Today, Wednesday, Janaury 6, 2021 marks 77 years to the day since the visonary Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman died. 

Read about the 'HC Club' that honoured the legendary Gunners boss. 

Outstanding Arsenal curator Highbury Librarian has unearthed this snippet from Martin Tyler and Phil Soar's book on the club. 

.............

.............

The bust of Herbert Chapman which stands in the legendary marble halls of Highbury, specifically inside the entrance to the East Stand.

Modelled by the famous sculptor Jacob Epstein, it was commissioned and paid for by twelve of Chapman’s friends including his physiotherapist and spiritual heir Tom Whittaker.

The twelve would meet each year on January 6, the anniversary of Chapman’s death, to talk and lay a wreath on his grave in Hendon churchyard.

The rituals of this ‘HC Club’, as it was called, were to continue until the death of its last members.

Arsenal 1886 – 1986: The Official Centenary History (Soar and Tyler, 1986, p9)

Follow the outstading Highbury Librarian on Twitter 

Buy the Gooner for previous work from Highbury Librarian and see our next issue for more