Doug Lishman

Born in Birmingham, Lishman first played as a centre forward for non-league Paget Rangers, before signing as a professional for Third Division South Walsall in August 1946. In two seasons with the Saddlers, Lishman scored 26 goals in 59 league appearances. He was signed by Arsenal in the summer of 1948 for £10,500, as backup for Reg Lewis, who was only 28 but becoming ever more frequently injured. Lishman made his debut against Sheffield United on 4 September 1948, but after a promising first season (scoring 13 goals in 25 appearances), Lishman's 1949–50 and 1950–51 seasons were marred by injury. Lishman was passed over for the 1950 FA Cup Final (which Arsenal won 2–0), in favour of Lewis and Peter Goring, and then just as he came back into the Arsenal first team, he broke his leg playing against Stoke City in December 1950. However, Lishman recovered to become Arsenal's top scorer in 1950–51, and the next season hit 30 goals, including three hat-tricks in three successive home matches; Arsenal finished third that season. The following 1951–52 season they reached the 1952 FA Cup Final, only to lose to Newcastle United; a series of injuries meant only eight fit players finished the match as no substitutes were allowed in those days. Lishman came close for Arsenal with a header, which clipped the crossbar, but Arsenal still lost the game 1–0. Lishman's disappointment was soon forgotten, as Arsenal won the League Championship in 1952–53. Lishman was again Arsenal's top scorer,…

Arsenal

Football League First Division: 1952–53 FA Charity Shield: 1953 FA Cup runner-up: 1951–52