‘Where are they now?’ – Arsenal’s double winners of 1971

There could be no better place for Arsenal to win the first half of a league and cup double than at the home of their great rivals.  This is exactly what happened in the season of 1970-71. A header from Ray Kennedy earned Arsenal a 1-0 victory, which meant they claimed the league title.

Ten days later Arsenal played Liverpool in the FA Cup final at Wembley. Eddie Kelly and Charlie George goals in a 2-1 Arsenal victory, in extra time, saw them win the Cup. The Double was theirs.

So, what has happened to the members of that historical squad 39 years ago?

1.  Bob Wilson- up until 2002, Wilson was a goalkeeping coach at his former club. He moved on to be a football presenter on TV but has given up that post. He occasionally appears on Sky Sports News.

2.  Bob McNab- his last appearance in English football was well over ten years ago as caretaker manager of Portsmouth in December 1999. Having played club football in America, he is now a coach over there.

3.  John Roberts- the Welshman worked as a stationery salesman but is now a driving instructor in Chester.

4. Frank McLintock- has had a very business-orientated career after football. Helped to set up the Cash Converter chain of shops, as well as becoming an agent. Was a regular face on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday show until a few seasons ago, where his punditry was quite comical as he sometimes gave the impression he was half asleep.

5.  Pat Rice- was a coach in Arsenal’s successful trophy-winning years of 1998 and 2002. Is now assistant manager to Arsene Wenger.

6. Ray Kennedy- unfortunately diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 34. He now lives at home and is not able to do much due to his decreasing mobility.

7. George Graham- the fiery Scotsman has been out of management for nine years and has been concentrating on a career in football punditry for Sky Sports. Mainly appears for them at big Premiership games or on Champions League matches.

8. Peter Storey- after getting in to trouble for various run-ins during his retirement, Storey now lives in France with his third wife and runs a small farm.

9. George Armstrong- sadly died on 1^st November 2000 after an unexpected brain hemorrhage. He collapsed at Arsenal’s training ground the day before. His last involvement in football was his bringing in of the many young players through the Arsenal ranks.

10. John Radford- currently gives tours of Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and appears as a football pundit on their TV station, Arsenal TV.

11. Charlie George- the Arsenal legend is now employed full-time by the Gunners, where he is one of the hosts of the “Legends” tours at Emirates Stadium. Also helps to run the Arsenal museum.

Subs

Eddie Kelly- since retiring from the game he lives in Torquay, where he works for a double glazing firm.

Peter Simpson- after retirement Simpson now finds himself as the owner of a haulage company.