Likeable wingman Joe Haverty joined the Gunners as an 18-year-old from St Patrick’s Athletic.
Although he made his debut for the Club the following August, the Irish international was into his 20s before he made a real impact at Highbury.
Known for his tricky wideplay and expert deliver, 'Little Joe', named after the character in popular television series Bonanza, was loved for bringing cheer to a sometimes colourless period for the Gunners.
Although slightly lightweight, he was adept at evading challenges from the merciless defenders of the era. And he supplemented reams of assists with nine goals for the Club, including a classic brace against Chelsea in 1959.
However, after a series of back problems, Joe was transferred to Blackburn Rovers in 1961. Spells at Millwall, Celtic, Bristol Rovers, Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers followed before a brief sojourn to the American Soccer League.
He retired in Ireland and became Arsenal’s scout across the Irish Sea, attributed for the capture of much-coveted Anthony Stokes in 2005 by the Club's Head of Youth Development, Liam Brady.
In 2000 Haverty, who made 32 appearances for his country, was inaugurated into the Football Association of Ireland’s Hall of Fame.
WHAT THE FANS SAID:
Whenever a ball was put out of play for a throw-in, Joe would always shout 'red ball!' even if it had been clearly knocked out by an Arsenal player. By the sheer force of his personality and constant appeals, Joe would more often than not be awarded a throw-in in our favour. Well done, Joe!
Rob Stebbing, West Wellow, Hampshire
