Memorabilia relating to Colin Bell's trial for Arsenal FC and subsequent rejection by manager Billy Wright, comprising: a signed letter from Arsenal m
£350 - £400
Memorabilia relating to Colin Bell's trial for Arsenal FC and subsequent rejection by manager Billy Wright, comprising: a signed letter from Arsenal manager George Swindin on club letterhead, dated 20th February 1962 and addressed to Colin Bell inviting him to come for a trial at Arsenal before the start of the next season and enclosing a ''This is Arsenal'' booklet, which is also included in the lot; together with A Pre-Season Trial (16/17 Years) programme 26th July 1962 played at London Colney, Red v White, with Colin Bell of West Hartlepool playing as inside-right for the Reds; and a signed letter from the new Arsenal manager Billy Wright on club letterhead dated 8th August 1962 addressed to Colin Bell and thanking him for playing in the trial match but rejecting the opportunity of an apprenticeship (4) Billy Wright's letter comments on Bell's performance in the trial match, stating ''IN OUR OPINION YOU DID NOT COME UP TO OUR REQUIREMENTS, THIS DOES NOT MEAN THERE MAY NOT BE A PLACE FOR YOU IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL WITH ANOTHER CLUB WHOSE STANDARD IS NOT QUITE AS HIGH AS THAT AT WHICH WE ARE AIMING.''