Dan Lewis (footballer)

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For other people of the same name, see Dan Lewis.

Daniel "Dan" Lewis (December 11, 1902 – 1965) was a Welsh football goalkeeper, who is most notable for his time playing for Arsenal.

Born in Maerdy, Glamorgan, Lewis first played for local clubs, before moving to London and joining Clapton Orient. His move to the big time came in 1924 when he joined First Division Arsenal. He made his debut for the Gunners on November 15, 1924 against Everton; Arsenal won 3-2 and Lewis remained for the next thirteen games. However, after letting in five in a match at home to Huddersfield Town on February 14, 1925, Lewis was dropped.

After Herbert Chapman arrived as Arsenal manager in 1925, Lewis shared goalkeeping duties with Jock Robson and Bill Harper, but Lewis gradually became the club's No. 1, particularly after Robson and Harper left in 1926 and 1927 respectively. He won his first cap for Wales in a 3-3 draw against England on February 12, 1927. In all he won three caps, the last of which was a 6-0 defeat by England at Stamford Bridge on November 20, 1929.

The most infamous moment of Lewis' Arsenal career was the 1927 FA Cup Final, against Cardiff City at Wembley Stadium; it was the Gunners' first Cup final, which they lost 1-0 thanks to an error by Lewis. In the 74th minute, Cardiff striker Hughie Ferguson hit a tame shot straight at Lewis, who dived down to make what should have been a comfortable save. However, Lewis fumbled the ball as he gathered it, and it slipped between his body and the crook of his elbow; Lewis turned around and tried in vain to reclaim the ball but only succeeded in knocking it with his elbow into the back of the net. Cardiff won the match 1-0, the first and only time a Welsh club has won the FA Cup, ironic given Lewis was a Welsh international himself. Lewis blamed his brand new jersey for the error, saying the wool was too greasy for him to grip the ball properly; since then, according to club legend, no Arsenal goalkeeper has played an FA Cup final with a new jersey.

Lewis continued to play as Arsenal's regular goalkeeper for the next three seasons. However, when they reached Wembley for their second Cup final in 1930, Lewis was dropped by Chapman, who feared Lewis would not be able to cope with the pressure, and Charlie Preedy took his place. Arsenal beat Huddersfield 2-0 to claim their first major trophy. His confidence shattered, Lewis hardly figured at all the following season, particularly after the signings of Bill Harper (for a second spell) and Gerard Keizer. He was transferred to Gillingham in May 1931. In all he played 169 matches for Arsenal.

Lewis played only six times for Gillingham and apparently retired from professional football soon after. He died in 1965, at the age of 62.