Former Arsenal Defender John Roberts Dies at 69

Former Arsenal defender John Roberts died aged 69, the club confirmed on Monday, per their official website.

Roberts helped the Gunners win a memorable double in 1971, as the Highbury outfit surged to the league title and the FA Cup. He spent three years with Arsenal, having signed from Northampton Town in 1969; the defender also played for Birmingham City, Wrexham and Hull City.  

Roberts also won 22 caps for Wales.

“Everyone at Arsenal Football Club was saddened to hear of the death of John Roberts, aged 69,” read the statement on the Gunners’ website. “The thoughts of everyone at Arsenal are with John's family and friends.” 

The club released the accompanying image of Roberts on their Twitter feed:

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson, who was also part of the iconic double-winning squad, paid his respects to Roberts via social media:

As noted by the Press Association (h/t Sky Sports), Roberts featured 18 times in that historic season, as the Gunners became just the second side in the modern era to complete a league and an FA Cup double.