Bob Wilson

A former Scottish goalkeeper, Bob Wilson OBE played for Arsenal for most of his career, becoming a highly respected figure for the side. Wilson also became a widely recognisable media figure after his playing career, broadcasting football television programmes for 28 years. A wonderful football speaker, Bob has over 40 years of experience in the professional football world, making him a pre-eminent expert of the game.

Starting late as a professional player, Wilson’s father would not allow him to sign for Manchester United, so had to train as a teacher at Loughborough College before signing for Arsenal in 1963 as an amateur. Bob was the first-ever amateur to have a transfer fee to be paid, of £7,500.

Making his debut against Nottingham Forest on 20^th October 1963 in a 4-2 win, it would be a full four years before Wilson became the first team keeper, due to Bob being forced to play understudy to Jim Furnell. Now a stalwart figure within the team, Bob won his first trophy in the 1969-70 Fairs Cup. Arsenal’s Player Of The Year for 1971, Wilson played every game in a season that culminated in a double campaign victory of both the League Cup and FA Cup.

A goalkeeper for Arsenal for the start of the 70s, Bob retired at the age of 32 in May 1974. Having already worked for the BBC as a pundit for the 1970 World Cup, Bob became a TV Presenter for the BBC between 1974 and 1994, as well as being the host of Football Focus. After 1994, Bob fronted the coverage of the Champions League alongside Des Lynam for ITV. A wonderful football speaker at events, Bob can use his experience gained in front of the camera to engage and interact with guests and give audience members an insight into top-flight football.