Continuing our Summer series of articles in search of Arsenal’s greatest ever team, this week we highlight the defenders. The daily posts will list the players in chronological order so many of you will never have heard of today’s crop of Arsenal heroes from yesteryear. Read on and appreciate what fantastic players these ‘Brylcreem Boys’ were and take the opportunity to choose your personal favourite by voting in the poll at the end of the week.
1. Percy Sands: 1902 – 1919
He played in 350 games over a 17 year period.
Percy was born in Norwood, London in 1881; he trained as a teacher in Cheltenham and also played football for Cheltenham Town.
He joined Woolwich Arsenal in 1902 as an amateur, and while still an amateur he made the first team as centre half, he did not turn professional until three years later, while still working as a part time teacher. When Arsenal was promoted to the First Division in 1904 Percy was an ever present member of the first team who reached the FA Cup semi-final in both 1905-6 and 1906-7.
Known as “Mr. Reliable” he stayed with the club through thick and thin which included the leaner years and the club’s financial problems, and then relegation in 1912-13. During this time he was promoted to club captain and still remained captain when Arsenal moved to Highbury and the club was renamed “Arsenal”.
Football was suspended with the outbreak of WW1, but despite being 33 years of age he still played for Arsenal in unofficial war time games. He later joined the Royal Army Medical Corps and served as a sergeant on the Western Front.
In all he played in 350 games for Arsenal a record that stood for the next 15 years until it was broken by Bob John.
He passed away in December of 1965 aged 84 years.
2. Joe Shaw: 1907 – 1923
He played in 326 games over a 16 year period.
Joe was born in Bury, Lancashire in 1883 he first played for his home club, Bury, and then Accrington Stanley, helping them win the Lancashire Combination, before moving moved south to London, where in 1907 he joined Woolwich Arsenal.
He made his debut with Woolwich Arsenal against Preston North End on September 28, 1907, soon becoming a regular in the Arsenal side where he was first-choice left back. Despite Arsenal’s relegation in 1912-13 he stayed with the club as they moved across London to Highbury, and was an ever-present in the final season of 1914-15 before first-class football was suspended for WW1. He continued to play during this period in unofficial wartime matches, and by the time competitive football had resumed, he had made the switch to right back. After the departure of Percy sands in 1919 he was made Arsenal captain, by this time Arsenal were back in the First Division, and he continued to play until the age of 38 and in 1922 he made his 300th first-class appearance.
In all he played 326 matches for the club, after retiring from playing he became first a coach, and then manager of the Arsenal reserve side. After the unexpected death of Herbert Chapman in January 1934, he was made caretaker manager of the first team and carried on Chapman’s good work, for the rest of the season, as Arsenal won the 1933-34 League title. When George Allison was appointed permanent first-team manager in the summer he went back to his previous post as manager of the reserve team.
Joe remained with Arsenal through the 1930’s and after WW11 he went to Chelsea as a coach, returning to Arsenal in 1947 to become assistant manager under Tom Whittaker. He later served as a club ambassador before retiring from football in 1956, after 49 years’ service for Arsenal.
He passed away in 1963 at the age of 80 years.
3. Jack Butler: 1914 – 1930
He played in 296 games over a 16 year period.
Born in, Colombo to English parents. He played for Dartford and Fulham Wednesday as a youth, before signing for Fulham in 1913. He became an Arsenal player in 1914 playing for the reserve side in his first season.
With the outbreak of WW1 he signed up for the Royal Artillery and served in France, returning to Arsenal at the end of the war, with the resumption of first-class football, he made his first-team debut for the Gunners on 15 November 1919.
Playing as a traditional “centre half” he was in competition with the Gunner’s regular centre halves, Chris Buckley and Alex Graham but by the 1924-25 season he was the undisputed first-choice centre half. He also won his first and only cap for England against Belguim in 1924. The following season he missed only one game as the Gunners finished second behind Huddersfield.
He was a regular first team player for the next four four seasons, playing in every match of the FA Cup run in 1927, reaching the final, but losing 1–0 to Cardiff City. Taking advantage of a relaxation in the offside law, Herbert Chapman introduced the new “WM” system. Although Jack experienced some success in the new system Chapman thought the side could do better, and in 1929-30 replaced Butler with Herbie Roberts.
He left Arsenal in the summer of 1930 and joined Torquay United for two seasons before becoming the coach of Royal Daring, a Belgian club. Later on he took over as coach of the Belgian National team at the 1938 FIFA World Cup. He went on to manage Torquay United, Crystal Palace and Colchester United.
Jack passed away in 1961 at the age of 66 years.
Written by GunnerN5 and compiled by Gooner In Exile
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Good morning to you all.
As spongebrain’s comment has quite rightly been deleted, I would be happy if my response could also be removed.
More excellent work GN5, its’ going to get harder and harder to make a decision, careers disrupted by World Wars, amateurs and part time teachers, players returning after the horrors of life and death on The Western Front.
So far I’m tempted to vote for Jack Butler, by serving in The Royal Artillery he proved himself to be the original True Gunner.
Morning NG, I’ve tidied up the comments.
I’d like to congratulate GN5 and GiE on this excellent series of articles. Forget the numpties who seek to denigrate their efforts.
I’m finding these articles a joy to read and a refreshing contrast to all the hit-seeking manufactured transfer rumours being reported across the internet.
Bravo fellas, anyone who is not interested in our rich past is not a true gunner.
After reading these I’m wondering why I know nothing of Joe Shaw, what a servant to the club.
For me reading these profiles shows why we treasure things a little differently, players staying through relegation, loyalty shown both ways, shame the modern PL does not suit these values especially when it comes to players.
I’m often surprised by the distances some of these men travelled to play football…kind of rubbishes the idea of local lads done good. Shaw moving from Bury to London would have been like moving overseas in 1900’s
Thanks Rasp.
GN5’s excellent articles suggest an answer to the problem of what Big Raddish should use to replace the Great Explorers with in his pre-match posts. “Great Arsenal Players of the Past”, has a certain ring about it. 😀
After reading this post the chant ‘oh Chelsea, oh Chelsea, money cannot buy you his-to-ry’ has an entirely new meaning, in fact it became very meaningful to me, wow, I am gob smacked and truly impressed! We really have formidable his-to-ry, don’t we?
on the subject of the evil troll that manages to sneak in with his annoying comments – I think we should try to work him out, who is he really?
I recon he is a loner, out of work, not popular with piers. Spends many lonely hours at a keyboard. He is able to go to internet cafes or libraries and login with different ip addresses, so he lives in a big city, probably London. Perhaps he was/is bullied at school and thinks internet trolling is his revenge? he has no interest in football/Arsenal and trolls here to attract attention, any attention, even bad is better for him than being ignored. He desperately wants to be a part of any group of people. I am not sure if he is English, his grammar and vocabulary are full of errors…who is he?
He’s just an arsehole FT – nothing more to be said!
I know Rasp, but I sort of pity him
I think he is Scandinavian, so either started with Arsenal when Freddie or Bendtner joined, that makes him under 40
Hi folks,
I prefer AA’s friendly troll and hope that the interloper finds another site to troll on. I was fortunate today as the 5 hour time difference saved me from having to read the troll’s nonsense.
I wrote these profiles about 6 weeks ago so this morning it was just like reading them for the first time and it still astounds me just how dedicated to the club these early players were. Some of them served in both WW1 and WW2, and still maintained a career with Arsenal – really remarkable individuals.
Maybe I’m just an old codger but it makes me feel very nostalgic discovering long forgotten details of both our club and our players.
As a youngster growing up on Avenell Road my family would sit around the fire talking about the “old” days at Highbury and researching our early players brought all of those memories rushing back.
I’m happy that the AA regulars are finding it a pleasant way to fill the off season void.
Hello all. Greetings frm London. WIll be going out for a walk around Richmond soon. Don’t have much time to chit chat right now. Will be back later in the day to read what I am sure will be another fantastic post.
superb work.. Articles and blogs like this will enable the gooners to know more about the prestigious club and its past..
Red A:
Where are you? I hope that all is well.
Thank you GN5 & GIE
Another fascinating insight into our illustrious past.
Is it just me, or has any body else noticed that all these ex players seem to have very strong hair lines?
Terry,
It’s the wonders of Brylcream.
Gn5. I am so enjoying this series of articles and learning with each post.
As has been said, how have I never heard of Joe Shaw? What a history he had at Arsenal!
If anyone should have a statue outside the ground it is Joe – as a reminder to the younger supporters of our long heritage and why we are The Arsenal and not just Arsenal.
GN5
For any Arsenal Fan anywhere, and of any age, these are really wonderful posts.
I am going to have a stand-by “Thank you very much GN5” copy and paste key for the summer. It’s going to be a busy key.
Today’s choice began with a Man called Percy, sporting a stiff collar and a nickname of “Mr Reliable”. “He’s the Man”, or so I thought.
Then we discovered that Option 3, aka Jack Butler, served in the Royal Artillery. Game over.
Hi Micky,
Interestingly, although we are only receiving the usual number of hits, the number of bloggers who subscribe to the blog has increased as a result of these posts.
Hi Rasp,
Good to cross swords.
Sorry, I don’t find that interesting at all 🙂
Then again, I don’t have a clue what you are talking about. Am I a “hitter” or a “subscriber”?
Good to chat with you too Micky … I’ve been severely restricted in my access lately hence my lack of comments on posts.
You can choose to follow blogs that you like = subscribe and then the new posts are sent to you every day … its a compliment to the author.
Big Al:
Where ever you are?
I would like you to know that I have changed my records to partially agree with your view that George Allison should not be credited with the 1983/34 League Division One Championship.
I say partially as I have now changed my personal records to show Herbert Chapman and Joe Shaw as the joint team managers in 1933/34. But as Joe was only the caretaker manager I have given the credit of the Trophy to Herb.
I’m sorry that I can’t change my stats on the Managers profiles but at least you know that your views (plus further research) did not blind me to the actual facts.
Cheers, GN5.
Actually Rasp
I’m a bit vext with you, what with your stinky attitude towards transfer gossipists.
What you may not know, is that two of your loyal subjects, Didit and Daddy, are fully signed up saddos.
“its a compliment to the author” eh?
I’d keep that under wraps, or that GN5a bloke might get all cocky and think his summer’s work is done.
Rasp
“I’ve been severely restricted in my access lately”
Flowers, candles, anything smelly works 🙂
😆 Micky, I am partial to a bit of transfer goss, but when it’s so patently bollix I get annoyed.
I really would love Higuain at the Arsenal, but there is absolutely no substance to the Cesc rumours I’m sad to say 😦
That’s very interesting Rasp, at first I was a tad concerned about the
volume of responses. However, I was, and remain,very buoyed by the fact that regular AAers find them to their liking.
It’s also gratifying that more folks see fit to subscribe to AA as a result.
What are you suggesting about Rasp, Didit? That he would place a romantic assignation above his devotion to AA?
Perish the thought 🙂
Sorry Micky but I’m in the “transfer rumours are Red Top trash” group, and I seldom take the time to read them.
I have to go out and buy a couple of tenderloin steaks for supper, I’ll be back later.
You have steak in Canada?
Only joking.
Superb again, GN5.
Percy Sands had a lovely nickname this suggests. 🙂
http://www.11v11.com/players/percy-sands-47739/
Wow! What amazing characters those old players were!
Percy’s biography reads to me like he was the original “Mr Arsenal” – a Tony Adams of his day.
Then there’s Joe Shaw: loads of games at left back, a quick World War, then loads of games at right back. What? And we think of two-footed players as a phenomenon of the modern game!
And Jack – a real “gunner” if ever there was one!
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. This series is a privilege to read.
I may have used too many exclamation marks in this comment 😳 !
I imagine this is Percy Sands at 0.23 tossing the coin as captain of The Arsenal. A big old unit.
http://www.britishpathe.com/video/arsenal-v-blackburn-rovers/query/arsenal
Jack Butler.
Looks as though he was playing in this game we won 2-0 in the cup.
http://www.11v11.com/matches/arsenal-v-aston-villa-24-february-1926-207313/
http://www.britishpathe.com/video/bravo-arsenal/query/arsenal
Joe Shaw’s 300th Arsenal appearance.
http://www.11v11.com/matches/arsenal-v-newcastle-united-23-april-1921-61259/
Some nice photos on here
http://arsenalonetwofive.wordpress.com/tag/billy-milne/
including this one which includes Joe Shaw.
Random photo, which I love.
It goes with that clip of the metropolitan police band I posted when the Cup was being displayed, I think.
Can you spot GN5 in the crowd?
that looks like me in my school uniform and cap.
Chas,
Your clipwork really compliment GN5’s superb posts.
Top Work
Chas
I loved that clip of them showing off The Cup.
Best thing was they decided to show it off to the opposition fans in a real “look wot we got, up yours” kind of way 🙂
Now you see it, now you don’t ROLF
We have deleted almost 170 comments in the past few weeks from this numbskull troll.
You would think he/she/it would find something better to do ….. like homework
Cheers, Micky.
All credit to GN5 for such inspiring posts.
Jealousy is the motivation for these pathetic trolls Raddy. He/she hates it that we’ve got friends, a great team to support and a life etc etc. I see every comment they waste their time placing as affirmation that they wish they were in our position.
The Troll is a former poster. No one would waste so much time and effort on this site if they did not have some deviant personal axe to grind. They are also a manic depressive with serious mental health issues.
Rasp
There’s a difference between you and me Rasp.
I see it that he has an absolute boiler of a wife and that’s why he’s miserable as sin.
…and his nickname was “ladyfinger” at school
Chas
ha ha ha
We had one called “Sniffer Norris”
Perhaps it is Sniffer Norris. 🙂
Let’s refer to him/her/it as “Sniffer Norris” henceforth… 😀
Sniffer Norris….wasn’t he left back for the cretins in N17 🙂
FFP ban for Malaga upheld by CAS:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22862618
And the teams that finished beneath them also missed out on Europa League due to unpaid creditors.
Admittedly the ban was about non payment of debt rather than FFP loss but goes to show UEFA have already used their new powers and won an important battle.
What will now be interesting is if that case allows them to have confidence in bringing down the overspenders too.
For those interested some pics I took in Porthleven
GiE
You should be a professional photographer – they’re beautiful – and they really make me want to go back to the West Country.
Simply stunning photos, GIE.
Really looking forward to Day Two of the defenders.
GIE. Wonderful pictures. You are an artist.
GiE – stunning pictures! I looked at all 8 albums and enjoyed the wildlife (the shouting blue tit and evil squirrel made me laugh). But there seems to be one album missing…where is it???
Thanks for lovely comments, I am purely a hobbyist….but I do enjoy it.
Are you thinking George Evonne?
Don’t tend to put those up on Flickr as they are more arty shots on there. There would be about 1000 already 🙂
Chas have seen many pictures like that Vid and always assumed the angle had made it look so rough, seeing that water tumbling over harbour wall it amazes me that the harbour remains in one piece, so much of the coastline is eroded by the sea every year* along that stretch but the wall made from what appeared to be granite, the same granite in the cliffs stands strong and has stood strong for many years, incredible.
*they have had to re route the coastal path in a few areas and the old farm walls in places continue until they drop off a cliff.
No, I am not thinking George – that’s too private 🙂
Morning all……
…. New post …..