appearing twice for Hartlepool.[16]

League One (2016–2018)

[edit]

Harrison scored his first League One goal of the 2016–17 season in a 2–1 defeat to Bolton Wanderers on 17 August.[21] On 7 January, he scored four goals in a 5–0 victory over Northampton Town.[22] He signed a new deal in June 2017 following what he called a "very disappointing" season in which he scored nine goals in 42 games.[23] He won the January 2018 goal of the month award for League One with his solo effort against Doncaster Rovers late on in a 3–1 victory.[24] He ended the 2017–18 campaign with 14 goals in 49 matches, helping the Gas to a 13th-place league finish.[25] Throughout his eight seasons at the club, he scored 52 goals in 205 league and cup appearances.[26]

Ipswich Town

[edit]

On 23 July 2018, Harrison signed a two-year deal (with an option for a third year) with Championship club Ipswich Town, joining the club for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £750,000.[27] Manager Paul Hurst said he "has got a little bit of everything" as he looked to make him the focal point of his team's attack.[28] However, Harrison was dropped after five games and played out of position on the left side of midfield before he suffered an ankle ligament injury in training in September, which ruled him out of action for two months.[29][30] He scored his first goal at Portman Road in a 1–1 draw with Sheffield United on 22 December.[31] That would be his only goal for the Tractor Boys during his nine starts and eight substitute appearances throughout the 2018–19 relegation campaign as he was struck down with a back injury in February.[32][29] The club looked to move him on after new manager Paul Lambert decided Harrison was not in his first-team plans.[33] Harrison later credited coach Marcus Stewart with improving his game.[34]

Portsmouth

[edit]

On 21 June 2019, Harrison signed for League One side Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee, believed to be worth £450,000.[35][33] Manager Kenny Jackett had originally attempted to sign him in January 2018.[29] Harrison scored his first Portsmouth goal in his second game, a 3–0 victory over Birmingham City in an EFL Cup first round fixture at Fratton Park on 6 August.[36] He scored ten goals in 39 appearances during the 2019–20 season, which was stopped early due to the COVID-19 pandemic in England, with Portsmouth finishing in the play-offs on points per game.[37] He played both legs of the play-off semi-final defeat to Oxford United, which was decided on penalties following a 2–2 aggregate draw; he provided an assist and then scored an own goal in the second leg before being substituted.[38]

He scored six goals in 31 games during the 2020–21 campaign, which saw Pompey miss out on the play-offs by two points.[39] In June 2021, Harrison looked set to join Oxford United, however, this move fell through following Portsmouth's failure to bring in replacement Jayden Stockley.[40] He was linked with moves to League One rivals Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield Wednesday among others,[41] but opted to stay at Portsmouth.[42] On 7 September, he scored a third career hat-trick in a 5–3 EFL Trophy defeat to AFC Wimbledon.[43] He scored a total of four goals in fourteen appearances in the first half of the 2021–22 season, though he started just one league fixture, and opted to leave the club after manager Danny Cowley told him he would not be offered a new contract in the summer.[44][45]

Fleetwood Town

[edit]

On 8 January 2022, Harrison joined League One side Fleetwood Town for an undisclosed fee.[46] He made his debut that day, scoring the only goal in a relegation six-pointer victory over Doncaster Rovers.[47] Manager Stephen Crainey said that "hopefully, he can follow that up and build on it with a few more".[48] With Fleetwood having survived relegation on goal difference, Harrison signed a new one-year contract with the club at the end of the 2021–22 season, having scored six goals in eighteen matches since arriving at the Highbury Stadium.[49]

Harrison playing for Port Vale (August 2022)

Port Vale

[edit]

On 11 August 2022, Harrison signed for League One club Port Vale for an undisclosed fee.[50] Manager Darrell Clarke said: "I know a lot about Ellis because I made him, no disrespect to him, but Ellis would tell you that himself".[51] He scored his first goal for the Valiants in a 2–1 defeat at Milton Keynes Dons six days later.[52] He developed an effective strike partnership with James Wilson and was named as Vale's Player of the Month for both August and September.[53][54] His overhead kick against former club Bristol Rovers on 22 April was voted as the club's goal of the season.[55] He was the club's top-scorer in the 2022–23 campaign with 11 goals in 34 games.[56]

Speaking in August 2023, new manager Andy Crosby said that "there is interest in Ellis from a few clubs... [but] we will try and take care of the interests of the club and player."[57] Harrison left the club on transfer deadline day after a replacement was secured in Ryan Loft.[58]

Milton Keynes Dons

[edit]

On 1 September 2023, Harrison signed for League Two club Milton Keynes Dons for an undisclosed fee.[59] He made his debut on eight days later as a 67th-minute substitute in a 1–1 draw with Notts County at Stadium MK.[60] He scored eight goals from 35 appearances in the 2023–24 campaign, including two appearances in the play-off semi-final defeat to Crawley Town.[61]

On 21 September 2024, he scored the opening goal of a 1–1 draw with Doncaster Rovers, only to be later sent off for a challenge on Owen Bailey.[62]

International career

[edit]

Harrison was called up to the Wales under-21 squad for the fixture against Moldova on 22 March 2013.[63] He made his Wales under-21 debut on 11 October 2013, in a 2–0 win over Lithuania.[64] He scored his first international goal while gaining his second cap in the 4–0 win over San Marino four days later in a 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification game at Nantporth.[65] He scored two further goals in the nation's unsuccessful qualification attempt for the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, in victories home and away against Armenia.[66][67] He won a total of fourteen caps at under-21 level, scoring three goals.[2]

Style of play

[edit]

Harrison has been described as a "physical" centre-forward by manager Darrell Clarke, who praised his stamina.[68] He is a good all-round attacker who can hold the ball up well.[69]

Career statistics

[edit]
As of 16 November 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Season Club Division League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Bristol Rovers 2010–11[70] League One 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2011–12[71] League Two 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2012–13[72] League Two 13 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 3
2013–14[73] League Two 25 1 2 0 1 0 1[a] 0 29 1
2014–15[2] Conference Premier 35 13 2 3 — 2[b] 1 40 20
2015–16[16] League Two 30 7 1 0 1 1 0 0 32 8
2016–17[74] League One 37 8 2 0 2 1 1[c] 0 42 9
2017–18[25] League One 44 12 1 0 3 2 1[c] 0 49 14
Total 185 44 8 3 7 4 5 1 205 52
Hartlepool United (loan) 2015–16[16] League Two 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Ipswich Town 2018–19[32] Championship 16 1 1 0 0 0 — 17 1
Portsmouth 2019–20[37] League One 28 5 3 0 1 2 7[d] 3 39 10
2020–21[39] League One 25 4 3 1 1 0 2[c] 1 31 6
2021–22[44] League One 11 0 1 1 0 0 2[c] 3 14 4
Total 64 9 10 2 2 2 11 7 84 20
Fleetwood Town 2021–22[44] League One 18 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 6
2022–23[56] League One 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Total 20 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0
Port Vale 2022–23[56] League One 33 11 0 0 0 0 1[c] 0 34 11
2023–24[61] League One 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
Total 34 11 0 0 1 0 1 0 36 11
Milton Keynes Dons 2023–24[61] League Two 31 8 0 0 — 4[e] 0 35 8
2024–25[75] League Two 10 3 1 0 1 0 3[c] 2 15 5
Total 41 11 1 0 1 0 5 0 50 13
Career total 362 82 17 5 11 6 22 8 424 103
  1. ^ Appearance in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ Appearances in Conference Premier play-offs
  3. ^ a b c d e f Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy
  4. ^ Five appearances and three goals in EFL Trophy, two appearances in EFL League One play-offs
  5. ^ Two appearances in the EFL Trophy and two appearances in the play-offs

Honours

[edit]

Bristol Rovers

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Portsmouth" (PDF). English Football League. p. 56. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e Ellis Harrison at Soccerway
  3. ^ "Southampton 1–0 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 16 April 2011. Retrieved 18 April 2011.
  4. ^ "Two changes". Bristol Rovers Football Club. 16 April 2011. Archived from the original on 18 April 2011. Retrieved 18 April 2011.
  5. ^ "Fleetwood 3–0 Bristol Rovers" BBC Sport. 12 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
  6. ^ "Rotherham 1–3 Bristol Rovers" BBC Sport. 26 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
  7. ^ "Bristol Rovers 2–1 Rochdale" BBC Sport. 16 March 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  8. ^ "Harrison has bright future - Ward". BBC Sport. 18 March 2013. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  9. ^ "Harrison Signs New Contract". www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 12 June 2013. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  10. ^ "Retained List". www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 6 May 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  11. ^ "Bristol Rovers 2–1 Halifax". BBC Sport. bbc.co.uk/sport. 30 August 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  12. ^ "Lincoln City 2–3 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. bbc.co.uk/sport. 13 September 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  13. ^ "Rovers Through To Fa Cup First Round". www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 25 October 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  14. ^ "Forest Green 0–1 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. bbc.co.uk/sport. 29 April 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  15. ^ a b "Bristol Rovers 1–1 Grimsby". BBC Sport. bbc.co.uk/sport. 17 May 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  16. ^ a b c d "Games played by Ellis Harrison in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  17. ^ "Ellis Harrison: Seven things you need to know about Hartlepool United's new signing". Hartlepool Mail. 18 January 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  18. ^ "Harrison Joins Pools on a Month's Loan". Hartlepool United F.C. 17 January 2016. Archived from the original on 17 January 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  19. ^ "Moore expects better from signings". BBC Sport. 20 January 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  20. ^ "Northampton Town 2-2 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 9 April 2016. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  21. ^ "Rovers Lose At Home To Bolton Wanderers". www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 17 August 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  22. ^ "Bristol Rovers 5–0 Northampton Town". BBC. 7 January 2017. Retrieved 7 January 2017.
  23. ^ "Ellis Harrison Signs New Deal". bristolrovers.co.uk. 28 June 2017. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  24. ^ "Sky Bet EFL Goals of the Month: James Maddison, Ellis Harrison and Maxime Biamou win January awards". Sky Sports. 15 February 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  25. ^ a b "Games played by Ellis Harrison in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 January 2019.
  26. ^ Jones, Jordan (1 January 2022). "Pros and cons of signing Ellis Harrison: Fan favorite but is he the striker needed?". www.bristolworld.com. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  27. ^ "Ellis Harrison: Ipswich Town sign Bristol Rovers striker for reported £750,000". BBC Sport. 23 July 2018. Retrieved 23 July 2018.
  28. ^ Warren, Andy (30 July 2018). "'He's got a little bit of everything' - Hurst on new striker Harrison's start with Blues". East Anglian Daily Times. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  29. ^ a b c Warren, Andy (22 June 2019). "Exit Interview: Harrison's Ipswich career never got going despite flashes... but his departure comes with added risk". East Anglian Daily Times. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  30. ^ Warren, Andy (29 September 2018). "Hurst could explore free agent market with Harrison ruled out for two months with ankle ligament injury". East Anglian Daily Times. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  31. ^ "Ipswich Town 1-1 Sheffield United - match report". TWTD. 24 December 2018. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  32. ^ a b "Games played by Ellis Harrison in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 January 2019.
  33. ^ a b Warren, Andy (3 July 2019). "'I never thought I'd be leaving Ipswich after just one year' - Harrison opens up on Town exit". East Anglian Daily Times. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  34. ^ "Ellis Harrison | "If I moved out of my lane, he would be the first on the phone to me to remind me"". Port Vale F.C. 25 October 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  35. ^ "Ellis Harrison: Portsmouth sign Ipswich Town striker". BBC Sport. 21 June 2019. Retrieved 21 June 2019.
  36. ^ Beardmore, Michael (6 August 2019). "Pompey ease past Birmingham in League Cup". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  37. ^ a b "Games played by Ellis Harrison in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  38. ^ "Sky Bet League One (Sky Sports)". Sky Sports. 6 July 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  39. ^ a b "Games played by Ellis Harrison in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  40. ^ Roberts, James (23 June 2021). "Ellis Harrison's Oxford United move in danger - reports". Oxford Mail. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  41. ^ Errington, Chris (31 August 2021). "Argyle linked to Portsmouth striker Ellis Harrison on deadline day". PlymouthLive. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  42. ^ Cross, Jordan (3 September 2021). "Revealed: Why Portsmouth never recruited striker on deadline day and Ellis Harrison stayed amid Plymouth Argyle, Oxford United and Sheffield Wednesday talk". www.portsmouth.co.uk. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  43. ^ Weld, Neil (7 September 2021). "AFC Wimbledon 5 Pompey 3". www.portsmouthfc.co.uk. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  44. ^ a b c "Games played by Ellis Harrison in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  45. ^ Allen, Neil (9 January 2022). "Danny Cowley lifts lid on why Ellis Harrison had no future at Pompey following departure for Fleetwood". www.portsmouth.co.uk. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  46. ^ "Ellis Harrison becomes first signing of the January window". www.fleetwoodtownfc.com. 8 January 2022. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  47. ^ "Doncaster Rovers 0-1 Fleetwood Town". BBC Sport. 8 January 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  48. ^ "Stephen Crainey lauds debutant Ellis Harrison after winner for Fleetwood". www.newschainonline.com. 8 January 2022. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  49. ^ "Harrison agrees new contract with the Cods". www.fleetwoodtownfc.com. 5 May 2022. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  50. ^ "Port Vale sign striker Harrison from Fleetwood". BBC Sport. 11 August 2022. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
  51. ^ "Ellis Harrison makes permanent switch to Vale Park". Port Vale F.C. 11 August 2022. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  52. ^ "Milton Keynes Dons 2-1 Port Vale". BBC Sport. 16 August 2022. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
  53. ^ Baggaley, Michael (14 October 2022). "Port Vale praise for James Wilson and Ellis Harrison partnership". StokeonTrentLive. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  54. ^ Mounteney, Luke (1 November 2022). "October player of the month nominations". Port Vale F.C. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  55. ^ 2022/23 Port Vale FC Goal of the Season | Winner on YouTube
  56. ^ a b c "Games played by Ellis Harrison in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
  57. ^ Travers, Chris (1 September 2023). "Port Vale boss Crosby open to all scenarios ahead of transfer deadline". StokeonTrentLive. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  58. ^ "Port Vale sign striker Loft from Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 1 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  59. ^ "MK Dons sign Tomlinson, Harrison and Stewart". BBC Sport. 1 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  60. ^ "Milton Keynes Dons 1-1 Notts County: Skipper Kyle Cameron earns point for visitors". BBC Sport. 9 September 2023. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  61. ^ a b c "Games played by Ellis Harrison in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
  62. ^ "Milton Keynes Dons 1-1 Doncaster Rovers". BBC Sport. 21 September 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  63. ^ "Wales U21 1-0 Moldova U21". BBC Sport. 22 March 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  64. ^ "Wales Football - dragonsoccer - Welsh International Football". dragonsoccer.co.uk. 11 October 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  65. ^ "Wales Football - dragonsoccer - Welsh International Football". dragonsoccer.co.uk. 15 October 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  66. ^ "Wales-Armenia | Under-21 2017". UEFA.com. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  67. ^ "Armenia-Wales | Under-21 2017". UEFA.com. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  68. ^ Iles, Marc (11 August 2022). "Port Vale add ex-Ipswich and Pompey striker on eve of Wanderers clash". The Bolton News. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  69. ^ Rooney, Will (28 May 2019). "Ellis Harrison has attributes to play in Championship – but Ipswich boss Paul Lambert may want his own players". www.portsmouth.co.uk. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  70. ^ "Games played by Ellis Harrison in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  71. ^ "Games played by Ellis Harrison in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  72. ^ "Games played by Ellis Harrison in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  73. ^ "Games played by Ellis Harrison in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  74. ^ "Games played by Ellis Harrison in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 January 2019.
  75. ^ "Games played by Ellis Harrison in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
  76. ^ "Bristol Rovers 2–1 Dagenham & Redbridge". BBC Sport. BBC. 7 May 2016. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
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