Terry Neill, a former manager and captain of Northern Ireland and Arsenal, passed away at the age of 80.
Belfast-born Neill played more than 270 games for the club between 1957 and 1970 and was the club's youngest captain at the age of 20.
When Neill returned to coach Arsenal at the age of 34, the Gunners won three straight FA Cups under his leadership.
The defender earned 59 international caps, including one while serving as player-manager for Northern Ireland.
Neill, a 1942-year-old who had previously played for Bangor's junior squad, signed for Arsenal for £2,500 in 1959.
At the age of 18, he made his first-team appearance, and he quickly became Arsenal's youngest captain—a record that still holds.
When Neill concluded his playing career as the player-manager of Hull City, he was 28 years old.
When asked who was listed as the first name on his squad sheet when managing Northern Ireland as a player, he famously replied: "Me! George Best and Pat Jennings followed."
Neill also took great pride in the fact that, fifty years ago, when Northern Ireland defeated England at Wembley, he scored the game's lone goal.
After taking over Tottenham, an opponent of Arsenal, and succeeding the great double winner Bill Nicholson, he returned to Highbury as the club's youngest manager in modern history.
Arsenal was once again recognized as one of the premier teams in the nation as a result of the signings of great players like Malcolm MacDonald and Jennings as well as the development of exceptional young talent like Liam Brady, Frank Stapleton, and David O'Leary.
Don Howe led Arsenal to those three consecutive FA Cup finals after being hired as their coach at that point, and they won the cup in thrilling manner when they faced Manchester United in the 1979 championship game.
Days before losing to Valencia in a penalty shootout in the 1980 European Cup Winners' Cup final, Neill then guided the squad to their third Wembley final.
Neill left the game at the age of 41, having left Arsenal in 1983. After that, he sought a lucrative media career.
Arsenal commended Neill's "combination of tenacity, vision, and natural leadership" as a player in a statement.
The statement continued, "After succeeding at Hull City, Terry was named manager of Tottenham Hotspur in September 1974 and in June 1976 made the quick trip back to Highbury to fill the manager position left vacant by Bertie Mee.
"By enlisting former teammate and top strategist Don Howe to work with him, he pulled off a masterstroke that helped the Gunners become one of the nation's most successful cup teams.
"Terry didn't work in football management again, but he continued to be a regular at Highbury and eventually Emirates Stadium. He was also a well-liked TV analyst and a columnist for several magazines.
"Everyone connected to the club will always be grateful for his outstanding contribution and his character. During this trying time, our thoughts are with Terry's family and close friends.
Pat Jennings, a former goalkeeper for Northern Ireland and Arsenal, expressed his sorrow and sadness at learning of Terry's departure.
As soon as I joined the Northern Ireland squad in 1964, he had a significant impact on my career, according to Jennings. Terry was both my manager at Spurs and the one who took me to Arsenal, where he offered me two four-year contracts.
"We shared many special experiences, including four Cup finals—two FA Cups and a European championship match. I owe Terry my gratitude for all of his help and encouragement throughout my professional life.
Sammy McIlroy, a former manager and player for Northern Ireland, said that Neill gave him his maiden international start against Spain in 1972.
The 88-cap Northern Ireland midfielder stated, "I will always be grateful for that chance.
"A colorful figure with knowledge of the game, Terry. He had a fantastic speaking voice and could communicate with his players."
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