AN ARSENAL LOVE STORY

BY HAYLEY WRIGHT

My grandfather, Billy Wright, captained both Wolverhampton Wanderers and England, so it comes as little surprise that I am often asked what caused me to become an Arsenal fan. While people often forget that grandad Bill was also Arsenal manager for four years, his Highbury connection actually has nothing to do with my allegiance.

Arsenal supporters have permeated both sides of my family for generations; my other grandad - who is 99 years young - clearly remembers watching Cliff Bastin from the terraces!

In 1972, a young up-and-coming sports journalist and a bank clerk were informed that they had something in common, and so began a correspondence based on a passion for the Gunners.

He sent her a photo of himself that had been published with his articles in Gunflash.

She sent him a photo of herself shaking the hand of cruise ship captain.

On 25th April 1972 the journalist and the bank clerk met on the corner of Highbury Hill and Gillespie Road. The rest, as they say, is history. Arsenal beat Manchester United 3-0 that day and although they didn't know it then, those sweethearts would become my parents.

In order to commemorate that serendipitous meeting, I commissioned a stone celebrating their anniversary in Armoury Square outside Emirates Stadium.

So I think it's fair to say that when it comes to loving Arsenal, I really didn't stand much of a chance, especially as I feel that I owe my very existence to this great club of ours.