Sports fans and students listened eagerly as they heard about the highs and lows of a career in football from a vice-chairman of a popular football club.

Canons High School, in Shaldon Road, Edgware, welcomed former Football Association and Arsenal Football Club board member David Dein as he joined a list of well-known guest speakers who have visited the school.

Mr Dein was invited to give a motivational speech to Year 10 and 11 students, drawing on his experience in the worlds of football and business.

The talk touched on his role in the formation of the FA premier League and his work at Arsenal Football Club, bringing a change in the culture and philosophy of the English game.

He said: “I was very impressed with the school and the students. They were engaged, most polite and asked some well thought out questions.

“My job satisfaction comes from an attentive audience who I hope absorbs the messages being delivered. I felt a very positive vibe from the students.”