Former Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood, who was responsible for hiring a then largely unknown Arsene Wenger as manager, has died aged 82, the Premier League club announced on Friday.
The conservative defensive strategy of George Graham secured the club two league titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup between 1986 and 1995.
The club was to enjoy a complete makeover when Hill-Wood and the board rubber-stamped their dynamic vice-chairman David Dein's recommendation to hire Wenger in 1996.
The Frenchman was to revolutionise English football and in the process win three Premier League titles – including the ‘Invincibles' season in 2003/04 – and four FA Cups.
“It is with deep regret that we announce the death of former chairman Peter Hill-Wood, at the age of 82,” read the club statement.
Hill-Wood – who is survived by his wife Sally and three children – in due course stepped down after over thirty years in charge because of ill health.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
