A number of former Arsenal player sadly passed away in 2016.

As the year ends, we remember those who are no longer with us.

John Roberts 11 September 1946 – 4 January 2016 (69)

The 532nd player to appear for Arsenal, John was a Welsh international who made 81 appearances for the first team, including enough in the 1970/71 season to earn a league winner’s medal.

Kevin Stead 2 October 1958 – 19 January 2016 (57)

The 572nd player to turn out for Arsenal, Kevin spent two full seasons at Arsenal, and was picked for the first team on two occasions.

James MacDonald 22 February 1979 – 20 January 2016 (36)

James was a former Arsenal youngster whose career was ended due to knee problems when he was very young. Signing for the Gunners when he was 15, he spent three seasons with the youth team before signing a professional contract in 1996 and breaking into the reserves. He was released in 2000, giving up football on medical advice and going on to become a bricklayer.

In 2015 he was diagnosed with Peridcardial Mesothelioma, a rare form of heart cancer and passed away aged just 36.

Don Rossiter 8 June 1935 – 18 February 2016 (80)

Another player with Arsenal’s reserves, Don played with the side during two periods in the 1950s. In total, he played 33 games for the reserves and 42 in the A team.

John O’Rourke 11 February 1945 – 7 July 2016 (71)

John was an Arsenal youth player but did not make it to the senior team. Moving on to Chelsea for a season before heading to Luton, he scored 64 goals in 84 appearances for the Hatters.

Mel Charles 14 May 1935 – 24 September 2016 (81)

The 476th player to appear for Arsenal, Mel made 60 appearances, scoring 26 goals. A Welsh international, he could play at centre forward, centre half or wing half (right).

David Herd 15 April 1934 – 1 October 2016 (82)

The 458th player to appear for Arsenal, the Scottish international scored 107 goals in 180 appearances. He was at the club for seven years before moving to Manchester United.

Tommy Lawrence 14 December 1933 – 9 October 2016 (82)

One single Arsenal A appearance in the 1065/57 seasons, Tommy made his name when he transformed Enfield as both a player and manager

Ray Mabbutt 13 March 1936 – 2 November 2016 (80)

Ray played for the Arsenal A team a few times however really made his name with Bristol Rovers after finishing his National Service.

He was the father of former Spurs player, Gary.

Thanks to The Arsenal History as the main source for the information in this post