Len Julians did not stay long at Arsenal but he had a scoring record to be proud of.
Few can match his tally of a goal in every 2.4 games but, unfortunately for Len, he could not establish himself at Highbury. Things would probably have been different if his stay in North London hadn’t coincided with the likes of
Mel Charles, David Herd, Vic Groves and Jackie Henderson.
Such competition for places made it difficult for Len to nail down a first-team place but there was no denying his ability. He could lead the line or operate effectively in a deeper role, and created as many chances for team-mates as he did for himself.
Len joined Arsenal from Leyton Orient in December 1958 and scored on his debut against Luton Town. A magnificent strike at Blackpool towards the end of his first season underlined Len’s class but he was still in and out of the side.
Despite his obvious talent, Len managed just eight appearances in the following campaign and decided his future lay elsewhere. In the summer of 1960 he joined Nottingham Forest.
Len Julians
