Career
Born in West Ham, London, Male trialled with West Ham United before playing with non-league Clapton. He joined Arsenal as an amateur in November 1929, turning professional in May 1930 and made his debut in a 7-1 victory over Blackpool on 27 December 1930. Initially a left-winger or left-half, usually deputising for Bob John.
Arsenal controversially lost 2-1 to Newcastle United, after Newcastle"s equaliser had come after the ball had already gone behind for a goal kick.
In 1932, with Arsenal"s current right back Tom Parker ageing and his replacement, Leslie Compton, not looking entirely assured, Male was converted from left half to right back by Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman. Male would later recount how, before being told of the switch by Chapman, he entered his office fearing for his future at the club, but Chapman convinced him not only could he play at right back, but that he was the best right back in the country.
Bolstered by Chapman"s pep talk, Male slotted into the right back role easily, and he became a near ever-present for the next seven seasons. He was undisputed first-choice right back and played over 35 matches for every season in that period.
By the end of the 1930s, Male was Arsenal captain, although injuries restricted his appearances in 1938-1939.
However, World World War II intervened when Male was 29 and at the peak of his career. He played nearly 200 wartime matches for Arsenal, as well as serving in the Royal Air Force in Palestine. Upon the resumption of League football Male was 36, but still played 8 times in Arsenal"s 1947-1948 First Division-winning season, and thus became the first player in League history to play in six title-winning seasons.
His last match for Arsenal was an 8-0 victory over Grimsby Town in May 1948.
In all he played 318 matches for the Gunners, though he never scored a goal. After retiring from playing, Male became a coach at Arsenal, training the youth and reserve teams.
He was later a scout, discovering, amongst others, Charlie George. Although at the time of his death in February 1998, at the age of 87, he was reported as being the last survivor of the Herbert Chapman era, Ray Bowden survived until September that year, and to a greater age (89).