Kenny Sansom
Kenny Samsom was born in Camberwell south london on 26th September 1958.
Kenny first started playing football when he was 10 years old. It was on a green, on the Brandon Estate off of the Walworth Road where he lived as youngster.
Within five years, Kenny found himself playing for his country at the age of 15 at Wembley, for the England Schoolboys and was still not realising or thinking about becoming a professional footballer at that time. People around soon realised his talent, and many clubs were very interested in signing him as an apprentice. QPR, Tottenham, Arsenal, Leeds to name a few. After discussions with his family Kenny chose Crystal Palace. Within 2 years found himself playing for the first team.
After 3 great seasons at Palace playing 9 full England internationals there became major interest from Arsenal Football club.
Kenny finally made the move in August 1980. He Successfully played at Arsenal for eight and a half years. Collecting another 77 full England caps making a grand total of 86, making Kenny 8th capped player for England of all time. Plus making Kenny the most capped full back in England’s history.
After leaving Arsenal in 1988 Kenny played for 3 or 4 other clubs including Newcastle, QPR, Coventry and brief spells at Everton and Brentford.
Kenny was very fortunate to play with some great players i.e. Jim Cannon, Vince Hilaire, David O’leary, Pat Jennings, Graham Rix, Ray Wilkins, Bryan Robson, Peter Beardsley, Tony Adams, Peter Shilton, Glen Hoddle, Chris Waddle, Gary Lineker, and many more. Also some great managers too. Including Terry Venables, George Graham, Don Howe, Bobby Robson, Ron Greenwood to name a few!
INTERNATIONAL HONOURS
England Schoolboys, England Youth, England Under 21′S, England B.
Plus 86 times England International.
League/ Cup plus international over 700 appearances in total.
Phew! what an achievement!
Now Kenny actively works in the Media/ TV / Radio and at the Emirates Stadium at Arsenal Football Club.
Also likes to do after dinner speaking and Q & A evenings Kenny really enjoys mixing with the fans.
