albiston_arthur
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| Name: Arthur Richard Albiston |
Nationality: Scotland |
| Position: full-back |
Signing Information: Signed Trainee: 07/1972. Signed Professional: 15/07/1974 |
| Birthdate: 14-07-1957 |
Years at Club: 1974-1988 |
| Age: (67) |
Debut: 09/10/1974 v Manchester City (H) 1-0 (League Cup 3rd Round) |
| Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland |
Previous clubs: |
| Height: 5' 7" (1.70m) |
Farewell to Manchester United: Transferred to West Bromwich Albion 07/06/1988, £Free |
| Weight: 11st 5lbs (72.12kg) |
Passed Away: |
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Arthur Albiston is a former Scottish footballer best known for his time as a left-back for Manchester United during the 1970s and 1980s. A reliable and consistent defender, Albiston was an integral part of United’s defense for over a decade. He won three FA Cups with the club and earned recognition for his solid performances at both club and international levels.
Early Career and Rise at Manchester United
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Albiston joined Manchester United as a youth player in 1972 after being scouted while playing for Salvesen Boys Club. He worked his way through the club’s academy and made his first-team debut under manager Tommy Docherty in 1974. His first appearance came in a League Cup match against Manchester City, where Albiston's composure and defensive ability quickly caught the eye.
By the late 1970s, Albiston had established himself as United’s first-choice left-back. His defensive stability, positioning, and ability to contribute offensively when needed made him a crucial part of the team.
Career at Manchester United (1974–1988)
Albiston spent 14 years at Manchester United, making 485 appearances for the club in all competitions, placing him among the top appearance-makers in the club’s history. He was known for his consistency and reliability, rarely putting a foot wrong in defense.
Key Achievements at Manchester United:
Three FA Cup Wins: Albiston was part of the Manchester United team that won the FA Cup three times—in 1977, 1983, and 1985. He played a vital role in the 1983 FA Cup final, where United defeated Brighton & Hove Albion after a replay.
First Division Regular: Throughout his time at United, Albiston was a regular in the team, contributing to their stability and competitiveness in the First Division (now the Premier League).
Defensive Stalwart: While not a flashy player, Albiston’s work ethic and ability to read the game made him a dependable left-back, often praised for his tackling, composure under pressure, and discipline in defense.
Playing Style: Consistent and Composed
Albiston was known for his composure and positional awareness. He wasn’t the most attacking full-back of his era, but his primary role was to provide defensive stability, which he did with great efficiency. His reliability and calmness on the ball ensured he was rarely beaten in one-on-one situations, and he was known for making timely interceptions and tackles.
Later Career
After leaving Manchester United in 1988, Albiston had brief spells at several clubs, including West Bromwich Albion, Dundee, Chesterfield, Molde in Norway, and Ayr United. He continued to perform at a high level, though his time at these clubs was shorter than his long stint at Manchester United.
International Career
Albiston also had a successful international career, earning 14 caps for the Scotland national team. He was part of Scotland’s squad for the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, where he featured as one of the team's key defensive options.
Legacy
Arthur Albiston is remembered as one of Manchester United’s most reliable and consistent defenders during a period of transition and success for the club. His longevity and the sheer number of appearances he made for United highlight his importance to the team. Albiston’s contribution to three FA Cup triumphs adds to his legacy as a United great, and his loyalty to the club over 14 seasons earned him the respect of fans and teammates alike.
Post-Retirement and Media Work
After retiring from professional football, Albiston remained involved in the game through various media roles. He became a pundit and commentator for Manchester United TV (MUTV), where he provided insights and analysis on the club's matches, drawing on his vast experience at Old Trafford.
Summary
Arthur Albiston is a former Manchester United left-back who made 485 appearances for the club between 1974 and 1988. Known for his reliability and consistency, Albiston won three FA Cups with United and was an integral part of the team for over a decade. He also earned 14 caps for Scotland and represented his country at the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Albiston’s calmness in defense and professionalism make him one of Manchester United’s most respected players of his era. |
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| League |
League Cup |
FA Cup |
Charity Shield |
European Cup |
Europa League |
Super Cup |
Cup Winners Cup |
Inter-Continental Cup |
World Clubs Cup |
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| No |
Season |
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Season
Goals |
Season
Apps |
| 1 |
1974-1975 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
| 2 |
1975-1976 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
| 3 |
1976-1977 |
0 |
17 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
25 |
| 4 |
1977-1978 |
0 |
28 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
38 |
| 5 |
1978-1979 |
0 |
33 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
42 |
| 6 |
1979-1980 |
0 |
25 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
28 |
| 7 |
1980-1981 |
1 |
42 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
49 |
| 8 |
1981-1982 |
1 |
42 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
45 |
| 9 |
1982-1983 |
1 |
38 |
1 |
9 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
56 |
| 10 |
1983-1984 |
2 |
40 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
56 |
| 11 |
1984-1985 |
0 |
39 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
57 |
| 12 |
1985-1986 |
1 |
37 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
46 |
| 13 |
1986-1987 |
0 |
22 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
26 |
| 14 |
1987-1988 |
0 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
| TOTALS |
6 |
379 |
1 |
40 |
0 |
36 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
15 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
12 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
485 |
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