As Chapmanniversary approaches learn more about Arsenal's revolutionary boss with exciting new children's book Little Legends: Herbert Chapman  

The Man Who Made Arsenal: Find out about Little Legends' children's book on Herbert Chapman 

The hundredth anniversary of Herbert Chapman becoming Arsenal manager is fast approaching.

Dubbed the “The Chapmanniversary”, June 11, 2025 will mark 100 years to the day Chapman joined to transform the Gunners from a club that had never won anything, into a club that eventually won everything.

To commemorate and celebrate “The Chapmanniversary”, author Martin Keady and illustrator Guy Harvey have produced the first ever children’s book about him - “Little Legends: Herbert Chapman”.

Arsenal fans and football fans in general may know Chapman’s name but not necessarily his story, yet it is remarkable.

Born at the end of the 19th century, he was the son of a Yorkshire coal-miner who was determined that his boys would not follow him underground and so encouraged them to become professional footballers to escape having to work in a pit.

However, Herbert had to wait and watch as several of his older brothers became professional players before he finally got his chance.

Even then, he was never much more than a journeyman as a player (including for Arsenal’s North London rivals Spurs). But when he became a manager after retiring from playing, he completely transformed football in general and Arsenal in particular.

Little Legends: Herbert Chapman is the story of Herbert’s life, encompassing triumph, disaster and ultimately an unforgettable legacy as the first great football manager. On the hundredth anniversary of his taking over at Arsenal, this is a book for children – and Gooners! – of all ages.

Information about the book:

Little Legends: Herbert Chapman is available to buy now from Amazon for £6.99:

Buy it here

Information about the authors:

Guy Harvey is a professional illustrator with more than 30 years of experience in illustrating books, including children’s books. He is the founder of Plum Jam Publishing and the creator of the “Little Legends” series of children’s books about great football players and managers.

Martin Keady is a playwright and screenwriter whose work has been produced on stage, screen, radio and online. For more information about his major credits, please see his website The Shakespeare Plays   

Martin he has also written about sport, particularly football and tennis, for Last Word On Sport  for the last decade.