Arsenal legends honoured

Arsenal launched ‘The 100 Club’ today (Friday, 1 November), to formally recognise some of the Club’s greatest former players.

Arsenal Launches’THE 100 CLUB’

Seventy-one retired players with more than 100 league appearances have been enrolled in The 100 Club, which was formally launched by Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick and 1971 Double-winning goalkeeper Bob Wilson.

Legends attending the launch event included two more goalkeepers – Jimmy Rimmer and John Lukic – with defenders Billy McCullough, Lauren and Club appearance record holder David O’Leary also present.

Former midfielders included Michael Thomas, whose goal sealed the 1989 league triumph at Liverpool, Invincibles star Robert Pires and Alan Skirton.Also enjoying the celebrations were forwards Tony Woodcock, John Radford and Alan Smith.

At 78, Billy ‘Flint’ McCullough was the oldest player in attendance. Alex Forbes, 88 and the last surviving member of the 1950 FA Cup-winning team, who now lives in South Africa, is the oldest member of The 100 Club.

In their time with Arsenal, The 100 Club members contributed to 20 of the Club’s 27 major trophies. Their combined appearances total is 16,122 over 54 seasons.

Welcoming the players to Emirates Stadium, Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick said:

“It is a pleasure to welcome such an esteemed group of former players to The 100 Club. The faces in attendance bring back so many happy memories for everyone connected with Arsenal Football Club.

“It is only right that as we continue to evolve and aim for new honours and success, we remember those former players that helped make Arsenal what it is today. I look forward to seeing members of The 100 Club at future matches.”

Gunners’ legends honoured with new club

Led by a committee of Bob Wilson, Pat Rice and Frank McLintock, The 100 Club will provide its members with an ongoing official forum to engage with Arsenal, and regular opportunities to attend matches at Emirates Stadium and official Club events.

In addition, an executive box is being transformed into The 100 Club for regular use by members. This will be available for hire by supporters at some matches.Bob Wilson, former Arsenal goalkeeper and The 100 Club committee member said:

“The Club was very receptive when Pat Rice, Frank McLintock and I started to talk through how such a large group of ex-players could still feel engaged and part of The Arsenal in its present day existence, and we are beyond delighted to be here today at the launch of this very special club.

“Arsenal is a club steeped in history, tradition and class, and I know that every member of The 100 Club is delighted to have a continued official connection. We’re one big family and are very much looking forward to seeing the familiar faces at Emirates Stadium on a matchday and at future events.”

All members of The 100 Club have received specially-designed red-and-white ties. In future all players with 100 Arsenal league appearances to their names will automatically be enrolled in The 100 Club when they finish their playing careers, and will be presented with the official tie.

A list of members of ‘The 100 Club’ can be found here. Pictures from today’s event are available via Getty Images.

Text and images courtesy of Arsenal.com