It is a little known fact that Bob Wilson became the first English-born footballer to play for Scotland in 1971 – the year Arsenal won the double for the first time. Much has changed in the 40 years since Bob was in goal for the Gunners as they claimed the League and Cup double.
Footballers today are paid a king’s ransom for playing just one season at the top level. Many can earn in a week the £250,000 Bob set off trying to raise for charity when he cycled 500 miles in 11 days. But don’t let that overshadow what a great achievement it has been for the former Arsenal keeper in this his 70th year.
” I have been lucky to have enjoyed many football triumphs, most notably my greatest year in 1970/71 when Arsenal won ‘The Double’,” says the great man who wanted to do something special to mark the 40th anniversary of his finest hour as a footballer. “So how should I celebrate this my 70th/71st year? By following my heart and doing something challenging to support the Willow Foundation, the national charity I set up with my wife, Megs, in memory of our daughter, Anna.”
The 500 mile cycle from London to Newcastle took Bob to every Premier League football club in the UK followed by a visit to Hampden Park, where he made his international debut.
You can donate here
40 years after winning double Bob Wilson got on his bike to raise £300,000 for charity
