George Graham

Scottish former footballer and manager who won the double with Arsenal as a player and two league titles as their manager.

George Graham, a Scottish footballer turned manager, was born on 30 November 1944. Known by the nickname "Stroller," he played as a midfielder or forward and racked up 455 appearances across England's Football League for Aston Villa, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Portsmouth, and Crystal Palace. Roughly half of those games came with Arsenal, where he helped the club secure the league and FA Cup double in 1971. In 1978, he also played 17 matches for the California Surf in the NASL.

Quick Facts

Born: 30 November 1944
Birthplace: Bargeddie, Scotland
Position: Midfielder, forward
Total caps: 472
Total goals: 106

Facts from the source article.

Background

The youngest of seven children, Graham was born at Dykehead Road, Bargeddie, near Coatbridge on Thursday 30 November 1944. He grew up in poverty and was raised by his mother, Janet (26 April 1908 – 27 March 1977), after his father, Robert Young Graham (born 22 June 1900), died of tuberculosis and heart failure on Christmas Day 1944. His elder sister also died of tuberculosis on 22 February 1950. While growing up, Graham showed considerable promise as a footballer, and Newcastle United, Chelsea and Aston Villa displayed an interest in signing him.

Did You Know?

Graham made his debut for Arsenal on 1 October 1966 at home to Leicester City, a 4–2 defeat.
He was Arsenal's top scorer in both 1966–67 and 1967–68.
Graham won twelve caps for Scotland, scoring three goals, his final one against Brazil on 30 June 1973.
He was sacked by Arsenal after being found guilty by the Football Association of taking money from transfers.