Alan Skirton facts for kids

Alan Frederick Graham Skirton (born January 23, 1939 – died May 12, 2019) was an English football player. He was known for playing as a winger, a player who runs down the sides of the field to help score goals. Alan played for several famous clubs, including Arsenal and Blackpool.

Alan Skirton: A Football Star

Alan Skirton began his football journey at West Twerton Youth Club in his hometown of Bath. He then joined Bristol City as an amateur player. However, he didn't stay there long. He soon moved to his local club, Bath City, which played in the Southern League.

Joining Arsenal

Alan's great skills quickly caught the eye of many bigger clubs. In January 1959, Arsenal won the race to sign him, paying £5,000 for the talented winger. This was a big move for him!

Soon after joining Arsenal, Alan faced a tough challenge. He became very sick with lung infections and couldn't play for about 18 months. This was a difficult start to his time at a major club.

Making His Mark at Arsenal

Alan finally made his first appearance for Arsenal on August 20, 1960, in a game against Burnley. In his first season, he played 16 games, sharing the right wing position with another player, Danny Clapton.

The next season, Alan really shone. He took over the right wing spot completely and became Arsenal's top scorer! He scored 19 goals in 40 matches, showing everyone his scoring ability.

After a new player, Johnny MacLeod, joined in 1962, Alan moved to the left wing. He played there for the next four seasons, though not every game. The manager, Billy Wright, often preferred to use only one main winger. Also, a talented young player named George Armstrong started playing well, which meant Alan had more competition for his spot.

European History Maker

Even with these changes, Alan still played around 20 games each season. He made history for Arsenal on October 22, 1963. He became the very first Arsenal player to score a goal in a European match at their home stadium, Highbury. This goal was against a Danish team called Stævnet.

The next manager, Bertie Mee, wanted to bring in more young players. After playing the first two games of the 1966–67 season, Alan left Arsenal. He signed with Blackpool on September 12, 1966, for £65,000. He had played 153 matches for Arsenal and scored 53 goals.

Moving to Blackpool and Beyond

Alan scored in his very first game for Blackpool, just five days after joining! It was a 1–1 draw against Arsenal at Highbury, which was quite a coincidence. He scored two more goals in a win against Chelsea. In his first home game for Blackpool, they beat Newcastle United 6–0, and Alan scored twice! He finished that season with 10 goals in 28 games.

Even though Alan scored 8 league goals that season, Blackpool was unfortunately relegated to Division Two. In the 1967–68 season, Blackpool almost got promoted back to the top league, finishing third. Alan scored 17 league goals that season, showing his continued skill.

In November 1968, Alan returned to the West Country, joining Bristol City for £15,000. He then played for Torquay United and a South African club called Durban City F.C.. He finished his playing career at Weymouth, helping them win the Southern League Cup in the 1972–73 season.

Life After Football

Just before he stopped playing, Alan started working as an assistant commercial manager at Weymouth. In July 1974, he returned to his old club, Bath City, as their commercial manager. He then moved to Yeovil Town in September 1981, taking on the same role. He stayed there until he retired in 2002.

Alan Skirton passed away on May 12, 2019, at the age of 80.

Trophies and Achievements

• Southern League Cup champion: 1972–73