Former Arsenal chairman, Peter Hill-Wood passed away on 28 December 2018, aged 82.
The North London club’s official statement read – “As we celebrate the unique achievement of 100 consecutive years in the top flight this season, the Hill-Wood family were at the helm for the lion’s share of this special century, a testament to their tenacity and judgment in ensuring we have remained a significant force in English football for so long.”
“Peter and his family’s influence on the club cannot be understated, but at this most difficult time for his family and friends, it is Peter the man who we remember with great fondness. Our thoughts are with his wife Sally and his children Sarah, Julian and Charles.”
Hill-Wood was a major reason for Arsenal turning into such a huge global organization that it is today. He was appointed to the club’s board in 1962 and was named chairman 20 years later after his father, Denis’ passing.
Hill-Wood served the club in the position for 31 years, bringing massive success and growth through his managerial appointments. It was under Hill-Wood that George Graham and Arsene Wenger were appointed and we already know of the countless silverware the two enigmatic characters have delivered.
Graham won the Gunners two league titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups and one European Cup Winners’ Cup.
After Graham, Hill-Wood chose to hand a foreign manager who was completely new to English football, Wenger, a shot at the job. The Frenchman turned out to be the club’s longest serving manager with 22 seasons under his belt and also their most successful – seven FA Cups, three league titles and a UEFA Champions League final appearance.
Hill-Wood along with Wenger also oversaw the club’s home base get transferred from Highbury to Emirates in 2006. It is needless to say that the man’s service will always be appreciated by the fans and players of the club.
All of us will take this time to grieve his passing and reflect on the work he has done for Arsenal.
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