Goonerholic: Eat, Sleep, Breathe, Drink, Arsenal

Farewell To The Don

Dec 23rd, 2015 by 'holic

Don Howe tackles George Best at Highbury.

News of the passing of the former Arsenal player, coach, and manager, Don Howe, will have saddened many who have long supported the club and understand his importance to the history of the Arsenal. Yes, the Arsenal. for that is how Don always referred to the club.

Born in Wolverhampton in 1935, Don signed for West Bromwich Albion on leaving school in 1950. He made his first team debut against Everton at the age of 20 and in the ensuing nine years he made 379 appearances for the Baggies, establishing a reputation as a quick, elegant right-back. In 1957 he earned the first of 23 international caps for England, and appeared at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.

In April 1964 former England legend Billy Wright, manager of Arsenal, paid £42,000 to secure the services of his former international team mate. Don made his first appearances in the red and white on that summer’s tour of South Africa, and would make the number two shirt his own in the following season playing in 42 of the club’s 44 fixtures in League and Cup. (Arsenal did not enter the Football League Cup until 1966/7.)

Don remained first choice in the season that followed and scored what would prove to be his only competitive goal for the club at Stoke City in January 1966. Just five weeks later, in a goalless draw at Blackpool, Don’s leg was broken in an accidental collision with goalkeeper Tony Waiters. We didn’t know it at the time, but his playing career was effectively over. He made one appearance at Maine Road the following season, but could not fully recover. Don was appointed reserve team manager by the Gunners new boss, Bertie Mee, and promoted to first team coach when Dave Sexton left in 1968 to manage Chelsea.

It was in this first stint as coach that he proved his value to the club. After two near misses in League Cup Finals the Arsenal won the European Fairs Cup in 1970, and became only the second team to land the double in the twentieth century the following season. After seventeen barren years Bertie and Don had restored the good times to the club. Sadly, for us, Don’s former club, West Brom, came in with an offer of the manager’s chair, and Don departed, taking physio George Wright with him. Frank McLintock led the chorus of players who urged Arsenal to hold on to the coach.

“Don Howe mustn’t leave Arsenal. I shall be very disappointed if he goes. I know the rest of the players feel the same”

It was years later that Don himself revealed that he would have stayed had Arsenal promised him the hot seat whenever Bertie decided to call it a day, but such an assurance was never given.

Don wasn’t able to replicate his success at Arsenal and his new charges were relegated in 1973. Don finally departed a couple of years later, and following a brief spell as coach to Leeds under Jimmy Armfield he managed Galatasaray for a season. The prodigal son returned to Arsenal in 1977 as coach under the struggling Terry Neill. It was something of a masterstroke. The Gunners exciting young side reached three consecutive FA Cup Finals, beating Manchester United in sensational style in 1979, and The European Cup-Winners Cup Final in 1980.

Don combined coaching the Arsenal with coaching the national team, first under Ron Greenwood, then Bobby Robson. When Terry Neill was sacked in 1983 Don was eventually promoted to the top job. It was a relatively unhappy couple of years that followed however. Shorn of Liam Brady and Frank Stapleton he didn’t have a great deal to work with, and after Terry Venables was reported to have been approached by the club Don resigned.

Popular opinion would suggest that Don was a brilliant coach, but less suited to management, and the theory gained weight when he went on to coach upstarts Wimbledon under the management of another former Gunner, Bobby Gould, to the remarkable FA Cup triumph over Liverpool in 1988. In his defence, after a couple of years as manager at QPR Don took the hot seat as caretaker manager of the Coventry City side that gained promotion to the inaugural Premier League season.

Terry Venables brought Don back into the England fold in 1994 and the pair led England to a semi-final at Euro ’96. Thereafter Don had one last duty to perform at his beloved Arsenal. He coached the clubs young professionals to FA Youth Cup successes in 2000 and 2001 before retiring in 2003. Current day Arsenal chairman, Sir Chips Keswick paid tribute to Don as reported on Arsenal.com …

“We were aware Don had been enduring a long battle with illness, but it was still a shock to learn the news about someone who was loved by so many people at the club, and who had such a remarkable influence as a player, coach and manager here. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and his name will live on in the history books as one of the most influential footballing figures in the history of the club.”

That he most certainly will. RIP Don.

Posted in history | 46 Drinks

46 Responses to “Farewell To The Don”

on 23 Dec 2015 at 8:59 pm1Holloway2Holland

Wll played Guv.

Mr Howe will be missed.

I repeat from previous….

“Donnie Howe and his red and white army”

Sang loud and proud many a Saturday on the North Bank back in my yoof.

Condolances to family and friends.
on 23 Dec 2015 at 9:00 pm2Joe

I was waiting for this H.
And as ever, it was worth waiting for.

Brilliant as ever Maestro.

30 years plus watching the Arsenal and my education at this bar continues..!

Happy Xmas D.
on 23 Dec 2015 at 9:04 pm3Nhic

Nice tribute Holic.

A minute’s applause already being planned before the start of the Bournemouth game.
on 23 Dec 2015 at 9:13 pm4TTG

Thanks for doing this Holic. Don Howe is one of the most important figures in the modern history of the club and deserves all the accolades coming his way tonight.
I was at the game where he broke his leg. It was a rank awful game, there was an ongoing protest to get rid of Billy Wright and had he departed from the club on that note we would have been deprived of a man who would have a major impact on our history.
Many of our old stars will be gutted by this news as he was revered by several generations of Arsenal players- and to think we wanted to replace him with Venables.
Thanks for evoking the great man’s memory so beautifully
Merry Christmas
on 23 Dec 2015 at 9:31 pm5North Bank Ned

Graceful tribute, Guv’nor, to an graceful player and a wonderful coach fondly remembered at Castle Ned.
on 23 Dec 2015 at 9:32 pm6can't be arsed

nice one ‘hol
on 23 Dec 2015 at 9:34 pm7scruzgooner

cheers, guv, that’s a lot of beauty in a few paragraphs. rest in peace, mr. howe. condolences to your family, friends, and all fans of the Arsenal.
on 23 Dec 2015 at 9:38 pm8Goonerholic

Thanks all,

Don’t mind confessing to being rather shaken by the news. I wasn’t aware he was ill.

Daft old twonk I am. Didn’t know him although I did say hello a couple of times when getting his autograph under the old East Stand.

All who did said he was a proper football man who loved Arsenal.
on 23 Dec 2015 at 9:41 pm9Steve T

Fitting and well written tribute H for a man who was a great servent of this club. Thank you. RIP Don Howe.
on 23 Dec 2015 at 9:41 pm10Oskar the dog

R.I.P. THE Don.

Oskar
on 23 Dec 2015 at 9:43 pm11Pangloss

Sad news indeed. Good piece, guv’nor.
on 23 Dec 2015 at 9:53 pm12Trev

Lovely stuff, Holic – one of your best.

Great tribute to an Arsenal great.
on 23 Dec 2015 at 10:15 pm13Cynic

Best coach we’ve ever had, in my humble….

Lovely tribute, H.
on 23 Dec 2015 at 10:17 pm14Bergkamp's The Man

Sad. Nice job, Holic.
on 23 Dec 2015 at 10:22 pm15zicoinexile

Sad news.

An excellent tribute, H.
on 23 Dec 2015 at 10:35 pm16Gunnersaurus Stunt Double

Wonderful piece Boss. I don’t know how you do it but you always find the right words. Thankyou.

And thanks Don.
on 23 Dec 2015 at 10:57 pm17Goonerholic

I agree Cynic. The very best.

Thanks again. Some good friends in tonight. It’s appreciated.
on 23 Dec 2015 at 11:02 pm18DrC

As you know, I always read but don’t often comment. Had to add my best wishes for Don’s family tonight.

Well written H
on 23 Dec 2015 at 11:16 pm19bathgooner

Excellent tribute, Guvna.

A toast to the memory of a fine man who loved the Arsenal, served her well and did her proud.

Slainte.
on 23 Dec 2015 at 11:17 pm20Noosa Gooner

Who is the other Arse player in the photo – looks familiar but cannot put a name to him?

UTA.
on 23 Dec 2015 at 11:33 pm21Flint

That’s Billy (Flint) McCullough, Noosa.

The club has lost one of its true stalwarts today.
on 23 Dec 2015 at 11:39 pm22Countryman100

Great tribute ‘holic. His influence was all over the early teams that I followed from mid sixties to late seventies. I was chatting to Charlie George on the legends tour a few years ago. He hated Mee and adored Howe.

RIP Don. From all on the North Bank at The Arsenal (as you would have said).
on 24 Dec 2015 at 12:15 am23'holic

This wonderful man, Noosa.

http://goonerholic.com/2008/01/thank-you-billy-mccullough/
on 24 Dec 2015 at 1:14 am24Uplympian

Beautifully scripted tribute Holic – worthy of the great man. He loved Arsenal and was much loved in return. As good a coach as we have ever had…some accolade! RIP Don – thoughts are with your family at this time.
on 24 Dec 2015 at 3:57 am25North Bank Ned

That picture looks like the home game vs Man U in November 1964.

Here is a trip down memory lane. Our team that day:

Tony Burns
Don Howe
Jon Snedden
Frank McLintock
Billy McCullough
Terry Neill
David Court
Terry Anderson
George Armstrong
Joe Baker
George Eastham

The opposition wasn’t too shabby:

Pat Dunne
Shay Brennan
Bill Foulkes
Tony Dunne
Nobby Stiles
Paddy Crerand
George Best
Bobby Charlton
John Connelly
David Herd
Denis Law

Three Northern Ireland internationals on the pitch that day, two of them in the picture above.
on 24 Dec 2015 at 4:58 am26Esso

Thanks for that tribute H, brilliant stuff.

Like you, I had no idea he was suffering from an illness.

My 2 main memories of Don;

Always referring to the club as, “..THE Arsenal”, whenever interviewed.

Having a stand up barnie with Brian Clough – reported to have said, ” Where’s your southern wankers now Cloughie?”, after we beat Forest at home in the league in 1979.
on 24 Dec 2015 at 8:19 am27TTG

Ned
That was a stonking game. We lost 3-2 after being 3-0 down. Law was electric and Eastham superb. One of the first big games I saw from the North Bank with my old dad
Good memories
on 24 Dec 2015 at 8:49 am28Noosa Gooner

Thanks Flint & Holic,

I loved those games against Utd. from that era – always an electric atmosphere around the place, enhanced by the wait from usually arriving about 1.00pm to ensure an easy entry.

Rosettes, hot dog and onions from boiling water in some dodgy barrow, jumpers for goalposts etc.

Merry Xmas holic’s everywhere from a steamy Noosa (the place, not the man).

UTA.
on 24 Dec 2015 at 9:14 am29arse_jackeen

Lovely piece sir. Wishing you a very happy Christmas.
on 24 Dec 2015 at 10:59 am30le bob

Lovely tribute, ‘holic.
on 24 Dec 2015 at 11:04 am31Goonerholic

Thank you aj. You and yours too sir.

Great memories Esso.

Right, time to go explore the joys of the M5/M6 in foul conditions.

Have a great one all.
on 24 Dec 2015 at 12:31 pm32Trev

Pantomime day today – Oh, yes it is !

Just read the linked Billy McCullough piece – another excellent article.

Holic,

Thanks for all your continuing efforts.

A very happy Christmas to you and yours.

???
on 24 Dec 2015 at 2:30 pm33Delia Block 30

Thank you Holic for a very fine piece. It’s been a very sad week losing Jimmy Hill and Don Howe who were important personalities of my youth.

Merry Christmas Holics and good luck and safe trips to all those driving to Southampton. See the rest of you at the Ems on Monday.

COYRs
on 24 Dec 2015 at 2:58 pm34Holloway2Holland

Wishing all of you and yours all the best over the festive period.

Whatever your “holiday” is called, have a good one!
on 24 Dec 2015 at 3:24 pm35Vinay

Too young to have seen him play but have read so much of the man that i can understand his significance to the club. Rest in peace to a great man. The Arsenal as he used to say will miss him.

Saints time on saturday and expecting the same team that played on monday. fatigue will be a massive factor during this time and i will be more than happy if we get 7 out of the 9 points available.
on 24 Dec 2015 at 4:45 pm36Festive Thoughts and News | arseindiablog

[…] Goonerholic, another blog I follow regularly, wrote an excellent, Arsenal-centric tribute to Don Howe and I urge you to read it. […]
on 24 Dec 2015 at 4:51 pm37Peter

Thanks for penning a well written and well deserved tribute to Don Howe – unfortunately I didn’t see him play as his career ended just before I went to my first Arsenal game, but remember him as coach from those successes with Bertie Mee. He always was, and will be, linked with the Gunners and was a key part of Gunners’ history. RIP Don.
on 24 Dec 2015 at 5:52 pm38bt8

RIP Don Howe.
Thanks ‘holic.
on 24 Dec 2015 at 8:06 pm39BB

There is no death. The stars go down
To rise upon some other shore;
And bright in heaven’s jewel’d crown,
They shine for ever more.

-A.
on 24 Dec 2015 at 8:07 pm40North Bank Ned

The season’s greetings to ‘Holic and all ‘holics from Castle Ned. Keep the old festivals in the old manner. And as the late Dave Allen was won’t to say, may your God go with you.
on 25 Dec 2015 at 3:14 am41can't be arsed

aaaahhhhhh

woosh de squoosh

.

ye can stick yer fuckin sombre
up yer hole

.
it’s christmas

time for whoops
and
de doops
.

.
wait
no

what’s that i see ?
.
no
it can’t be ?
.
is it ?
.
no

could it ?

of course it couldn’t

could that be oskar the red nose schnauzer ?

it is !

IT IS !!!!!!

# oskar the red nose schnauzer !!!!!!!!!
# has a very shiny nose

.
ding ding ding
ding !
dingalingaling
ding !
dingalingaling
DING !!!!!!

.
.
UP THE ARSENAL !
and
here’s to lampin’ the saints
on
st stephen’s day
.
yeah !!!!!

you heard
ya “boxing day” using
goin straight de hell hillbillies !
on 25 Dec 2015 at 7:44 am42Panglossdroid II

A very Merry Xmas ‘Holic and ‘holics.
on 25 Dec 2015 at 8:02 am43Oskar the dog

You’re quite mad, cba. The best way to be, imo.

Just coming up to 9.00pm here and about to eat Vietnamese duck. That’s a duck dish, not a duck from Vietnam. I can sense the blood in my alcohol stream getting very dilute. Time to shut up.

Happy Day everyone!

Oskar
on 25 Dec 2015 at 9:24 am44Cynic

ye can stick yer fuckin sombre
up yer hole

The brim on that hat is far too wide… oh hang on, I’m confused again.

Happy Whatever and all that other festive rubbish. 🙂
on 25 Dec 2015 at 11:07 am45Gunnersaurus Stunt Double

Merry Christmas everyone.

Have a wonderful day today wherever you are and whatever the day means to you. May you all be blessed.
on 06 Jan 2016 at 1:08 pm46Nicky

RIP

An excellent read. I’m too young to really appreciate what Mr. Howe did for the club but it’s clear he was an incredibly important and well liked part of it.

Goonerholic

Eat, sleep, breathe, drink, Arsenal

Farewell To The Don

46 Responses to “Farewell To The Don”

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