Bob Wilson, a don of matters goalkeeping in the colours of Arsenal, summed up the sentiments prompted by an unexpected local move with typical candour. “The Arsenal fans thought it was Christmas – just a ridiculous decision, to allow him to go to the old enemy.” The words seem apt in the current climate about Petr Cech’s transfer across the capital, but they were uttered almost 40 years ago. Pat Jennings, the man with hands as big as frying pans and an unflappable calmness of spirit, was 32 when, as a Tottenham hero, he nipped to a neighbouring London borough and joined Arsenal. Like Cech, the move was surprising and emotionally charged. The questions it raised ranged from how much...
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