Former Arsenal Chairman Peter Hill-Wood Dies at Age 82

Arsenal confirmed on Friday that their former chairman Peter Hill-Wood has died at the age of 82.

Part of an official statement on the club's website read: 

"It is with deep regret that we announce the death of former chairman Peter Hill-Wood, at the age of 82.

"As we celebrate the unique achievement of 100 consecutive years in the top flight this season, the Hill-Wood family were at the helm for the lion's share of this special century, a testament to their tenacity and judgment in ensuring we have remained a significant force in English football for so long.

"Peter and his family's influence on the club cannot be understated, but at this most difficult time for his family and friends, it is Peter the man who we remember with great fondness. Our thoughts are with his wife Sally and his children Sarah, Julian and Charles."

ODD ANDERSEN/Associated Press

Hill-Wood was appointed to the Arsenal board in August 1962 and became chairman of the Gunners two decades later. It was a position he held for 31 years, eventually stepping down in June 2013 due to health reasons.

James Benge of the Evening Standard paid tribute to the club's former chairman and the progress the Gunners made under his stewardship: 

Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph and John Cross of the Daily Mirror also shared some memories of Hill-Wood: 

The Gunners noted that Hill-Wood played an important role in the establishment of the Premier League and Arsenal's move from their iconic former home Highbury to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal add that Hill-Wood was responsible for the appointment of George Graham, who won two titles, as well as the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup. Arsene Wenger, arguably the club's greatest-ever manager, was also brought in during Hill-Wood's tenure.

The Frenchman spent 22 years in charge of Arsenal, overseeing the club's transition from Highbury to the Emirates. In his remarkable spell in charge, Wenger won seven FA Cups and three Premier Leagues, including an unbeaten season in 2003-04.

The Hill-Wood family have long been associated with Arsenal. Hill-Wood's grandfather, Sir Samuel, was the chairman of the club between 1927 and 1936, while his father, Denis, also held the position.