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Alex Forbes 1925-2014

Everyone at Arsenal was saddened to hear the news that Alex Forbes has passed away at the age of 89.

Alex played 240 times for the Gunners, scoring 20 goals in a Highbury career that spanned eight years from 1948 to 1956. He was a tough-tackling Scotland international and also represented his country at ice hockey.

Nicknamed 'Red' because of his auburn hair, Alex joined Arsenal from Sheffield United and was part of the team that won the FA Cup final in 1950, beating Liverpool 2-0 at Wembley.

"I'll never forget the day in 1950 when Alex came out the main entrance at Highbury and let me and a mate hold up the FA Cup for a BBC news team," said Arsenal fan Bernie Sharman from Western Australia.

Alex left the Gunners for Leyton Orient but returned to Arsenal to coach the youth side before emigrating to South Africa.

The thoughts of everyone at Arsenal are with Alex's family and friends at this difficult time.

 

Alex Forbes with the FA Cup in 1950

Alex Forbes with the FA Cup in 1950

 

With thanks to BT Sport for the video footage