Background to Letter from Herbert Chapman (Secretary Manager Arsenal Football Club) to James Angell (Talent Scout)
While looking through some boxes containing old photos and family memorabilia recently, I found the attached letter dated 28 October 1931 sent by then Secretary Manager of Arsenal Football Club, (Herbert Chapman) to my grandfather, (James William Angell) who was a talent scout for the club at the time.
My family has always had a close connection with Southampton Football Club. My grandfather actually played for Southampton in 1906, making his debut against Brentford on 29 September of that year. His connection with the footballing world of the day however continued and a few years later he worked as a talent scout for Arsenal Football Club in the late1920s and early 1930s.
In October 1931 Arsenal Football Club sent him a letter regarding a recommendation he had made to Arsenal Captain and legend Tom Parker for a prospective player named Norman Caitlin. Norman later joined Arsenal, although he did not go on to play for the first team. He sadly died a few years later whilst serving in the Royal Navy during World War 2.
I appreciate that this is only a small piece of Arsenal history, but I believe it is often smaller details like these that help bring the past to life.
Malcolm Angell
