News

'Don was such a wonderful coach'

Don Howe
Don Howe

Following the sad passing of Don Howe, Arsenal legend Liam Brady led the tributes to him from around the world. You can leave your own tribute below too:

"I first met Don when I was 13 and he was coach of the first team with Bertie Mee. He went on to win the double with that great team and when I joined he had just left to join West Brom.

"I was pleased to see him come back in 1977 as coach to Terry Neill. We had a wonderful few years before I left for Juventus in 1980. We reached four finals in three years, winning the FA Cup in 1979. Don was a big reason why the team reached those heights.

"When I became head of the academy, I wanted to bring Don back to the club to help develop the young players. He was tremendous with the youngsters - he was a wonderful, inspirational coach. I am very sad to hear the news of his passing and send my deepest condolences to his wife, Pauline."
Arsenal legend Liam Brady 

"Sad to hear of the passing of my good friend Don Howe, who brought me to the club. Sadly missed, a true gent."
Arsenal kit manager Vic Akers OBE 

"Don Howe was my greatest ever coach. He taught me everything I know. He will be sadly missed, my thoughts are with his family."
Former England captain Bryan Robson ‏ 

Sad to see that Don Howe has passed away. It was a privilege to have known and been trained by him. A great coach and a lovely man.
Former England striker Gary Lineker

"He was absolutely one of the very best coaches I have ever come across in my life and, certainly in my opinion, one of the very best coaches England ever had."
England manager Roy Hodgson

"As a member of both Ron Greenwood's and then Bobby Robson's international coaching staff, I had the very fortunate privilege to listen, watch and learn from the coaching genius of Don Howe. Every session he ever did was a masterclass in the art and craft of coaching. He was also a very generous, inspirational and talented teacher who genuinely believed we all have a responsibility to share our knowledge and skills for the benefit of others. Don was a great bloke and a great coach."
LMA chairman Howard Wilkinson 

“Don Howe was a highly accomplished man who was greatly admired by everyone connected to the game. His humility and know-how will be sorely missed.”
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan 

"Still in shock at the news of Don Howe's death. Really lovely guy. Football man. Superb coach. RIP."
Former Arsenal and England defender Lee Dixon 

“Look at all the tributes to the great Don Howe from the most respected people in football. Shows what an unbelievable coach and man he was.”
Stoke midfielder and former Gunner Steve Sidwell

“Sad to see that Don Howe has passed away. A privilege to have known and been trained by him. A fabulous coach and a fine man.”
Former Gunner Paul Davis

“If you were a defender at a football club, you couldn’t ask for a better coach. He made us feel special. He was a great defensive tactical coach.”
Former Gunner Martin Keown

So sad to hear the news of the passing of Don Howe. Absolute legend. Top coach and player. RIP.
Former Gunner Ray Parlour

“RIP Don Howe. A true legend of the game. Such an honour to have worked with him. He will be sorely missed. Such sad news. Gutted.”
Former Gunner Rhys Weston

“Absolute genius of a coach... absolute legend of a man.”
Former Gunner David Noble

“Devastating news to hear Don Howe has passed away. A great man who worked with such enthusiasm and spirit. A privilege to play for. RIP.”
Former Gunner Graham Stack

Just heard the sad news about Don Howe. An education being coached by him! Amazing attention to detail and knowledge of the game. RIP.
Valencia head coach and former England defender Gary Neville

"Sad to hear a player, manager and coach of his calibre has passed away, will be forever remembered in the history of Arsenal Football Club.”
William Parker

"Rest in peace, Don. Thanks for all the memories.”
Ballah Ali

"I remember seeing him play for the Gunners in the late 60s as a no-nonsense powerful right-back and then as coach with Bertie Mee in one of the most formidable Arsenal sides ever. So sad to hear that he is no longer with us, a sad loss to football. RIP Don.”
Andrew Elder

"My thoughts goes out to the family of Don Howe, He's been a magnificent figure at the club, with so much respect for him. We love you Don Howe. Rest in perfect peace legend."
Daniel Ekundayo

"What a great man and coach. He was leading the Uefa A license course I was taking. I have never seen so much passion for the game and the willingness to help coaches develop. Thank you Coach."
Steve Oliver

"I remember Don playing for Arsenal in the mid sixties when I was a teenager, and followed his career afterwards when he became a coach and later manager of the club. Whenever he was mentioned by fellow professionals it was always with the highest regard to his ability. A fine tribute to someone who I'm sure was admired off the field too. A sad day for the club."
Peter Heard

[FORM: 617]

See Full List

Fixtures & Results

Premier League
Ticket Info