In December 1964 Pat Rice joined Arsenal as an apprentice, at first he wasn’t impressing the coaching staff at Highbury, but he was a strong character and very determined to play football in the first team. The care he took of himself off the training ground was in a manner befitting a professional athlete and soon enough the staff realised they had a true winner amongst there midst.
Pat was a right back for the gunners and held the captaincy for 3 seasons after Alan Ball left the club in 1977. During his time at Arsenal he won the 1970/71 double (Arsenal’s first ever double) and appeared in 5 FA Cup finals, winning 2 of them.
The Ulster man, who had grown up in North London, had been a supporter of Arsenal since he was a young boy. Whilst playing he always concentrated on doing the simple things well and minimising his weaknesses.
His first season in the first team was a great season for him as the Gunners completed the double. Pat Rice Left Highbury in 1980/81 to join Watford, being secure in the knowledge that all his hard work as a teenager had paid off. He had been through many different things at Arsenal.
When his stint at Watford ended in 1984 he returned to his beloved club to be youth coach. In 1996 Pat was made caretaker manager until the appointment of Arsène Wenger who made Pat his number two upon his arrival.
What a fantastic servant Rice has been for Arsenal Football Club. Arséne and Pat have formed a terrific partnership together, tactically sound on the sidelines, always sharing each others views and opinions even if it is something they don’t agree with.
His reign as assistant manager could end soon though, reports in the Arsenal camp suggest Rice’s wife is ill, how serious? at the time of writing I haven’t received enough information about the illness, but do understand that Pat Rice could step down this summer and possibly make way for current Portsmouth assistant Tony Adams. The former Gunners captain has been consistently linked with a role at the club this season and Rice’s possible departure could reignite that move.
Before I get bombarded with hundreds of questions, I would like to say, this is the only information I’ve been given, an update will be written when more info is released… Many thanks.
Pat Rice Profile From Arsenal-Land
Update: After receiving a comment from both Pat Rice’s son and Arsenal Football Club, I have found out that this news is not true and should be dismissed as utter rubbish. Pat is currently on holiday with his wife. Many apologies to the Rice family and anyone else effected by this news.
Tags: arsenal, pat rice, tony adams
May 20, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Pat Rice is a legend, but who love Adams to become assistant manager. We really need him on the training pitch, look at how he’s transformed Portsmouth’s defence. If Pat stays, fine by me, maybe we can get Adams on board anyway.
May 20, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Pat Rice is a legend but I would love to see TA back home working with the defence Senderos could learn a lot from him especially concentration
Sad about Pat Rices wife get better soon.
May 20, 2008 at 6:24 pm
pat rice is an absolute legend.
he is an inspiration to the fans and the club and if he goes i wish him the best of luck
May 20, 2008 at 6:26 pm
If this is true then I wish my sincerist and fullest best wishes to Pat Rice and his family. He will be 4eva a Gooner and I would like to express my deepest thanks to him for all he has done.
May 20, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Get Adams! Wish Pat’s wife speedy recovery!
May 20, 2008 at 6:32 pm
pat rice has been a true servant to the club i wish him all the best but i think this is just the change arsenal need, some new ideas and a sound defence, possibley TA maybe the future successor to arsene? what do you think
May 20, 2008 at 6:40 pm
One lengend steps off the team, hopefully to another. If true, good bye Pat, you are a hero of the club and no fan will ever have a bad word to say about you. If Mr Adam is offered the role I hope he accepts as I can think of no better present caretaker, or for that matter future manager of the club.
May 20, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Just to confirm, he’s considering leaving, nothing’s been announced.
May 20, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I’ve been an arsenal fan my whole life and i had the utmost respect of Big Tone as a player but, i don’t think Tony has enough up top to take Pat Rice’s place as no 2 to Wenger. I would love to have him onboard somewhere within the coaching team and think he would be an asset to our defense and his motavational skills would come in handy for geeing the lads up. But personally i don’t think he would cut it in management.
May 20, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I would rather have Keown come in as assistant rather than Adams. Adams seems to have fallen out of favor with Arsenal and has a high profile for an assistant. Keown can get the things done without any fuss.
May 20, 2008 at 6:54 pm
PAT IS A LEGEND. I wish him and his wife well…
As for Adams maybe they can work it out as a trio… or he can work as a defensive coach until Rice steps down.
He has done well at Arsenal but it would be unfair to replace Pat.
May 20, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Assistant Manager? There is definately no better man for the Job other than Mr Arsenal himself. His influence as a Captain of both Club and Country is legendary. Who was better? The Gallas bullying will stop the second he walks in the dressing room. The defense will become the most solid in the League and he’ll be there as an on hand Councillor to boot. The transformation of the team in terms of commitment, work rate and grit will be evident too. From who better could Tony finish learning Team management other than Wenger?
May 20, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Sarah;
Spot on! Whether Pat has to leave or not, there has to be a place for Keown in the coaching set up.
May 20, 2008 at 7:29 pm
[...] Rice set to leave, Adams lined up as replacement?! Pat Rice Set To Leave, Adams Lined Up As Replacement?! « Gooner Talk [...]
May 20, 2008 at 7:49 pm
I understand and, to some extent agree with what Sarah writes. But wouldn’t that be the Dream Team pairing…..3-5years together before AW decides to take occupation of his VERY com-for-ta-ble chair upstairs, get Martin Keown on board and most importantly make sure that Legend PR2 and his family are looked after and just keep going forward!!
NB this is all on the premise that the rumours are true!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 20, 2008 at 7:50 pm
its all rubish. pat forever. he will become the next arsenal boss
May 20, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Dear All,
I can confirm on behalf of my dad that he is not set to leave Arsenal FC. He and my mother are both well and are on holiday at the moment. Dad is looking forward to the new season. Thank you all for your concerns.
May 20, 2008 at 7:51 pm
its rubish, pat will take over from arsen next year with adams as his assistant
May 20, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Ok Stephen, hoping you are his son
May 20, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Hope his wife gets better, a real unsung hero at Arsenal…… Not sure how much truth to it is though. Two days ago I thought we had signed Nasri!
Nevertheless Grimandi seems to be a key man at Arsenal considering all the talent he spots on his travels. Maybe he will come and join the coaching staff! Giles what a man, I probalbly never slagged some one off so much in an Arsenal shirt…. bar Wiltord…. and Kiwomya though Giles did have one good season for us
May 20, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Forgot to mention Cygan, now theres one for the bad transfer book
May 20, 2008 at 8:26 pm
how do these stories start? are there really people around with nothing better to do than to make up a lie and spred it around. well done steve and say hi to mum and dad for me.pat rice tasty goal
May 20, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Adams was a great player for the club but as a coach he has failed so far and listening to his ramblings on tv i can’t see that changing.backward step for the club to appoint him.would rather see DB or even grimandi
May 20, 2008 at 8:31 pm
yeh he aint too clear is he ole Tony sounds like he is still on the sauce, doesnt seem to have a point just waffles
May 20, 2008 at 8:33 pm
poetry tony
May 20, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Stephen, well done!!
All the best to the parents. Pat Rice tasty goal (away at Reading in the cup – I was there!!!)
Pat Rice = continuity.
Islington Gazette 1968 ‘ Debut boy Rice brightens gloom’ after his debut.
May 20, 2008 at 8:45 pm
very glad that Pat’s wife is actually OK. As for Tone, I dont see it. I have a feeling that he and wenger dont exactly see eye to eye. Then Keown, wasn’t he let go when he started coaching the defence HIS way rather than the way wenger wanted it. Arsene is a control freak and does not want someone who is strong to rock the boat. Pat and Arsene get on well and Arsene feels more comfortable with Pat so I dont see anything changing here until wenger leaves Arsenal which hopefully wont be for a long time.
May 20, 2008 at 8:55 pm
well said gazzap. i must get back to east lower for a visit
May 20, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I thought Keown was allowed to coach/train with the Arsenal while he was working on his badges?
As for Tony Adams, hasn’t he kinda burnt his bridges at the club a bit? Didn’t even show for DB’s testimonial did he?
May 20, 2008 at 9:30 pm
I think this is a terrible rumour for someone to have started. The Wenger/Rice partnership has been great for many years and long may it last.
I’m with those who think that TA may have been a great player, but I really do not see him as a manager of a modern football club. Great players do not automatically make great managers.
May 20, 2008 at 9:53 pm
[...] news by Chris Gooner, Pat Rice is to step down as Assistant Manager of Arsenal as his wife is not keeping well these [...]
May 20, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Worst decision Arsenal can make at this time is letting Tony Adams any where near the first team. Having a big ego might be very good for a captain but disastrous for a number 2. How long before his massive ego begins underminding AW unpopular but well thought out decisions. He has won 1 coaching trophy and already is talking directly to the supporters about his defensive achievements at Pompey and starting inuendo about Diarra. We supporters love the club but let’s face it. TA , Ian Wright really only love themselves and the club is a good vehicle.
May 20, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Gunner Jillu i have to agree cagon was of the worts players i have ever seen people are running senderos but that guy was rubbish.
If we could adams in type coaching role it would help defence noend not only that,he might beable to teach galas .being proper captain and setting an example to younger players
May 21, 2008 at 12:11 am
Ricey is a true Gentleman and an Arsenal Legend i hope his wife is allright and that he stays on.I still think we should find a job for Big Tone aka Mr.Arsenal.
May 21, 2008 at 12:29 am
Why is pat rice a legend ? what has he done or what game has he changed ? I have wondered what his role at arsenal atcually is
Good player ! Not a great player, nice bloke but not somone who has infulenced the wenger period.
May 21, 2008 at 12:34 am
Pat is and always will be a legend at Arsenal. May the good Lord bless his wife and family. Prayers for his wife speedy recovery and hope to see a place for him at Arsenal eventhough we are getting Tony in.
May 21, 2008 at 1:12 am
in my opinion Wenger & Adams are the perfect partnership and would have a very positive impact on the club as a whole -The sooner this can happen the better
We of course wish Pat all the best as a very loyal servant to the club
May 21, 2008 at 2:08 am
http://jamjam25.wordpress.com/
check this out please people
May 21, 2008 at 2:08 am
its a work in progress
May 21, 2008 at 7:09 am
pat rice is a legend for arsenal a wall of greats is reserved 4 him… may the lord jesus bless his loving wife to a speedy recovery…
Sarah spot on… i too would love keown to be arsenal’s number he truly might be more effective in the dressing room and his knowledge about football is as vast as mr.arsenal a.k.a tony adams… keown for arsenal’s no.2!!!
May 21, 2008 at 7:54 am
Dear All,
Can I just re-iterate my comments from last night and that is I can confirm that my dad is not set to leave Arsenal FC.
He and my mother are both well and are on holiday at the moment. Dad is looking forward to the new season.
May 21, 2008 at 8:00 am
gooner chris, do you not think that the word sorry would be nice to the rice family for spredding stories about some ones wife and mother?
May 21, 2008 at 8:21 am
Good luck to Pat and his wife!
Adams wuold be our biggest and best signing this summer
May 21, 2008 at 8:22 am
would even
May 21, 2008 at 8:36 am
Pat…if the above is true I wish you and your family my best wishes and regards. We met a few times ( in the Finsbury Park Hamburger joint) when you were very young and had long chats about the future. Im glad to say that all your ambitions then have been acheived and more. So, it will be sad for you to have to leave but family always comes first, and you know that you are now a permanent name on the legends board.
Thanks mate
May 21, 2008 at 11:19 am
Umm, so the evidence is that he’s been linked with us before?
Complete utter speculation.
May 21, 2008 at 11:43 am
hi,ola from Nigeria,pat rice is an arsenal living legend 4 sure.wish he’s wife speedy recovery.please go get martin keown,he should add some byte to the weak defence,tell them stuff they need to hear,know and do.
May 21, 2008 at 12:34 pm
hello,
i would love him to please leave,because i have never seen him been influencial in arsene’s decision.i never reckoned with him being the assistant.maybe we should start sayin bye PAT.i would love to see an assistant who could be of influence in arsene’s decision.we all know that arsene is a difficulf man to work with and again i would wellcome Adams home coming(if Portsmouth would let go).to Emirates.he still have a question to answer.Why he didnt show up for Bergkamps testimonial.thats all i have against him.welcome home boy.
May 21, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Hi I’m a gooner for life
Pat Rice has and always will be an Arsenal legend.Even if you have’nt heard of him.If you think he has’nt done anything,he helps Arsene Wenger with basically everything.Tony Adams is the Redknapp’s assistant,and he used to be a gooner captain.
Peace from Cyprus!
May 21, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Tony won’t come into the Arsenal fold while Wenger is still at Arsenal. Not in any capacity.
Massive respect for Pat. Hope the Mrs gets better soon.
May 21, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I would have really preferred that Rice left so that he could spend his days puttering around his garden, watching the tide come in or watching his grandkids grow up and not because he has to deal with a personal tragedy. Here’s to hoping his wife gets well.
That being said, I think Tony Adams would be a great replacement for Rice. Portsmouth may not be a flashy team to watch and do not score a lot of goals but they are damned hard to break down.
May 21, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Adams would stop the gallas bullying?????????? what are you on???????
May 21, 2008 at 3:21 pm
you are a bunch of muppets. please read steven rice post, saying that his family are well. the story just is not true and pat will be in his seat next to arsen next season. the players have full respect for pat who is 100% arsenal and 100% a football man with great knowledge of the game.
May 21, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Well said Dizzy.
May 21, 2008 at 4:15 pm
what a nice way to write about a club.
May 21, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Yep sorry guys, won’t be looking for info from my source again as he comes out with disgusting bollocks like this.
May 21, 2008 at 5:09 pm
well done gooner chris. respect for you.
May 21, 2008 at 5:20 pm
pat! you will be remembered for your services. Wish you well. You contributed to unbeaten season.Thanks
May 21, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Guys for god’s sake READ entry 41.
May 22, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Please read the comments before you post. He and his wife are all well. But still hope Cap marvel comes back and joins us. Why cann’t we have two assistant managers.
June 3, 2008 at 2:41 pm
http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?article=492163&lid=NewsHeadline&sub=Rice+-+Last+term’s+experience+stands+us+in+good+stead&sublid=NewsHeadline&Title=Rice+-+Last+term’s+experience+stands+us+in+good+stead&f=rss
“The first rumour on a website claimed that I was leaving because my wife is in ill health. That is completely and utterly a lie. I’m really surprised and disappointed that someone would say something like that when it’s not true.
June 3, 2008 at 2:59 pm
[...] few weeks ago Gooner Talk posted up an article stating that sources close to the club said Pat’s wife was ill and he was considering leaving [...]