Arthur Wood

Wood’s career began at Southampton, where his father Harry - a talented international forward - had spent many years of his distinguished career. Although Arthur chose to follow his father into the sport, he opted for a very different position, choosing to become a goalkeeper. He had only just begun to earn a regular place in the Saints’ first team before the First World War led to the suspension of the Football League at the conclusion of the 1914-15 season. During the three years that followed, Wood served with the Dublin Fusiliers, seeing action in Egypt, where he was a member of the army tug-of-war team. Ironically, despite weighing in at a hefty fifteen stone, Wood was the smallest man in the team! After the War, Wood spent a further two campaigns at Southampton, before joining Clapton Orient in 1921. His debut that September marked a stunning run of two hundred and twenty - five consecutive Football League appearances for the O’s, which saw him become the mainstay and captain of the side. One of his most impressive matches came in a 2-0 FA Cup fifth round victory at home to Newcastle United on 20th February 1926. In contrast, Wood was also between the sticks for an 8-0 FA Cup fourth round loss to Aston Villa three years later, which remains the O’s record loss to this day. Wood departed from Orient in 1931 and returned to his native south coast, where he continued to play for local non-league sides. He passed away in 1941, aged just forty-seven. Making three hundred and ninety- five appearances while in east London, only three other players (Peter Allen, Stan Charlton and Terry Howard) have played more games for the club.