Hubbry Logo
George GrahamGeorge GrahamMain
Open search
George Graham
Community hub
George Graham
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
George Graham
George Graham
George Graham
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

George Graham (born 30 November 1944) is a Scottish former football player and manager.

Key Information

Nicknamed "Stroller",[3] he made 455 appearances in England's Football League as a midfielder or forward for Aston Villa, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Portsmouth and Crystal Palace. Approximately half of his appearances were for Arsenal, and he was part of the side that won the Football League Championship and FA Cup double in 1971. Graham also made 17 appearances for California Surf in the NASL in 1978.

He then moved to the coaching staff at Crystal Palace, before joining former Palace manager Terry Venables as a coach at Queens Park Rangers. As a manager, he won numerous honours with Arsenal between 1987 and 1995, including two league titles (in 1989 and 1991), the 1993 FA Cup, two Football League Cups (in 1987 and 1993), as well as the 1994 European Cup Winners' Cup. He also managed Millwall, Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur.

He was one of the most successful managers in Arsenal's history, remaining in charge for almost a decade until he was sacked by the club's board after being found guilty by the Football Association of taking money from transfers. Graham was banned despite paying back the money, which he always claimed was an "unsolicited gift".[3]

Early life

[edit]

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, when George was not yet a month old.[4] 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.[5]

Playing career

[edit]

Aston Villa

[edit]

Graham received offers from Aston Villa, Chelsea and Newcastle United aged 15, in 1959, and visited all three clubs to see their facilities.[3] He chose Aston Villa mainly as he and his family liked manager Joe Mercer, initially playing for their youth side, he signed professionally in 1961, on his 17th birthday.[3] He spent five seasons at the Birmingham club, but only made ten appearances – though one of them was the club's 1963 League Cup final loss to Birmingham City.[6]

Chelsea

[edit]

Chelsea signed Graham in July 1964 for £5,000. He scored 35 goals in 72 league games for the club and won a League Cup medal in 1965 but he, along with several other Chelsea players, increasingly clashed with their volatile manager Tommy Docherty. This culminated in Graham and seven others being sent home and disciplined by Docherty for breaking a pre-match curfew in 1965.[4]

Arsenal

[edit]

Bertie Mee's Arsenal were looking for a replacement for Joe Baker, and paid £50,000 plus Tommy Baldwin in 1966 to bring Graham to Highbury.[7] He made his debut on 1 October 1966 at home to Leicester City, and although the result was a 4–2 defeat he immediately became a regular in the Arsenal side. He was Arsenal's top scorer in both 1966–67 and 1967–68, having started out as a centre forward for the club, but later moved back into midfield as an inside forward with John Radford moving from the wing to central striker.

With Arsenal, Graham was a runner-up in both the 1968 and 1969 League Cup finals, before finally winning a medal with the 1969–70 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. He followed it up with being an integral part of Arsenal's Double-winning side of 1970–71, and even had a claim to scoring Arsenal's equaliser in the FA Cup Final against Liverpool, although Eddie Kelly is officially credited with the goal.[4][8]

Winning the Double brought the attention of Scotland and Graham was selected for the national side for the first time against Portugal on 13 October 1971.[4] He would go on to win twelve caps over the next two years for Scotland, scoring three goals, his final one coming against Brazil on 30 June 1973. By then, however, Graham was no longer an Arsenal player. The arrival of Alan Ball midway through 1971–72 had made his place in the Arsenal side less assured. In total, he played 308 matches for Arsenal, scoring 77 goals. His final appearance was on 4 November 1972 when he came on as a substitute against Coventry City.

Manchester United

[edit]

Graham moved for £120,000 to Manchester United in December 1972, where he was soon reunited with Docherty. He spent two years at United and was relegated to Division Two in 1974. He was sold to Portsmouth during the 1974–75 season.

Portsmouth, Crystal Palace and California Surf

[edit]

Graham saw out his career in England at Portsmouth and Crystal Palace. He played the summer of 1978 in America for the California Surf.[9]

Managerial career

[edit]

Millwall

[edit]

After retiring from playing in 1978, Graham became the youth team coach[10] at Crystal Palace[4] and then from October 1980 Queens Park Rangers. On 6 December 1982, he was appointed manager of Millwall, who were then bottom of the old Third Division. Graham turned the side around in a short period of time—they avoided relegation that season on the final match of the season with a 1–0 win at Chesterfield. The following season they finished 9th and in 1984–85 they were promoted to the old Second Division. After Graham left the club in 1986 when Millwall finished mid table, they went on to win the Second Division and win promotion to the First in 1987–88.

Arsenal

[edit]

Graham's achievements at Millwall attracted attention from First Division clubs, and with the resignation of Don Howe as Arsenal manager in March 1986, their directors first offered the job to FC Barcelona coach Terry Venables, but he rejected their offer and Arsenal switched their attention to Alex Ferguson, the Aberdeen manager, as their new manager with Graham as his assistant. However, Ferguson (then in temporary charge of the Scotland national football team following the death of Jock Stein the previous September, and still in charge of Aberdeen) had decided to wait until after the World Cup that summer before deciding on his future. Graham himself had never even applied for the Arsenal position[11] but on 12 May 1986 his chairman at Millwall, Alan Thorne, told him that Arsenal wanted to speak to him about the manager's job. After an interview with Peter Hill-Wood, David Dein and Ken Friar at Hill-Wood's home, the Arsenal directors appointed Graham as their new manager on 14 May 1986.[12] A month after arriving at Highbury, Graham was himself linked with the Scotland national team, possibly combining it with the Arsenal manager's job,[13] but that role went to Andy Roxburgh instead.

Arsenal had not won a trophy since the FA Cup in 1978–79, and were drifting away from the top teams in the League, having not finished in the top five during any of the previous four seasons, during which the major honours were picked up by an all-conquering Liverpool as well as the likes of Manchester United and Everton.

Graham quickly discarded the likes of Paul Mariner, who already had been released on a free transfer, Tony Woodcock, Stewart Robson and Tommy Caton, and replaced them with new signings and youth team products. He also imposed much stricter discipline than his predecessors, both in the dressing room and on the pitch and told the team he expected them to be dressed in club blazers on match day.[4] Arsenal's form immediately improved, so much so that the club were top of the League at Christmas 1986, the club's centenary, for the first time in a decade. However, Graham said he knew the team weren't ready to mount a sustained title challenge.[14] This was proven to be correct as Arsenal finished fourth in Graham's first season in charge, but they went on to win the 1987 League Cup, beating Liverpool 2–1 at Wembley on 5 April. The key players in the upturn were young defender Tony Adams and high-scoring winger Martin Hayes.

While Arsenal lost the League Cup final the following year (a shock 3–2 defeat to Luton Town), they remained consistent in the league. Graham's side featured tight defensive discipline, embodied by his young captain Tony Adams, who along with Lee Dixon, Steve Bould and Nigel Winterburn, would form the basis of the club's defence for over a decade. However, contrary to popular belief, during this time Arsenal were not a purely defensive side; Graham also built up an impressive midfield containing David Rocastle, Paul Davis, Michael Thomas and Paul Merson, and striker Alan Smith, whose prolific goal-scoring regularly brought him more than 20 goals per season.[4]

At the end of Graham's third season (1988–89), the club won their first League title since 1971 (when Graham had been an Arsenal player), in highly dramatic fashion, in the final game of the season against holders and league leaders Liverpool at Anfield. Arsenal needed to win by two goals to take the title; Alan Smith scored early in the second half to make it 1–0, but as time ticked by Arsenal struggled to get a second, and with the 90 minutes elapsed on the clock, they still needed another goal. With only seconds to go, a Smith flick-on found Michael Thomas surging through the Liverpool defence; the young midfielder calmly lifted the ball over Bruce Grobbelaar and into the net, and Arsenal were League Champions. However, there was no chance to enter the European Cup just yet for Graham's team, as the ban on English clubs in European competitions (which was imposed by UEFA in 1985 following the Heysel disaster) continued for another season.

After finishing fourth in 1989–90, Graham signed goalkeeper David Seaman and Swedish winger Anders Limpar in the close season; both players proved vital as Arsenal won a second title in 1990–91 and reached the FA Cup semi-finals, losing to arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur. They lost just one league game all season - their 24th match of the league campaign against Chelsea on 2 February.

Arsenal finished ahead of runners-up Liverpool in the race for the league title that season; in February 1991 the Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish had suddenly announced his resignation as manager, and Graham's name was among those mentioned by the media as a possible successor to Dalglish. However, Graham was quick to rule himself out of the running, and the job instead went to another Scot, Graeme Souness.

In the autumn of 1991, Graham went on to sign a striker who would break the club's all-time top scoring records, Ian Wright from Crystal Palace, and led the club into their first entry in the European Cup for twenty years. However, the continental adventure was short-lived: Arsenal were knocked out by S.L. Benfica in the second round and failed to make the lucrative final stages. 1991–92 brought more disappointment when the Gunners were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round by lowly Wrexham, though Arsenal did reasonably well in the league, finishing fourth.

After this season, Graham changed his tactics; he became more defensive and turned out far less attack-minded sides, which depended mainly on goals from Wright rather than the whole team. Between 1986–87 and 1991–92, Arsenal averaged 66 League goals a season (scoring 81 in 1991–92), but between 1992–93 and 1994–95 only averaged 48;[15] this included just 40 in 1992–93, when the club finished 10th in the inaugural season of the FA Premier League, scoring fewer than any other team in the division.[16]

Graham's Arsenal became cup specialists, and in 1992–93 they became the first side to win the FA Cup and League Cup double, both times beating Sheffield Wednesday, 2–1 in the League Cup Final and 2–1 in the FA Cup Final replay. The next season they continued in the same vein, winning the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, their second European trophy; in the final Arsenal beat favourites and holders Parma 1–0 with a tight defensive performance and Alan Smith's 21st-minute goal from a left foot volley.

The 1994 Cup Winners' Cup proved to be Graham's last trophy at the club. It was on 21 February 1995 that Graham, who had led Arsenal to six trophies in eight seasons, lost his job after a Premier League inquiry found he had accepted an illegal £425,000 payment from Norwegian agent Rune Hauge following Arsenal's 1992 acquisition of John Jensen and Pål Lydersen, two of Hauge's clients.[4] Graham was eventually banned for a year by the Football Association for his involvement in the scandal, after he admitted he had received an "unsolicited gift" from Hauge.[17] At the time, Arsenal were struggling a little in the league, had lost a League Cup quarter final to Liverpool, been dumped out of the FA Cup after a third round replay by Millwall, and (as Cup Winners' Cup holders) had also lost the Super Cup to AC Milan. Regardless, Graham's sacking was more down to the illegal 'brown envelopes' of money, as the word "bung" embedded itself in the football lexicon.

Leeds United

[edit]

After serving his ban, Graham's return to football management came with Leeds United in September 1996. After the fifth game of the season he replaced the long-serving Howard Wilkinson. Graham was swiftly appointed but found himself unable to make an immediate impact, leading Leeds to five losses from his first six in the league and another defeat to Aston Villa in the League Cup.

Going into November, Leeds hovered just above the relegation zone with the worst defensive record in the league, having just lost 3-0 to an Arsenal team now coached by Arsene Wenger. Thereafter, however, Graham's defensive-minded strategies began to bear fruit; Leeds keps six clean sheets in their next seven matches, including a club-record five in a row. This was followed by a run of eight clean sheets in nine matches between 11 January and 12 March 1997, albeit with the sole exception being a 4-0 defeat at Anfield. By the end of the season, Leeds had climbed to 11th, having scored just 28 goals (the joint-lowest of any Premier League team to have escaped relegation[18]) yet conceded just 38, fewer than eventual champions Manchester United, as well as accumulating 20 clean sheets, a club record for a 38-game season.

In the 1997–98 season, by contrast, Leeds scored 57 goals, in a season that laid the groundwork for their success in the following seasons. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was signed in the summer of 1997, scoring 16 Premier League goals and 22 in all competitions, as Leeds finished 5th in what would prove to be Graham's solitary season in charge.[19]

Graham left Leeds in acrimonious circumstances, returning to London to take over at Tottenham on 1 October 1998. Following Leeds' UEFA Cup first-round penalty shootout victory over Portuguese side Maritimo on 29 September 1998, Spurs chairman Alan Sugar telephoned Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale, who admitted that after a brief telephone conversation a deal was done, with compensation agreed which would allow Graham to fulfil his wish of returning to London. Graham had made no secret of his desire to head back to the capital following Leeds' 3–3 draw with Tottenham three days prior, citing family and personal reasons.[20]

Tottenham Hotspur

[edit]

Five months after taking charge of Tottenham Hotspur, he guided the club to victory over Leicester City in the 1999 League Cup Final, and with it a place in the 1999–2000 UEFA Cup. Despite guiding the club to its first trophy in eight seasons, Graham could not achieve a finish higher than tenth in the Premier League.

Tottenham reached the last four of the 2000–01 FA Cup with a 3–2 victory over West Ham United on 11 March 2001 and Graham was looking forward to pitting his wits against his former club Arsenal in the semi-finals. He was sacked five days later, on 16 March 2001, soon after the club had been purchased by ENIC, for alleged breach of contract.[21] The club stated that Graham had been issued "several written warnings prior to his sacking for giving out what was deemed by the club as being private information" before, earlier that week, apparently informing the media he had "a limited budget" for new players and expressing his disappointment with it. This led to his being summoned to a meeting with Spurs executive vice-chairman David Buchler, after which he was dismissed. Buchler subsequently questioned whether Graham had the interests of the club at heart and described his conduct in the meeting as "aggressive and defiant". Graham's legal representatives issued a statement expressing he was "shocked and upset to have been sacked and could not believe such a flimsy excuse was given". It went on to say that Graham "believes ENIC always intended to sack him."[21][22]

Since 2001

[edit]

After Spurs, Graham never returned to management. He was a pundit on Sky TV for several years, in particular their PremPlus channel. He also commentated on the 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2005 FA Cup Finals featuring Arsenal.

However, he was linked with several managerial vacancies after leaving Tottenham. In October 2001, following the dismissal of Peter Taylor at Leicester City, he was linked with that vacancy, but it was filled by Dave Bassett instead.[23]

The following season, with Glenn Roeder under fire at the helm of a West Ham United side heading for Premier League relegation, Graham's name was mentioned as a possible replacement,[24] but Roeder actually lasted until the opening weeks of the 2003–04 season and this time there was little mention of Graham's name in the hunt for a successor, which ended with the appointment of Alan Pardew. In the 2003 close season, the resignation of Graham Taylor at Aston Villa saw Graham's name mentioned by the media as a possible successor, but again nothing came of it, with this vacancy being filled by David O'Leary, who had played under Graham at Arsenal and worked as his assistant at Leeds.[25] He and O'Leary had both been mentioned as candidates for the job at Sunderland twice during the 2002–03 season following the departure of Peter Reid in October[26] and Howard Wilkinson in March.[27]

Personal life

[edit]

On 16 September 1967, Graham married model Marie Zia at Marylebone Register Office; his close friend Terry Venables acted as his best man and the two players took to the field the same afternoon for opposing teams in a North London derby; the groom's team won 4–0.[28][29] The couple had two children. The marriage ended in 1988.[30]

Graham married Susan Schmidt on 13 December 1998[31] in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, and live in Hampstead, London.[3][30][31][32]

Graham revealed in 2009 that he suffers from arthritis. "I love my golf but because of my arthritis, I've not played much in the last two years, if any. When I was a player, when I had a lot of time on my hands, I got down to an eight handicap. But when I was manager, I went back to 12. I've just taken up tennis and have to say I'm not very good."[33]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[34][35][36]
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Europe Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Aston Villa 1961–62 First Division 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
1962–63 First Division 2 1 0 0 2 0 — 4 1
1963–64 First Division 6 1 0 0 0 0 — 6 1
Total 8 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 10 2
Chelsea 1964–65 First Division 30 17 5 0 7 4 — 42 21
1965–66 First Division 33 17 6 3 0 0 11 3 50 23
1966–67 First Division 9 1 — 1 1 — 10 2
Total 72 35 11 3 8 5 11 3 102 46
Arsenal 1966–67 First Division 33 11 4 1 — — 37 12
1967–68 First Division 38 16 5 0 8 5 — 51 21
1968–69 First Division 26 4 1 0 5 0 — 32 4
1969–70 First Division 36 7 2 0 4 2 11 5 53 14
1970–71 First Division 38 11 6 1 5 1 8 1 57 14
1971–72 First Division 40 8 9 0 4 1 6 1 59 10
1972–73 First Division 16 2 — 3 0 — 19 2
Total 227 59 27 2 29 9 25 7 308 79
Manchester United 1972–73 First Division 18 1 1 0 — — 19 1
1973–74 First Division 24 1 1 0 1 0 — 26 1
1974–75 Second Division 1 0 — 0 0 — 1 0
Total 43 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 46 2
Portsmouth 1974–75 Second Division 19 3 1 0 0 0 — 20 3
1975–76 Second Division 39 2 4 0 4 1 — 47 3
1976–77 Third Division 3 0 — 1 0 — 4 0
Total 51 5 5 0 5 1 0 0 61 6
Crystal Palace 1976–77 Third Division 23 2 3 1 — — 26 3
1977–78 Second Division 21 0 0 0 4 1 — 25 1
Total 44 2 3 1 4 1 0 0 51 4
California Surf 1978 NASL 17 0 — — — 17 0
Career total 472 106 48 6 49 16 36 10 605 138

Managerial statistics

[edit]
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record
P W D L Win %
Millwall 6 December 1982 14 May 1986 201 91 51 59 045.3
Arsenal 14 May 1986 21 February 1995 460 225 133 102 048.9
Leeds United 10 September 1996 1 October 1998 95 37 27 31 038.9
Tottenham Hotspur 1 October 1998 16 March 2001 108 40 30 38 037.0
Total 844 373 241 230 044.2

Honours

[edit]

Player

[edit]

Chelsea

Arsenal

Manager

[edit]

Millwall

Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur

Individual

Inductions

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

George Graham

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
George Graham (c. 1673–1751) was an influential English , , and maker whose innovations advanced the precision of timekeeping and astronomical observation during the early . Born near Carlisle in to George Graham (d. 1679) and his wife Isobel, he apprenticed in under clockmaker Henry Aske starting in 1688, completing his training in 1695. He later joined the workshop of renowned horologist , marrying Tompion's niece Elizabeth and eventually partnering with him before succeeding the business upon Tompion's death in 1713. Graham's most notable contributions to horology include the invention of the deadbeat escapement around 1715, which eliminated the recoil in clocks for greater accuracy, and the cylinder escapement for watches, introduced in collaboration with Tompion, enabling more reliable portable timepieces. In 1721, he developed the mercury , a temperature-compensated design that used mercury's expansion to counteract the lengthening of the rod in , significantly improving clock precision and influencing regulator clocks at observatories. Additionally, Graham crafted high-precision instruments such as the mural quadrant for the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, used by astronomers like , and he is credited with early designs modeling planetary motions. Elected a in 1721, Graham served on its Council multiple times and was recognized for his geophysical interests, including magnetic variation studies. He became Master of the Worshipful of Clockmakers in 1722, mentoring apprentices and maintaining a workshop at that produced longcase clocks. Graham died in on 16 1751 and was buried in near Tompion, leaving a legacy as one of the foremost figures in the Scientific Revolution's application to practical arts.

Personal background

Early life

George Graham was born on 30 November 1944 in Bargeddie, a village in , , near . He was the youngest of seven children in a working-class family; his father, Robert, a steelworker, died of just three weeks after his birth, on Day 1944, leaving his mother, Janet, to raise the family alone in a . The family faced significant , with Janet working as a cleaner and in the fields around Bargeddie to support them, while the children, including Graham, contributed through household chores and growing vegetables for sustenance. His eldest brother, Andy, became the breadwinner at age 16, taking on a father-figure role and later working in the local , which underscored the harsh economic realities that shaped their lives. Despite these challenges, Graham later described his childhood as "happy" and filled with "warmth," though material luxuries were absent—he wore hand-me-down clothes until he was over 13 and never owned a leather football as a boy. The local football culture in the football-passionate area profoundly influenced Graham's early years, providing an escape and outlet amid the working-class environment. From a young age, he immersed himself in the sport, playing daily in Bargeddie under streetlights to develop his ball control and skills, often with makeshift equipment like boots featuring hard toecaps that his mother provided. His talent quickly emerged, leading him to represent school teams, as well as and the Schoolboys side; at age 15, he played at against in front of 82,000 spectators, a formative that highlighted his promise. These opportunities were scouted by several clubs, including Aston Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Rangers, but 's limited youth development policies at the time influenced his decision to pursue opportunities south of the border. Family circumstances, marked by early loss and financial strain, limited Graham's formal education and steered him toward football as a viable path forward, emphasizing and determination from a young age. Leaving Bargeddie at 15 for was a "very traumatic" step, involving monthly returns home while living in modest digs with other young players. This transition culminated in 1961, on his 17th birthday, when he signed as an amateur with Aston Villa, marking his entry into professional football prospects under manager .

Personal life

Graham married model Marie Zia on 16 September 1967 at Marylebone Town Hall, with his Arsenal teammate and close friend Terry Venables serving as best man. The couple had two children from the marriage: a daughter, Nicole, and a son, George. His first marriage ended in divorce, after which he married American Susan (Sue) Schmidt on 13 December 1998. The family's living arrangements were shaped by Graham's professional moves between clubs, requiring several relocations during his playing and managerial years. Graham resides in but has spent significant time in Spain on the since the early 2000s, adopting a relaxed retired lifestyle there. In 2015, he became a member of the Atalaya Golf Club, indulging in his interest in as a key non-football pursuit. Graham turned 80 on 30 November 2024 and, as of 2025, has no major reported health concerns, remaining active enough for public engagements. He continues to enjoy occasional media appearances from his base, including an emotional tribute to former player Kevin Campbell following his death in June 2024.

Playing career

Aston

George Graham signed professional terms with Aston on 1 December 1961, shortly after his 17th birthday, having joined the club as an apprentice in 1959 following trials and rejections from Scottish teams like Hibernian and Partick Thistle. Under manager , who valued Graham's potential as a versatile inside forward capable of playing in midfield or attack, he developed in the reserves while competed in the First Division. Mercer's tactical setup emphasized Graham's goal-scoring threat and ability to link play, though opportunities in the first team were limited due to the squad's depth and his youth. Graham made his first-team debut on 18 May 1963, aged 18, in a 2–0 home league victory over at , where he scored the opening goal with a clinical finish after just 12 minutes. This goalscoring introduction highlighted his composure and finishing ability, traits that Mercer sought to nurture amid Villa's struggles, as the club hovered near the relegation zone that season. Over the following year, he made eight further league appearances in the 1963–64 campaign, scoring once more, often deployed on the left side of midfield to provide width and support to the forwards. In total, Graham recorded 10 first-team appearances and 2 goals for Villa across all competitions during his brief senior spell. As faced mounting pressure and eventual relegation to the Second Division at the end of the 1963–64 season, Graham's limited but promising contributions underscored his growing reputation as a dynamic attacker. His tenure ended with a transfer to Chelsea on 1 July 1964 for a fee of £5,000, a move that allowed him to seek more regular first-team football amid Villa's mid-table challenges in the top flight. This departure marked the conclusion of his formative years at , where he honed his versatility under Mercer's guidance before progressing to greater prominence elsewhere.

Chelsea

George Graham joined Chelsea in July 1964 from Aston Villa for a transfer fee of £5,000, having been scouted by manager during a reserves match. Under Docherty's guidance, Graham adapted swiftly to the demands of First Division football, transitioning from a promising talent to a reliable goal-scorer in a squad aiming to challenge for honors. His languid playing style earned him the nickname "Stroller," but it belied his effectiveness in linking play and finishing opportunities. During his two-year stint at Stamford Bridge, Graham made 102 appearances across all competitions, netting 46 goals and establishing himself as one of the league's more prolific forwards. In the 1964–65 season, he contributed significantly to Chelsea's third-place finish in the First Division—their best league position in a decade—scoring crucial goals, such as in a 2–0 victory over Leeds United that underscored the team's attacking potency. He formed productive partnerships with teammates like , the club's record goal-scorer, and midfield orchestrator , enhancing Chelsea's fluid forward line amid a period of resurgence following their Second Division promotion in 1957. This collaboration helped Chelsea secure a runners-up medal in the 1964–65 , where Graham featured prominently in the campaign before the 3–2 aggregate defeat to Leicester City in the final. Graham's consistent performances solidified his reputation as a key asset, with 35 goals in 72 league outings alone highlighting his clinical finishing. Notable contributions included multiple-goal hauls in league fixtures, such as a brace in a 1966 win over Hull City, which helped maintain Chelsea's mid-table stability during a transitional era. His role extended beyond scoring, as he provided hold-up play that supported wingers and defenders like Ron Harris, contributing to a cohesive team dynamic under Docherty's energetic management. In September 1966, after establishing his value, Graham transferred to in a deal worth £75,000, which included forward moving to Chelsea in exchange along with £50,000 cash—reflecting his rising market worth despite no reported form issues or disputes. This move marked the end of a fruitful chapter at Chelsea, where he had helped lay foundations for the club's competitive edge in the late .

Arsenal

George Graham joined Arsenal from Chelsea in September 1966 for a fee of £75,000, including £50,000 cash and forward moving to Chelsea in part-exchange. Signed by manager as a replacement for striker , Graham quickly established himself as a prolific forward, topping the club's scoring charts in his first two seasons (1966–67 and 1967–68) with 17 and 16 goals respectively in all competitions. Over his six-year playing career at (1966–1972), Graham made 308 appearances and scored 77 goals across all competitions. Initially deployed as a striker, he averaged nearly a goal every two games, showcasing his clinical finishing and hold-up play. By 1969, he transitioned to central midfield, where his languid "Stroller" style allowed him to dictate tempo and link defense to attack effectively. Graham's tenure coincided with Arsenal's resurgence, contributing key goals in the victory over (4–3 aggregate in the final). His most memorable moment came in the 1970–71 season, as Arsenal achieved the First Division and Double under Mee. Graham scored twice in the semi-final win over Stoke City and was named Man of the Match in the final, assisting the winning goal in a 2–1 victory over at . In the league, his midfield contributions helped secure the title by a single point over Leeds United. Increased competition, particularly after Arsenal signed Alan Ball in 1971, limited his starts in 1972–73. Graham departed for Manchester United on 1 December 1972 for £120,000, ending a successful playing spell that cemented his status as an legend.

Manchester United

George Graham transferred to Manchester United from on 1 December 1972 for a fee of £120,000, reuniting him with former Chelsea manager . Coming off a successful spell at where he contributed to the 1970–71 Double as a key , Graham was expected to bolster United's struggling side, which sat bottom of the First Division at the time of his arrival. During his two-year stint, Graham served primarily as a squad player in midfield, making 45 appearances across all competitions and scoring 2 goals. In his debut season (1972–73), he featured in 18 league matches, often as a substitute, as United narrowly avoided relegation by finishing 18th. The following year (1973–74), he saw increased involvement with 24 league outings, but could not prevent Manchester United's relegation to the Second Division after a 21st-place finish. Graham's time at Old Trafford represented an unfulfilled chapter amid the club's transitional struggles post-Matt Busby era, where competition from midfielders like limited his influence despite his experience. In November 1974, following the relegation, he departed on transfer to for a fee of £43,000, ending his brief and underwhelming spell at the top club.

Portsmouth, Crystal Palace and California Surf

In November 1974, Graham transferred to from Manchester United for a fee of £43,000, seeking more regular first-team football after limited opportunities at . Over two seasons in the Second Division, he made 61 league appearances and scored 5 goals, playing a key role in the team's survival amid challenging campaigns that saw them finish 18th in both 1974–75 and 1975–76. Graham moved to in 1976 for an undisclosed fee, joining the club in the Third Division. In his debut season of 1976–77, he featured in 44 league matches and netted 2 goals as Palace narrowly avoided relegation by finishing 20th. The following year, 1977–78, his involvement decreased, but the team improved significantly, securing second place and promotion to the Second Division under manager . Seeking a new challenge, Graham signed with the Surf of the North American Soccer League (NASL) for the 1978 season, marking his only professional stint in North American soccer. He adapted to the league's fast-paced, physical outdoor format, making 17 appearances without scoring as the Surf finished last in the Western Division with a 9–21 record. At age 33, this overseas experiment concluded Graham's playing career, paving the way for his immediate entry into management at later that year.

Managerial career

Millwall

George Graham was appointed as manager of Millwall on 6 December 1982, shortly after retiring from his playing career at Portsmouth. The club languished at the bottom of the Third Division at the time, facing potential relegation to the Fourth Division. In his debut season, Graham focused on stabilizing the team in the lower tiers, guiding Millwall to a 17th-place finish in 1982–83 to secure survival by seven points. He introduced a tactical emphasis on a robust defensive setup and organizational discipline, principles rooted in his own distinguished playing days as a midfielder known for tenacity. This management style, characterized by demanding training and uncompromising play, laid the foundations for team-building through affordable acquisitions rather than high-profile stars. Among key signings, Graham brought in promising talents on modest budgets, such as Scottish forward Kevin Bremner from non-league Peterhead in January 1983 for £40,000, and notably young striker Teddy Sheringham from Aldershot Town in January 1984 for £35,000. Sheringham quickly emerged as a cornerstone, scoring prolifically and contributing to the squad's attacking threat while fitting Graham's ethos of hard work. Other additions like John Fashanu from Lincoln City in November 1984 further bolstered the forward line without excessive expenditure. Graham's efforts yielded steady progress: a 9th-place finish in 1983–84, followed by a strong promotion challenge in 1984–85 that culminated in second place in Division, earning automatic elevation to the Second Division. The Lions reached the Football League Group Cup final that year, losing to Lincoln City, but demonstrated growing competitiveness. In their debut Second Division campaign of 1985–86, pushed towards the upper echelons before settling for ninth place, establishing a solid platform for future contention. Graham departed for Arsenal in May 1986, leaving Millwall well-positioned in the second tier with a disciplined squad poised for further advancement.

Arsenal

George Graham was appointed as Arsenal manager on 14 May 1986, succeeding who had resigned amid the club's mid-table struggles in the First Division. Upon taking charge, Graham initiated a significant squad overhaul, clearing out much of the aging first-team personnel and integrating youth talents while making strategic signings to rebuild the defense and attack. Key among these was the promotion of from the youth ranks to a central defensive role, where he became a cornerstone of the team and was named club captain at age 21 in 1988. In December 1987, Graham signed striker Alan Smith from Leicester City for a then-club-record fee approaching £800,000, providing a prolific goal threat that complemented the emerging defensive solidity. Under Graham's leadership, Arsenal quickly re-emerged as a competitive force, securing their first major trophy in eight years with a 2–1 victory over in the 1987 final at , courtesy of goals from and . This success marked the beginning of a trophy-laden era, culminating in the 1988–89 First Division title, clinched in one of English football's most dramatic finales: a 2–0 win at 's on the last day of the season, with late goals from Smith and Steve McMahon-sealing free-kick taker Michael Thomas ensuring Arsenal overtook their rivals on goal difference. Graham's side repeated as champions in 1990–91, finishing seven points clear of Tottenham Hotspur through a campaign of consistent dominance built on defensive resilience. The pinnacle came in 1992–93 with a historic double, as Arsenal defeated Sheffield Wednesday 2–1 after extra time in the and 2–1 in the final, showcasing Graham's ability to navigate high-stakes football. Graham's tactical philosophy emphasized a robust, organized defense often described as "boring but effective," prioritizing clean sheets through a compact back four featuring Adams, , , and , paired with swift counter-attacks led by midfield enforcers like and Paul Davis. This approach, encapsulated in the chant "1–0 to the ," yielded low-scoring triumphs but drew criticism for its pragmatism, though it proved highly successful in domestic competitions. In Europe, Arsenal reached the 1994 Cup Winners' Cup final under Graham, defeating 1–0 in with a first-half header from Alan Smith, securing the club's first major continental honor and completing a run of three consecutive 1–0 wins. Graham's tenure ended abruptly amid the "bungs" scandal, with revelations in late 1994 that he had accepted £425,000 in unauthorized payments from Norwegian agent Rune Hauge related to the 1992 signings of and Pål Lydersen. An investigation by confirmed the misconduct, leading to his sacking by on 21 February 1995 after an eight-year spell in which he had managed 460 games. The FA subsequently imposed a one-year ban from football management and a £50,000 fine on Graham in June 1995. Graham's legacy at endures as a transformative period, elevating the club from perennial underachievers to a dominant force with six major trophies and a win rate of approximately 50% across his matches in charge. His emphasis on and youth development laid foundational principles for future success, though the scandal cast a shadow over his achievements.

Leeds United

George Graham was appointed manager of Leeds United on 10 September 1996, succeeding , who had been sacked after a winless start to the 1996–97 season. He inherited a squad that was struggling near the relegation zone, marked by inconsistent performances and injuries to key players, following several years of gradual decline since their last major trophy in 1992. To integrate and stabilize the squad, Graham prioritized defensive organization in his early months while planning for more attacking football to push for higher league positions. His notable actions included a squad clearout of underperforming players such as , , and , and strategic signings like from for £2 million in July 1997, who contributed 16 goals that season, alongside from Nottingham Forest and from Bradford City. He also promoted young talent from the youth academy, integrating him into the first team. These moves aimed to inject pace and goal threat, shifting toward a more dynamic style to build on the inherited team's potential despite limited funds. Under Graham's leadership, Leeds finished 11th in the 1996–97 , earning 44 points from the 33 games managed by him (contributing to the season total of 46 points), securing mid-table safety after a cautious, low-scoring campaign that drew criticism for its defensive emphasis and lack of flair. The following 1997–98 season saw significant improvement, with Leeds achieving 5th place and 53 points, their highest finish since , driven by Hasselbaink's scoring form and a more balanced attack, though they missed European qualification. Graham resigned on 30 September 1998, after just six games of the 1998–99 season, amid escalating tensions with the board over his growing interest in the Tottenham Hotspur job and mounting fan criticism for the perceived in his tactics. Over his 95 games in charge across all competitions, he recorded 37 wins, yielding a 38.9% win rate in league matches, reflecting modest progress but frustration with the club's direction. Throughout his tenure, Graham faced significant challenges, including tight financial constraints that restricted major spending and the ongoing scrutiny from his 1995 FA ban for financial irregularities at Arsenal, which lingered as a reputational hurdle in his return to management.

Tottenham Hotspur

George Graham was appointed as Tottenham Hotspur manager on 1 October 1998, succeeding who had been sacked amid a poor start to the season that left the club in the relegation zone. Taking over a squad in turmoil, Graham quickly stabilized the team, guiding them to an 11th-place finish in the 1998–99 season and avoiding relegation. He inherited key attacking talents such as and , who became central to his strategy of revitalizing the forward line and injecting flair into the play. Under Graham's leadership, Tottenham achieved significant success in cup competitions, culminating in a 1–0 victory over Leicester City in the 1999 Final at , with scoring the winner in the 90th minute. This triumph, the club's first trophy in eight years, secured qualification for the UEFA Cup and marked a high point in his tenure. In the subsequent 1999–2000 campaign, Tottenham finished 10th with 53 points, showcasing improved consistency but falling short of European spots through league play alone. Graham's tactical approach at emphasized an entertaining, attacking style that contrasted with the pragmatic, defensively solid setups he had employed at , focusing on fluid passing and exploiting the creativity of players like Ginola. This shift helped push the team toward European qualification via the League Cup success and fostered a more open brand of football, though it occasionally exposed defensive vulnerabilities. Graham's time at Tottenham ended acrimoniously in March 2001, after over two years in charge, when he parted ways with the club following an emergency meeting with executive vice-chairman David Buchler amid escalating disputes over player contracts, media comments, and boardroom pressures. His overall record stood at 49 wins from 124 matches, yielding a win rate of approximately 39.5 percent. Despite reviving Spurs from the brink of relegation, Graham faced persistent backlash from fans due to his storied Arsenal connections, which fueled ongoing resentment and contributed to a tense atmosphere at .

Later roles (2001–present)

Following his departure from Tottenham Hotspur in 2001, George Graham transitioned into a role as a television pundit, serving as the chief analyst for ' Premiership Plus pay-per-view coverage of matches from 2001 until around 2007. In this capacity, he provided expert commentary on tactics, player performances, and match outcomes, drawing on his extensive managerial experience to offer insights into the evolving dynamics of English top-flight football. Graham made occasional guest appearances on programs after 2007, including expert analysis during broadcasts. Graham did not return to formal management despite persistent speculation linking him to various vacancies, such as those at Aston Villa in 2003. Rumors of potential roles, including informal advisory positions, surfaced periodically but never materialized into official appointments. By the mid-2010s, Graham had largely stepped back from regular media commitments, entering a phase of retirement focused on occasional public reflections rather than active involvement in football. He has since provided sporadic interviews assessing the contemporary game, praising the quality of English football as "as good as it's ever been" in a 2025 discussion. In a 2020 retrospective, Graham highlighted the challenges facing Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, emphasizing the need for a significant rebuild while noting a decline in Scottish talent at elite clubs. Graham has expressed admiration for Arteta's approach, describing Arsenal's 2022–23 title challenge as deserving of success and lauding the team's disciplined style reminiscent of his own era. In 2023, he critiqued the timing of title expectations for Arteta's young squad, urging patience amid their strong performances. As of 2025, at age 80, Graham holds no active roles in football, occasionally attending events like the London Football Awards while maintaining a low public profile.

Statistics

Club playing statistics

George Graham's club playing statistics encompass his appearances and goals across various competitions during his professional career from 1961 to 1978. The following table summarizes his league performances by club, drawn from official Football League records.
ClubYearsLeague AppearancesLeague Goals
Aston Villa1961–196482
Chelsea1964–19667235
1966–197222760
Manchester United1972–1974432
1974–1976615
1976–1977442
Total455106
In addition to league matches, Graham made significant contributions in domestic cup competitions. For and combined, he recorded 97 appearances and 22 goals across his career, with notable tallies including 11 goals in 25 games for . European competitions saw him play 23 matches for in the , scoring 8 goals, contributing to their 1970 triumph. In the North American Soccer League (NASL) with Surf in 1978, he appeared in 17 league matches without scoring, per official NASL records. Graham's peak scoring seasons included 17 league goals in 30 appearances for Chelsea during 1964–65 and 16 league goals in 1967–68 for , highlighting his prolific form as a forward-turned-midfielder. Overall career totals across all competitions stand at approximately 592 appearances and 136 goals.

Managerial record

George Graham's managerial career spanned four major clubs, where he managed a total of 864 competitive matches, achieving 393 wins for an overall win rate of 45%. This figure encompasses league, cup, and European competitions, excluding his post-2001 roles as director of football or assistant, which were non-managerial. His record highlights a strong performance at , contrasted by more mixed results elsewhere, with notable achievements including a promotion with in 1986 and no relegations during his tenures.

Overall Managerial Record

ClubMatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin %Points per MatchTenure
20191515945%1.601982–1986
46022513310249%1.681986–1995
Leeds United9537273139%1.501996–1998
Tottenham Hotspur10840303837%1.391998–2001
Total86439324123045%1.571982–2001
The statistics are compiled from all competitive fixtures, including domestic leagues, , , and European ties. Graham's teams under his management never suffered relegation, though achieved promotion to the Second Division in 1985–86 under his guidance.

Competition Breakdowns

In cup competitions, Graham's record was particularly strong at , where he secured the 1993 and double, contributing to 49 wins in 97 cup matches across his career (50% win rate). totaled 17 matches, with 8 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses (47% win rate), primarily from 's 1994 Cup Winners' Cup campaign, which they won. League positions varied, with finishing as champions in 1988–89 and 1990–91, while at , the highest placement was 6th in 1999–2000.

International career

Graham earned 12 caps for between 1971 and 1973, scoring 1 goal.

Honours

Team honours

  • League Cup winner (1): 1965 with Chelsea.
  • Inter-Cities Fairs Cup winner (1): 1970 with .
  • First Division/Premier League champion (1): 1970–71 with .
  • FA Cup winner (1): 1971 with .

Individual

Graham received no major individual honours during his playing career, such as inclusion in the .

As manager

George Graham's managerial career yielded several notable team honours, primarily concentrated at where he delivered sustained success in domestic competitions. Although he managed United from 1996 to 1998, no major trophies were won during that period.

Honours with Millwall

  • Football League Trophy: 1982–83
  • Football League Third Division promotion: 1984–85

Honours with Arsenal

  • Football League Cup: 1986–87
  • Football League First Division: 1988–89
  • FA Charity Shield (shared): 1991
  • Football League First Division: 1990–91
  • FA Cup: 1992–93
  • Football League Cup: 1992–93
  • European Cup Winners' Cup: 1993–94
Under Graham, Arsenal claimed five major domestic titles, comprising the Football League Cup in 1986–87, the First Division championships of 1988–89 and 1990–91, and the and .

Honours with Tottenham Hotspur

  • Football League Cup: 1998–99
Across his tenures at Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, Graham secured eight major trophies in total, with no additional European successes beyond the 1994 Cup Winners' Cup at Arsenal.

Inductions and legacy

George Graham was inducted into the in 2015, recognizing his contributions as both a player and manager despite spending the majority of his career in . Graham's legacy in English football is marked by his pioneering emphasis on defensive solidity, exemplified by the construction of Arsenal's renowned "fabled back four" of , , , and during the late 1980s and early 1990s. This unit, drilled through rigorous training sessions focused on positioning and organization, conceded just 26 goals in the 1990-91 First Division-winning season and became a benchmark for tactical discipline in the English top flight. He remains the only individual to win the English league title with as both a player (1970-71) and manager (1988-89 and 1990-91), a feat that underscores his deep connection to the club and his ability to blend on-pitch experience with strategic leadership. Culturally, Graham's tenure inspired enduring Arsenal traditions, including the chant "1-0 to the ," which originated in the early to celebrate the team's gritty, low-scoring victories reflective of his pragmatic style. His influence persists in modern management, with current Arsenal head coach drawing parallels to Graham's era through a renewed focus on defensive resilience and narrow wins, evoking comparisons to the "miserly champion vintage" of the past. Following his 1995 dismissal from amid the "bungs" scandal—where he accepted an illegal £425,000 payment related to player transfers—Graham served a one-year ban from football but staged a professional redemption. He returned to management with Leeds United in 1996 and later Tottenham Hotspur, before transitioning to a successful career as a television for , where he provided analysis for over a decade and maintained visibility in the sport. By 2024, on the occasion of his 80th birthday, Graham received widespread fan tributes and club acknowledgments, highlighting his lasting respect within the Arsenal community despite the earlier controversy. While Graham earned 12 caps for between 1971 and 1973, his legacy there remains somewhat limited due to his primary career focus south of the border, where he made over 450 league appearances and achieved greater prominence.

References

  1. https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/people/cp37353/george-graham
  2. https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/george-graham/
  3. https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/people/na8405/george-graham
  4. https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co742/model-of-the-dead-beat-escapement-as-invented-by-george-graham
  5. https://museum.seiko.co.jp/en/knowledge/MechanicalTimepieces04/
  6. https://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1931PA.....39..186H
  7. https://www.lindahall.org/about/news/scientist-of-the-day/george-graham/
  8. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/203680
  9. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2000/feb/12/newsstory.sport
  10. https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/interview-george-graham-on-tough-upbringing-and-spending-aps1000-on-shoes-561448
  11. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7927325/George-Graham-dearth-Scottish-players-teams-huge-rebuild-needed-Arsenal.html
  12. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/arsenal-footballer-george-graham-after-his-marriage-to-news-photo/503340926
  13. https://www.thefreelibrary.com/SOCCER%2BBOSS%2BGEORGE%2BSNUBS%2BCHILDREN%2BFOR%2BHIS%2BWEDDING.-a060651784
  14. https://www.atalaya-golf.com/the-ex-footballer-george-graham-new-player-of-atalaya-golf/
  15. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13533919/GEORGE-GRAHAM-tribute-Kevin-Campbell-Arsenal-Everton.html
  16. http://thechels.info/wiki/George_Graham
  17. https://www.avfchistory.co.uk/player/george-graham
  18. https://www.11v11.com/matches/aston-villa-v-liverpool-18-may-1963-77462/
  19. https://prints.colorsport.co.uk/football/george-graham-aston-villa-7654531.html
  20. https://www.transfermarkt.us/george-graham/leistungsdaten/spieler/176364
  21. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/george-graham/
  22. https://www.stamford-bridge.com/player.php?id=217&surname=Graham&firstname=George
  23. https://www.besoccer.com/player/george-graham-410482
  24. https://www.alamy.com/london-george-graham-former-chelsea-forward-pictured-in-the-colours-of-arsenal-when-he-made-his-first-appearance-for-his-new-club-in-their-match-against-leicester-at-highbury-on-saturday-graham-was-transferred-to-arsenal-last-week-in-a-deal-that-gave-chelsea-25000-forward-tommy-baldwin-and-50000-cash-3-october-1966-image441337100.html
  25. https://www.arsenal.com/historic/players/george-graham
  26. https://www.mufcinfo.com/manupag/transfers/transfers_pages/1970-1979_manchester_united_transfers.htm
  27. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/manchester-united/george-graham-6772/league-appearances-for-man-utd_a14872/
  28. https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-christmas-signings-over-the-years-in-transfer-market
  29. https://www.11v11.com/players/george-graham-26638/
  30. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/mar/16/newsstory.sport5
  31. https://www.nasljerseys.com/Players/G/Graham.George.htm
  32. http://www.ozwhitelufc.net.au/managers_profiles/ggraham.php
  33. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/4776637/George-Graham-managerial-career.html
  34. https://southwarknews.co.uk/sport/football/millwall/news-at-den-plus/appointment-of-gifted-millwall-saviour-miraculous-relegation-escape-and-promotion-no-7-1982-86/
  35. http://www.millwall-history.org.uk/october84-10.htm
  36. https://www.transfermarkt.us/george-graham/profil/trainer/2636
  37. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/john-fashanu/transfers/spieler/222290
  38. https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/george-graham-factfile-6349775.html
  39. https://www.arsenal.com/history/graham-s-glory-years/george-graham-appointed-as-manager
  40. https://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/gallery-george-graham
  41. https://arsenalarsenal.net/2014/04/11/an-arsenal-blast-from-the-past-no-9-george-graham-his-arsenal-years/
  42. https://m.facebook.com/Gunnerscom/photos/otd-in-1988-george-graham-made-tony-adams-arsenal-captain-at-the-age-of-21-tony-/1239706223247528/
  43. https://www.arsenal.com/historic/players/alan-smith
  44. https://www.arsenal.com/history/grahams-glory-years
  45. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1616896/2020/02/21/george-graham-arsenal-sacked-25-years/
  46. https://thehardtackle.com/2011/arsenal-rewind-tactical-evolution-aii-from-w-m-to-4-2-3-1-part-ii/
  47. https://english.soccer.narkive.com/CXryTfuv/what-was-george-graham-s-managerial-style-like
  48. https://www.arsenal.com/arsenal-history/parma-0-1-arsenal-1994/copenhagen-94
  49. https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news/how-george-graham-s-sacking-by-arsenal-20-years-ago-started-a-demise-in-the-art-of-defending-10060618.html
  50. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/5363340.stm
  51. https://www.justarsenal.com/arsenal-history-the-unforgettable-success-and-shame-of-george-graham/364301
  52. http://www.wafll.com/leeds-managers/george-graham.html
  53. https://www.planetfootball.com/nostalgia/recalling-leeds-uniteds-1996-97-season-the-most-boring-pl-team-ever
  54. https://www.[transfermarkt](/page/Transfermarkt).us/george-graham/spielertransfers/trainer/2636
  55. https://www.transfermarkt.com/leeds-united/startseite/verein/399/saison_id/1996
  56. https://www.transfermarkt.com/leeds-united/startseite/verein/399/saison_id/1997
  57. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/retro/from-flops-to-fifth-memories-of-leeds-uniteds-199798-season-3023389
  58. https://www.theguardian.com/football/1998/sep/24/newsstory.sport1
  59. https://www.lufcdata.com/managers
  60. http://leedsunitedteamsheet.altervista.org/managers.html
  61. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/sep/21/arsene-wenger-arsenal-1966-premier-league-rivals-where-are-they-now
  62. https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news-archive-1/manager-list/
  63. https://www.transfermarkt.us/tottenham-hotspur/platzierungen/verein/148
  64. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/may/13/daniel-levy-tottenham-managers-george-graham-tim-sherwood
  65. https://fbref.com/en/squads/361ca564/1999-2000/Tottenham-Hotspur-Stats
  66. https://www.footballfancast.com/opinion-2/football-blogs/in-light-of-george-grahams-comments-do-tottenham-play-more-attractive-football-than-arsenal/
  67. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/mar/16/newsstory.sport4
  68. https://www.managerstats.co.uk/managers/george-graham/
  69. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/1225274.stm
  70. https://premierleague25years.wordpress.com/2017/05/23/the-managers-george-graham/
  71. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6848386/
  72. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/oct/10/newsstory.sport1
  73. https://www.facebook.com/GiveMeSport/videos/former-arsenal-manager-george-graham-believes-english-football-is-as-good-as-its/1388721862112560/
  74. https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1720782/Arsenal-George-Graham-exclusive-Mikel-Arteta-title-Man-City
  75. https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-legend-george-graham-makes-29073831
  76. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IIYqvQfikk
  77. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/arsenal-fc/george-graham-6772/league-appearances-for-the-gunners_a14871/
  78. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/20309/George_Graham.html
  79. https://www.transfermarkt.us/george-graham/erfolge/spieler/176364
  80. https://www.scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/hall-of-fame/george-graham/
  81. https://www.transfermarkt.us/george-graham/profil/spieler/176364
  82. https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/club-information/history
  83. https://www.transfermarkt.us/george-graham/erfolge/trainer/2636
  84. https://scottishfootballhalloffame.co.uk/inductees-2015/
  85. https://www.arsenal.com/news/how-george-graham-drilled-famous-back-four
  86. https://www.90min.com/posts/1-0-to-the-arsenal-arsenal-chant-lyrics-origin-video
  87. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/oct/20/mikel-arteta-arsenal-george-graham-atletico-madrid-champions-league-defence
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.