Santos and Diaby return tonight & Harry, do you want the England job or not?

Morning Gooners

Not the headline you were expecting, after all I’m a passionate Arsenal supporter, but I’m also a proud Englishman and I feel that England deserve better than what is going on at the moment.

At this moment in time, the country I support is being managed by an interim boss who has expressed a desire to take the full-time position, albeit recently Stuart Pearce has suggested it’s a bit too much for him, but what he will do is perform his duties to the best he can and with pride for his country.

However, the FA seem to be after one man to take the job and that is Dirty Arry, the current Tottenham boss and it does rather appear that he will be appointed as and when Harry feels he is ready to leave his club.

The England Managers job is not part-time position, it can only be all or nothing – it’s a prestigious post and one which many Managers would bite your hand off for.  It is a position that affords one of the best salaries in world football, a one in a lifetime chance, but Redknapp is still managing Tottenham Hotspur and I want to know why!

We have the Euro’s coming up in a couple of months and the country I support needs to be preparing, the manager should already be in place planning for that tournament now! He should be attending matches, watching all of the players who he feels should be representing England.

If Tottenham Hotspur are more important to Redknapp than England then he is the wrong man for the job!

It’s common knowledge that our own Arsene Wenger has been approached by the FA i in relation to the England Jon the past,  but Wenger has immediately declined the offer,making it clear that his priorities are Arsenal, thanks for the offer but no thank you.

Stuart Pearce has been involved with England for many years, he has and still is managing the under 21’s side and he’s also been a part of Capello’s set-up,  so he’s no newcomer.

The FA have no doubt spoken to Pearce, maybe they have told him that he’s pencilled in to take over one day, who knows.

Pearce said after the defeat to Holland that he is not experienced enough, was that just said so Redknapp can pick and choose when it suits him to pick up the reigns.

Not good enough in my eyes, either Redknapp wants the job or not, take it now and get my country ready for the Euro’s or just let someone else take the job, some who does care!

Now that I have got that out of my system we have our last game against Newcastle to mull over, a touch and go finish but we  secured the important 3 points needed to move us closer to those above, especially the noisy neighbours.

They will now be looking over their shoulders  and as Theo pointed out in his post match interview, we must keep pressing and we must make them all feel uncomfortable. Many supporters doubted that Arsenal could secure a top four position and although it is not in the bag we have definitely moved closer to securing a Champions League spot than we were a few weeks ago.

I never doubted we could catch some of the sides ahead of us a few months ago, not for one minute and I never doubted we could pass some of them and I still don’t now!

We have shown that other teams misfortunes can be capitalised on by us, we all know that all teams have lean spells but the secret is to not be one of them.

Arsenal have done well to hang in there and although at times we have ridden our luck,  we have never given up and that is the most important thing, belief can do the strangest things at times and the strangest thing is you don’t ever know how far belief will take you.

Arsene Wenger has instilled that belief into our squad, we now have more players returning from injury but I believe we should not make wholesale changes, feed the  returning players in slowly as this current group who have dragged us back in contention should not cast aside as we push on in the final stage of this season.

Good substitutions at the right time will keep the continuity and that’s just what we need, every player in our squad is important and they need to keep giving their all to the last game.

The belief we have can take us all the way as who knows what other sides will do, but  what we have to do is carry on believing, and target those above us.

Who knows, a bad season could turn into a great one if we just carry on having that belief!!

Written by Steve Palmer

Two little bits to add, both Santos and Diaby, yes Diaby should be fit enough to be in the squad that travel to Goodison Park next Wednesday to face Everton. Santos is set to feature for the reserves tonight as could Diaby. Mind you, if the latter does, he’ll probably get injured again!

109 thoughts on “Santos and Diaby return tonight & Harry, do you want the England job or not?

  1. Scott From Oz says:

    Steve,you’re an enigma.
    You are negative every post,then come up with this…..a good,positive article.
    Back to normal though by finishing off with a comment in Diaby.
    One day I will get you down pat lol.
    Evening all.

  2. rico says:

    Morning all

    Cracking SSP, couldn’t agree more re England, the manager taking England to euros should be in place now, not when he/she has just a few weeks to prepare us for the competition.

    When england get knocked out early, everyone will wonder why won’t they, how can Harry, if he is to get the job, watch players performing when his mind is purely on his current club…

    Give the job to Hope Powell I say!

    Scott, that Diaby comment at the end was mine, you know me 😉

  3. rico says:

    Also, you are spot on the the players returning, making too many changes will unbalance the side, just as it has in CC/FA Cup competitions, let them be on the bench, use them at the right time otherwise all that has been achieved so far could easily be undone..

    It’s not broken at the moment, lets not go fixing it….

    Everton beaten good and proper last night….

  4. EastSidePaul says:

    Good morning everyone!
    Back form by trip to the south of England, Great weather!
    Great win last Monday, have the game recorded, have yet to see it.
    Good news on the transfer front.

    Any Arsenal news I have missed out on in the last week and a half?

  5. rico says:

    Morning Esp

    I’m in the south, you could have popped in for a cuppa 😉

    No big news really, many links to players but it does seem if the Podolski deal is done…

  6. rico says:

    Morning lee, i don’t want Hazard either, he’s flirting with all the PL sides no doubt after the best wage, he’s another Nasri in the making imho

  7. rico says:

    😛 re PHW, wish he’d keep quiet …

    Did you see in his newspaper that Podolski is supposed to have passed a medical with us…

  8. Scott From Oz says:

    Steve,unreserved apologies
    Rico….heartless wench lol.
    Gotze…yes
    Hazard….why not.
    If he’s our second best,well,buy for 30 million and make 20 million profit in two Years…..he’s that good.

  9. rico says:

    I think its rubbish too, not unless he nipped over after he knew he’s be banned for three matches 😉

  10. devilgunner says:

    Good morning Guys and Chicks of the Proud Gunners’ Faith.

    Sir SP, my old mate, I know you like England, its your nation and no doubt you had a lot of pride when you lifted the world cup. However the more that Twitchy becomes confused regarding the England job, the more the scum from the slum will be in no man’s land. and that means they will be more confused…..which will certainly mean dropping points. And if we keep collecting them that means we overtake them for 3rd place.

    Yes, England do surely deserve better. But remember that AFC deserve much more better. Otherwise I agree with you.

  11. W.A.T.H says:

    Morning all, good post Sp, I used to also follow England through the 80’s n early 90’s then stopped going, it’s not the same anymore over rated twats who think they something special and they not. I obviously always want England to win but in all honesty couldn’t give a shit if they don’t Arsenal is a million times more important to me and if the yids get pissed off due to Arry n England then great…!

    Scott whats negative about Diaby getting another injury it’s merely saying it as it normally is mate…!

    Am with you Lee, utter bollox on Podolski, you can’t agree terms or have a medical outside of the transfer window, you can agree to give a club first option or agree to a deal to be concluded BUT no way would he be allowed to do a medical and whats the point if he breaks his leg next month..???

    Who let Hillnutter out of his cage..?

  12. rico says:

    Morning devil, you feeling better??

    But if Dirty Arry left them now, they’d be in a pickle…..

    Im so sorry Scott, best you watch the reserves later if he plays, could be the last time you get to see him this season 😉 😉

  13. rico says:

    The lastest link, now this guy does seem like a wenger signing in the making….

    Benjamin Corgnet (born 6 April 1987 in Thionville) is a French football player who currently plays for French club Dijon in Ligue 1. He plays as a midfielder and joined his current club in 2010 after a stint with amateur club Monts d’Or Azergues in the Championnat de France amateur 2, the fifth division of French football.

  14. W.A.T.H says:

    Rico, Send a request to the club for Diaby to bring out the halt time oranges and then Scott can be well happy….!

  15. Scott From Oz says:

    You really are a heartless wench,Rico lol!!!
    Wath,how long ago were you saying that about RVP though.
    Time and patience can do wonders.

  16. devilgunner says:

    I am feeling better today. Infact I went to work. tbh I prefer staying at home. but unfortunately we have to work….a necessary evil.

    I agree regarding Diaby. His injuries have sent him back. But I do hope he returns and stays fit. Then we will have a, wait for it, A NEW SIGNING. but honestly…..when he is fit he is an awesome player.

  17. devilgunner says:

    I hope that RVP does not piss off Scott. We have stood by him a lot. If he leaves then it will be like a slap to the face.

    If he leaves than AFC should learn to be heartless with players like him and Diaby. Not fit, sell them, they do not care so why should we???

  18. W.A.T.H says:

    No mate, have never ever said that about RVP, I never wanted RVP gone or sold…! RVP got injured and i always knew and we saw he was class, i think Diaby is a liability, slows the game down far to much doesnt get stuck in and for me is injured non stop from niggles, that wasn’t RVP…!

  19. rico says:

    I think many always said that RvP was a luxury player, but one worth keeping 😉

    Always said that if Diaby could get his head and feet working together, he’d be a wonderful player…. sadly, that doesn’t happen too often but, I thought he settled our midfield when he came on for his brief spell, Dippers was it??

  20. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning all, Thanks for your kind comments and my thanks to you Rico as usual,
    I know we have a mixed bunch on HH from all diferent countries, and i’m sure you all support your respective countries with pride, In England we have some strange idea’s we find the latest tax dodger and offer him the top job just goes against the grain a bit, but as Wath has said probably a good match with the arseholes we have in the England team. My point is i’de like a passionate manager with a good straightforward background and maybe new ideas and new players could be the answer to a long awaited turn in fortune.
    Diaby did have a good 20 minutes which is as much as i have seen for ages if he can stay fit till the end of the season he may just keep out of my out list 🙂

  21. Micko says:

    Morning all,
    Diaby is about as much use as a chocolate teapot.

    Steve, out of all the cups by Febuary again, whatever happens now its not gonna end up a great season, just putting tottenham in their place will do for me this time around.

  22. rico says:

    Morning Steve, you are as laways welcome…

    Diaby already has his big toes in my out list, he certainly needs to stay fit now and prove he has something to offer, other than to the drs at afc….

  23. devilgunner says:

    Hiya Sir SP. The problem with England is players like Lampard, Terry, Rio, etc. They are all big egos and want the camp to be run the way they want. Maybe you might add Shrek but he does come across as one who tries his hardest to win, whereas the other names want others to work for them. Correct me if I am wrong but I have a feeling that the majority of England players are chosen mainly by the administration of the FA and the top brass do have it in them to interfere with the coach (albeit discreetly) over team issues.

  24. allezkev says:

    Good Morning Gooners.
    Harry For England.
    Vertonghen For Arsenal.
    Morning Rico.
    Interesting post Stevo.

  25. Micko says:

    Devil, all those players mentioned are on their way out, we have a new generation coming through now, fresh blood in the team, England supporters might have something to get excited about for a change.

  26. rico says:

    Morning AK, and Micko…

    I have added the run in to the side bar, Totts have the easiest fixtures on paper….

  27. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning Devil, sorry to hear you have not been well but glad your getting back.
    Yeh your probably right with the administrators but we all know others always believe they can do a better job than you, Look at us lot with Wenger, the diference is wenger just does’nt listen 🙂

  28. devilgunner says:

    Tbh I think the whole system needs to change. Yes you might have people like Stuart Pearce who give their all to the national team. But remember that there is no policy regarding team play and method of playing. You have for example the senior team playing 4-2-3-1, the under 21 4-4-2, the under 19 4-3-3 etc. When you look at nations like Holland, Germany, Spain and Belgium you see all of them playing with the same style and method. I know it may sound boring but imagine if all the teams from youth to the seniors play the same system, tactics and style.

    Another thing is that for all its players I think that English players lack an identity and team morale. There is no pride even though the players continually speak about it. In the end its everyone for himself. TBH I was seeing the same situation at Arsenal in the last few months. Compare it to the present situation…..everyone fights for each other. Compare the present England identity and team morale to the one seen in Euro 1996 where everyone was behind each other.

    Twitchy might be many bad things, but one thing is certain…he knows how to build team morale and give it identity.

  29. devilgunner says:

    Each English team supporter should ask himself…..does the national team make me proud to be English? Do I go everywhere with head held high after performances by the English team? Even if they lost?

    Take the dutch for example. They have lost 3 world cups yet when speaking to the few dutch persons that I have managed to come across in my life I always get the feeling that their national team gives them pride. And you can not only see it but also feel it.

  30. rico says:

    Micko, i think you are right, the England of the future will have 5/6 gooners playing

    Theo
    Afobe
    Aneke
    Jack
    Ox

    i am sure they’ll be more too 😉

  31. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Good post, Steve. Anyway, I think we play in Goodison Park next Wednesday not Tuesday.
    Reserves match will be interesting for a few players. The ladies has also a crucial match today.
    Unfortunatelly, we had playing with the wrong Milan team this year. Marseille, the second in our group,goes ahead. It’s the life!

  32. devilgunner says:

    I agree with you Rico. I think that in the coming years there will be 5 or more Gunners in the English national team. Hopefully none of the top brass interfers with selection and things like that.

  33. rico says:

    Hi JM, i realised earlier and changed it….

    devil, England will be much better when they giet rid of all the old chavs/mancs who think they are better than everyone else..

    but, as you say, the FA poke their noses in far too much, but they’ll have no choice to be our players as they will be the best…

  34. Rokabox says:

    here is a list of some of the people I don’t like/ hate/ despise

    Mark Hughes
    Ricky Gervais
    Alan Pardew
    Sam Alardyce
    Alex McLeish
    Phill Brown
    Alan Shearer
    Davina McCall
    Robbie Savage
    Piers Morgan
    Ann Robinson
    The racist kiwi at work
    Mark Hughes Ancestors

  35. Micko says:

    And here is a list of my favorite football teams,

    1) Arsenal
    2) Any team playing against Tottenham.

    rico, you missed gibbs out earlier, he already got a cap under his belt if you know what I mean.

  36. Lee says:

    Rokabox, add to that list….
    adrian durham
    king kenny
    jamie redknapp
    alan hansen
    joey barton
    robbie savage
    ticket collector at liverpool st stn!

  37. Rokabox says:

    lee I forgot joey farton and definately with you re liverpool st train station staff, used to catch the train to chelmsford and the attitude is shocking, they all bunch of west’am *ankers

  38. rico says:

    Do we want the Chavs to win or lose later?

    maybe its best they have more games so saty in the CL, although a loss could really shatter their confidence and De Matteo might get the sack 😉

  39. allezkev says:

    So Abou is penciled in for Everton?!
    Should be interesting to see if he can finish the game fit enough to be considered for Aston Villa???

  40. allezkev says:

    raphael honigstein‏@honigsteinReply
    Retweet

    Favorite
    · Open

    Podolski passed a medical for Arsenal today, according to well-inform Dave Woods of the Daily Star. #afc

  41. allezkev says:

    Jamie Sanderson‏@YoungGunsBlog

    Close

    Arsène Wenger expected to watch Reserves tonight v #WBA, to get a glimpse of 16-year-old Serge Gnabry. Top talent. #AFC.

  42. allezkev says:

    Jamie Sanderson‏@YoungGunsBlog

    Close

    Tomáš Rosický says he turned down ‘huge numbers’ to commit to new Arsenal deal. ‘Money isn’t everything’. Hope van Persie agrees

  43. devilgunner says:

    allezkev says:
    March 14, 2012 at 6:04 pm

    Well that’s another erection outta the way.

    what is out of the way Sir AK???? 😆 😆

    Language please.

  44. allezkev says:

    Jamie Sanderson‏@YoungGunsBlogReply
    Retweet

    Favorite
    · Open

    #AFC v #WBA: (4-2-3-1) – Martínez; Jenkinson, Djourou, Miquel, Santos; Yennaris, Özyakup; Park, Aneke, Gnabry; Chamakh.

  45. allezkev says:

    Jamie Sanderson‏@YoungGunsBlogReply
    Retweet

    Favorite
    · Open

    Shea, Angha, Hoyte, Meade and Afobe all on #AFC bench tonight. #WBA have brought a very young side. Kick off at 7pm.

  46. devilgunner says:

    I am back guys and chicks.

    Had a good training session. But still a bit weak. So early night for me.

    Hey mates…what did you make of the vids I posted yesterday of Roberto Firmino the 20 year old advanced midfielder of Hoffenheim?

  47. rico says:

    Bloody heck AK, i’m not surprised in the back of a cab 😉 😉

    Where did you all come from, no-one was here when i last looked 😉

  48. rico says:

    AK, that story in the DS is garbage, why would he have a medical before the season eneded, he could break a leg 🙁

  49. devilgunner says:

    I am on firefox Rico. They always open up normally.

    However go to you-tube and type Roberto firmino.

    I am off now mates. Cu all tomorrow.

    Off to dream that the referee has given us 3 penalties in favour in the first 15 minutes in the game vs Everton and sent off rwo of their players. 😆

  50. allezkev says:

    Serge Gnabry profile

    Name

    Serge Gnabry

    Born

    July 14, 1995

    Stuttgart, Germany

    Position

    Midfielder

  51. allezkev says:

    A powerfully built midfielder, German youngster Serge joined the Gunners just before the new season.

    Strong in the tackle, with an impressive turn of pace and an eye for goal, Serge is an all-round attack-minded midfielder.

    Formerly with VfB Stuttgart’s youth section, tenacious teenager Serge scored for Steve Bould’s Under-18’s in a pre-season friendly at the training ground.

  52. allezkev says:

    Hola Lee.
    Tbh, i’ve been watching the highlights of AC Milan & Newcastle on Arsenalist….

    Hope it goes to penalties….

    i’d quite like to see Chelsea go thru.
    More games.
    More strain on their squad…

    You ok?

    Gnarby info is for JM.

  53. allezkev says:

    My back is to the TV… 🙂

    PC faces the other way…

    I’ll go and watch.

    We can larf at the end 😉

  54. rico says:

    Morning all,

    Chavs were jammy then, good, need them playing pleanty of games and a nice distraction for them being in the CL …

  55. rico says:

    All good thank you, hope it’s the same your end…

    I think a few are struggling to log in to the blog today so i’m going to put the new post up, see if that helps….

    New Post Up

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