Ralph Birkett (1938/39 to 1940/41)

Outside-right Ralph Birkett attracted attention when playing for Torquay United and a message, flashed up on a cinema screen telling him to report to the box office, was the first he knew of his move to the Arsenal.

He did not get many opportunities in London and he moved to Middlesbrough in 1935 where he solved their outside right problem.

On Teesside he developed a reputation as a progressive and goal-scoring wingman. He was a fast and clever outside-right who possessed a powerful - although sometimes erratic - shot and was a consistent goalscorer. His excellent form saw him capped for England against Ireland in 1936.

However, during 1937/38, Birkett was afflicted by a series of leg injuries and lost his place to Milne. He joined United during the summer.

He started the season as the first-choice outside-right, but did not strike his best form. His confidence seem to suffer as a result and in December he was dropped although it was claimed that the club was helping him as his wife was just about to give birth.

Ralph would only start four more League games plus three Cup matches with reserve Rogers and then Park being preferred.

The outbreak of War brought the 1939/40 season to a halt after only three games (voided in the record books).

Ralph enlisted in January 1940 with a view to becoming a PT instructor and he played over 30 matches for the Army. He was stationed in India for two years and also featured for the Allservices side which toured Burma and India.

He also played 39 games for United in the wartime leagues as well as making guest appearances for numerous other clubs.