Ted Drake was with Saints for 3 seasons in the '30s

An England and Saints hero has been inducted into the National Football Hall of Fame.

Liam Harding from Basingstoke and former Voice FM presenter has successfully nominated his Great Grandfather, Ted Drake, into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in Manchester, following rejection last time round in June by one point after initially passing the first round.

Drake made a name for himself originally at Arsenal following his three season stint at Southampton during the early 1930s.

The Hampshire born and bred player moved to Highbury in 1934 where for the next five years he was The Gunners main talisman.

He set numerous goal scoring records in North London which still stand to this day in the English game.

He holds the feat for the most goals (7) rampaged in a single English top-flight game of football, recorded on 14th December 1935, versus Aston Villa, at Villa Park.

The future Fulham life president is the quickest Gunner in history to record 100 goals in 108 appearances.

On top of that finding the back of the net a record breaking 44 times in one season at Arsenal which not even the likes of Thierry Henry or Ian Wright have beaten.

After being forced out of the game through a back injury sustained as a PT during World War Two, Drake was sent into management which later paid off.

First Player to Manage

In 1955 Ted who ended up as assistant manager to Vick Buckingham at Barcelona in 1970, became the first player then manager to lift the English top-flight at Chelsea.

The former 2023/24 Surround Sports presenter was overjoyed by the news:” admittedly I was disappointed that he didn’t join the Hall of Fame first time round, but then…

“One day out of the blue a member from the National Football Museum told me he ‘felt positive’ that he would be inducted second time round giving me a sense of pride and confidence that he would  eventually be in the Hall of Fame.

“I know he played a long time ago but multiple records of his still stand and should keep on inspiring those involved in the game.

“A place in the Hall of Fame ensures his legacy is never truly forgotten as should be the case.”

The once News at Drive presenter  previously arranged a remembrance plaque at Arsenals old ground Highbury for his Great Grandad in February 29years after his death.

https://nationalfootballmuseum.com/hall-of-fame/