CLIFFORD BASTIN

Played in the English clubs' Exeter City "and the" Arsenal ". In the years 1931-1939 spent 21 games for England.

Today's fans of the famous London "Arsenal", it appears that the best strikers than Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry may not be in nature. However, in the long history of the club were other great forwards. One of them - Clifford Sydney Bastin. Unfortunately, like all players of his time, he played at a time when television had not yet glorified draws football exploits.

Bastin was born in the English city of Exeter. He was only 16 years old when he first entered the field in the club of his native town "Exeter City. " The debut was marked by a goalless draw with the club, "Coventry. " But after a few days, "Exeter City" smashed "Newport County" with a score of 5-1. It can be argued that in this day and began the great glory of the assailant.

And soon there was a meeting with a great coach Clifford "Arsenal" by Herbert Chapman. And turned, like a novel: Chapman came to Exeter to view and buy a completely different player, and went to London with Bastin.

It was like this: Chapman advised to pay attention to the scorer, "Exeter City," Tommy Barnett, and he came from London for the match with the club, "Watford". Barnett has not made much impression on Chapman, but he was struck by the boys game Bastin. Of course, he still had shortcomings, but he clearly possessed the ball. Great coach immediately offered him a move to London. Of course, the sixteen-year-boy was thrilled to be able to play at the club, which stands immeasurably higher than his own modest "Exeter City.

Photo — «Clifford Bastin»

" That was in May 1929.

Bastin career in the "Arsenal" started with the away match against "Everton", which ended in a draw 1:1. A week later, took home debut against the "Derby. " The game also ended in a draw 1:1.

Still a teenager while obviously did not reach the basic structure of his physical condition. And Chapman, continuing to believe in his talent, gave him a little stronger. But January 4, 1930 Bastin scored his first goal in the "Arsenal". It happened in a match against the club, "Sheffield Wednesday". True, the game was "Gunners" lost 2:3.

1930 ended for the "Arsenal" a brilliant achievement - was conquered by the English FA Cup. In the end, "the Gunners' club defeated" Huddersfield Town, "2-0. In the main match Bastin, however, did not score goals. However, to perform the feat in the semi-finals with the club, "Hull City". The first match ended in a draw 2-2. There was a replay, in which the only goal was scored just Bastin.

Since the FA Cup gives himself a monarch, can be excited young Bastin, when his hand after the final shaking the King George V.

His talent was fully revealed. Connoisseurs admire his style of football games. He combined in himself the great art of the pass and he could instantly make the leap to reach the impact position. He had such a partner, Joe Hulme and Alex James. They constituted an insuperable powerful offensive force capable of overcoming any defense.

It is believed that in those days, this trio was the most powerful in the world. Chapman arranged them so - instead of a central striker Alex James worked on the right and slightly behind him, Joe Hulme was located, but also on the left and slightly behind Cliff Bastin.

Photo — «Clifford Bastin»

Unfortunately, for various reasons, they only played together until 1935, and later the company made Bastin, Ted Drake and Jack Lambert. Their interaction occurred on the same model.

Experts pointed and perfect, chivalrous behavior Bastin on the field. Besides, it seemed nothing could take him out of himself - he has maintained an amazing composure in all situations.

The first great contribution to the cause of "Arsenal" Bastin introduced in the season 1930-1931 period, when the club became a champion. Footballer shone truly He was the third in the list of scorers with 28 goals. Especially impressive was his hat-trick at the Gates "Derby. " By the way, just "Arsenal" in the season, scoring 127 goals. Since then, this record has not been exceeded, no English club, and hardly at all possible.

In November 1931 Bastin was first called to the England squad for the match against Wales. This meant that he became the youngest player in England, who managed to become a champion, winning the FA Cup and play in addition to the team. It is estimated that in the day when Bastin was summoned to the national team, he was nineteen years and 249 days. Since then a young age, he was nicknamed Boy Bastin.

Looking ahead, we must say that all Bastin played for the team 21 games. It seems quite a bit, but do not forget that in 1928 England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland came from FIFA and since then basically only played each other. Only occasionally England traveled to Europe for friendly games or taking teams from different countries at home. Of course, the total number of these games do not compare with any modern games team.

Photo — «Clifford Bastin»

Moreover, with the outbreak of the Second World War, these games have stopped.

The next time the "Arsenal" became the champion of the season 1932-1933. This year has been set a personal record and Bastin - he was the best scorer of the championship with 33 balls. Looking ahead, we must say that it is Bastin was destined to become the champion of "Arsenal" on the number of goals scored in the Premier League - 150 goals. All in all, to his credit a total of 178 goals in 396 matches.

Cliff Bastin went on to play for the "Arsenal" and during the Second World War. Spent 244 matches and scored 71 goal. At this time in England were regional competitions - Southern Football League Cup, South Football League War Cup Football League, the London Military Cup, the London League.

London subjected to constant bombing, several bombs fell and the famous stadium of "Arsenal", "Highbury". Therefore, matches had to be conducted at the stadium of the club, "Tottenham Hotspur". And in the end hurt himself and Bastin: it strongly stunned by a bomb, and he had to leave the "Arsenal".

Yet after the war, Bastin played 6 matches in the club. "Arsenal" was completely drained of blood, as the nine players the basic structure were killed in the war. The last time a great player entered the field September 28, 1946, and then left football. But to celebrate the centenary of the club in 1986, he, of course, was one of the most honored guests.