The two grand designs had several similarities, particular the grand marble staircases which still stand in both structures today despite Highbury’s conversion by property developers and the years of redevelopment to Ibrox. In 1928 he built a new grandstand, the South Stand, or ‘Main Stand’ at Ibrox Park. Leitch had been involved in many stadium designs during that period including Ibrox.ĪLSO READ: Clark & Borthwick Double Century Partnership Sees Durham Top Group A Their new Arsenal Stadium, commonly called ‘Highbury’, had a signature grandstand, the East stand and had been designed by Scottish architect Archibald Leitch. By 1913, despite being relegated, Arsenal had moved to North London. The purchase of shares in Arsenal by Rangers proved to be the catalyst for a new era. In his time as a manager, William Wilton won 8 league titles and several cup competitions. In 1899 the Club became a limited company, changing Wilton’s position from Secretary to Manager. In contrast to Arsenal at the time, Rangers were enjoying a particularly successful period under Wilton. Rangers bought two shares in Arsenal for the grand total of £2, about £250 in today’s money.Īrsenal was of course, extremely grateful. Morrell had previously been Wilton’s assistant. Further to this, there was interest from both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to absorb Woolwich Arsenal, a nightmare scenario for the club and their supporters.Īrsenal manager George Morrell contacted his friend and former boss, Rangers secretary William Wilton, asking for help. With the club in the financial pearl, the Football League demanded a meeting with the board and rumours began circulating that Woolwich Arsenal may soon cease to exist. To add to their problems, attendances were falling, indicative of the poor social economics of greater London at the time. In 1910 Woolwich Arsenal, as they were then known, attempted and failed to launch a new share issue. It would prove to be an inspired signing as Henderson finished as Arsenals top goal scorer in their inaugural league season, scoring 18 goals as his side finished 9 th in the then Second Division.īy 1908 Arsenal were financially in trouble.

Rangers triumphed 3-2 but inside forward James Henderson, who had been part of Rangers title-winning season in 1891 (a title shared with Dumbarton) would sign for the Gunners almost immediately after the match. Many believe the origins of the North London and South West Glasgow friendship stems from the bond between legendary club managers Bill Struth and Herbert Chapman, but links between the two sides go back even further.Īrsenal founder David Danskin invited Rangers to Invicta Park in South London for a friendly in 1892. The question some may ask is where that friendship originated from and just how much of a role has each club played in the other illustrious history? To those of us though who know and love the history and traditions of Rangers Football Club, or Arsenal Football Club for that matter, the announcement of this game is a nod to the long-standing friendship and history the two clubs share. Rangers have announced that on Saturday 17 th July 2021, Mikel Arteta will bring Premier League stars like Alexander Lacazette and his Arsenal teammates to Ibrox to kick start the 150th-anniversary celebrations of Rangers Football Club.Ĭasual football fans, as well as many outsiders, will see nothing more than a glamour friendly, designed to attract a large crowd either in person or virtually, depending on the COVID restrictions at the time, and to generate a media interest and revenue through ticket sales and merchandise.

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