12 Facts About Eddie Hapgood

Edris Albert "Eddie" Hapgood was an English footballer, who captained both Arsenal and England during the 1930s.

Eddie Hapgood supplemented his footballer's maximum wage by fashion modelling and advertising chocolate.

Eddie Hapgood made his Arsenal debut on 19 November 1927 against Birmingham City but was initially used as backup for left back Horace Cope; he did not become Arsenal's regular left back until early 1929, but after that he made the position his own, right up until the outbreak of World War II in 1939.

Eddie Hapgood played 35 or more matches in every season in that period, earning a reputation as an elegant and unruffled defender; he even deputised as goalkeeper on two occasions when Frank Moss was injured.

Eddie Hapgood became England captain and wore the armband 21 times; his first match as captain was the infamous "Battle of Highbury" on 14 November 1934, against Italy, who were reigning World Champions at the time.

Eddie Hapgood captained England in another infamous match, against Germany in Berlin on 14 May 1938, where Eddie Hapgood and his players were made to give the Nazi salute before the match, under pressure from British diplomats.

Eddie Hapgood served in the Royal Air Force during the war, whilst playing for Arsenal and England in unofficial matches.

Eddie Hapgood appeared as a guest player for West Ham United later in Second World War.

Eddie Hapgood played 440 times in all for Arsenal, scoring two goals.

Eddie Hapgood had stints in charge of Blackburn Rovers, and then Watford and Bath City.

Eddie Hapgood spent his later years running a YMCA hostel in Harwell, Berkshire and Egdon Hall in Lynch Lane Weymouth, Dorset.

Eddie Hapgood died in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire on Good Friday 1973 at the age of 64.