Tributes paid to former Arsenal manager Don Howe

As the tributes poured in last night following the death of Don Howe, at the age of 80, there were common themes that emerged: a great coach, who revelled in working with players out on the training pitch, a man with fantastic tactical awareness, a visionary with an old-fashioned ability to organise and, above all, a gentleman.

The team that overcame Coventry City with a 3-1 aggregate victory in 2000 contained players who would go on to represent the first-team in some capacity, such as Graham Stack, Moritz Volz and Jermaine Pennant, whilst Steve Sidwell, one of the most successful graduates of the Arsenal academy since its reformation, also benefitted from Howe’s tutelage.

Howe made 379 appearances for West Bromwich Albion before the full back joined the Gunners in 1964, going on to play play 74 times for the north London club.

Howe, who as a full-back won 23 caps for England, has been hailed as one of the outstanding coaches of his generation and is fondly remembered for his spell in the backroom staff for the national side under Ron Greenwood, Sir Bobby Robson and Terry Venables.

“It is terribly sad news and our thoughts are with Don’s family at this time”, FA chairman Greg Dyke said.

The FA said “Howe became one of the most well-respected coaches in the history of the English game”. He was probably the best coach in the world of football, not just England.

Howe served Arsenal in a number of different capacities during a football career that spanned five decades.

For his country, he not only appeared in [the 1958] World Cup, but he was instrumental in both Sir Bobby Robson’s management team for Italia ’90, and Euro ’96 where he assisted Terry Venables.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson has declared Don Howe as one of the greatest coaches in football history following his passing today.

“He was the very best at what he did – and he did it with us, at Arsenal, for decade after decade”.

“I found myself privileged to say he befriended me and I think it is a great loss and I am very sad”.

Jay Bothroyd, meanwhile, saw his Arsenal career come to an abrupt end after throwing his shirt at Howe when he was substituted in the Premier League Youth Cup Final against West Ham United, but the forward paid tribute to his former coach today, saying that he owes him for all he has achieved.