DOUBLE DELIGHT

The announcement of a ‘double signing’ is always a striking moment. For two players to arrive at a new club on the same day, and usually as part of the same move, is a rare occurrence yet, in our history, we have witnessed a fair few of them. Following the recent arrival of our latest pair, Gareth Bale and Sergio Reguilon from Real Madrid, Liam Carson takes a look back at some of the other ‘double signings’ we have made over the years.

- Liam Carson

OSVALDO ARDILES AND RICARDO VILLA

Signed July, 1978, from Argentinian sides Huracán and Racing Club

Perhaps the pinnacle of our double signings, Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa went on to become Club legends after swapping Argentina for England in 1978. Joining us on the back of glory at that summer’s World Cup in their homeland, where they helped La Albiceleste to the most-prized trophy in the game with victory over the Netherlands, they were sensational acquisitions by the Club, with the skilful south American duo going on to make nearly 500 appearances and scoring half-a-century of goals between them in five years together in north London.

In that time, the pair earned not just their legendary status but also their place as cult heroes – especially in our 1981 FA Cup Final triumph. Along with the rest of the squad, the pair memorably sang on Chas and Dave’s cup final song ‘Ossie’s Dream’ before playing in the showpiece at Wembley. And Ricky will forever be remembered for his replay brace – especially his 76th-minute winner. Villa departed north London in 1983 but Ossie stayed on until 1988 before returning to manage us for the 1993/94 season.

SIMON DAVIES AND MATTHEW ETHERINGTON

Signed January, 2000, from Peterborough United