On this day [13 June]: Defender John Devine joined Norwich as a free agent

On 13 June 1983, defender John Devine joined Norwich City on a free transfer, according to the Official Club website.

Born John Anthony Devine in Dublin, Ireland on November 11 1958, he joined Arsenal in 1974 alongside his fellow Irish apprentices. As a result of his calm yet still authoritative nature in the back line, John Devine was able to progress through the youth ranks to make it to the senior team, signing his first professional contract with the Gunners in 1976.

He was however, unable to make his debut until April of 1978, where Arsenal registered an emphatic 3-1 victory over Leeds United in the League. He played in the 1980 FA Cup final and although Terry Neill’s side lost 3-1 to West Ham United, John Devine was passed over the mantle in defense by the legendary Pat Rice.

According to Arsenal.com, John Devine made a total of 111 appearances, with 89 of them being in the First Division before joining Norwich. He later went on to play for Shamrock Rovers and East Bengal Club in India before finally retiring in 1991.

Don't Miss:

• [Team news] Arsenal line up vs Sheff Utd – Injury woes increase
• Predicted Arsenal line up vs Slavia Prague – It’s “all or nothing”
• Arsenal icon Martin Keown says squad will be ‘baffled’ by star’s omission