The Legend of Arsenal's Pat Rice

Nobody at Arsenal FC epitomizes the honour of being a Gunner more than Pat Rice does. Yes, Arsene Wenger transformed the club over the past fifteen years into what it is today, but the Irishman who took up the role of assistant manager when Wenger took over the reins at the club in 1996 has not really got the credit he deserves.

While some ex-players retire and become ‘pundits’ sitting in state of the art studios earning salaries for just giving their ‘opinion’, the former Arsenal right-back can be seen leading the Gunners in their pre-game warm ups – at the ripe old age of 63!

Wenger once said of his number two man, “Pat Rice is a guy who is ready to give his life to win.” The relentless will to succeed can probably be attributed to his Irish blood. His fighting spirit at his age is an intrinsic quality that is rarely seen in modern football. Over the years, we’ve seen many players and managers who have been with their clubs for a decade or two.

Patrick James Rice has been associated with Arsenal for almost half a century!

Pat Rice – The Player

Rice was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland but grew up in London. He joined Arsenal in 1964 and became a professional player at the age of 17, making appearances for the youth team and reserves. His first team debut came when he was just 18 and he took a while to cement his place in the starting line-up and it wasn’t until the early ‘70s that he became a first choice player.

From then on, he never looked back. He became a mainstay in the side which won the double in 1971 under Bertie Mee. Rice took part in 5 FA Cup finals in that decade which included three on the trot between 1978 and 1980. He even captained the side in 1979 when Arsenal beat Manchester United in the legendary ‘Five minute final’ where Arsenal won 3-2 in the 89^th minute after United equalised in the 88^th minute.

Pat Rice of Arsenal in action.

At the same time, he had also made 49 appearances for the Northern Ireland, his final international game being in 1979. After 528 games for the club, he left Arsenal at the age of 31 and joined Watford. He helped them secure promotion in 1982 before finally retiring in 1984.

Pat Rice – The Coach

Pat Rice returned to Arsenal in 1984 and was given the post of youth team coach. For the next twelve years, he oversaw a fruitful period as the young guns won the FA Youth Cup twice. When Bruce Rioch was sacked in 1996 after being at loggerheads with the board over transfer funds, Pat Rice became the caretaker manager for 3 games and won them all. Arsene Wenger arrived a month later and Pat Rice promptly took the post of Assistant Manager. It was a sense of déjà vu for him as he won the Double twice with Arsenal in 1997-98 and 2001-02.

Wenger & Rice – Begining of a new partnership.

To say that Pat Rice never had a say in matters at the training ground or dressing room would be wrong. Although he hardly ever talks to the press, his attitude and outlook never fails to rub itself off on the players at the club. He has praised them when they have done well and criticized them when they fail to deliver. Things may not always go according to plan, but one thing he couldn’t stand was failure to try. There were reports of him tearing into the players after Arsenal lost the North London derby at White Hart Lane this season and that seemed to have caused a butterfly effect as Arsenal were undefeated for the next ten games.

At the same time, his passion is there for all to see when Arsenal score goals and, more importantly, when they win. While Wenger jumped off his seat with a smile and slight fist pumps after Arshavin scored the winner against Barcelona last season, Pat Rice could be seen running around like a schoolboy on the last day of school, arms raised above his head, screaming in delight.

Many would criticize him for not having too much of a say in the methods used by Arsenal and giving too much freedom to Wenger. But he knew better than to question a man who oversaw Arsenal’s golden period and together built a legacy for future generations.

The Legend

As his career draws to a close after he announced his plans to retire at the end of this season, Arsenal fans will miss the silver haired man in tracks by the touchline barking orders at the players on the field. When Arsenal host Norwich City this weekend, there are plans of making it Pat Rice’s testimonial match as it is Arsenal’s last home game this season. The Gunners would do well to win the last two games and secure third place after what has been a bizarre start to the season.

Pat Rice – One of Arsenal's 50 Greatest Players.

Pat Rice has been one of Arsenal FC’s most loyal servants, even putting off retirement for a year in 2011 in spite of lingering health issues prompting Wenger to say, “The day he stops will be a massive loss.” He was also elected to the list of 50 greatest Gunners of all time. If he does retire, I would probably shed a tear and raise a toast to a man whose commitment and work ethic is almost unmatched in domestic football.