Published: 15 December, 2011

I REGARD this statue building [at Arsenal] as a big mistake. As a ­follower of Arsenal since 1938 and then continuously since 1946, this has already led to anomalies. Two of the greatest captains Eddie Hapgood and Joe Mercer are omitted.

When Joe Mercer signed in November 1946, Arsenal were at the bottom of the old First Division with only relegation in sight.

 The slightly-built wing half with the ‘bandy’ legs brought a drive and purpose to this poor Arsenal team owing to the ravages of the Second World War and after Christmas his leadership took us into the top half of the division. The following season we won the First Division, and in 1950, the FA Cup.

His leadership of an injury ravaged Arsenal side in the 1952 FA Cup final against  Newcastle, which we lost 1-0 – no subs in those days – deserves a statue for that alone.

Geoffrey Gilbert NW8