On this day in 1962, George Armstrong played his first game for Arsenal against Blackpool.

Arsenal signed Armstrong at the age of 17. Initially a forward who moved out to the wing, the Englishman would go on to play exactly 500 games for the Gunners before signing for Leicester in 1977.

Armstrong’s first match against Blackpool ended 1-0 to Arsenal with Geoff Strong scoring the only goal.

By 1963/64 Armstrong had become a regular starter, missing just two games the following season and in 16 years as an Arsenal man, he scored 53 goals. He went on to win the FA Cup once (1971), the First Division title (1971) and the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (1970). He also became known as one of Arsenal’s most consistent players with an ability to take corner-kicks and accurate crosses.

In 1977, Terry Neill sold Armstrong to Leicester for £15,000 where he only managed 14 League appearances during the season he spent there before signing for Stockport where he retired.

Armstrong passed away in 2000 at the age of just 56 after he collapsed from a brain haemorrhage whilst at a club training session. He has a pitch at London Colney named after him in his memory.

Sources: Wiki, 11v11, Woolwich Arsenal.