Ray Parlour

Easily recognisable by his blond curls, the man affectionately nicknamed the ‘Romford Pelé’ by Marc Overmars began his Arsenal journey in January 1992. His debut was a challenging one, conceding a penalty in a 2-0 defeat at Anfield, but the determined teenager bounced back stronger. Just seven months later, he delivered a commanding performance at the same ground as Arsenal turned the tables with a 2-0 victory.

Under the guidance of George Graham, Ray seamlessly fit into a midfield known for its grit and work ethic, complementing the creative flair of players like Ian Wright and Paul Merson. However, he was far more than just a hard-working midfielder. When Arsène Wenger took the reins in 1996, some speculated that it could spell the end of Ray’s Arsenal career. Instead, Wenger encouraged him to express himself on the pitch, helping him add a new dimension to his game.

While Ray never lost the tackling prowess and competitive spirit that made him a fan favourite, he also showcased a growing subtlety in his play. Training alongside world-class talents like Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp undoubtedly elevated his game. Bergkamp may have been the star of Wenger’s first Double-winning team, but it was Ray who claimed the Man of the Match award in Arsenal’s FA Cup final victory over Newcastle in May 1998. Four years later, he scored one of the competition’s iconic goals with a stunning 25-yard strike against Chelsea at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

Though never a prolific scorer, Ray had a knack for the spectacular. Memorable moments include a brilliant hat-trick against Werder Bremen, another treble versus Newcastle, and a thunderous Champions League goal against Valencia at Highbury.

After securing his second Double in 2002, injuries and the emergence of Freddie Ljungberg began to limit Ray’s playing time. Nevertheless, he remained a vital squad member, stepping in for the injured Patrick Vieira to help Arsenal win the 2003 FA Cup Final against Southampton and captaining the side in their legendary 5-1 triumph over Inter Milan at the San Siro.

Ray bid farewell to Arsenal in the summer of 2004, following the unforgettable ‘Invincibles’ season, during which Wenger’s team completed an unbeaten Premier League campaign. He may not have been a superstar, but he remains one of the most underrated and decorated players in the club’s storied history.

Now, Ray Parlour is making a name for himself as one of the most sought-after speakers on the after-dinner circuit, captivating audiences with his wit, charm, and incredible footballing stories.