Herbie Roberts: The Gunsmith at the Heart of Arsenal”

Herbie Roberts is one of the great unsung heroes of Arsenal Football Club – a man who literally went from making guns… to becoming a Gunner. 🔴⚪

In this episode, we dive deep into the life and legacy of Herbie Roberts: the gunsmith from Oswestry who became the rock at the heart of Herbert Chapman’s all-conquering Arsenal side of the 1930s.

You’ll hear how Roberts:

Started life as a gunsmith before turning pro

Was snapped up from Oswestry Town for just £200 in December 1926

Fought his way into the team and made 335 starts for Arsenal over 11 years

Anchored the defence in one of the greatest club sides England had ever seen

Won Division One titles in 1931, 1933, 1934 and 1935

Suffered heartbreak missing the 1930 FA Cup final through injury

Found redemption by helping Arsenal beat Sheffield United in the 1936 FA Cup final

Earned an England cap – and why injuries probably cost him more

Had his career cut short by a serious knee injury in October 1937

Stayed at the club as trainer of Arsenal’s Southern League side

Served as a Lieutenant in the Royal Fusiliers during World War Two

Tragically died of erysipelas in 1944, aged just 39

This is Arsenal history through a fan’s eyes – respectful, emotional, and grounded in what the club really means. If you love the Chapman era, old-school centre-halves, and proper football stories, this one’s for you.

⏱ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS INCLUDED

Use the chapters on screen or in the description to jump to:

His gunsmith beginnings

The £200 move to Arsenal

Title-winning glory in the 30s

FA Cup heartbreak and redemption

England, injury and retirement

War service and his legacy

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Up the Arsenal. ❤️🤍