Daily Bits and Bobs

Midfielder deal agreed, ‘We have no bottle’ says Milan man……..

Posted on by rico

The next ‘I want to return to my home club’ player has agreed terms on a professional contract, oh whoopee we all say, another 17-year-old on a good salary and he’s not even played for the first team…

How much is he now on a week, £30K? more? Less? I don’t know, but what I think we all know is its money we could be using towards getting current important players tied down or using in the summer to pay wages to players who will make a difference now.

Add to that, the money could be paying players who really want to be at Arsenal, not just another Barcelona youth reject who will be bred in the Arsenal way, only to return to his home club one day for peanuts…

I say peanuts as we all know that Cesc Fabregas could have been sold for twice the price we got for him, had he been on sale in the ‘open market’.

Anyway….

Later today the squad will be jetting off to Italy, ready to face AC Milan tomorrow night. Thierry Henry will be making his final contribution to our side for this term so let’s hope it’s a fitting result as we wave him goodbye. He and the rest of our players could be up against ex Spurs flop Kevin Prince Boateng who just like all the ex-spuds, always seem to want to spout about something they know little about.

The problem with Arsenal is one day they play amazing football and then they play really badly

In the end they don’t have balance. They either play unbelievable football or they don’t know what they’re doing.

It comes down to inexperience. Arsenal don’t know what you have to do to win titles — they’re always close but they break down.

All their players are young, of course they’re hungry but they don’t know how to get this target.

Without the experience it’s difficult — to take the last step, experience is what you need. To win the league or to reach the semi-final or final of the Champions League you need experience.

There’s always something missing at Arsenal. That bit is the experience — we have so much of that at Milan and I think that’s what they need.’

What exactly gives Boateng the right to start spouting about us, he knows very little really…

In fact all he did here in the Premier League was follow ‘Arry around from Tottenham to Portsmouth and put an end to Michael Ballack’s International career with a dreadful tackle which caused ligament damage to the then Chelsea player who in turn missed the 2010 World Cup.

It’s not important what he thinks as we will turn up for this game and be ready to come home with a good result, just hope ‘Prince’ leaves his dirty tackles off the pitch!

That’s if he plays of course, he’s only started one Champions League fixture this season…

Finally and to end on a sad note, no doubt the regulars here on Highbury House have noticed the absence of Lee over the last couple of weeks. Lee’s Mum, Carol has been fighting Cancer for a while now and at 3.30am this morning, she passed away.

I know I speak for all the regulars here on Highbury House when I say our thoughts are with Lee and his family at this dreadfully sad time. I pray that they will all find the strength needed over the coming weeks and months as they come to terms with their very sad loss.

Carol, may you now Rest in Peace………..

 

 

rico

223 thoughts on “Midfielder deal agreed, ‘We have no bottle’ says Milan man……..”

  1. Scott from Oz says:

    The kid should not be labelled as anything other than a Gunner until proven otherwise.
    If we,the fans,are already speaking of him in these terms,then why the hell wouldn’t he want to leave in a few years time?
    It’s not fair,and not warranted.
    Lee,very,very sorry to hear of your loss.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  3. rico says:

    Morning all…

    Scott, it just narks me thats all, another player, one of two we signed from Barca who we all know will want to go home as soon as he can – isn’t he the one who said that on the day he signed for us??

    Time will tell….

  5. M.M says:

    Amazed you think he’s on 30k a week with his first professional contract when Adebayor was earning 35k the same season he scored around 30 goals. Be realistic if your gonna start slating some kid you haven’t seen play. If he gives us anywhere near the amount of years Fabregas did then he’s worth it.

  7. enigma106 says:

    First!

    I agree with everything you wrote about the Barca ex-reject Jon Toral…he’s tipped to have a bright future but he’ll probably be plucked from us in 5 years time when he’s hitting a steep direction in his learning curve.

    I really like KP Boateng as a player but these statements were a bit foolish from a bloke that knows nothing about Arsenal.

    As for Lee, sorry mate. Accept my warm condolences.

    Enigma106

  8. enigma106 says:

    Well, I’m not the “first”…

    Scott from Oz beat me to it. 🙁

    Hey Scott! Hope your enjoying your valentine’s day.

  9. rico says:

    M.M – which part of:

    ‘How much is he now on a week, £30K? more? Less? I don’t know’

    is difficult to understand, i said i don’t know and to be honest what we need is players who will make a difference now….

  11. Mohd Isa says:

    Rest assured Martin will order his men to sprint like greyhounds on a fox chase when the whistle is blown. The best answer Arsenal can give him is to win ,even 1-0 will be satisfying.
    I believe Sunderland will go on the attack instead of the counter attack. They won’t hold back and the gunners defence must stand its ground.Hopefully if the defence does its job,the gunners will win. If not expect a replay with extra time. That is Martin’s strategy to exhaust the gunners.

  13. devilgunner says:

    My condolescences Lee.

    Its a sad loss. ALthough physically she may not be there with you now, she will always be with you till your last breath. All that you are now and all that you have achieved is thanks to her. Even all that you are not, because she has managed to guide you on the right path and helped nurture the character you have today.

    It is your right to mourn her loss, but at the same time be thankful that she has been there with you up till this point in your life.

    And whatever more you achieve in life you can just be sure that much of it was down to her and her loving guidance to you.

    One day you will see her again……..but not yet.

  16. Tlailaxu says:

    Well I never saw Toral play so I can’t say much…30K a week is nonsense,now if he is good and becomes an important part of first team,then I kind of cross out him leaving us…be realistic and honest with urself rico,cesc left for one reason only-trophies,not friends,not money,Wenger would have payed him 150K a week easily and now think of it,if we/he(cesc) was successful then there is no way he would have left us for less than £55-60m…the thing is,if player is imensly talented and first class but not successful he will cost considerably less than if he was a proven winner…

  17. Scott from Oz says:

    Rico,we got some great seasons plus 35 million out of Fabregas(which admittedly should have gone to better use),so I dont think we should complain.
    I just think its very harsh.
    If this kid wins us a championship or FA Cup,gives us 5 or 6 seasons and we sell him for 40 or 50 million,I say we should bloody rapt.
    Imagine how we’d feel if we sold Jack at 17 and paid 50 million 6 years later……..we would all be absolutely filthy.
    There are very,very,very few one club players nowadays.

  18. SMF says:

    Rico, wasn’t it Jon Toral who signed a new contract? The one who’s half brittish and wanted to leave barca to go ‘home’? Bellerin was the one who said he’d want to return to barca one day.

  19. Steve of Chiang Mai says:

    Haha you kill me…..if the flow of young player dried up you would whinge about that too. This kid is worth signing for a number of reasons….least of all to tick off Barcelona!

  20. W.A.T.H says:

    Have to agree with SFO on this one Rico, can’t see us paying this kid anywhere near 30k a week maybe 10/15k a week but also just remember he don’t have Barca DNA his Mum is English….! 😉

  21. Scott from Oz says:

    Thanks Enigma.
    I saw a few minute video of him….he’s an attacking midfielder,but can’t he find the net.
    He’s definitely got an instinct for scoring.
    Yes,it was a tiny portion of him,showing positive aspects only,but he looked very classy.
    Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt.

  22. Steve says:

    Good to see you slating a kid that has just signed his first professional contract with Arsenal.

    Hopefully your spite and hate will catch on, eh?

    Fingers crossed you’ll be able to “Boo” him in a few years if he makes his debut at the Emirates.

  23. Goonster says:

    Lee my man, be strong. It ain’t easy losing a parent let alone a mother. May she rest in peace. Morning HH, boateng is just another ex spud who deserves a huge kick on his tenders. Why do these freaks think they know it all. First redcrap now this! Boy i outta….

  25. allezkev says:

    Morning Gooners.
    Morning Rico.
    Thought provoking post. Another good un boss.

    We’re all with ya Lee. Chin up mate.

  27. allezkev says:

    I suppose we just have to accept that Toral is a symptom of the financial model that Arsenal are under the present Board and Owner.
    Get them in young. Develop them. Sell them.
    Sounds like Ajax…

  29. devilgunner says:

    Hiya AK.

    The only downside to your comment is that Ajax have a habit of winning in Holland. Do we win that much????

  32. Scott from Oz says:

    Forget the quotes from Princess Boateng……a journo asks a question and these dopes respond……some never know when to shut up,but we only read one side.
    Like TV5 being grumpy.
    Like Hazard “wanting” to play for Spuds.
    All just shit,and one sided reporting.

  34. W.A.T.H says:

    Steve 10.33, don’t quite think thats what is being said and lets be honest a fair few of the ones we’ve got in from Spain have made it clear they wanna go back no sooner have they arrived…. I personally think Toral Harper will be different as said he’s half English so none of this Barca DNA bollox….! We need to get em on contracts when they young otherwise they will get poached but lets hope its not a contract that over inflated like a lot of the other very average players we now cant get rid of due to their over the top salaries…!

  35. allezkev says:

    Yeah, i know habib, but Ajax don’t have financially doped competition.
    Where you see the comparison now is in CL. Where great european teams from Holland are now in the Europa Lge.

  36. rico says:

    ‘Other Steve’

    I’m not slating the player, i’m knocking the way we sign so many overseas kids and no doubt pay them good money before they have really done anything… and then, when they do, they return home –

    i don’t do booing at the ems!!

  41. Goonster says:

    Morning DG, ex players just ticks me off. Ours,spuds’ and mancs’. I can’t stand them. Hope we rip the italians to bits. That ll learn him. What a c**t faced bastard. I ve got a good feeling about tomorrow you guys. We ll thonk them really good. Come on you fucking gunners rip them italians to shreds and kick that twat faced prick boateng on the kisser. What a tool. I hate him. Grrr

  42. rico says:

    I take the point being made about the 30k a week, but all i am trying to get accross is we pay too many kids too good a salary when they have done naff all.

    So many of us want rid of a few players, well the reason we can’t is they are usee to being paid such a hig wage, an amount that other clubs laugh at….

  44. Marinello says:

    Morning all,
    Firstly, very sad news about your Mum passing away Lee. Take time to grieve, its very important. Your Mum will never be far from you and although you cannot see her, you will always feel her presence and fond memories may fade but never go away.

    Big test tomorrow night, all players have to be on their game and put in a full shift, concentration levels have to be at their highest.
    Would shut a few spuds up if we come away with a draw.

    Rico, I hear and understand your concerns about the signing of the young player, but he has to be given a chance and as Scott said its a rare thing for a player to remain with one club in this day and age.

  46. Goonster says:

    Hiya ak, how’s the missus? I have a feeling we ll be drawing madrid in the next round. I ll be coming over and need a place to stay…say do you have any grown up daughters? *winks*

  49. Scott from Oz says:

    Remember too,the reason we can get these kids is we sign them to a contract at a younger age than Barca can…..along with that comes bigger wages,as we still need to make it worth their while to leave their home.

  50. W.A.T.H says:

    Tlai……

    You’ll have to excuse our goonster that’s how he is… very excitable and says it as he thinks it….!

  53. devilgunner says:

    Get a leash quick. Tie him down.

    Dont let Goonie escape again.

    Tlailaxu……..pity Goonie a bit. He’s a bit of a queer excitable fella. Sometimes when he gets excited his throat starts squeeling in a shrilling manner and he starts wriggling about in an uncontrollable manner. His tongue and fingers start flaililng about like a caught eel or thraxhing about like an octopus

  54. Gooner Sam says:

    Morning All, Prince-Bellend, noone cares what you think! Thoughts are with Lee and family at the difficult time.

  56. W.A.T.H says:

    Rico, it’s not a matter of waving the white flag, what you say is relative to our business the last 5/6 years, we’ve paid far to many players excess salaries and rewarded them for no reason what so ever hence we’re now lumbered with players we can’t sell due to their high salaries and no one wants them…! Players need to be signed young I agree but then further contract extensions and improved deals should be relative to these players getting better and showing quality not just because they have a year left…!

  57. Marinello says:

    Ha ha, nice one Rico.
    Remember I told you about my 2 sons band The Electric Flowers, they have signed to a new Manager, Lembit Opik.

    Any predictions on a score tomorrow night?

  60. Lee says:

    You lot really are “top-drawer” btw…. Thanks very much for your kind words & support I will definitely be passing them on to my family!!!!
    Cheers everyone!! 🙂

  62. rico says:

    Ha ha Scott but I’m not so stubborn, i’d much rather we had just secured a player for now but i take the points on board, i had forgotten he has an english mum and that this for him was about coming home…

    wonder if he will choose to play for england or spain, if he’s good enough in the future….

  64. Tlailaxu says:

    I say there will be at least 4 goals…I hope for 3-1 or 4-0 to Arsenal…I just can’t see them breaking through Sagna,TV5,Kos,Coq…if we play this defence line it’s highly unlikely us conceding a goal…

  66. W.A.T.H says:

    JM, The chances of Hazard going to sperz are about as good as sperz winning the league… No chance…

    61, never again….!

    Take care Lee…….

  67. devilgunner says:

    tbh…..I thought that against Sunderland AFC should have gone with the back line you mentioned Tlailaxu. I had the feeling that one of Koz/Per/Verm should have been rested. Personally I was thinking that he should have started with Sagna/ Per/ Verm/ Coq and then introduced Kozzer at around the 50th minute for one of Per/Verm.

    One of Per/Verm/Kozzer is due a good rest

  69. W.A.T.H says:

    Tlai…………… that’s very optimistic mate, us beating them 4-0 in the San Siro… hmmmmmmmmm interesting, I’d settle for that 🙂

  72. Scott from Oz says:

    JM,my theory is who cares???
    Again,As in the case with Princess Boateng,Hazard was simply answering a question,but the “reports” make out he is initiating the comments and rumours.
    Read the bits reported,then read the complete conversation and his comments are the put in the right context.
    Lee,keep your chin up champion.

  76. Goonster says:

    Hahaha DG you grim reaping tosser. Just a few weeks down the line and i ll be in your hair 24/7. Gotta run guys community service calls. See ya…and ak i mean it. I ll be needing a place to stay. Can’t stay with mama bear cause i might eat her dog, can’t stay with DG cause i don’t trust him and still need me soul. Micko would have been it but am a recovering alcoholic and can’t afford to be around so much booze. So think about. See ya pals.

  77. Marinello says:

    WATH has a good point Rico to make about your point.
    Also, what effect does paying a young player from abroad more than say a home grown player, who plays in the same team, does it not create a bit of bad feeling?
    I always believe that there needs to be a wage structure in place at all levels.
    I know that this is slightly different, but on meeting Charlie George a couple of times, he said that when he played for the Arse, there was a wage structure in place, and huge problems occurred when Alan Ball was signed and the wage structure was broken. Loyal experienced players like him and McLintock etc were extremely upset with the double standards created by ‘Harry Hill’ Wood at the time.

  80. rico says:

    Going on from your 11.18 Wath, as we have said before too, look at how many players we have around the same age, there isn’t going to be enough room for them all but we just keep on signing them…

    Surely AW must be able to see who is good enough already, The Ox is a similar age and look what he’s already doing…

    i’m not against getting the younger players in the door, but like you say, over the last 5/6 years it seems to have been at the expense of what the first team squad has desperately needed…

  81. Marinello says:

    Correct Rico, the same Lembit of Cheekie girl liaison…..
    They got a mention on Channel 5 Mathew Wright show last Wednesday and their picture was shown. Early days, but he may get them the media publicity that is required to promote interest.

  82. rico says:

    I think that is quite relative Marinello, i don’t know what Toral has just secured in his pay packet but if it’s more than what players are already on at the same age, it’s going to cheese a few off, just like it did all those years ago…

  83. W.A.T.H says:

    Terrence Henry was also in his prime Rico, he tore Inter a new one….!

    AC will be a hard game they still solid at the back but old, hopefully our pace will hurt them and a goal would be great…! I’d settle for a score draw if we can;t nick a 1-0 win…!

  84. rico says:

    oops devil, another i got wrong today…. 😉

    I saw him in ‘the jungle’ Marinello – he certainly seems to get about a bit, has to be good for your son’s band…

  85. devilgunner says:

    although the italians know how to defend, they will suit our style more than say Stoke or Sunderland. They will not park the bus especially at home. They will want to win. The best thing is that they have old players who although have experience they get tired a lot after the 60th minute.

    We need to get a good advantage. Hope everyone fires all cylinders.

  86. Marinello says:

    WATH you could be spot on with the score draw 1-1, but what a final goodbye if TH nipped in to score the winner in the 88th minute.
    Also, to them the Ox is a bit of an unknown quantity, and could rip them apart with his fearless runs and darting trickery….

  88. rico says:

    Even Alililliliadiare scored that night didn’t he Wath??

    I’d be happy if we draw tbh, especially a high scoring one ….

  90. W.A.T.H says:

    Now your really pushing the story book ending after Saturday Marinello 😉

    An away goal always good even if we draw but Scott’s 2-1 also has a ring to it and yep Ox is unknown to them and quick and they will try kick him early no doubt but the lad made of harder stuff than that and won’t just vanish thats for sure

  92. M.M says:

    So if you don’t know, how can you say he’s not worth what he’s getting and the money could be better spent else where? And who do you suggest we sign that can make an immediate impact then? The transfer window is shut. I expect deals in the summer and bendtner, Denison, chamakh and arshavin will all in my opinion be off our wage bill. This IS money that can be spent elsewhere. As for the youngster he will not be overpaid and if he produces half of what cesc did I couldn’t care if he ends up pissing off or not. People have a go at wenger from attracting youngsters from the biggest club in the world. Incredible.

  93. Micko says:

    Scott, call yourself a gentleman, didn’t see you passing your tin hat over to rico earlier when see needed it !

    Arteta will put Toral right on a few issues, no worries there.

  94. M.M says:

    And also I feel Milan will be a comfortable win. Agree with everything you said about KPB. And hope he gets a fiery reception from our players aswell as fans! Abate is quick but dodgy. And nesta mexes and ambrosini are experienced but old I think our wingers will damage them and RVP’s movement will be too much! I also don’t see too much attacking threat as Robinho and Pato have both suffered a bad season and Ibrahimovic is very hit and miss! Hoping for a Kosc and Verm partnership! Been looking forward to it a long time!

  95. enigma106 says:

    @rico: You know this. I hope the trend changes though. Arsenal is not a feeder club and will never be.
    @scott: we’ll give the benefit of doubt. Heard that he has scored 3 goals for the Under-18s this season.

  97. Marinello says:

    A victory tomorrow will do the teams confidence a world of good, next up Sunderland. FA Cup is all about turning up on the day with true belief that your team is going to win, no matter what, and being up for a game that is looked upon as a one off.
    Lets hope the team doesn’t pick up any injuries tomorrow.

  98. Scott from Oz says:

    3 goals is correct Enigma.
    I read it earlier…..either here,or on FB…….and I agree with it,that the kid must be bloody good,as he’s only been with the club for 6 months and already has a contract.

  100. Andy Powers says:

    Both JHT & Gnarby are future stars in the making for AFC. Mind you, if you take a look at the conveyer belt of youngsters who are coming through the ranks of the reserves etc, our future does indeed look very bright and not as a feeder club either..

    Don’t get me wrong, as I have posted previously like many others not happy about the direction in where the AFC old guard who masquerade as our board are taking us, but hopefully things will change in the not too distant future.

  101. W.A.T.H says:

    Cheers Scott…..

    Re – Sunderland at the weekend, Think we can after seeing the pitch last week Marinello pick a few players who not as technical for the Cup game, a team thats going to go out and fight and compete and win…. we can’t play decent football on that cabbage patch so lets just make sure we win…!

  102. W.A.T.H says:

    The problem I see Any P is to many kids all about the same age… who do you keep and who do you move on…? We can’t keep them all is the main concern..!

  105. Matt J says:

    There were so many comments lol… na i hope not we wouldnt hear the last of it at least… nothing in the world i hate the most then gobby FLIDS!

  106. Marinello says:

    Matt:
    Would “Dodgy Harry’s” rumoured England Manager offer not stymie such a move. Wouldn’t Hazard want to be sure that Harry is still the Manager and that they will definitely offer him CL football. Also the wages that he would command. The Spuds have a similar wage structure to the Arse, although they do have the Sugar Daddy Joe Lewis in the background ready to assist with his billions…..

  107. Matt J says:

    Marinello – good shout, i think that would put them back to reality… cant wait for judgement day to come for them! however i have seen the video of his interview and he doe praise them alot.. but who knows.. knowing the chavs they prob are waiting to pounce! i prey though that arsene does at least try and attempt to get him a big signing is defo in need at least not for the fans then for RVP cause if it wasnt for him this season who knows what mess we would be in!! back to sunday post i still think usmanov is the answer for us going forth and bring back dein!!

  109. Marinello says:

    Matt- I agree with your point about Usmanov and Dein. Although Dein is no spring chicken and is a very rich man, he still loves the Arse, has a fire in his belly and I think it would be a good move for say 5 years to have him at the helm. He has such an extensive
    worldwide contact book from his days at the FA, and is someone that not only the Fans respect, but also players and Directors alike.
    Still can’t quite believe how Harry got away with the offshore account in his Dogs name, that smells of a corrupt way of shovelling illegal gains into a dodgy account, and I have no Legal training…….

  110. stevepalmer1 says:

    Afternoon all,
    I think what we have to get used to, is that Wenger will keep on buying these youngsters, he wont stop, like it or not thats Arsenals future. Gone are the big name signings, At the end of the day were not doing that bad from it either. We have to forget what other teams are doing and what their spending. What i see is sticking in the throats of most Gooners is the fact that the mob down the road are above us and looking better than what we are. Sticks in my throat as well but we are still in fourth place with plenty of games still to play, we have players who will be coming back and some that are back, forget about the big signings its not going to happen, all we can hope for is that players like torrel or whatever his name is will improve quickly and aid our progress in the future. I moaned about the Ox coming i moaned about Jenks coming and i probably moaned about Fabregas coming but they have turned out good players and i don’t doubt torrel harper will turn out the same, Only a few weeks ago people doubted we could get top four but were there, i hope were higher than that at the end of the year,It may not be coming fast enough for some but we are still among the top teams challenging and i’m sure we wont self destruct this season as we did last. We are learning with youngsters and we will keep on improving, whether we can afford top player signings or not, is neither here or there, this is the way were doing it and thats it.

  111. Marinello says:

    Steve, its been a long time since the Spuds were above us in the League and a true rival like back in the old days. Let them enjoy the moment, they have a good team and are playing with confidence and with a Manager who appears to have a Guardian Angel permanently sitting on his shoulder…
    But, the Arse have a team that are now starting to gel and play with a bit of fire in the old belly, have players returning from injuries, and
    maybe are starting to have a bit of self belief. Will be interesting to see how the first game after Henry leaves, goes. He must have had an effect in the dressing room and at London Colney etc.

  112. W.A.T.H says:

    I hear ya SP but it’s back to the same old questions of what exactly are we paying for then when we expected to pay the highest tkt prices on the planet after being told we were moving to compete for the best players and all we buy is kids and then fail to buy any kind of top name player…!?!?!?

  113. stevepalmer1 says:

    I only hope your right Marinello, I have faith in this way of doing things, i would like to see all the new Youngsters get on well, the only criticism i have is moving the ones that don’t improve out before bringing new ones in.
    As you say Marinello, about the Spuds, yes they do have a good team, twitch has brought in some good talent and managed to keep some that wanted to jump ship, He has motivated players like Adebayor, and Parkers signing was a master stroke only that is short term where were working on long term, i think our way will keep us in the top four or five where their way will not last.

  114. Matt J says:

    There something defo dodge with the ticket prices going up and its only going to get worst if the fans arent seeing the investment back…

    Also its great getting these youngst in, but who do they have to work with and learn from senior playerwise? Arsenal biggest flaw was not replacing the players they sold with the same quality

  115. Marinello says:

    Matt- Hear what you are saying, but even the likes of Benayoum and Arteta will impart their experience and advice onto the likes of the younger members in the squad. Add that to Vermalan, and Robin etc they have experienced playing at he highest level.
    WATH made a good point about the increased pricing of actually watching a game at the Emirates, but hopefully if the team keep winning and rise up the League Wenger may add a couple of additions at the end of the season, after ridding us of the dead wood….

  116. stevepalmer1 says:

    Thats another question Wath. I agree with what your saying. Thats a question that the Board should be answering Ticket prices i agree is scandelous and prices for Arsenal paraphanalia from The Arsenal Outlets is also wrong. Many of the things the board are responsible for is soley down to them, and many supporters are showing their dissaproval by staying away and not buying from the outlets. The trouble with that is that there are many that will still turn up and still buy. And what that means is that when Arsenal do start hitting the trophies, a lot of new support will also flood in. I’m afraid thats sign of the times.

  117. stevepalmer1 says:

    Good points there Matt J who do they learn from. I have a sneaky feeling that when Pat Rice moves on at the end of the season there will be a major shake up with our training, or am i just wishful thinking.

  118. W.A.T.H says:

    SP, most of the “sales pitch” to move to the space bowl was about increased revenues to be able to buy the best players……….. Show me one since we have moved from Highbury that is a player that everyone wanted and yet we got him…? there isn’t one and we’ve not even come close…! Some may say AA but who else was really in for him..? no one…!
    If we actually win something SP the proper supporters get pushed further afield while the club pampers to the corporates, the tourists the jcl’s and then the glory hunters who’d support us cos we’d won something….! Oh yippee welcome to the real world of football…!

  119. agirlagunner says:

    Lee, 🙁 my condolences. I join with the many here who hope that over time you will be fine. Just think, you have another angel now.

  120. Marinello says:

    I think the Board only really care about their Corporate customers, not the real fans. I do feel for some Parents who have saved up to take maybe two children to a game, pay top prices for seats, a trip to the Arsenal shop, £7.50 fart burger, a drink and then sit down to watch the likes of Squillaci put on a Clowns performance. Not much of a day out and maybe not one to remember….

  121. agirlagunner says:

    rico, these days this feeder club label rankles because it’s more than a little true. Pffft. But if Toral’s as good as has been suggested, it can only be good for us.

    I saw a bit of Ryo’s debut, and he has great movement. Very zippy but direct. I hope he learns loads out on loan. Very, very promising.

  122. W.A.T.H says:

    Certainly not one you wanna go back to either Marinello……. Prices are driving the normal family man with kids away from the Arsenal its impossible to take the kids and bring up the next generation….!

  123. stevepalmer1 says:

    I have to agree again Wath, it doesn’t sound fair i must agree, but at the end of the day the way the Board see’s it is that all supporters start off somewhere and once hooked hope fully they stay. As far as their concerned its a win win situation.

  126. Marinello says:

    Here’s one for you Steve and W.A.T.H.
    I attended a game against Everton in 96 at the invitation of a Supplier at a Company that I then worked for. They had a box at the Clock End. We had a nice meat pie meal with veg and on going out onto the veranda to look out over the ground, I struck up a conversation with Mad Frankie Fraser, who was in the box next to mine.
    I enquired how long he had been coming to the Arsenal and he said, “at every opportunity when I wasn’t banged up for 40 years”.
    I then asked him if he owned the box, he said no, and that he hadn’t a clue who owned it, but that he attended all home games.
    These boxes cost something like £14k a game.
    The point that I make, is that even Mad Frank got to go to all home games, but the real fan would be lucky to get tickets even then, and if he could they were still expensive.

  128. W.A.T.H says:

    It’s always about who you know not what you know Marinello, ppl get to go to games that are celebs or actors etc etc and sure the club needs boxes and execs to fill them but not at the expense of neglecting the real fans and pricing them out of going and being able to tke their kids, we’re taken for granted and the club continues to take the piss out of us season after season…!

  129. potter says:

    Lee :- I lost my parents some time ago however what you have to do is mourn the loss but remember what she gave you.
    As for Toral it is different to Cesc , he was a child progidy and in the Spanish team with all the players he knew at a young and impressionable age . It was easy to turn his mind. If Toral takes the normal time to develop he will be more grounded by the time the next contract comes to bear. Hopefully.

  130. stevepalmer1 says:

    I must admit Marinello i don’t go too often, since we moved to the Ems i have only been about half a dozen times but everytime i’ve been its been at a friends expense, They have season tickets and have more than one they normally go as a family but now and again someone doesn’t go and rather than wasting the ticket they ask me or another friend, i have tried every time to pay for the seat and they will never take the money so i try and make up for it by buing the beer or the breakfast or even the fairs up there, it was only the other day when i looked online to buy a couple of tickets for me and the Mrs where i saw the actual prices. I have heard all the ST holders moaning and i’m not supprised, I wouldnt pay those prices for the tickets not for a game of football whoever is playing, and now i feel ashamed at how much i offered my friends. If i am asked again i will seriously think about refusing because now i know i feel guilty.

  131. Marinello says:

    W.A.T.H- Not long after this meeting, Mad Frankie Fraser was shot
    in the head whilst leaving the Turnmill Club in Clerkenwell, from the back of a motor bike that sped away. I have my suspicions that it could have been carried out by an irate Arsenal fan who arranged the hit, because he could never get tickets to a game but Frank could!

  134. Marinello says:

    Steve Palmer: My brother used to do the same for me. He had 2 season tickets that belonged to a mate of his who was ill for a year, so often I would get the call. By the time I had bought the beers, programmes for him, his mate and his son, had a cafe meal then more beers, it worked out dearer than if I had actually paid the full £60 for the seat.
    Don’t feel guilty Steve, if good friends want to give you something, and ask nothing in return, they are true friends. They would probably have been offended if you had forced the money on them.

  136. rico says:

    😆 Steve…. like you, i have only gone when a friend didn’t use his season ticket, so same as Marinello, don’t feel guity, not one bit – its not only the ticket that takes money, its getting there, a cup of coffee etc, it all adds up…..

  137. rico says:

    Carl Jenkinson:

    “Overall I felt the injury was a shame really because I was really getting into my stride before I got injured,” he told Arsenal.com. “I was gutted about that but I am almost back now and I am just looking forward to showing people what I can do to impress in an Arsenal shirt.

    “It’s been strange because I got my chance at Charlton because of an injury. The first-choice right back at Charlton at the time was a lot older than me, he got injured and I took my chance.

    “Now I’ve experienced the other side and it has been a bit of a nightmare, knowing I would have probably got an awful lot of chances in that time.

    “Every time I pull on an Arsenal shirt it’s an honour and to think that I have probably missed out on a good 10 games that I could have played in has just been frustrating. But at the same time it’s enabled me to take a step back and watch and learn.

    “I have had different experiences with injuries but I am close to fitness now so hopefully the future will be brighter.

  138. Marinello says:

    Rico and Steve Palmer:
    My son and myself have Red Membership cards, they sometimes get us Carling Cup games or low rated games like Bolton or Wigan, but when we got to the CC final against Birmingham, we had attended all Carling Cup games right up to the final and guess what, come the final, Red card members were excluded from getting tickets…..

  139. rico says:

    I used to be a Red Member too Marinello, but quit that a couple of years ago, got fed up with not being able to get tickets and wondered exaclty what the benefits were…..

    That about the CC final, just about sums things up doesn’t it, shocking way to treat fans – they should have a system in place where they can see who has supported the ‘under strength’ sides on the journey and given them the chance to go to the final….

    I wonder how many afc fans went to the final but didn’t go to the games that got us there….

  140. allezkev says:

    Afternoon Gooners.
    Bring back Bartley now!
    Especially with BFG out for 4/6 weeks.
    Or once our medical team get hold of him, 4/6 months….

  141. stevepalmer1 says:

    I think Wath hit it on the head when he said we moved from a smaller stadium to a bigger one so to allow us to buy better players, and of course you would have thought that it would enabled more supporters the chance to go to more games . instead they put the prices up and sell more season tickets, Its amazing that with a sixty thousand seater stadium we still can’t decide on the day whether we want to go to a match and pay on the door

  146. stevepalmer1 says:

    Give me the old days when we passed the kids down over our heads, i reckon we could make a hundred thousand that way. No trouble singing a song in those days all that comfort in seats is no way to watch a football match, the only good thing nowadays is there are no staunchings

  147. Micko says:

    I’ve got one of the cheapest season tickets in the ground, the tickets average out at £45 over 26 games, we get the 7 extra cup matches each season which i don’t think any other clubs do.

    Marinello, you think you got it bad, i wasn’t allocated a ticket for any of our last 2 cup finals, a blessing in disguise as we lost them both.

  148. allezkev says:

    I had two seats that i took from the Clock End to the Grove.
    My eldest son and his mate took them over in 2007 when i couldn’t go for a year.
    Neither can really afford them, but are scared to give them up because of all the spin put out by the club over waiting lists etc.
    I hate those at the club responsible for ripping us off.
    I don’t a shit about PHW and all the other cnuting spongers at the club.
    I wish they’d just fcuk off

    Rant over… 😀

  149. rico says:

    LG ran a post on AU yesterday AK, but not seen anything concrete yet, maybe he doesn’t have to tell anyone he’s bought shares or the deals aren’t quite done yet….

  151. Marinello says:

    Steve Palmer- I remember in the late 60’s queuing for tickets on a cold Sunday morning at 6am, at Highbury, packed lunch and a flask of tea, standing huddled and freezing with my brother who lived at nearby Finsbury Park, to buy tickets for the away game or home game against Spurs or United.
    There would be thousands there waiting patiently to get a ticket. Those days the old ground would hold 60+ thousand, all standing apart from the East and West stands, middle and upper tier.
    But as a real fan, you had a great chance of obtaining a ticket. Then if they reached a cup final etc, you would need to collect tokens that were at the back of the programme, and use these to obtain a cup final ticket. (My brother and I could only afford one programme and as he was working and older, he went to the Cup finals). Somehow, I got to go to the 2 League Cup finals at Wembley….. The Token system was quite a unique early marketing ploy, no programme token, no ticket……

  152. allezkev says:

    Is that right Mick, £45….?

    I’m in the singing section at the ‘North Bank’ [so fcuking contrived], i think they work out at £40…

  154. Marinello says:

    Nice one Allezkev re the Peter Hill Wood comment. It really is as the saying goes “Like Father like son.” His Dad Dennis was a pompous Twonk as well. He used to use the Family enclosure below his leather seat in the 60’s, as an ash tray as he tapped his cigar ash out.
    Still he was an Old Etonian, why did I expect any different……

  155. allezkev says:

    My Dad took me to to the two League Cup finals in 68 and 69.
    He got the tickets from touts in Wembley Way.
    It was quite an experience, all those crowds.
    I just recall how crowded the tube station at Wembley was.
    The tickets costs him about 10 bob for two if i recall.
    Er that’s 50p in modern money… 🙂

  158. rico says:

    So if we are playing tomorrow, Man Utd and Man City must be playing tonight, don’t know which match to watch…..

    😉 😉

  159. Marinello says:

    Yeh thats right Allezkev. I cried at both. The Don Rogers Swindon final was probably the worse, they were a third Division Club. The Club announced after the game, that the players had had a flu bug the week before…. It was also the week after the Wembley Horse Trials and the pitch was awful for both sides. Bobby Gould played his heart out.

  161. Micko says:

    That’s the strange thing rico, they’re front row seats or did you mean to see LJW.
    Kev, i did think about moving to the North Bank but i’m surrounded by a good bunch of gooners.

  162. stevepalmer1 says:

    You saying that Rico, one of my mates has seats in the upper tier halfway line blinding seats but when i sat there i couldn’t recognise most of the players. I must be getting old.

    Marinello great days, and great memories, I used to walk from Manor house to the ground couldn’t do it now though.

  163. allezkev says:

    Marinello i was in among the Swindon fans right next to the tunnel.

    Our players looked exhausted at half-time.
    The pitch was a disgrace.

  165. Marinello says:

    Right, Rico, Steve Palmer, Allezkev, Micko, Potter, AGAG, I have to get some food shopping done, then out for a Fish pie meal that my girl friend has cooked, in Orpington. Long way to go for a north London lad, must watch out for nose bleeds.
    Have a good night all of you, and catch you all later.
    Take care now.

    Marinello

  166. allezkev says:

    It’s good where i am Mick.
    But if your settled, then that’s fair enough mate.
    The reason i [ or my son ] wouldn’t move is the Gooners around us.
    A lot of them do the away games as well.
    I would if i could afford it.
    Used to prefer going behind enemy lines. 😉

  170. allezkev says:

    Steve 4.33.
    I struggle when the ball is down the other end.

    The mince-pies can’t handle long distance anymore.

    Well not the numbers on the shirts… 🙁

  171. allezkev says:

    It’s strange. I only missed 1 domestic cup final from 1968 onwards during the Highbury years.
    Not seen a single cup final since we moved to The Grove.
    But i bet the touts haven’t missed out?

  173. rico says:

    Thats value for money then Micko, i thought you’d be up in the rafters 😉

    🙂 Steve, that’s probably because you thought Arshain whould eb on the right but he was in goal, you know Arsene 😉

  182. agirlagunner says:

    AK, the good sales seem over. 😉 The next super good ones should be around April.

    Steve, none today. 🙁 🙁 I already have 4 of my 12 new pairs though. 😎

  183. allezkev says:

    Comfortable win for Reserves as Academy pair train with first-team

    February 14, 2012by Jeorge Bird3 Comments

    Premier Reserve League – Arsenal 3 (Yennaris, Ozyakup, Roberts) Wolves 0

    Arsenal Reserves achieved their second win in succession with a comfortable 3-0 victory over their Wolves counterparts at London Colney this afternoon.

    The Gunners took the lead through Nico Yennaris, before strikes from Oguzhan Ozyakup and substitute Philip Roberts, his first goal at this level, added gloss to the victory.

    Coach Neil Banfield was without recent signing Thomas Eisfeld, who missed out through injury, but could call upon a member of the first-team squad in Sebastien Squillaci. Ignasi Miquel also returned to the side, whilst Nigel Neita earned his first Reserve League call-up on the bench after an impressive showing for the under-18s at the weekend.

    Martinez

    Angha-Squillaci-Miquel-Meade

    Eastmond-Yennaris

    Ebecilio-Ozyakup-Gnabry

    Ansah

    subs: Shea, Rees, Monteiro, Roberts, Neita.

    Wolves contained several familiar names in their line-up, such as Ronald Zubar, Richard Stearman, Karl Henry, Jody Craddock and Adam Hamill, but it was the hosts who set the early pace and it was in that manner, by a large, that the rest of the game was to continue.

    First, Serge Gnabry cut inside to find Ozyakup, but the Dutchman saw his shot blocked, then the latter had a free-kick turned over the bar.

    It wasn’t long until Banfield’s side made the breakthrough, however, with Martin Angha bisecting the Wolves defence with a precise ball to find Zak Ansah who in turn fed Yennaris to open the scoring.

    Wolves did awake from their slumber a little bit thereafter, Ethan Ebanks-Landell embarking on an ambitious run from left back before lashing his shot wide. Arsenal responded with Ansah seeing a shot blocked after good work from Kyle Ebecilio and, despite both of Wolves’ full-backs attempting to cause problems, the Arsenal defence, Jernade Meade in particular, stood firm.

    Gnabry was involved in the first effort of the second period too, curling a shot just wide, before Ansah and Ebecilio squandered chances from close range in quick succession and Angha did likewise after another surging run from the back.

    Ebecilio then went for goal again, but it was his compatriot Ozyakup who would eventually double the advantage after a charging run and sumptuous finish.

    Roberts, on for Ebecilio, then latched on to Ozyakup’s pinpoint cross to steer home the third, further evidencing the claims that Ozyakup should go out on loan in the near future.

  184. allezkev says:

    However, Wenger is less positive about the return of Mertesacker, who injured his ankle as he attempted to control the ball in Saturday’s 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light.

    The 27-year-old has returned to Germany to have his ankle assessed.

    Wenger said: “He had a reconstruction of his ankle in Germany before he joined us and the scan didn’t look to positive yesterday [Monday].

    “He went back to Germany to consult the specialist to see where we go from there and he is supposed to contact me this afternoon to tell me exactly what the specialist told him.

    “Certainly in the next month he will not be with us.”

  186. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Afternoon all.

    Only just read Lee’s awful news. AK / Rico, please pass on my best if you speak to him at all. Hope him and his family are all as ok as they possibly can be.

    Not sure how I take the news of Merts. As much as I love the guy, I really want to see Kozzer and Verm in the middle again.

  189. stevepalmer1 says:

    Do i understand that right AK that Merts had reconstructive surgery on his ankle before we brought him or he has had reconstructive surgery since going to Germany

  191. allezkev says:

    I think Steve, that it reads that Merts had it before he joined us.
    I certainly didn’t know that.
    Hope we haven’t signed another Diaby?

  198. rico says:

    Nighty agag, hope you have been treated to all things good today 🙂

    I haven’t, housework, cooking and anything else that has come my way 😉

  200. allezkev says:

    Makes you wonder eh Steve?

    I do hope he’s gonna be ok as i like BFG.
    And we might just get to see over the next 6/8 games if we’re gonna miss him or not??

    No doubt Djourou will be on the bench in Italy.

  207. rico says:

    How did you know Steve – red Hunters 🙂

    Happy Valentines to you ‘boys’ too, this day cuts both ways you know 😉

  214. devilgunner says:

    Its bloody freezing. We have snow all over. Its danger to drive on the roads. But a thrill to train and play.

  216. devilgunner says:

    Crazy as it may seem, but we have snow all right.
    .
    During the day we had whole roads covered in white. Even now there is snow although it has stopped falling.

    It is eerie but beautiful at the same time.

    I am off now. Hope Lee gets a good night sleep. He deserves it. Time will heal. But at the moment he needs our thoughts. Hope he stays strong.

    Good night mates.

  217. Scott from Oz says:

    AK,Ozyakup is actually dutch.
    His old man is Turkish,but theres a kicker…..either his mum is dutch or they emigrated to DG land very,very early on.
    I will find out later on and let you know,but his nationality is definitely classed as Dutch.

  220. rico says:

    Seeing as it’s Valentine’s night, I’m going to say nighty night all……

    I have a oven to clean 😉 😉

    Have a good one all, nighty night…

    Thinking of you Lee ….

  221. W.A.T.H says:

    Night Boss….. leave the oven til 2moro you know u wanna….!

    Have a good evening and be good and stay warm take care all, especially you Lee….!

  222. Tlailaxu says:

    TomCox11 on Twitter:   “Leverkusen score with their eighth touch of the match, six minutes into the second half. Barca score with their 375,198,234,456th touch of the ball, nine minutes into the second half.”

    …LOL…

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