I wasn’t very keen on this Arsene chap. I was delighted to be wrong!
FORMER CHAIRMAN PETER HILL-WOOD, WHO HAS DIED AT 82, BUILT THE MODERN GUNNERS BUT ONCE ADMITTED...
KEN FRIAR had no hesitation when asked to sum up Peter Hill-Wood in one phrase. ‘He was such a special man,’ said the Arsenal managing director. ‘Special and honest.’ Hill-Wood died yesterday aged 82 after a series of ailments. His family were at his bedside.
Under his stewardship, Arsenal became one of European football’s major forces and Hill-Wood played a significant role in the formation of the Premier League.
With him at the helm from 1982 until 2013, Arsenal won five league titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups, the European Cup Winners’ Cup. They were also losing finalists in the Champions League and Cup Winners’ Cup.
Hill-Wood was never an ostentatious leader. No flash suits, no use of modern football jargon. He called it as he saw it. His manner could give the impression of a public schoolboy perhaps somewhat out of place in the 21st century. Nothing was further from the truth.
A radio pundit once labelled Hill-Wood as ‘not very bright’. No research there then.
As well as leading the club to so much success, Hill-Wood had an education at Eton, rose to hold a high-ranking position at Hambros Bank and owned houses in Chelsea, the Hamptons in America and also on the South Coast.
He also served in the Army as a lieutenant in the Coldstream Keswick five years ago. And when he departed, his unique way of handling the shareholders’ annual meeting went with him.
His abrupt but open and honest way of dealing with the meeting has been replaced by many words that often lack substance.
Hill-Wood also had his own style when dealing with questions. Often, they were stacked on cards in front of him.
He would pick up each one individually, read it and often say: ‘No, not answering that’ and toss it aside if he felt it was either too intrusive or irrelevant. Friar recalls one encounter with a supporter who demanded to know when the club would buy a striker. ‘I can’t tell you that, I am sorry,’ said Hill-Wood. ‘By the way, are you a shareholder?’ The answer was negative. ‘So if I come back as a shareholder, will that make a difference?’ said the fan. ‘Not really,’ said Hill-Wood. ‘You will still find out bugger all — but quicker!’
That was Hill-Wood. Straight to the point. But the love and respect he commanded at Arsenal were evident yesterday as Friar met staff at the Emirates.
‘He knew all the people,’ said Friar. ‘He made a point of that. And when I was speaking to several of them yesterday, more than one or two were in tears. Peter had known them by name and knew what they contributed. That was the attachment he had to everybody.
‘He had much to do with the values that the club stands for. He lived those values. He was the third generation of Hill-Woods to be part of Arsenal and Peter maintained the standards they had set. I was proud to have known him so well for more than 60 years.’
Those sentiments were shared in an Arsenal statement yesterday and in tributes from across football — including condolences from rivals Tottenham on the other side of the North London divide.
Former Arsenal players also paid their respects. ‘RIP Mr Chairman,’ Cesc Fabregas wrote, while Theo Walcott added: ‘A true gent who helped me greatly over the years.’
Alan Smith tweeted: ‘The chairman was Arsenal. He would only appear in the dressing room if we’d won a trophy or if we’d misbehaved! Thoughts with his family.’
Ian Wright thanked Hill-Wood for helping black players, saying on Instagram: ‘Rest in Peace Mr Chairman. Thank you for everything you did for our club and our community. You gave Rocky (David Rocastle) his first pro contract and that gave so many of us hope. Till we meet again.’
Arsenal’s statement read: ‘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.’
‘His achievements were remarkable when you look back at them,’ Friar said. ‘He was very instrumental in the move from Highbury to the Emirates. A huge decision and Peter did so much to make sure it was a success.
‘What he did for Arsenal Football Club was massive. It is as simple as that. Arsenal have lost a man who played such a huge part in getting them to their current status. ‘And I have lost a great friend.’ Hill-Wood is survived by his wife Sally and his three children, Sarah, Julian and Charles.