George Allison 1934 Arsenal F.C manager: rare and very early post-Chapman era original one-page autograph letter, on Arsenal F.C embossed crest offi

George Allison 1934 Arsenal F.C manager: rare and very early post-Chapman era original one-page autograph letter, on Arsenal F.C embossed crest official club letterhead dated 26th March, 1934. George Allison had just been announced as Arsenal manager as of the following season, but was otherwise in full control at the club following Herbert Chapman’s untimely passing on the 6th of January. Joe Shaw was appointed caretaker manager until August 1934, however Herbert Chapman’s name is still printed on the letterhead under the title ‘Manager’. Very nicely signed in black ink by George Allison, in very good condition. George Frederick Allison (24 October 1883 – 13 March 1957) was an English football journalist, broadcaster and manager. He was the BBC’s first sports commentator and Arsenal’s second longest serving manager. After his move to London in 1906, Allison soon became associated with Woolwich Arsenal. He became the club's programme editor and continued his association with the team after they moved to Highbury and renamed themselves "Arsenal". He became a member of the club's board of directors soon after the end of the First World War; he was at first club secretary and then managing director. Following the sudden death of legendary Arsenal boss Herbert Chapman earlier in January 1934, Allison was appointed Chapman's full-time successor in the summer of that year. Under Chapman and caretaker manager Joe Shaw, Arsenal had already won the League Championship twice in a row, in 1932-33 and 1933-34, and Allison made it a hat-trick, winning a third successive title in 1934-35. He also won the FA Cup in 1935-36 and the League again in 1937-38.