Trophies were hard to come by for Arsenal in the 1960s, but goals weren't. Geoff Strong was largely responsible for that.
A lean, lethal striker, Strong netted 77 goals in 137 games for Arsenal - a rate that few have matched before or since. And unlike many before or since, Strong rarely squandered chances.
He joined Arsenal from northern amateur side Stanley United in 1957 and it was quickly apparent that the Gunners had unearthed a gem. Strong was quick, brave, two-footed and powerful in the air.
He scored on his first-team debut at home to Newcastle in September 1960 and was soon a fixture in the Arsenal side. By 1962, Strong had teamed up with Joe Baker to form one of the most potent partnerships in English football.
Strong and Baker terrorised Division One defences, sharing 52 goals in 1962/63 and 56 the following season.
The fun ended in November 1964 when Strong left for Bill Shankly and Liverpool, and how Arsenal missed him. Without Strong's goals, they slid down the table and manager Billy Wright lost his job.
