FORMER Arsenal chairman David Dein visited the Appleton School, in Croft Road, Benfleet, for a careers talk.

Mr Dein, who hired manager Arsene Wenger in 1996, joined pupils through the Speakers for Schools programmes. He gave Years 9 and 10 youngsters an insight into the world of football.

Julia Hilliker, a business and enterprise manager at the school, said: “They are from 14 to 16, so the best way for them to hear about potential careers is for people to speak to them. Many of our pupils are interested in sports. It went really well and they had many interesting questions.”

Mr Dein joined the Arsenal board in 1983 and was made vice-chairman in the same year. He saw the club win 18 trophies during his 24-year reign.

He rose to be vice-chairman of the Football Association, and has served on numerous UEFA and FIFA Committees.

He said: “I was very impressed with the response from pupils and teachers.’’ Headteacher Karen Kerridge said: “David delivered a very inspiring talk that fully engaged all the pupils.’’