There was a time when being an Arsenal fan was easy.
You just showed up at the ground on a Saturday afternoon, got in a semi-orderly queue at the gate you always used, stood where you alway stood, bought a bag of roasted peanuts, spoke to the same people and went home happy or sad.
Football was largely a working-class sport, admittance fees were reasonable and the jostling was all part of the experience. Even when we played Spurs at home it was not unusual to be standing next to groups of their fans on the North Bank. The chanting was fairly good-natured and despite the occasional alcohol-fuelled shouting match, lives were seldom at risk.
I am told that, back in the 50’s and 60’s, there were plenty of north London supporters who, having a First Division match as part of their regular Saturday routine, along with a few beers and perhaps a plate of pie and mash, would go to watch Arsenal and Spurs on alternate weekends.
Given the overtly tribal nature of supporters these days this seems a total impossibility now. Completely out of the question. But these guys were mates who often worked together and might even be operating the same machines or sitting next to each other the following Monday morning.
Hillsborough changed a lot of things of course. The introduction of all-seater grounds was something that I welcomed, but others did not. Being a football fan then had never had such negative connotations. Then, later, the Premier League and Sky came along, football got a huge injection of cash and all of a sudden there was really serious money in the game and Jean-Marc Bosman later ensured that it would be the players who got most of it?
I can remember listening to a radio program talking about how a rich man by the name of Jack Walker was looking to recruit none other than Kenny Dalglish as manager of Blackburn Rovers who, at the time, were a team in another division, in some far-off part of the land oop north. But he did and they won the Premier League. Blackburn fans couldn’t quite believe what had happened I am sure. It was to be the first time that new money had shouted quite so loudly, but it wouldn’t be the last by any means.
Transfer fees spiraled and admittance prices rose and we paid. In George Graham’s last year at Arsenal my season ticket was £348 (I think) although the football on offer wasn’t even worth that. George was dishonorably discharged for financial irregularities but by then both his lustre and fan’s support had worn thin and the phrase “George Knows” had a very hollow ring to it.
Where next for the Gunners and their supporters?
Then Arsenal did the completely unthinkable and if you weren’t a full-time fan at the time then I cannot impress upon you just what a bombshell of a surprise it was.
We signed Dennis Bergkamp for £7.5 million. I almost have to read that again to remind myself that it happened. Oh and we also signed a fading and increasingly chinless David Platt for much too much money at the same time.
After the punishment of the previous season I had decided to let my season ticket go but the allure of seeing a genuine class player like Dennis added to the thought of hopefully not seeing Hillier or McGoldrick again, changed my mind. The architect of this was David Dein.
It was a sure sign of how much difference quality signings could make to the financial enthusiasm of a club’s fanbase and Dennis’ contributions to the re-birth of Arsenal Football Club should never be underestimated, although I have often asked myself if Wenger himself would have sanctioned that transfer.
After a season treading water under a traditional, but unadventurous manager in Bruce Rioch, Dein was at it again. Through him Arsenal recruited a complete unknown in Arsene Wenger and this became arguably the biggest turning point in the club’s history. I can remember the Arsene Who? headlines well.
I can also remember Alan Sugar, who had been acting like a complete pillock down the other end of Seven Sisters Road for some time, giving it large about the Bergkamp signing. In his footballing wisdom he was saying it was stupid and a complete waste of money. He was mouthing off to anyone who would listen about Carlos Kickaball, seething about wages and washing his car with Klinnsman’s shirt, begrudging every penny that the players earned while, at the same time, trying to sell the public products bearing the name Amstrad, a word which has since become synonymous with quality in the world of electronics.
Just how has that bloke become a millionaire? It is a complete mystery, like most things to do with Spurs’ finances.
So, great things began to happen on the pitch. Wenger seriously did change English football and in doing so made a lot of friends and admirers but, because he was not an Englishman like Bobby Robson, or a Scot like Ferguson and was an intelligent and erudite man, he also made a bunch of enemies too, especially in the rabidly xenophobic press. But, who cared, because, while all this stuff was going on, Arsenal were getting stronger and it was a truly great time to be a Gooner.
Dein and Wenger made a formidable pair and Danny Fiszman was bright enough to provide them with the money they needed while Peter Hill-Wood lapped up the hospitality and vintage Port at grounds throughout the country seeing the world through a cloud of cigar smoke while uttering a string of irrelevancies.
For us, the fans, it was all very positive. Dein told us he looked the mirror every morning and asked himself how he could get a better team. This was music to our ears. This is what we would do – right? We were dumbstruck at just how good Wenger was, although season ticket prices had begun to rise and the people we were used to sitting next to we’re changing every year. Now I had lawyers, actors and journalists where before I had office workers, plumbers and plasterers.
A generalisation, yes, but believe me, it was happening.
The Internet was rising in popularity and as everyone was getting a computer at home we began dialing into the increasing number of websites devoted to our club. A post would be followed by the opportunity to respond so that everyone could see your opinion and give their own.
Now, most Arsenal fans that I know are fairly level-headed people. They have their own opinions, based largely on what they see, on all things Arsenal. They will talk to you all day about Wenger, the team, the players, tactics, transfers etc and you will have heard and considered most of the arguments and perhaps have a view yourself. But what started happening on some of the sites was unusual and in some ways, quite disturbing.
There was a new breed of lone nutter appearing and their currency was hate and they needed no excuse to spread it like manure on a field. No insult was too base or disgusting and emboldened by the lack of responsibility shown by those who moderated the posts on these sites, they plumbed new depths of hatred and their utter contempt for Wenger and the team was spewed out layer by layer and drenched in the kind of language that made you feel like you needed a wash. To their everlasting credit, most sites understood what was actually happening here and banned their filth through strict moderation.
So, if there are inevitably a small minority of weirdos, the Internet has also given a welcome voice to thousands and thousands of others who can commiserate and disagree with each other openly and with minimal rancour and have a bit of fun doing so, as we do on Highbury House.
In many ways the internet has made supporting Arsenal more democratic and inclusive as I am sure that the mood of the fans is picked up at the club who monitor the net and the fan’s feelings. But, to maintain the Arsenal Universe’s sense of balance, it has also helped to spread high levels of negative posturing too and given hosts of people the chance to claim inside knowledge of what is happening at our club. Because with Arsenal there is always the chance that disappointment is just round the corner and we have all been here so many times before haven’t we?
The arrival of Abramovich and the Sheikh of Manchester City will, in time I believe, be looked back on as very bad things for English football as will the mega TV deal that has just been struck. This is because we all know that, despite the insane amounts of cash swilling around in the game, somehow it will mean more outlay for us and more money in the player’s pockets and let’s face it, they can never have enough can they? Even in times of savage recession with people losing their jobs and struggling to keep afloat amidst great hardship, they seem to want even more.
With the competition becoming what Wenger aptly described as “financially doped”, Arsenal, in one of the dumbest moves in their history, decided that David Dein, one half of the most successful partnership the club had ever known and a man seemingly essential to us remaining competitive in a changing footballing landscape, was shown the door.
Some boardroom disagreements and falling outs were considered by Danny and Hill-Wood to be more important than all the good things that Dein was accomplishing. We, the fans, scratched our collective heads and will never know what really went on, but let us not forget that Stan Kroenke had been introduced to the club by DD and PHW didn’t like that at all. He told us as much in one of his famous foot-in-mouth proclamations.
Cutting off your nose to spite your face is a dubious tactic at the best of times and is hardly likely to find favour with your paying supporters who crave success on the field and don’t care if the board members like each other or not.
The fact that Arsenal have won precisely zero since Dein left might be thought of as a pure coincidence, but then again it might not.
Written by Adam
Titbits:
Most of Fleet Street finest report that Fergie is ahead in the race to sign our captain, old red nose wants him to join up with Wayne Rooney is a move that he believes will bring the Premier League back to Old Trafford. Funny though, if you read some of the Manchester United fans comments, not all of them want him…
After Steven N’Zonzi handed in a transfer request yesterday, if was inevitable that the red tops would link him to us and The Sun have done just that. According to them, we watched the player last year, as did Chelsea and Sunderland so watch this space with that story.
Have a good day all…
Boris Becker tweets about RVP.
http://twitter.com/Becker_Boris/
N’Nonzi stats. Not good. 8 goals in career
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Amiens 2007–08 3 0 2 0 0 0 5 0
2008–09 34 1 1 0 1 0 36 1
Blackburn Rovers 2009–10 33 2 0 0 5 0 38 2
2010–11 21 1 1 0 2 0 24 1
2011–12 32 2 1 0 1 0 34 2
Career total 120 6 2 0 8 0 130 6
References
actually 6 goals.
Morning all,
Another great read Adam, really enjoyed it…
Alan Sugar – what a numpty, I guess he was just a tad envious over our ‘waste of money’ signing..
How things have changed though and the removal of David Dein was one that wasn’t for the better in my opinion…
Roasted peanuts, I always thought it was a meat pie 😉
Welcome Jens,
We talked about that tweet yesterday, not sure how BB would have access to that kind of information….
Thought you were a fan of PL players being signed alan?
You wouldn’t want N’zonzi then? Mind you, neither would I out of choice….
‘Dein told us he looked the mirror every morning and asked himself how he could get a better team’.
Wonder if Gazidis does this, I suspect he checks his good looks, but doubt he thinks about the team….
Good Morning Fine Folk.
Fine piece of writing Adam. I enjoyed reading it and going back through the memories. I can haphazardly guess your age….45 to 50??? I may be wrong of course.
Scott, well done for yesterday’s post. Had to read two today..yours and Adam’s.
How are you all mates???
Another ripper Adam.
Alan,we don’t someone to score goals,we need a guy who will prevent them.
Unfortunately,this guy wasn’t overly successful,judging by his side being relegated.
I’ve only seen hm play a few times….is he worth s try??
I am 86 Devil, 87 next birthday.
I’m good Devil,how have you been?
you are whaaaaaaaaaatttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!
Come on you are only joking??? pulling my leg mate!!!!
I am ok Scott. All the time working. During the summer holidays I turn into a gardener, handyman etc. It relieves me from listening to children’s problems day in day out for 10 months. And believe me its very therapeutic. But at least it allows me to regenerate mentally and physically.
It’s true Devil but I am told I look good for my age. Rico will confirm it. 🙂
So we are speaking to History itself mate. I am half your age, but I enjoy speaking to those who know the world when it was a better place to live in.
You have seen all AFC’ triumphs then!!!!!!!
Lucky you.
Both Dad and Mum are 70+. yet not as grand age as you have.
Just kidding Devil. Sorry. Mischievous me. Why don’t we swap van Persie for Rooney? I reckon we could squeeze a lovely little caravan for him into London Colney.
Morning devil, Scott and Adam…
I am saying nothing about age 😉
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!
you leg puller. you had me in. 😆
Apologies Devil. 🙂
Joke taken mate. 😉
I’ll keep it stored in my sleeve. for the next round!!!!
Fergie has apparently been bragging to his pals that he is going to win the race for RvP..
Has he actually got many pals, other than Big Sam??
Adam, would LC fit the huge caravan needed to house Rooney’s ego?
Back in my youth along with most kids of my group it was Arsenal or the best game in London when we were away. People forget the difficulty of travel to get out of London. Trains were a nightmare and until the M1 opened even a trip to Watford or Luton was an expedition . We have come a long way in a short time. As for the Arsenal it’s always been a case of fits and starts but the people that ran the club although totally divorced from the fans seemed to care . The club always had the reputation of doing things the right way but money has taken over the values that the club held dear.
Is money itself actually the root of all evil or just the love of it.?
I blame Sky Potter…..
Has he actually got many pals, other than Big Sam??
He has always had his old boy golf club which formed his M6 mafia. As a family they have always stuck together and never do anything to upset their godfather. It is a direct contrast to our leader who seemingly winds others up and consequently finds that one manager will up his game to help a mate when playing us. It may seem paranoid but if you were to check back on the United players that have gone into management and see how they react to Wenger a fairly good picture of how big Sam ,Strachan, Bruce , McLaren, have acted over the years. The press have always said that the north west is Arsena’ls graveyard ……………………………..Coincidence ?
Good point made their Potter..
Wonder what connection Pulis has to Fergie….
Golf partners I believe , along withPeter Reid and Tango man Brown, too.
Potter,I really struggle with players earning 60,70 or 100k a week bitching and whining that they’re worth more.
They earn more per week than nurses and fireman earn in a year,and all because they’re good at sport!
Would you rather live next door to A footballer or a nurse?
It really pisses me off that players hold out for an extra 10k a week.
Yes,10k is a lot of money,but relatively speaking,it’s not life changing for them.
How much does a man and his family truly need per week to live a great lifestyle?
I don’t cop this attitude where players only have X amount of time to cash in,as even a moderate PL player can earn in 2 or 3 years what most will earn in a lifetime.
Then there’s the “pressure” they’re under.
Bullshit…..go and earn 30k a year and try to house,clothe and feed a family….THATS PRESSURE!!!!
I have little if any empathy for any player who leaves for money,and even less for one who lies about it!
I never had an issue with Nasri leaving,but I was pissed off when he lied about the reasons!
One club players will ALWAYS have my admiration,whichever club they play for.
Arsene Wenger has not been averse to handing youngsters their first senior outings in pre-season fixtures over the years but, even so, the inclusion of Krisotffer Olsson in the squad for last weekend’s Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup success came rather out of the blue.
Swedish midfielder Olsson enjoyed a superb debut season for the club following his move from his homeland, showcasing his superb technical ability at under-18 level under Steve Bould who, in his new role as assistant manager for the first-team, may well have had some input in the 17 year old’s inclusion. However, the fact that Olsson was named in the travelling party despite having not even been called up to the Reserve squad, let alone trained with the first-team, was somewhat surprising.
He acquitted himself well during his time on the pitch, though, demonstrating his aforementioned ease on the ball, even if everything that he attempted did not quite come off on this occasion. He also tucked away a penalty in what has to go down as the most unnecessary shoot-out of all time for good measure.
This season, Olsson, who also featured in the FA Youth Cup last season, will be attempting to establish himself as a fully-fledged member of Terry Burton’s Reserve side, with his maiden outing at that level likely to come in the friendly against Boreham Wood in two days time. There remain some concerns about his physical stature and whether he will be able to apply himself as effectively in the more robust second-string league, but, as he gains more experience at that level, he will learn to cope better with the physical demands associated with the step up. He is also likely to feature heavily in the NextGen Series, a competition which will pit Arsenal’s youngsters against promising crops from other leading European clubs.
As if things are not going well enough for Olsson currently, they are likely to get better next week when fellow Swede and another youngster who currently plays for Olsson’s former club, IFK Norrkoping, will arrive at London Colney for a trial. Linus Wahlquist, a centre-back who is composed on the ball, is likely to train with Arsenal’s under-18s in the hope of earning a permanent move. Should he be successful, Wahlquist, who was born in late 1996, would form part of the club’s scholarship intake for the 2013/14 season.
Meanwhile, Exeter City have confirmed that former Gunner Kwame Ampadu is to return to North London to coach the club’s under-14 side. Ampadu’s arrival could have consequences for the youth sides higher up the hierarchy, with one possibility being that Steve Leonard, who currently coaches at Hale End, could move up to the coach the under-16s, with Steve Gatting doing likewise and overseeing the under-18s.
Back in 30….
Morning All You Rip-Roaring AKB’s
Good Morning Rico.
RVP to the ManUre…. Ugh.
Adam, that was a wonderfull post buddy.
And I can confirm, having spent an enjoyable afternoon in your company, that for 86, you look superb…
My Grandson would be impressed.
Coach, you’re a bit slow today habib… 😉 😉 😉
N’Zonzi…… Yawn.
We could be on the cusp of witnessing one of the most talented generation’s of young players, gradually being integrated into the Youth’s/Stiffs this year.
Olsson, Gnarby, Toral, Bellerin, Jebb, Akpom and many others could provide one of the richest veins of talent i’ve witnessed at the club since I saw a Rice, George, Kelly, Kennedy, Nelson and co as young men aged between 19/21.
Technically, these lads could be some of the best ever!
Morning everyone…
Juventus apparently baulking at the £25M price-tag.
A couple of summers ago Wenger apparently failed in a bid for Brazilian DM, Felipe Melo. He instead, went to Juventus.
This is the same Melo that was sent out on loan to Galatasaray last season. He is still only 29.
Juventus want RvP? They allegedly can’t afford £25M? We wanted Melo who’s price has apparently decreased? Who knows.
Potter/Scott, you have both made some very salient points.
I agree with everything you say..
Lata
Devil,on Wahlquist,I read he trialled with Sunderland last year.
Is there a known reason he didn’t go to them?
This isn’t a knock on the kid,as I’d never heard of him until around 12 hours so,but was just wondering.
Also,are we a genuine chance with Sahin?
A young guy who hasn’t made himself a regular starter at big spending,top echelon club may just be ready to have a crack with a club like ours.
I know we want to be at that absolute elite level,but we’re not there yet.
He may well jump at the chance.
If Van Persie ends up at United i will stop supporting the club because it wont be a football club anymore,it will be a football club set up to asset stripping.
I will always support Arsenal,because I’m an Arsenal FA.
Unless of course they signed Rooney 🙂
Arsenal FAN,that should read.
For me it is a no to N’Zonzi. I don’t believe he will actually improve us beyond what Le-Coq and Frimpong can. If we get another DM it would have to be an exceptional one, or for me preferably a quality older one with experience that could give us the extra squad strength and experience while not blocking the progress of the above 2 youngsters indefinitely. How about De-Rossi. I think he may be a bit injury prone but would fit the bill of bringing something genuinely better to the squad while not being asked to play every game in the season. He can fill in at CB also.
We must not sell out to Utd. or City. It is one thing to weaken ourselves by selling RVP but a double whammy if you strengthen your main rivals at the same time. For once we may need to accept a loss of a fee and keep him this year and try and win something while we have him. You never know he may change his mind through the year but if he doesn’t then we have no control over where he goes in 1 year. If he ends up at Utd then, at least it negatively reflects more on RVP than it does the club. If we let him go to either of these 2 now the negative impact will be great. It is basically an admission that we are a second tier club compared to them and could have far reaching financial results in our ability to attract sponsorship deals. It could actually end up more financially costly than turning down the £15-£20m now. I actually think we are maybe 2 players away from a title challenging squad without even busting the bank. If we got say De-Rossi and an experienced back up keeper like Schwarzer I think we will win something this year and may actually turn out to be stronger than the 2 Manchester clubs. We need to be brave and decisive as this decision could shape us over the next few years.
Ah the myth of David Dein arises again, like Banquos ghost shaking its gory locks at us
Afternoon all
Sadly, I can’t see Juve affording RvP – a Manc duel set….
Lee Dixon is quitting MOTD I read, guess he’s got fed up with listening to Hanson….
Why not tell the world that an overseas club can have him for 20 million,and English club must pay 30???
The hunt is hotting up.
Milan looks to RVP as a replacement for Ibrahimovic.
Sorry GoonerB. But selling RVP will not weaken the squad. If the money is reinvested then the squad will improve. If RVP is sold Theo must be kept at all costs.
Morning fine people, probably I’ll go to moderation for this but…my dear is he not The One And Only Thiery Henry…what I goal…=)
http://m.talksport.co.uk/magazine/virals/120719/video-arsenal-hero-blasts-his-team-victory-sensational-strike-take-bow-s-176948
Trouble is Scott, even it Real Madrid offer £40M, if RvP doesn’t want to go there, he won’t…
devil
If the money is re-invested properly?
History would suggest that will not happen…
Not much wrong with the pass either Tlailaxu.
Form is temporary,but class is permanent,and Henry is pure class.
I’d love to know exactly what’s going through his mind Rico.
As would I Scott, I really don’t see him leaving the UK though….
Henry – a one off….
A show of strength from the club would be saying he can go anywhere outside the PL he chooses,at the right price.
As Devil says,maybe they want him out though.
It’s all so confusing!!
If Van Persie ends up at United i will stop supporting the club because it wont be a football club anymore,it will be a football club set up to asset stripping.
And you join many of the ex supporters of the club that since the move from Highbury have become just followers.
Have to disagree with you for once Devil that losing RVP would not weaken the squad. We don’t have the cover in the ranks for his loss at present so yes I agree his money would need to be invested into a new recruitment, but I am not sure how easy that will be. I have often been as impressed, if not more so, by RVP’s ability in the deeper areas of the pitch as I am by his goal-scoring exploits last year, which is why I have been talking him up to play the number 10 role this behind Giroud, which I think would make our attack incredibly potent.
RVP has great touch and control and he sees a killer pass in the final third, and we look far more fluid and dangerous in our link up play in the final third when he drops into the deeper positions. He is also quite physically strong so can hold the ball up and shrug off defenders physically and, let us not forget, he is fully adapted to the demands of the premier league.The problem with last year was when he came deeper for the ball no-one took the initiative to move into the strikers position.
I think putting the ball in the back of the net is going to be well covered now by Giroud and Podolski but none of our other forward players gives us that extra technical quality and vision while also still being a huge goal threat. These type of forward players are the unique ones that can operate like a quality midfielder with plenty of assists while providing the goal tally of an out and out striker. These are players like Rooney, Ronaldo, Messi and there is a reason why they are so critical to their respective clubs. None of our new aquisitions are as gifted with the ball at their feet as RVP, and and Gervinho and Walcott don’t have that unique blend of skills either. Ironically I would say, from who we still have, only Arshavin has the capability of playing centrally behind another striker and giving us that combination of vision and goals in equal measure.
I fear we could get left behind if we lose RVP by not having this type of player. City have Silva, Tevez and Toure who are these type of players and Utd have Rooney. Even Chelsea have Mata and now Hazard who will likely prove to be this type of quality player over the next season. I even expect Suarez to come good with goals this year and he is a handful and creative when he drops into a deeper strikers role. I have mentioned Jovetic as a potential replacement but we just don’t know whether he will cut it in the EPL as this type of player. I am not too sure who else is out there that is attainable that can give us that unique blend of creativity, assists and goals as a striker, so I don’t think his replacing will be that easy Devil, but that is just my opinion.
The reason that they want him out is simple. They have the GPS tracking system. And the GPS rarely lies. It shows when a player is in the red zone.
RVP was hovering there throughout February to May. Even if RVP still had three years on his contract, both Podolski and Giroud would have been bought in. Let alone 1 year. And he knows that with a new club he can have a great payday that sets him up for life.
Personally I would like to see Moses bought. If he is coached properly he would be like TH14. As simple as that.
Devil’s idea that they might want him out is possible, I remember when Vieira left the physios saying that he had one leg shorter than the other. When he was with us he averaged 31 games a season even with his suspensions after he only averaged 21 a season. Maybe they know something.
Potter…..top marks for reminding me of Vieira situation. I had forgotten that AW wanted to sell him. The same with some other players, especially those who had a fair amount of injuries.
AW will not come out and say “I want to sell him because he has had so many injuries and he will suffer in the future etc etc etc.”
So he will play as if he is trying to hold on. but at the same time wants to drive the price up for the benefit of AFC.
Potter – aren’t we already to a degree??
Scott – The player is holding the cards, RvP can do pretty much what he wants… Unless, the club stand firm and are prepared to lose out on his transfer fee…
devil – put like that it makes sense why they would want to sell RvP, but the words of AW etc don’t back that up…
There seems to be more clubs sniffing around every day.
I’m surprised PSG didn’t make a grab for him.
Off to walk Fido…
Catch up later…
I don’t know Rico,we’ve got two pretty decent strikers in already,so it’s not as critical to keep him as say a month ago.
Off to bed…catch you all tomorrow guys.
Rico…..devil – put like that it makes sense why they would want to sell RvP, but the words of AW etc don’t back that up…
Of course AW would never back that up.
He is not going to come out in the open is he???
Very perceptive Coach, and seen thru the eyes of a coach.
I suppose we simply have to put sentiment & emotions to one side and think in business terms.
It wasn’t so long ago, that many on here, myself included, thought in terms of getting RVP fit, long enough, just to flog him.
I remember that Kev. the last sentence bought back some memories regarding your own views on RVP.
With all players sentiment and emotions should be put aside.
They are just a cog in a machine. and if a better newer cog comes along just replace it. Of course you do not replace legends like TA, SB, DB10. And I would never dream of thinking it let alone do it. But RVP, with or without his statement, was never, never is and never will be a legend. Neither PV, BP, etc. If anything Ray Parlour was a bigger legend than any of these.
Even Gilberto was bigger in personality than RVP imo.
But the club is greater than even the sum of all these cogs, legends or not.
And the club has to go forward. With or without them.
I have it, on pretty good authority, that RVP had made his mind up to leave back in Jan/Feb…
Maybe AW knew then, hence the ban on RVP talking transfers during the Euros???
And tbh, he’s not said an awfull lot since.
I suppose Coach, when we think/talk in terms of Arsenal legends, then to me, it’s who should have a statue outside The Grove.
I can think of only three;
Dennis Bergkamp
Alex James
Cliff Bastin….
But i’m open to suggestions?
Good Morning all and to you Rico.
Adam, once again, another mouth-watering masterpiece of the previous masterpieces. Your penetrating mental vision and history of all thing Arsenal makes me go back to read just to find fault when there is none to rebut just for argument sake. Good work and very interesting READ.
Thank you NG. Very much appreciated indeed. There is in fact a part 2 to this piece which should appear tomorrow, brings us to the modern day Arsenal and hopefully ties a few ends up with regard to the fan’s place in the scheme of things. Get a good night’s sleep though as it is lengthy. Thank you again.
Afternoon all, any news??
only in the Tour, rico 🙂
Thanks JM 😉
News, hmm?
England are 158 for 1
Good day n all that! Cheers Adam, an enjoyable mid afternoon read that. Football has changed for the worse. my first experiences were going to a packed out pitodrie stadium(Aberdeen) as a lad with my old man, tickets were £6, now you’d be lucky to get 5000 in that ground, scottish football has been on its knees for years but i fear recent events will break most clubs. The £6 is a far cry from the £48 I paid for a ticket to the emirates on my last visit, with the lack of top talent on show I fail to see how it is value for money, but no doubt I’ll keep going. They truly have us over a barrel, they know the fans will stump up the cash.
If RVP goes to a manc club he deserves the same treatment as nasri, Cashley and adebarndoor.
I’m watching Charlie, it’s all a bit easy at the moment and i though SA were no2 in the world… 😉
Hi Lewis
We have to love silly season…rumours: 93 players!!!!
A. Abdennour, Ahmedov, Afellay, Arfa, Adrian
B. Belhanda, Ba, Benayoun, Butland, Bosingwa, Biglia
C. Capoue, Cuenca, Cazorla
D. Dempsey, Diame, Dost, Dembele, De Jong,
Doumbia, Dragovic, Debuchy, Dzagoev, Dzeko
E. Eriksen
F.
G. Giroud, Gordon, Gourcuff, Ganso
H. Hoillett, Hazard, Holtby, Hernanes, Huntelaar, Handanovic
I. Isco
J. Joselu, Jovetic
K. Kagawa, Kalou, Krkic, Konoplyanka, Krohn-Dehli
L. Lewandowski, Lopez, Ljajic, Llorente, Lloris
M. M’Vila, Msakni, Martin, Moura, Martinez, Mangane, Moses, Msakni, Milo, Mason, Mirallas
N. N’Zonzi, Nabay, Nasri, Niang, Neymar
O.
P. Piero(Del), Pizarro, Powell, Pedro, Paulinho
Q.
R. Remy, Radu, Reus, Rondon, Rodriguez
S. Sakho, Skrtel, Sturridge, Sigurdsson, Suarez, Selassie, Shaw, Sahin
T. Toure (Kolo)
U. Udjus
V. Vorm, Vertonghen, Valbuena, Van der Wiel, Viviano, Villa
W.
X.
Y. Yanga-Mbiwa, Yarmolenko, Yilmaz
Z. Zaha
😆 JM, that’s very funny…
What a fantastic read, Adam. 🙂 I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Some of those names, do not ring a bell. I happened upon Arsenal quite; but I am most certain it is the club of my life. 😉
Boo, rico!! How’s the woofa? And the fryer chix?
JM, you have a lot of time on yur hands… 😀
Trott is out 🙁
Woofa is fab thanks agag, and boo to you….
And are the chickens a-laying?? Good investment??
Sloooow news day, again, rico. Bummer.
Hey JM, you got a touch of the Merlin’s there!
Yeah Rico, thought that Trott had a 150/200 written all over him.
Cook needs to grind away now, need a big score from him.
I thought you knew they were agag 😉
Really slow news day, we need to hear the dross are gone and get on and sign a couple of goodies…
No, not Bill Oddie 😉
Hey Shopping Buddy, how ya doing?
Now your here I suspect that Stan won’t be far behind. 🙂
Need to put a load of overs in the SA legs especially philander as there are some questions on his stamina.
Agag, i’ve spotted an interesting shop down Piccadilly.
Closing down sale… 😀
Might pop in tomorrow, have a look see…
Seem to have some nice shirts.
You made any exciting purchases lately… 😉
rico, I agree. Let’s please get shot of the deadwood. Get money in and buy quality. Who’s Bill Oddie? That is an odd name. 😀
Boo, AK!! How are ya?? Shopped for anything lately? And goonie was on some pill last night. 😀 What that boy is up to in the States, who even knows?? 😀 😀
Agree there Kev, got unlucky – now for a KP show hopefully 😉
Ha Stan, probably on some form of rendition… 🙂
“closing down sale”— music to my ears!! A pair of shoes for work this time. I have had to buy “serious” ones; most of what I have aren’t. Haha.
I reckon we could teach the AFC board a thing or two about buying.
We should sign who we are tracking regardless agag, then get rid of the deadwood along the way – otherwise, we could lose out…
Bill Oddie was a Goodie 😉
Hahaha. But AK, he doesn’t sound punished at all. 😀
You watching vernat?
The Arsenal Board shop at Primark.
Lata
rico, good point. There is no sense having a great scouting network and letting the Mancs do all the shopping. Citeh has to be the worst. We identify targets, and they whip out the check book…
Spanish newspaper El Confidencial has claimed that Arsenal have made a substantial offer for Spanish under-19 player Jesé Rodriguez and face competition from Benfica for the players signature.
Jesé is currently contracted to Real Madrid having been promoted to the senior team after the player was reported to have made significant strides to address what many had described as a ‘rebel’ attitude. Although only making one appearance for the senior Real Madrid team last season, he has represented Spain at u16, u17, u18, and u19 level and at u19 level he has scored six goals in 11 appearances. He scored a hattrick against Portugal in this year’s European u19 Championship, scored the winning goal in the final against Greece and finished as the tournament’s leading scorer.
Arsenal may need to sign a winger should they sell Walcott who has not yet renewed his contract but it remains to be seen if they are officially looking at Jesé although Wenger’s previous form would suggest that he would prefer to buy young rather than to bring in an established player.
Mourhino is keen to keep the winger at Real Madrid and given that Jesé said that he had ‘fulfilled a dream’ when he made his first appearance for Real Madrid it remains to be seen if the player can be tempted away. Although he signed a professional contract in March 2011 in order to protect his obvious talent, there are still some concerns over his attitude even though he has turned this around in the last 12 months.
I have heard that some items are expensive in Primark AK 😉
Also agag, get on and be a bit more pro-active re the deadwood – drop the asking price and get rid… They are chewing up our wage bill….
Oh – and I have a cold!!! 🙁
TMS Rico as i am working , house wives favourite (Cook) gets first hundred for 18 innings last score over a hundred was a paltry 294 becomes seventh Englishman to score 20 hundreds
Imagine what we pay Denilson and Bendy. On top of the top dollar we shell out on Diaby and the other habitues of the treatment room. TR7 is one of my favorites, but he is one, too. 🙁
Prefer the commentary on the radio anyway, even if I have the coverage on the TV the commentary is from the radio
Good old Cookie, now push on for 150 before close and 200 tomorrow.
Tell ya what Rico, TK Maxx are quite good for good names at sensible prices.
England are doing really well vernat, like the housevives fav bit 😉
agag, i’d keep TR7, great squad player…
Agree Kev, get a huge score and skittle them out early …
😆 re Tk Max – i bought a nice ski jacket there for a good price 😆
Yeah, me too Rico.
Good for pots, pans and cutlery as well. 😉
🙂 Kev, always good for a look around… Never looked at the pots and pans though, but i will now….
afternoon guys…..what’s new? hey lil mam, miss me? rico, if i see robin in a manc shirt i ll personally kick the shit out of him.
eh cabbie, how are ya?
Shipping Broadcast… 🙄
Should be looking to pile up 500/550 I reckon.
Don’t reckon we’ll get that Spaniard…
Not really fussed tbh.
Don’t know Rico sounds like its a very very very flat pitch could be hard getting them out, but it might get worse as they were saying looks dry
no more spaniards please, especially young ones…
I’m off for the day guys, chat tomorrow…
Nighty Night and stay safe….
Meathead (Pietersen) gets out just as new ball is due, plenty of talent but no brain at all
Hey Stan, how’s thing’s?
Agag was worried about ya…
Hope your a bit more cool today buddy.
Hi goonster, and bye 😉
vernat – just think winning the toss and batting was a good choice, although i wasn’t so sure first thing. The England attack will show the way to bowl…
Def gone now….
am always cool AK… i ve got love in me. AGAG’s love that is. get back here rico….i just got here.
Awwwww she was worried about me!!!!! told her we have a love connection. i could tell from the first day i ran into her right here in HH. talk about meant to be. hey AGAG, you rock my world…..there i said it.
rico, date night???? 🙂 goonster, you been downing one drink too many. 🙂 I thought you were off the stuff?? 😉 Chiiiiilllllll!
nah, not until i get a date from ya…….so how are ya? how’s manila? shouldn’t you be asleep?
Good night, friends!! Manila is rainy. 😕 You be good, goonster, or we’d tell your mama; and she’ll sic a priest on you again. 🙂
So, Vela sign for Real Socidedad. Definetely.
priest, smheist…am a lost cause. mama gave up a long time ago.
good for him JM..he needed that move. here’s hoping he has a wonderful career ahead. so long carlos.
AFC squad foe Borehamwood named on Borehamwood website.
No Lansbury in squad…
Is Henri going to Asia?
Henderson, Eisfeld, Watt, Boateng, named among young squad.
It’s being reported in France, that Koscielny has agreed a new 3 year deal.
His old deal expired in 2014.
His new deal is until 2015.
So in essence, Laurent has signed, or will sign, a one year extension to his present contract.
A good signing.
Shame it wasn’t a 4 year deal…!
Seems that Arsene Wenger must be taking quite a few of our home-grown lads on the Asia tour.
Quite encouraging to see the likes of Yennaris, Aneke, Coquelin, Lansbury, Afobe, Bartley, etc, on the tour.
Gnarby & Toral were not named in the squad for Borehamwood.
Not sure if they’re injured or not?
But if not, then could one or both, also be on the tour???
just one year!!!!! why?
i dont get it…why not give him a long time contract. tie him down long time. God give me strenght.
off to dinner guys..see ya around.
LadyA blog is reporting that Kozzers deal is until 2017..!
Hope she’s correct…
Good Morning Fine Folk.
Hope you all are ok.
Was there any doubt about the following……………..???????
TOTTENHAM target Emmanuel Adebayor is threatening to see out the remainder of his contract at Manchester City.
The striker, 28, is unhappy at being asked to take a £3million-a-year pay cut to join Spurs.
A close pal confirmed: “Manu is digging his heels in and I don’t think this is going to be sorted any time soon.
“He’s the sort of guy who will see out his contract rather than cave in.”
The two clubs agreed a £6m deal last week but Adebayor, who last played for City in December 2010, is stalling on the move because of the huge gulf in wages.
City paid Arsenal £25m for Adebayor in 2009 and he still has two years left on his £175,000-a-week contract at the Etihad.
Spurs’ offer of a four-year deal comes nowhere near so Adebayor, who scored 18 goals on loan at White Hart lane last season, is holding out for a sizeable increase from the Londoners or a big pay-off from City.
I am laughing my ass off………. 😆 😆
Morning all…
Good news on Kos..
That is hilarious devil – serves City right….
City created this situation paying over the odds on a transfer fee and wages when they wanted him and now they don’t your all somewhat surprised he wont go quietly!!!
If ever there was proof that this mercenary only left arsenal and joined City for the money this is it! He would rather warm City’s bench for 2 years than get 1st team football at a club that wants him because he won’t take a pay cut!! I’m an arsenal fan but spurs trust me your better off without him! Save your sash and get someone else instead! This is a problem City have brought upon themselves! They wave the cash around to get players to sign but when City want rid the players don’t want to give up that amount of cash! City should just cut their loses completely and terminate his contract!
Typical Man City mercenary, now its coming back to bite them on their behinds.Wont be the last of the city players to do this.
Good morning lady.
A blasting headache today. too much heat.
Totally agree re Citeh devil, in some ways though we are in a similar situation, but a far lesser scale.
We can’t offload some of ours because of their wage…
If ours is irritating, shitty’s situation is monstrous.
AND I AM ENJOYING IT.
Hope other players do the same. Someone like Nasri etc.
Hope so too devil – it we can’t beat them, let our ex-players bleed them dry of all their money 😉
You been overdoing it in the sunshine – not nice to have a bad head through it… 🙁
Not exactly Rico. I do not like to stay in the sun. Infact I rarely go out between 10.00am till 17.00pm.
The heat is unbearable.
tbh…………I hate the summer.
Fran Merida has been released by Atletico Madrid, now I bet he wishes he’d signed that contract we offered him..
It has been announced by AS that ex Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida has been released by Atletico Madrid.
The player, who Wenger was criticised by some Arsenal fans for not being able to keep hold off, has been let go by the club as Diego Simeone looks to trim his squad down to 20 players.
Wenger had wanted to keep the playmaker who many saw as a replacement for Cesc Fabregas but the Spaniard refused to sign a new deal and signed for Atletico Madrid on a four year deal. AS state that Merida has had his contract rescinded.
When Merida signed for Atletico the President of the club had said
He is a magnificent young player with a fine future. This transfer hasn’t always been easy, but he has always been interested in our project and has now made the next step by leaving Arsenal.
Merida signed for Arsenal in 2006 and made six appearances for the senior side. It is not known what his next move will be but the player is not likely to be short of offers given his obvious talent.
bang together at the same time Rico. Now you can make a wish and hope it comes true!!! 😉
I think any extreme weather for long periods of time is simply awful devil….
Do you think that AW will get him back???
I do not think so.
But then again…….its AW we are speaking of.
😆 devil – tbh, I’d love him to come back, pay him a really low wage and see what he does in the reserves for a season….
Got a headache Coach?
Tut tut.
That’ll teach ya to be out out nightclubbing until the early hours… 😉
Your getting just like that JM…
He’s like a Portugese John Travolta.
Morning Rico.
Great news re: Kozzer
hehe…………I do not even like night clubs mate.
Just give me the long walks in parks and countryside. That is more enjoyable for me.
A couple of books to keep quiet.
And all the world’s troubles are a million miles away.
Morning Kev..
Is great news, especially if’s its 2017, mind you, what do contracts mean these days, other than they make sure we get a good fee when if he decides to move on 🙁
Haha Coach.
You gotta luv ‘agent Adebayor’…
Perfect for the ‘media darlings’ pre-season.
Just before all those alchol-soaked footie experts on the red tops were predicting a change in power in North London.
Bring it on you mug journos.
New Post is up…
Well Rico, it’s hard to have any faith in the integrity of any footballer anymore, so whatever happens with Kozzer is what will happen. I won’t be suprised or disappointed.
Players make their own beds and have to lay in them.
Maybe if a player comes thru our Academy, then you kinda hope that they have stronger emotional ties to the club.
That’s why I prefer our home-made kids to all these mercenaries, that are parachuted into our Academy at 15,16,17.
Those kids are hardly likely to have the same attatchment to the club, that a kid who joined at 9 years old would have…
Gotta go to work.
Lata.