Ted Drake

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Lore & Background

Born in Southampton, Drake started playing at Winchester City, whilst continuing to work as a gas-meter reader. He nearly joined Spurs as a schoolboy, but missed the trial match with an injury. In June 1931, he was persuaded by George Kay to join Southampton, then playing in Division Two. He made his Saints debut on 14 November 1931 at Swansea Town, and signed as a professional in November, becoming first-choice centre-forward by the end of the 1931–32 season. In the following season he made 33 league appearances, scoring 20 goals. After only one full season, his bravery and skill attracted the attention of Arsenal's Herbert Chapman, who tried to persuade Drake to move to north London. Drake rejected the chance of a move to Highbury and decided to remain at The Dell. He started the 1933–34 season by scoring a hat-trick in the opening game against Bradford City, following this with at least one goal in the next four games, thereby amassing eight goals in the opening five games. By early March he had blasted his way to the top of the Football League Division Two goal-scoring table with 22 goals. Arsenal, with George Allison now in charge, renewed their interest and Drake eventually decided to join the Gunners. Saints had declined several previous offers, but eventually were forced to sell to balance their books. Drake made a total of 74 appearances for Southampton, scoring 48 goals. Drake moved to Arsenal in March 1934 for £6,500, and scored on his league debut against Wolves on 24 March 1934, in a 3–2 win. Although he joined too late to qualify for a League Championship medal in 1933–34, Drake would win one in 1934–35, scoring 42 goals in 41 league games in the process – this included three hat-tricks and four four-goal hauls. With two more goals in the FA Cup and Charity Shield, Drake scored 44 in all that season, breaking Jack Lambert's club record, one that still holds to this day. The following season, 1935–36 Drake scored seven in a single match against Aston Villa at Villa Park on 14 December 1935, a club record and top flight record that also still stands. Drake claimed an eighth shot hit the crossbar and went over the line, but the referee waved away his appeal. Drake would go on to win the FA Cup in 1935–36 with him scoring the only goal in the final and the League title again in 1937–38 with Arsenal. Despite being injured regularly (he was a doubt u

In Their Own Story

After retiring as a player due to injury, Drake transitioned into management, first leading Hendon and then Reading, where he guided them to runner-up spots twice. His defining managerial moment came at Chelsea, appointed in June 1952. He immediately reshaped the club's identity by discarding the 'Pensioners' nickname and crest for the 'Lion Rampant Regardant' and the 'Blues.' Abandoning big-name signings, he recruited reliable players from lower divisions like John McNichol and Frank Blunstone. Within three years, in 1954–55, he led Chelsea to their first-ever league title, becoming the first person to win the English top-flight as both a player and a manager. Although he later worked at Fulham and Barcelona, it was this historic double achievement that cemented his unique status in football history.

Reader's Guide

Ted Drake was a prolific centre forward for Arsenal in the 1930s, winning two league titles and an FA Cup. He holds the record for most goals in a top-flight match (seven vs Aston Villa, 1935). As manager, he led Chelsea to their first league title in 1955, becoming the first person to win the English top flight as both player and manager. He also played cricket for Hampshire.

Did You Know?

• Drake scored seven goals in a single top-flight match against Aston Villa in December 1935, a record that still stands.
• He was the first person to win the English top-flight league title as both a player and a manager.
• Drake scored 44 goals in all competitions in the 1934–35 season, a club record that still holds.
• He earned five caps for England, scoring six goals, including one in the 'Battle of Highbury' against Italy in 1934.