Memories of 1970

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1970 Fairs Cup triumph AISA will be publishing fans memories throughout this season.

Please email your memories to arsenalhistory@aisa.org. There is no limit on the length of your contribution but we reserve the right to edit.

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Ian L

"I was 12 years old when I begged my reluctant father to take me to this game. My father always thought me mad, but when asked what I wanted for Christmas or Birthday the answer was always the same, I want to go to Arsenal.

"We had moved from Drayton Park to Kent and I guess all I ever wanted to do was go home to my area and to my club. Dad always said I would grow out of this obsession.

"At the match on one side was my dad, whilst on the other was an elderly man around 70 years old, and we shared this moment which I remember as if it were yesterday, if only it was.

"This man had watched Arsenal all his life and remembered the year they came to North London, he told me tales of Bastin, James, Compton, Mercer, Tapsgood and Baker; of times good and bad, and I was spellbound.

"The tension in the stadium was almost unbearable but brief relief was found when Eddie Kelly scored in the first half at the clock end goal. I remember the small amount of Anderlecht fans in the Clock End and also, surprisingly, in the middle of the North Bank, with their purple and white scarves.

"When Bob McNab produced that perfect cross from the left John Radford rose like a salmon and everything seemed to be in slow motion as he headed down into the net. Highbury erupted, we were ahead on away goals, and not long after Jon Sammels hit the third and Anderlecht were beaten.

"The old man next to me grabbed hold of me crying shouting '17 years,17 years I’ve waited for this, and it was worth every second!' At this moment I knew that this feeling inside would never ever leave me and though wives and dear friends have come and gone I have never wavered in my simple belief, I am Arsenal!

"In memoriam of Eugene Conway 10th February 1958 - 13th September 2009. A great Gooner born on the same day as me, known and loved by many. RIP mate!"

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More stories can be read here.

Your memories of the Anderlecht match and/or any match or incident from the 1969-70 campaign are welcome. Please contact history@aisa.org.