In 1937-38 Arsenal became champions for the fifth time in eight seasons. Even so, the Gunners' air of invincibility was beginning to fade. The great Alex James retired at the end of the 1936-37 campaign, and in August 1938 Allison splashed out ?14,000 on a replacement.
The man with the new British record price tag on his head was Bryn Jones. No doubt Wolves were reluctant to sell their Welsh international, not least because they had a burgeoning side and had just finished runners-up to Arsenal by a single point. The depth of the Highbury coffers proved decisive, however, and Arsenal got their man. Whether the weight of expectation rested heavily on his shoulders, Jones was not at his best in 1938-39, which would be the last full season for seven years. Arsenal slipped to 5 th in the league. Ever ton taking top honours, with Wolves once agam having to setde for the runners-up spot.
Pompey hold the cup for seven years
The season turned into a double agony for Wolves as they went down in the Cup Final too. They faced Portsmouth, a team languishing in the bottom half of the table, and were red-hot favourites to lift the trophy. Portsmouth used all maimer of lucky omens and superstitions to aid their cause, as they had done in 1934.
Bringing in comedian Bud Flanagan to relax the team hadn't worked back then, but manager Jack Tinn continued to put a lot of faith in his "lucky spats". There had been a lot of publicity surrounding Wolves' use of so-called "monkey gland" treatment to aid the performance of their players. It didn't help them on the big day. It is said that when the Pompey camp saw the spidery scrawl of their opponents in the official autograph book, they knew they had a golden opportunity. The hands that had signed the book had obviously been shaking, and those feelings of anxiety accompanied the Wolves players onto the pitch. Portsmouth ran out comfortable 4-1 winners and would remain Cup holders for seven years.
Pompey magic
Portsmouth beat the odds when they outplayed favourites Wolverhampton Wanderers to lift the F A Cup in 1939. Such was the quality of their play the 4-I victory didn't flatter the victors.
Opposite: The greatest moment of Cup Final day: Guthrie followed by his victorious team receives the coveted trophy from the King in the royal box at Wembley while the Queen looks on.
Right: Jimmy Guthrie is chaired off the field carrying the Cup.
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