A former Arsenal vice chairman revealed he shares his life motto with turtles when he spoke to students today (September 19).

David Dein, who was on the club’s board between 1983 and 2007, spoke to Year 12 pupils at Enfield Grammar School this morning on his life in football.

Mr Dein, who saw Arsenal win 18 trophies including five league titles in his time at the club, began with a series of jokes at the expense of Manchester United, Chelsea and Spurs.

He then went on to talk about his career, including his arrival at Arsenal, his role in forming the premier League, and what has made him a successful businessman.

The 73-year-old said: “I have the motto of the turtles – you don’t get anywhere unless you stick your neck out.

“I have been a fan since the age of eight, eventually I got a season ticket. As I got older I saw they had some unissued shares, about 15 per cent of the club.

“I wrote to the chairman saying I would like to subscribe, and sent a blank cheque, to show I was serious.

“They invited me for an interview, and I must have done quite well.

“When we were forming the Premier League, people got nervous, are you glamour clubs going to try and run away with the money? I still have a scrap of paper at home, a founders’ agreement, promising and making sure the money, funding and support is all equitable.”

Mr Dein, who was one of three speakers on the morning, including John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, expressed his desire for independent time keeping in the game, said it was “insane” England have not hosted the World Cup since 1966 and should bid again for 2026, and said of Arsene Wenger signing a new contract: “It totally depends on him, he is very single minded.”

He also touched on Arsenal’s recent struggles to challenge for the title, saying attitude could be a problem, and alluding to an incident with former goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

He said: “Two magic words – behaviour and attitude. They are crucial to your success. I see too many players who have the technique, physique and awareness, but they come in late for training, their attitude is poor, they don’t have the desire.

“One match against Southampton, a player was photographed smoking in the dressing room. That is poor attitude, and that player is no longer at the club.

“Two of the greatest players I have ever had the pleasure of working with, Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, they would always still be on the training ground when it was going dark, practicing, trying to get better. Take pride in your work, you will be judged on it.”