Alan Skirton dead aged 80: Arsenal hero nicknamed ‘Highbury Express’ was club’s first ever used sub
ARSENAL legend Alan Skirton has died, aged 80.
The English winger, who was the club’s first ever substitute, was nicknamed the “Highbury Express” because of his pace and power.
Skirton scored 53 goals in 153 appearances during his spell with the Gunners from 1959 to 1966.
He was the North London club’s top scorer in the 1961/62 season with 19 goals in 38 Division 1 appearances.
The winger was the first Arsenal player to score a European goal at Highbury and he was the club’s first substitute for a competitive fixture.
A statement on the club website read: “He was a huge personality who touched so many, and he will be sorely missed by his wife Jane, sons Andrew, Paul and Simon, and daughter Debbie.
“He meant so much to his brothers Mick, Colin and Gordon and their families, his grandchildren and their families, and his great grandchild Tobias, who was recently welcomed into the Skirton family.
“Alan will be remembered as a true gentleman and we will all miss him.
“Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly for those wishing to pay their respects.”
He started his career with Bath before he played for Arsenal, Blackpool, Bristol, Torquay United, Durban City and Weymouth.
After he decided to hang up his boots, he worked as a commercial manager for Weymouth, Bath and Yeovil Town.
A statement from Yeovil read: “On top of masterminding the revolution at YTFC which saw millions of pounds raised during his time in command, Alan became the voice of matchday for Town fans and an integral part of things at the club.
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“In charge of the tannoy at the old Huish the much-loved staff member was part of the move to the new ground in his second decade at the club before retiring in 2002.
“Still working on a consultancy basis afterward, Alan was still a regular on matchdays and was in the stands as the green and whites ended a 108-year wait to enter the Football League in 2003.
“Staying in close contact with many figures at Huish Park, the thoughts of everyone at Yeovil Town Football Club are with Alan’s wife Jane, his son Andrew and all of the Skirton family.”