TRIBUTES have been paid to former Arsenal assistant coach Theo Foley, who has died at the age of 83.
The Irishman enjoyed a successful playing career with Northampton and Charlton before taking up backroom roles at a number of clubs.
Most fondly remembered for his time working under George Graham at Highbury, Foley described their 1989 title triumph at Liverpool as the “pinnacle” of his career.
Born in April 1937, Foley played for Home Farm, Burnley and Exeter before making his name at Northampton.
The defender helped win two promotions as the Cobblers ascended to the First Division in 1965 for their only campaign in the top-flight.
Running a chicken shop to supplement his income, Foley left for Charlton but took to coaching after struggling with a knee injury.
A stint at Millwall and then QPR united the former Republic of Ireland international with George Graham, who he followed to Arsenal in 1986.
And Foley was on the touchline as Michael Thomas struck his iconic late winner at Anfield to snatch Arsenal’s first league title in 18 years.
After his passing was announced on Friday, tributes flooded in for the 83-year-old.
Ex-Gunners striker Kevin Campbell wrote: “I am totally shocked and saddened at the passing of Theo Foley. What a special football man and gentleman he was! He helped me so much behind the scenes at The Arsenal and always was a pleasure to be around. R.I.P. Theo Foley.”
The Gooner Fanzine tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear the news that Theo Foley, George Graham’s assistant when Arsenal won their first title for 18 seasons back in 1989, has passed away. A good guy by all accounts. R.I.P.”
Arsenal photographer Stuart MacFarlane wrote: “So sad to hear that Theo Foley has passed away, a lovely guy and a real football man.”
After Arsenal, the Dubliner managed Northampton before coaching roles at Fulham and Southend, before further stints with Graham at Leeds and Tottenham.
In October 2018, Foley released his autobiography entitled Theo Give Us A Ball: A Life in Football.
After the book’s release, he told London Football Scene: “I’m not envious of anyone at all because the life I have had, I wouldn’t swap for the world.”
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