RIP Don Howe

Former England International & coach Done Howe has passed away at the age of 80

He spent most of his playing career at West Bromwich Albion where he turned professional in 1952.
A full back, he played nearly 350 games for the Baggies in twelve years, as well as becoming a regular in the England team; he played in the 1958 FIFA World Cup, and won 23 caps in total.

Howe was signed by Billy Wright's Arsenal in 1964, and was made club captain. However, in March 1966 he broke his leg playing against Blackpool and never recovered well enough to play in the first team again.

He had a coaching career at Arsenal under Bertie Mee. Howe playing a crucial role in Arsenal winning the Double in 1971.

Later he returned to his old club, West Bromwich Albion, as manager. But WBA were relegated to Division Two in 1973. Howe then joined Leeds United as a coach, before moving on to manage Turkish club Galatasaray in 1975.

Howe rejoined Arsenal in 1977 as head coach, under Terry Neill. He also became part of the England national team's coaching setup in 1981, working under Ron Greenwood. When Greenwood retired a year later, Howe continued to work for the national team under new manager Bobby Robson.

Howe became Arsenal caretaker-manager at the end of 1983 and was appointed permanently in April 1984. Despite introducing young players like Tony Adams, David Rocastle and Niall Quinn to the team during the mid-1980s, he was unable to win trophies, as Arsenal finished either 6th or 7th under him. Howe resigned in 1986.

Howe later joined Wimbledon as assistant to Bobby Gould in 1987.

Also associated with Leeds, WBA, QPR and Arsenal's double winning side of 1971 as well as T V work. A knowledgeable coach whom I'm sure will be remembered by supporters of those clubs. RIP.

r.i.p don howe, arsenal legend. gave the likes of rocastle, merson and adams their chance in the first team.

Don Howe is well remembered at Wimbledon for his 2 year spell as assistant manager to Bobby Gould. It was during that time we won the FA Cup, beating Liverpool in the final in 1988.