Former Arsenal Chairman Sir Chips Keswick Dies, Aged 84

The football world mourns the loss of Sir Chips Keswick, who passed away at the age of 84. The ex-chairman of Arsenal Football Club, he was a respected figure in the sport, known for his dedication to the game and to the club he served for several years. His tenure at Arsenal was marked by a series of accomplishments, including two FA Cup triumphs and consistently leading the team to compete in the Champions League—a testament to his leadership and vision for the club.

A devoted supporter of Arsenal from an early age, Keswick retired from his position in 2020, desiring to dedicate more time to his family and his interest in horse racing. His affinity for the equestrian sport was well-known, extending to ownership of racehorses—a venture he undertook alongside notable figures, including the late Queen. Keswick’s impact on football and horse racing remains a significant part of his legacy, leaving behind memories of a life steeped in sporting excellence.

Further Reading

Sir Chips Keswick emerged as a significant figure in the history of Arsenal Football Club. His journey began as a fervent fan, first spectating from the boys’ stand at Highbury in 1949, and culminated in the honourable role of Chairman. Throughout his tenure, Keswick’s allegiance was never in doubt, having been enchanted early on by players like the Compton brothers, Jimmy Logie, and his ultimate idol, George Swindin—not just for his goalkeeping but also his managerial stints.

Keswick cultivated his professional competence in the banking sector, where his path intersected with the ex-Chairman Peter Hill-Wood, also a banker by trade. Recognising Keswick’s sharp business insight and deep-seated passion for Arsenal, Hill-Wood proposed him as an ideal candidate for the club’s board—a position Keswick accepted alongside Lord Harris on 24 November 2005. Within the boardroom, he was acknowledged for his lucidity, popularity, and influence, attributes that earmarked him as the successor to Hill-Wood in June 2013.

The years of Keswick’s chairmanship, which lasted until May 2020, were marked by the club’s consistent participation in the UEFA Champions League and the triumph in the FA Cup in 2017 and 2020. The latter, his final season, was symbolic, concluding his engagement with the club on a high note.

Retired Life

Post-chairmanship, Keswick dedicated his time to family life and pursued his other sporting love: horse racing. He held a notable reputation within the community as an owner of several racehorses.

His withdrawal from Arsenal brought about an end of an era, and his passing was met with heartfelt tributes from the club. Keswick’s contribution to the Arsenal Football Club left an indelible mark, and his absence profoundly felt. Condolences have been extended to his family—Lady Sarah, his wife, and their children David, Tobias, and Adam.