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Arsenal legend Ted Drake denied Historic England blue plaque
TL;DR
Arsenal legend Ted Drake has been denied a Historic England blue plaque at his birthplace in Southampton. Drake, the club's fifth all-time top goalscorer, is renowned for scoring seven goals in a single top-flight match over 90 years ago.
Key points
- Ted Drake denied a Historic England blue plaque
- Drake is Arsenal's fifth all-time top goalscorer
- He scored 139 goals for Arsenal
- Drake holds the record for most goals in a single top-flight match
- He began his career in 1931 with Southampton
Mentioned in this story
Ted DrakeSouthampton
Arsenal
Arsenal legend Ted Drake denied Historic England blue plaque
A former Arsenal legend once described as āthe worldās greatest centre forwardā from The Gunnersā golden era has been denied a commemorative plaque by Historic England.
Arsenalās fifth all-time top goalscorer, Ted Drake, who scored 139 goals for the club, has been refused a National Blue Plaque at his birthplace in Holyrood, Southampton. The man who still holds the record for the most goals scored in a single English top-flight match, netting seven goals in one game over 90 years ago, started his professional football career in 1931 after joining Southampton from non-league side Winchester City.
Following his transfer from the Saints to Arsenal in 1934, Drake quickly became the clubās main striker and remained a key figure at Highbury until the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939.
During his time with Arsenal, Drake became the quickest Gunner to reach 100 goals, achieving the feat in just 108 appearances. He also set a club record during the 1934/35 campaign by scoring 44 goals in a single season.
The once ālion-heartedā striker, as described by legendary Arsenal manager Tom Whittaker, later went on to become the first player and manager to guide Chelsea to a league title in 1955.
Liam Harding continues mission to preserve Ted Drakeās legacy
The National Blue Plaque nomination was submitted by Drakeās great-grandson and regular JustArsenal contributor Liam Harding, who has spent the past few years working to preserve his great-grandfatherās legacy within football.
The 23-year-old family chronicler and guardian of the Drake name admitted his disappointment following the decision.
Harding said: āAfter liaising with Historic England, who described a potential National Blue Plaque for my great-grandfather as āexcitingā, it was admittedly a shame he wasnāt nominated this year.
Q&A
Why was Ted Drake denied a Historic England blue plaque?
The specific reasons for the denial of Ted Drake's blue plaque by Historic England have not been disclosed.
What records did Ted Drake hold during his football career?
Ted Drake holds the record for the most goals scored in a single English top-flight match, netting seven goals in one game.
When did Ted Drake start his professional football career?
Ted Drake began his professional football career in 1931 after joining Southampton from Winchester City.
How many goals did Ted Drake score for Arsenal?
Ted Drake scored a total of 139 goals for Arsenal, making him the club's fifth all-time top goalscorer.