Calling out to all Gooners, Ray Kennedy-An Arsenal legend needs our help.

I read an article on Saturday written by Brian Reade from the Mirror newspaper and I'd like to touch upon this. It was about a man who will go down in Arsenal history as a legend and he desperately needs help. Ray Kennedy is the man whom I'm writing about and I thank Brain Reade for bringing attention to an Arsenal Legend.

Ray Kennedy was in an era before mine, mine started with the Alan Smith's, Ian Wright's, Merson's, Rocastle's and Limpar's, but I've always known about Ray Kennedy. But he was brought to my attention even more when ArsenalAnalysis, (A great Arsenal blog) compared our very own Bendtner to the style in which Kennedy played.


Ray Kennedy scored a header with three minutes to go at White Hart Lane in May 1971, which won Arsenal the title, to earn Legendary status at the Gooners, and three years later he left the Gunners and signed for Bob Paisleys Liverpool. Kennedy won 17 England caps, six First Division titles, three European Cups, one FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup, Fairs Cup, European Super Cup and even a Welsh Cup with Swansea.

Now his sad story starts. At the age of 34, he had to put all the caps and medals up for auction. The reason, Parkinson's disease had ravaged his body. He had a testimonial in 1991, and since then has had no steady income. His condition deteriorated further, meaning no income from what other ex-footballers fall on. After-dinner speeches, coaching, etc.

Arsenal and Liverpool fans have set up an Appeal called the Ray of Hope. Which hopefully can give the man a better quality of life. Events are being organised in London and Liverpool over the next year, and hopefully fans from other clubs will touch upon his plight too.

You can pledge to the rayofhopeappeal@hotmail.co.uk or a send a cheque to the Ray of Hope Appeal c/o HSBC account 21817299 sort-code 40-03-27.

Many thanks to Brain Reade for writing the article and bringing it to attention. As Gooners lets give a little back for a man who us a huge amount in 1971 at White hart Lane.

Keep it Goonerish...............