Jim Standen is one of a select few who have played professional football for Arsenal and county cricket.
In truth, Standen's Highbury career could have been more fruitful had the legendary Jack Kelsey not stood in his way for the duration of his spell in north London.
The multi-talented goalkeeper made 38 starts during his eight years at the Club after joining as a 17-year-old in October 1952.
The plumber turned footballer signed professional forms six months later but was forced to wait for his chance in the first team after completing his National Service in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (1953-55).
Standen started for the first time in a 2-1 defeat to Burnley in December 1957 - his only appearance that season. He featured more prominently in the following two campaigns before his departure to Luton Town for £8,000 in October 1960.
The goalkeeper left Luton in 1962 to join West Ham, where he enjoyed the most productive period of his footballing career. Standen helped the Hammers to FA Cup glory in 1964 and was part of the side that won the European Cup Winners' Cup the following season.
Standen later featured for Millwall and Portsmouth before moving to America to take up a coaching role with the Detroit Cougars in 1968.
Alongside his footballing achievements, Standen was an accomplished cricketer and played at county level for Worcestershire and Hertfordshire. In 1964 he won a championship medal with the former, leading their bowling averages. He took 313 fist-class wickets during an 11-year career.
Jim Standen
