An Arsenal legend who went from working at Highbury as ground staff to starring in the team and winning a league title and FA Cup double has died
Arsenal icon Peter Simpson who went from working as ground staff at Highbury to winning the double has died at the age of 81.
The defender was a crucial figure in the Gunners’ historic 1970/71 First Division and FA Cup double-winning side and throughout his tenure at the club racked up nearly 500 appearances. He had initially joined Arsenal as part of the ground staff, before putting pen to paper as a scholar in 1961.
In total, Simpson turned out 478 times for the north London outfit – a figure that places him as Arsenal’s 10th most capped player of all time. An Arsenal statement read: “Everyone at Arsenal is sad to learn that Peter Simpson has died, aged 81.
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“Peter was a major part of the 1970-71 Double-winning squad, making 478 appearances during his time at the club. All of us are thinking of his loved ones at this time. Rest in peace, Peter.”
One of Simpson’s most memorable moments in Arsenal colours came at White Hart Lane, where he produced a crucial late block to prevent Tottenham from finding the net, while securing a 1-0 victory that saw the Gunners wrap up the title, reports the Express.
Despite his remarkable record for Arsenal, Simpson never received international recognition with England. He was included in multiple squads by boss Sir Alf Ramsey during the 1969/70 campaign, but was never given the chance to feature on the field.
Following his departure from Arsenal in 1978 after an extraordinary 18-year spell, Simpson took his talents across the Atlantic.
He represented clubs including Boston Beacons, Toronto Hellas, and New England Tea Men, before returning to England 12 months later where Simpson concluded his playing days with non-League Hendon.
Tributes have been pouring in for the Arsenal legend, with Piers Morgan sharing on social media: “Very sad news. One of my first Arsenal heroes in that wonderful 1971 team. Superb player. RIP Peter.”
@LGA_Tony posted: “Such sad news. Arsenal legend. Had the privilege to meet and play in a friendly against him when he was at Hendon FC, c1980. Always keen to encourage young players… RIP.”
Meanwhile, @TurloughOhOgain shared: “The League Championship in May 1971. We were winning 1-0 at Spurs, but a score draw would hand the title to Leeds.
“In the last few moments of the match Spurs’ Cyril Knowles shot at our goal. Peter Simpson’s shin flicked the ball over the bar. And the rest is history. RIP Peter.”