Arsenal icon Peter Simpson dies aged 81 as club pay heartbreaking tribute | Football | Sport
Former Arsenal ace Peter Simpson has died aged 81 years old. Simpson was a key member of the Gunners’ 1970/71 double-winning squad, and during his time at the club made close to 500 appearances.
He had originally joined Arsenal as a member of the ground staff before signing as a scholar in 1961. Overall, Simpson featured 478 times for the north Londoners – a tally that makes him Arsenal’s 10th highest-ever appearance maker.
An Arsenal statement read: “Everyone at Arsenal is sad to learn that Peter Simpson has died, aged 81. Peter was a major part of the 1970-71 Double-winning squad, making 478 appearances during his time at the club. All of us are thinking of his loved ones at this time. Rest in peace, Peter.”
One of Simpson’s most defining moments in an Arsenal shirt came at White Hart Lane, where he made a late block to deny Tottenham from scoring, while ensuring a 1-0 win that saw the Gunners clinch the title.
Despite his incredible pedigree for Arsenal, Simpson never earned a cap for the England national team. He was named in several squads by manager Sir Alf Ramsey during the 1969/70 season, but wasn’t afforded the opportunity to take to the pitch.
After leaving Arsenal in 1978 after a stunning 18-year stint, Simpson continued his career over in North America. He played for the likes of Boston Beacons, Toronto Hellas, and New England Tea Men, before returning to England a year later where Simpson finished his career with non-League Hendon.
Tributes for the Arsenal star have been flooding in, with Piers Morgan posting online: “Very sad news. One of my first Arsenal heroes in that wonderful 1971 team. Superb player. RIP Peter.”
@LGA_Tony wrote: “Such sad news. Arsenal legend. Had the privilege to meet and play in a friendly against him when he was at Hendon FC, c1980. Always keen to encourage young players… RIP.”
While @TurloughOhOgain added: “The League Championship in May 1971. We were winning 1-0 at Spurs, but a score draw would hand the title to Leeds. In the last few moments of the match Spurs’ Cyril Knowles shot at our goal. Peter Simpson’s shin flicked the ball over the bar. And the rest is history. RIP Peter.”