This is an edited version of my original article that appeared in issue 286 of The Gooner.
The 1980s may not have been kind to Arsenal fans, but there was a reason to be cheerful as the summer of 1983 progressed. Optimism and anticipation; hopes and expectations; and all because a certain 21-year-old Scottish centre forward had chosen Highbury as his new home.
It was clear to comprehend why Charlie Nicholas was seen as the hottest property in British football. Scoring 48 goals for Celtic in the previous campaign, it was inevitable that the English vultures would circle. Yet his final destination was far less predictable.