What a fantastic goal it was, and what a celebration, I am sure even our youngest supporters have seen it on video. Charlie, with his lank long hair, sprawled on the Wembly turf in the May sunshine. It is considered one of the all time great goal celebrations

Charlie who lived and went to school to in Islington was the boy who played hooky from Gunner’s youth, and reserve team, matches so he could support the first team from the terraces. He became part of that team, and lived the dream. To score the winning goal in the final, a goal that clinched the double. If you made it up you would be mocked, but it actually happened. He was one of us, he came from the terraces to become a star.

But what is more fantastic about Charlie George is the fact that he has remained a Gooner. Unlike a lot of retired players he doesn’t go on about how it was better in his day, instead he makes it plain that he has never enjoyed watching a team as much as he enjoys watching Wenger’s Arsenal. He also admires Henry, and the overseas players at Arsenal. Charlie doesn’t subscribe to the idea that there are too many foreigners in the English game. He can’t get enough of players like Henry, Bergkamp, Pires, Zola, Cantona, and Ardiles.

He is also emphatic, no fudging that Arsene’s double teams are superior to the double team he played for, and also better than any Graham team. That’s Charlie tells it straight and with a generosity of spirit.

Have a good birthday Charlie.

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