Since this weekend is his last game after 48 years with the club I thought he deserved his own thread. I did a search and found just one thread dedicated to him back in 2010. He deserves another now. Absolute legend. I sure hope he starts doing the legends tours, I will fly over just for one if he does.
+1 From the 1976 Shoot/Goal (a kid's soccer magazine) International Stars of Britain booklet: The 25 year old Arsenal full-back has been a Northern Ireland international for seven years but at one stage had doubts about his ability. Belfast-born, Rice moved to London at the age of 11 with his parents, two brothers and sister and was first noticed by Arsenal as a 14-year-old. Once at Highbury, he worked his way through the youth and reserve sides but was kept in the shadows by regular first-team right-back, Peter Storey. Then, Northern Ireland gave him his first full cap against Israel in Jaffa in September 1968. That was a useful experience but Pat had to wait another year before he got his next chance, against Russia in Belfast. A regular in the Irish side since the Home International tournament of 1971, Pat had won 25 caps by the end of last season.He has often formed a full-back partnership with club colleague Sammy Nelson at international level. Besides his collection of caps, Rice's honours include League and F.A. Cup medals when helping Arsenal to the double in 1971. Pat, who likes to burst forward in attack continues to live by his philosophy: "A good trier will always come out on top", and his loyalty and dedication will continue to be appreciated by the Windsor Park and Highbury crowds.
Pat Rice retirement confirmed. Apparently he'll still be coming to games as a fan and will be doing a bit of scouting. Just so long as he's not forced to wear shorts, and he can hide those legs. Whether you think of him as a marvellous coach, or just a yes man to Wenger, he's been as they say a wonderful servant to the club... ...and Steve Bould has now been officially announced as his replacement. Lets hope he can instill some defensive philosphy in those in front of the back 4
i read a comment this week from someone who was completely outraged that pat rice didn't get a testimonial. then i read this today http://www.ja606.co.uk/articles/viewArticle/115460 i couldn't help laughing
True legend at arsenal, he deserves a testimonial and I'm glad bould is coming in as he was a class defender and we need a good defensive philosophy
I remember Pat from when he was our greengrocer in the mid sixties. I worked a saturday job for his brother Alf in the barber shop in Gillespie Road almost next to Pat's Mum's shop in 1971. When my sister was born in 1967 the first person I told was Pat Rice. His mother was a marvellous woman. I'm not saying he was slow but Lanesra would steal fruit from his shop and Pat couldn't catch him. His contribution to club can never be overestimated, a true gunner, it is said that if you cut him he bleeds red blood. Two memories. His goal against Reading in the FA Cup which he described as "a bit tasty" and which gave him his North Bank chant "Pat Rice Tasty goal!" And a last ditch tackle against Watford in the Cup which saved a certain goal. Cheers Pat
Great to see him move along with class. He was pure legend and will be missed. Happy trails, Mr. Rice. I'm excited about Steve Bould and keeping The Arsenal family tight. Gotta have a Rice highlight from his playing days:
methinks the grimster needs to send his post to pat http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/send-your-message-to-arsenal-great-pat-rice
From what I hear Grimster took Lansera into his home at a very young age and saved him from a life of supporting the scum...true story
Rice was so integral in Wenger's assimilation into the Arsenal. I loved seeing Pat jump up and scream and push players to do better and better. He never made a fuss and always kept it together. Total humility and respect. On a side note, excited as hell to see Bouldy take over. Hopefully he'll bring out Graham's invisible rope and whip that defense into "famous four"-level quality.
This is such a great thread, if only because of all the intimate history between Grimster & Lansera! Funny that Lanesra hasn't been by to offer his rebuttals. Maybe he's staying away from the new BigSoccer like so many have. Seriously, Pat Rice deserves serious kudos. I'll remember him as a player as much as as a coach. As dedicated as he has been at the latter, I think he may have been better as the former. And I think he's wanted to move on for more than a few years now, so I'm optimistic for Bouldy. In this case I think change may be a very good thing. But all the very best to Pat.
In Arsene's weekly email he wrote: It was very emotional for him and for me too, because he has always been my assistant throughout my time here. Pat has many qualities of the 'Old Guard'. That means he is a fighter and, although he doesn't talk too much, when he talks, he talks! That last sentence speaks volumes about Pat's personality.