A man of supreme importance in Arsenal’s history, but largely forgotten today


Below are the anniversaries for 23 May.  The current series on this site is Henry Norris at the Arsenal.   An index of all our series can be found on the home page.

Today’s headline relates to Joe Shaw who played for and captained Woolwich Arsenal, The Arsenal and Arsenal, who went on to be in charge of the Youth Team, and then the Reserves, before becoming manager upon the death of Herbert Chapman.   He managed the club for the rest of that season and took Arsenal to the title.


 

23 May 1891: The first press report emerged of the AGM of Royal Arsenal wherein professionalism was proposed.  This was to make Arsenal the first fully professional team in the south (although Luton paid a few of their team earlier in the year).

23 May 1918: Dennis Compton born.  Denis was a cricketer who played football, in contrast to his brother who was a footballer who played cricket.  Both however played for Arsenal.

23 May 1923: SK Lyn Oslo 0 Arsenal 0.  Joe Shaw, one of the most important men in Arsenal’s history, and a league winning manager, made his final appearance as player, moving on to become manager of Arsenal Youth Team and then Arsenal Reserves.  He played 309 league and 17 cup games.

23 May 1948 Archie Macaulay won the last of seven caps for Scotland.  He continued to play for Arsenal until 1950 when he moved on to Fulham.

23 May 1973: Having finished second in the league Arsenal played two overseas friendlies, of which this was the first. Toronto Select 0  Arsenal 1 (George)

23 May 1998: Arsenal recording of “Hot Stuff” entered the top 10.

23 May, 2006.  Tomas Rosicky transferred from Borussia Dortmund for £6.8m.  See also here.  Despite numerous injuries he went on to play over 160 times for Arsenal and become captain of his country.

23 May 2011: Ex Arsenal man John Jenson was given a new contract as assistant manager at Blackburn, a club that appeared to be in permanent turmoil after being taken over by a family that seemed to have little knowledge of football.  He was sacked after four months.


The latest episode from our history on Henry Norris at the Arsenal:

The winter of 1923. A settled Arsenal and the victories finally start coming.


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