Dave Male could have had no idea that his decision to attend a match while he was on holiday in Spain two years ago would uncover a remarkable family link to one of English football’s brightest young prospects. The retired teacher was staying just down the road from the Pinatar Arena in Murcia and went along to watch England Under-16s in a friendly against Italy. “I was looking at the team sheet and that’s when the name Dowman hit me straight away,” Male recalls.

On the pitch that day was a 14-year-old Max Dowman, already standing out as England claimed a 2-1 victory. But for Male, it wasn’t just the performance that caught his attention. It was his name. Male, a keen genealogist, recognised it instantly from his own family history.

“My grandmother was born Maria Maud Dowman and she was the mother of George Male, who captained Arsenal and England. So it turns out he is distantly related to Max through his great, great, great, great grandfather William Dowman,” he says.

It is understood that Dowman’s family were not aware of the link until contacted by the Guardian but they are said to have welcomed the news.

Latest Arsenal News