Wenger up and out? Don't be afraid of Change as Pep Guardiola rumours gather pace….

Having been dumped out of the FA Cup, I can’t be bothered to write about another heartless and gutless display from this current side. Having gone 1-0 down, the result of another sloppy free-kick given away in a dangerous area, we needed someone, anyone to take the bull by the horns and get us back into the tie.

It didn’t happen, did anyone honestly expect it to happen?

We learned nothing from last years Carling Cup final when we were out fought  to win that game by a ‘TEAM’ – a group of players who may not have cost the earth but they all have what we didn’t back then and still don’t now. That’s the desire to win, to fight until the last-minute and snatch victory when defeat is staring you in the face.

Sunderland were the same yesterday, a group of players who were very average towards the end of Steve Bruce’s reign but the fresh face of Martin O’Neil, his different tactics and his ability to get the best out of his squad has turned them into a hard-working side that doesn’t believe in defeat.

They got what they deserved yesterday, they wanted the ball, they closed us down and gave us little to no space, and instead fighting back, we appeared to have nothing to fight back with.

So for us that’s it, just a 4th spot in the Premier League to fight for, another season gone….

We are a business, albeit in football rather than on the High Street but just the same, we all strive to be at the top of the game.

Harrods will always battle with Harvey Nichols

Marks & Spencer’s will battle with Waitrose

Sainsbury battle Tesco

Then Lidil battle with Aldi (just in case Wenger is reading) 😉

For Arsenal, it is of course about challenging the other clubs in the Premier League and in Europe, always striving to come out top.

The bosses at M&S will tell you that sometimes you have to take a look at your stock and realise that it needs updating, changing to make the sales increase. Not too many years ago, their business was going stale, sales had dropped and many wondered if the chain would fall so behind other stores it would close.

The company didn’t wait around to long to react, they hired some new fashion designer who set to work on new ranges of clothes and in a short space of time M&S were back at the top again. (Their coleslaw is still the best)

M&S was founded in 1884, just two years before our great club was born. (spooky)

They weren’t frightened of change to make sure their company remained at the top of their game and it’s time for Arsenal to follow suit.

Fans shouldn’t be frightened of any changes either, we were when George Graham left the club, we all feared for what would happen, especially when Bruce Rioch entered the frame but even he made his mark by signing Dennis Bergkamp.

Then we entered the next stage of change under the unknown Arsene Wenger which bought us success for a good few years but now we have gone stale, it’s been coming for a few seasons now and that time to change has come again, before it really is too late………

Just as Marks & Spencer changed their clothing designer(s) which had for so many years bough them success, we need that same overhaul with our clothing which for us of course is players. To do that, our major shareholder needs to make that same investment that M&S did and bring in a new designer…

Don’t be afraid of change, it brings new ideas and so often, it brings success…..

Just ask M&S…..

To finish, reports are rife here in England that Kroenke feels the same way, suggestion is that Arsene Wenger is to be offered a position ‘upstairs’ and Pep Guardiola is to be offered the manager’s job at Arsenal as he stalls over a new contract in Spain.

I wasn’t always sure that changing the manager mid-season is a good idea as he still has the same players to hand but if we are going to get 4th spot something has got to change.

Martin O’Neil has proved at Sunderland that you can have the right players already in place,  just sometimes it needs the right man to get the best from them.

Clearly, right now that isn’t Arsene Wenger….

365 thoughts on “Wenger up and out? Don't be afraid of Change as Pep Guardiola rumours gather pace….

  1. rico says:

    Morning all

    Erick, sorry to say, i agree totally….

    Never thought it would come to this tbh, but seven years is too much, the last two of which have seen some awful displays…

  2. Erick says:

    Rico gooners are afraid of change but it do or die now get Aw out and bring someone with new ideas….tired of his excuses. What are some players doing in an Arsenal shirt

  3. rico says:

    But there is no need to be afraid to change, some can’t see beyond Wenger Eric, but they to – if they really want this club to move on and improve..

    Its a tough call for Stan, but a call he has to make….

  4. Erick says:

    Rico tbh about time he resigned seems defeated even the game starts, he cant motivate this players enough and we can’t even mount a serious challenge…we are the laughing stock of the world. We have become so predictable even teams do not have to try to beat us….am so angry Rico Wenger out

  5. rico says:

    I can’t disagree again Erick, we are stale, yes we have a few players who shouldn’t be with us, Almunia, Squilli, JD, Denilson and Nik – but the rest aren’t really bad players are they?

    But it comes from the top, just like MoN has done with a bunch of players who were stale under Bruce, I truly believe that with a new manager, the right manager we would see huge improvements in most of our players.

    Maybe even JD – last season he was quite reliable, what on earth has happened to him this season, TV, once the solid CH, now even he looks lost….

  6. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning all,
    Nice read Rico and very true, M&S have made the changes while Wenger is caught in the headlights, he looks like a scared Rabbit or a mindless Phesant he needs to be shot to clear the road, I read in the paper yesterday that Arsenals defenders do not practice Defending, and although i rarely believe all that i read , but after watching year after year it looks like it could be true, as you said a new designer to update the product as it is now perfectly clear this store is completely out of idea’s, I brought a new pair of shoes from M&S the other day leather uppers and leather soles from their new design range, very comfortable nice design and they make this customer very happy, i will buy there again.

  7. Phil says:

    Wenger out, thanks for everything but enough is enough. He doesn’t even admit it is down to them. He was saying how proud he was and the great performance they put in….. bollox!!

  8. Erick says:

    Morning Steve, how do we not train defending and thats has been our problem……we now have scoring problem did we even have a shot at goal yesterday.

    Where do we go from here

  9. rico says:

    Morning Steve

    Martin Kemp was my inspiration for the post, he was on Soccer AM yesterday and talked about us not defending, Noel Hunt and the Reading goalkeeper were also on the programme and they were stunned about us not training defence. Hunt said that at Reading they are coached to defend from the front and it’s something that’s worked on at every training session…

    I was sceptacle about that rumour a few years ago, but sadly we only have to watch the way we defend to know it is more than likely to be true…

    Glad you like your shoes 😉

  10. Judith Le'Strange says:

    I wholeheartedly agree with all that’s been said not just today but for the past few months, Wenger has lost the plot big time, but the Board don’t appear to care as long as they get their money for doing absolutely nothing. However I read today that according to reports in a certain Sunday tabloid the Board are considering shifting Wenger into the boardroom and bringing in Guardiola, now that would be something to write about, but I can’t really see that happening although it would give the other teams something to think about, but Guadiola would want new players & that would cost money & I can’t really see Kroenke dipping his hand in his pocket to give an extra £100m for that can you, but if Usmanov was on board it would definitely happen. Think about it fans, something needs to be done & soon otherwise Arsenal as we know it will cease to exist, only in our memories.

  11. Big Ernie says:

    It’s a sad sad day, but I think it is time now to say Arsene doesn’t know best any more, it’s gone, it’s over. We have been in decline for the last few seasons and every year we are told that it is due to bad luck and injuries. No one can have that much bad luck and if so many players are getting injured then there has to be something done about the training and warm up exercises. Time for a big change in the boardroom and down on the pitch. Thanks Arsene, but it’s over fella ….. please go with grace a dignity and we will still love you for what you have done for the club, please don’t hang on so you become a figure of derision and you are forced out, no one wants that ……

  12. Adam says:

    Morning Rico. Just woke up late with the sun streaming through the windows and then I remembered yesterday’s latest fiasco. Trying to put a positive spin on it the only thing I can come up with is that, with every game, it is becoming more and more apparent that things are deeply wrong at Arsenal and Wenger must bear the ultimate responsibility. As a club things simply cannot be allowed to drift aimlessly on and I am now thinking that, as Stan seems very unlikely to make the change, the last thing we want is to scrape into that 4 th place which, we will be told, is success and a vindication for Wenger’s irresponsible attitude toward the squad. Let us not forget that, if it wasn’t for the mauling at Man Utd, he probably wouldn’t have bought the players he did. This alone makes his judgement these days seriously questionable as it has been since he became the club’s accountant several years ago. If Kroenke isn’t going to sell out to Usmanov then he surely needs to wrestle control from Wenger and overhaul the place top to bottom and instill a real sense of ambition and progression in the place. I really don’t want it to get ugly as I fear there will be collateral damage to the club but this just has to be his last season. After the upcoming figure are released we will probably have something approaching £100 million in the kitty. Wenger’s experiment is over and he must not be allowed to indulge himself in another one.

  13. Mohd Isa says:

    I agree with Erick. Wenger has gone stale and is resistant to change in the face of overwhelming evidence his philosophy of the beautiful game aint working.
    I believe the sooner he goes the better for him and his legacyOtherwise he risks his reputat ion being further tarnished .

  14. rico says:

    Welcome Phil & Big Ernie – his post match comments are wearing thin eh….

    Ernie, no-one will forget what he has done for our club but over the last couple of seasons he has been undioing all that he made good. He looks lost now, he hasn’t got it in him to change so yes, walk away gracefully before it’s too late…

  15. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning Eric, you have hit it on the head there, where do we go from here, We have to start again thats where Wenger will not change we know that, so he has to be replaced. Arsenal supporters realise that we cannot afford to buy 8 or 9 players but what we can afford is to buy a couple at every window, the summer could see a new manager sell our deadwood and buy in quality players and ditch our old ways of doing business of cheap buys. at the end of the day you only get what you pay for

  16. Erick says:

    Rico who is this kemp guys, you know am from a far away land…..Morning Judith I i just want change tired of the same old same old. Guardiola would be nice no more favoritism being in the team just because of merit period

  17. Scott from Oz says:

    One point Rico on a very good article.
    Very interesting you make the point of Birmingham putting a gutsy side together without spending billions.
    Interesting because most peoples biggest bitch about Wenger is his lack of spending.
    On Guardiola,he is the only manager I would feel totally comfortable with replacing Wenger.
    There are a few out there who MAY do a good job,plenty of big names mentioned I reckon would totally destroy us,but Pep I believe is the one sure bet.
    I said recently to a mate,Pep is everythjng Wenger is,but 30 years fresher.
    The perfect fit.

  18. rico says:

    Morning Adam, i am still unsure whether its the players, i think they have what it takes if they get some direction which they are clearly not getting now.

    New ideas, fresh tactics, defensive coaching could see us suddenly improve and get that 4th spot. Then, let whoever replaces wenger have the kitty, not wenger as he will just go and buy youth or not buy at all saying that injuries have cost us blah blah blah….

  19. rico says:

    Erick

    Martin John Kemp (born 10 October 1961) is an English actor, musician, and occasional television presenter, best known as the bassist in the New Romantic band Spandau Ballet, as well as for his portrayal as Steve Owen from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. He is the brother of Gary Kemp, who was also a member of Spandau Ballet and has also had an acting career.

    Most of all though – he is a Gooner 🙂

  20. rico says:

    No I can’t Adam, but if he can’t then let him go, just don’t let him anywhere near the accounts department 😉

  21. alan b'stard M P says:

    why the fuck would you offer him a position upstairs if he’s buggered up downstairs

    Policy and practice will not change with him upstairs. Any new coach.manager will still be working along the same lines

  22. Erick says:

    Folks we all agree its time for the gaffer to move and Pep the best option…..Stan had said nothing and its reported the russian bough some shares any idea if he can also assume kind of control so we get change.

  23. Adam says:

    Agreed Rico. JD and Squllacci really are the nightmare scenario aren’t they? There is the basis for a really good team there but we have no defence. At least get the defence sorted first but we are an absolute joke back there and possibly the worst in the league in some ways, despite having some good players. Central midfield is weak and ineffective for me and Robin looks as if he would rather not be bearing the burden too.

  24. rico says:

    Hi Scott – thanks..

    I wasn’t so keen on Pep, only because Barca are great going forward, but are they the best defensively? I know when we have played them in the past, some have suggested that their defence can be beaten…

    I don’t know for sure as I don’t really watch them….

    As long as Pep has Keown alongside, we’d be ok though 😉

  25. rico says:

    How many international players are in our squad?

    telling you, it’s not the players, all they have done is lost faith in who manages them, just as we have

    A better defensive coach would stop us leaking goals

    A different attack minded manager would get more from Theo, Arshavin, Ramsey and Gervinho and maybe even Rvp…

    Then he would add the right players, not just bargins….

  26. Erick says:

    Thanks Rico, I doubt Aw would want to move upstairs. We want a fresh start and that wouldn’t be fresh….thanks Rico I had no idea though, I heard he said change is good for the Arsenal.

    Yesterday Frimpong and Piers got into an argument on twitter…….

  27. pete says:

    missed Stewart Huston. Won nothibf ib those years. Very little under GG
    We do not have the money to spend as you seen to suggest.

    It qoyld be detremental to the future of the club if we finished 6th and won the carling /.FA cup each year. the money recieves would mean we are bot able ro compee wth anyone in the rip 6.

    The players need to step up. Before ir becomes an issues the Wage bill includes all staff at Araenal unlike the other prem teams who just publish players

  28. rico says:

    but he isn’t going to start changing his coaching methods alan, not now, he’s too bloody stubborn…

    in 2006 keown sorted our defence, jeez, he even got Flamoney playing well at Lb, why the heck did AW let him go?

    we all know that was probably down to AW not being prepared to be advised by MK, boat rocked and Keown gone, if AW had an ounce of sense, he’d have soon eaten humble pie and got him back again….

  29. allezkev says:

    Yes, that’s right guys, lets all get excited about finishing 4th.

    I suppose it would help in the signing of quality players this summer.

    Just like last summer.

    And the summer before that.

    Yeah, right…….

  30. Erick says:

    Adam this season has been worse no goals, poor defence and the midfiled has been a joke….song been a shadow of himself, Ramsey overdoing it and Arteta and Rosicky have been average

  31. Scott from Oz says:

    We are all still assuming Wengers the reason we don’t spend.
    Nobody has proven one way or the other.
    I still reckon the board won’t sack him because he’s acting under direction.
    It’s probably best Wenger does resign,but at seasons end.
    Anyone suggesting he should now is kidding themself…….who would come in,who is available now?
    Resign Arsene,head held high,and god help the club if we get the wrong replacement.

  32. rico says:

    A smart move by Wenger would be to get Keown or Adams, actually get both at the training ground every day this week, get them involved in the training, in fact just leave them to it, if just for seven days it could reap reward….

  33. allezkev says:

    The question is, can Arsene change?

    Is there anyone at the club with the authority to make him change?

    Someone who he would listen to?

    Because i don’t think he would even listen to Kroenke.

  34. allezkev says:

    Alan MP, that’s right mate, until their pocket is affected, nothing will change.

    And although it’s risky, maybe failing to qualify for the CL is just what they need, to sit up and smell the coffee.
    Or tea in my case [ don’t like coffee ]….

  35. alan b'stard M P says:

    Rico

    There was a rather large article i one of the English papers saying certain people were complaining defense is not practised at training

    Incredible to think that is true

  36. allezkev says:

    The player who i felt organised our defence and brought a semblence of order is BFG.

    I still think that a lot of what he did, went unnoticed, whilst the media highlighted the odd mistakes he made.

  37. Erick says:

    @piersmorgan ur entitled opinion of course u r but there are ways of doing it and tellin ur 2millfollowers rubbish we don’t need ain’t class

    @piersmorgan when was ur last game at the emirates? Instead of the Internet. What have u ever done for Arsenal in 42 years? Nothing
    I

    @piersmorgan Loyal?? Well in football u have bad and good times the LOYAL fans are the one that remember the Good times And wait for More.

    @piersmorgan so yes piers u ain’t a fan u just some big old school bully that has too much time on twitter now u go bed wake up early 2 read

    @piersmorgan miles every weekend to support their team fans are the 60,000 ppl we have every sat fans don’t turn their back on their team

    @piersmorgan it still amazes me u call urself a fan? A fan don’t doesn’t do the things u do.the fans are the ppl that travels thousands of

    @piersmorgan we don’t need ur support u better of reading script leave the football to ppl that no about it. Wasteman
    In reply to Piers Morgan

    @piersmorgan just don’t bring ur ugly face to the emirates cus we as Arsenal are sick and tired of ur abuse towards players and coach

    @piersmorgan Stop chatting soo much rubbish you. UNO nothing about football u sit behind ur laptop nd just talk utter rubbish

  38. Scott from Oz says:

    There’s talk of the board changing our salary limitations.
    If they sack Wenger then do this,they ought to be bloody shot!!!!

  39. rico says:

    Guys, right now, and this may sound curt but it’s not meant to…

    I don’t give a toot about the money, who’s choice it was not to spend it etc etc, all i care about is the next transfer window and who will get the money then….

    In between time we need the club to do what is right to get the best out of the players we have and that isn’t wenger..

    I am still not convinced that these players are average, they are just a group of people who don’t really know what is being asked of them anymore..

    The tactics are rubbish, the players are stale and they are lost and that is down to one man….

    Like i said earlier, AA doesn’t become rubbish overnight, Sagna doesn’t suddenly become a dodgy Rb, TV has taken steps backwards, Ramsey, Song and Arteta have also gone backwards…

    Why??

  40. stevepalmer1 says:

    I tend to think that if a new manager came in and we had moved Wenger upstairs, and the new manager started having a modicum of success Wenger would still insist on fielding his youngsters whether the new man wanted it or not. A clean out is exactly that a clean out. would you keep denilson & the squillakies no and we wont keep a spent Wenger either. Thank you and goodbye

  41. Adam says:

    Erick. I agree. We have flattered to deceive. GG’s way was to build a solid defence then if tou don’t always win, you won’t lose. Wenger’s way is to give the opposition cheap goals so you always need to score more than one to win. When he fist came Wenger was bright enough to graft a midfield and strike force on to a pretty solid defensive set-up but, after Vieira left he ditched his 4-4-2 for 4-5-1. These days we have to play that formation because we are so weak in midfield that we need 5 to do the work that 4 good ones could manage. I think that Pep understands defence Rico though Barca have shipped more this year but I think that he loves great players and balance within the team too. At Barca everyone plays for Messi. If he came to us we would see how tactically astute he is when he doesn’t have the best player in the world in his team. I imagine he would import several Spanish players and they would all be better than Rosicky, Song et al.

  42. alan b'stard M P says:

    Hi Allezkev

    Yes, and everyone could still watch the game on TV or the boozer

    Forget all that black scarf stuff as they’ve paid to get in.

    Just all stay away and deprive them of income

    Then maybe, they will see the customer is always right

    The word ” customer ” is appropriate, as it’s a private concern with no real members as in a real club

    AST aren’t worth two bob

  43. rico says:

    AK, No is the answer about Wenger changing and no, he wouldn’t listen to anyone, he’s too darn stubborn….

    alan, i read it – its been said before and like i said earlier, the way we play its seems like its true…

    staggering!

  44. devilgunner says:

    Good morning guys and chicks of the Gunners faith.

    Agree with everything Rico.

    However keeping AW upstairs is not a good idea. His presence might stifle the new one. Remember Busby who stayed on after. His presence was suffocating the managers replacing him.

  45. rico says:

    Never been convince by Merts AK, but have to eat my words, he’s defininately missed for his defensive leadership…

    Gutted for Coq yesterday…

  46. alan b'stard M P says:

    devilgunner

    They will place him on the board for ” services rendered”. Crazy as it is to us, he fits into their business plan

  47. Scott from Oz says:

    Nobody,but nobody will tell me the injuries,and more importantly the timing of our injuries hasn’t had a massive effect on our season.
    No club wins competitions in any sport whilst enduring the problems we have had.
    Personally,I would love Wenger to get one season,with 60-80 million to spend that MUST be spent,the salary limit lifted,so he has no excuses and the fans know exactly what is happening.
    If not,bring Guardiola in,give him the cash,but the board should at least have the balls to come out with the truth behind the lack of spendning.
    Rico,if he comes,don’t you go whinging about Barca kids joining us lol!!!!!

  48. Adam says:

    Wenger has had more than enough time to sort this and plenty of money. I really cannot see a future for Arsenal with him at the club unless he changes drastically and can anyone really see that happening? Not only him either but the whole structure needs a shake up. I think Rico’s M&S analogy was pretty good actually. We need to move with the times and become more fluid and less bloody predictable. One more “mental strength” lecture will be difficult to take.

  49. rico says:

    Adam,

    That is another thing that worries me, bring in Pep and a few Spaniards, do we want to be going down that path again? Once we were a french team, do we want to be a spanish team?

    Look what rafa did at liverpool….

  50. rico says:

    Morning devil – when he goes, i’m making sure he’s on a plane flight, not a flight of stairs 😉

    Sorry Scott, already have 😉

  51. don says:

    AW’s time has been long overdue in the sense that,from 4 seasons back when pressure started pilling,he knew he’s untouchable,when he knew patches he was to fix,he’d choose not to,pple said he doesn’t have the backing of the board,but,that’s not true,he chose not to buy,he’s arrogant,wouldn’t take advice from any one,can’t change policies and even basics tactics despite them failing him,yesterday he proved he can’t motivate players,he shouldn’t be given another chance even if he’s given all the money to buy,he is the biggest change we expect,he’s become tactically inept,has favouritism,doesn’t allow competition for positions,he isen’t a disciplinarian,the team make the same mistakes every other game and are never changed despite the change of seasons,he can’t motivate players and has lost his winning mentality.i believe martin oneal can do better with this team,because he’s got all these things AW doesn’t.AW’s departure is the one needed more than any other departure.

  52. alan b'stard M P says:

    what if a new manager said ” Right lads, we are doing defensive training tonight ”

    Will he be hauled before the board, now containing AW, and have his arse kicked

    and no set piece training either!

  53. Scott from Oz says:

    Mertesackers positional play and timing is very,very good,and improving.
    We get Gibbs back,lose him.
    It’s a vicious cycle,that backline of ours.
    Like a bloody revolving door.

  54. Adam says:

    Rico. Point taken. I think that Guardiola is an exceptionally intelligent man though and hope that he would get the balance right. Having said that, the technical level of Spanish players is far higher than English ones. He also seems inspirational. Getting that job with no real experience and at such a young age was an almighty challenge. He also visits the Emirates regularly apparently and likes the club. For me Usmanov + Pep + A right few quid could be good. Diaby could be back by then too.

  55. alan b'stard M P says:

    If Walcott & Arshavin are always played put of position, perhaps playing them in their historically successful positions would help

  56. Manni says:

    Mr Wenger is the man to lead this club,Arsene is doing all his best with the resources he got.it’s true he need to add few player and get rid of the player’s that are not performing but player’s also need to be blamed for their poor showing.against Milan a top player like Vermaelen should have done better with the 2 goals we conceded,this things happen.i dont like your article,its total rubish .the team needs us now more than ever.stop reporting on the negative always.

  57. Erick says:

    I hate Piers and think we should give him a black out , but the way Frimpong defended the manager is true to say he plays for Arsene FC not Arsenal FC.

    Most of the players do and they have let their manager down

  58. stevepalmer1 says:

    Lets face it what is hurting Arsenal football club more than Wengers tactics is the lack of robustness of our players, In all fairness to Wenger, he has fielded 11 players out of a large squad of injured players. Whatever results have transpired it has to be pointed out that in the last few years our weaknesses are fitness related. key players out injured has rendered the Arsenal a walking wounded team. Personally i don’t think our team is that bad if they were all fit and had durabillity. Our problems are fitness and we have more than many others injured all the time. Maybe we should be looking at training diet and anything that may be causing the injuries and i don’t believe after all this time its just bad luck

  59. allezkev says:

    Scott mate, do you honestly think that any Board member is gonna tell us plebs the truth.

    They don’t a shit about us.

    We are just turnstile fodder.

    So they can sit up in club level and entertain their business associates.

    I fcuking hate them….

  60. Scott from Oz says:

    Rico,we just do not know for sure if he was allowed to spend.
    I know i keep saying it,but I’ve never seen anything to suggest the board aren’t holding him back.
    Having said that it may well be Wenger,but that’s my point…….none of us really know.
    This is why i keep laying the blame at the feet of the board…its their responsibility to ensure the right thing is being done,but their silence is deafening.

  61. Erick says:

    Folks, Wenger has always said he’s not the one to spend those amounts of money so be sure that even if he’s given 60 mil, he wouldn’t do anything….he has given the board back money he should be spending. time is up

  62. alan b'stard M P says:

    Scott, don’t forget the Africans that pissed off to the ACON. They ruined continuity and injuries to other players is a good reason not to purchase Africans. At least local English players would still be playing

  63. Adam says:

    Kev. Strong words mate. Any business that takes its customers for granted is on a slippery slope but it is hard to disagree with you.

  64. Scott from Oz says:

    AK,no,I dont.
    Erick,he’s an employee,not the boss of the whole show.
    Pay me 7 million,I’d do what i was told.

  65. rico says:

    Welcome Manni, i admire your faith in AW, what is he doing right now or for the past 5/6 seasons that still convinces you he’s still the right man??

  66. alan b'stard M P says:

    allezkev says:
    February 19, 2012 at 10:36 am

    Scott mate, do you honestly think that any Board member is gonna tell us plebs the truth.

    true. Furthermore, companies house will inform you the law is on their side. They are legally obliged to maximise profit for shareholders. They are the shareholders

    Profit via real estate, TV rights & licensing merchandise, renting the ground.

    It’s an entertainment company, not a football club

    Just don’t go to the ground

  67. rico says:

    Scott – like i said earlier and as Steve has also just said, forget the money at the moment and what he could have or has chosen not to spend…

    What is he doing in training or with his tactics to get the best out of the players he has?

    We have international players all over the pitch, why can’t he get them playing better??

    That has nothing to do with Stan, Ivan or anyone else, that is all down to him….

  68. allezkev says:

    Adam, they are the same people that they’ve always been.

    They have utter contempt for the fans.

    Look at cup final ticket distribution…

    Dein may have been shady, but i always had the feeling with him on the Board, that we had a Director who understood us and our priorities.

    Does Gazides have the slightest inkling of how we are suffering?
    After all, he thinks that Man City are jealous of us.

    What an utter buffoon.

    It’s laughable…

  69. mog says:

    this may sound like a stupid question but if the defence do’nt do defensive traning. who do the forwards train with, perhaps thats why they all shit themselves when a goal scoring oppertunity appers. apart from rvp, because theres no proper training.

  70. Kenneth Dean says:

    … one manager who gets his team punching above its weight is DAVID MOYES… this man would be a perfect fit as well as a breath of fresh air?..

  71. Scott from Oz says:

    With all due respect Alan,England have won nothing for decades,Wenger has tried bringing English kids through the system,and the majority cant cut it,City and Utd have mire imports than English players and are dominant,and English players are way overpriced.
    I don’t know the answer,but maybe the current crop of kids we have WILL prove different and do the job.
    Wouldn’t it be ironic in 3 years time to see us on top with Jack,Frimpong,Ramsey,Afobe,Aneke,Ox,Ryo,Campbell,Coquelin,Jenkinson,Gibbs,
    Szczesney,Toral,Eisfeld,Lansbury,Bartley(throw some more in) all playing regular first team football,and Wenger gone.
    All kids with loads of ability,those we’ve seen have shown a love of wearing the shirt,and all brought in by Wenger.

  72. alan b'stard M P says:

    Scott I am not concerned about England. I am concerned about Arsenal.

    The are, with some exceptions, better than the imports Arsenal transfer in

    We need 3 or 4 players and it’s cheaper than all that baggage

  73. stevepalmer1 says:

    Jack Wilshere is believed to be one of the best players Arsenal have, yet he has not played one game all season, if he should play a game for us we will be out of all competitions. Vermaelen last year, Ramsey and Eduardo and many more, Robin has had one season in all the time he has been with us where he has been picked, and we are constantly talking about resting him. Jenks long time injury Sagna long time injury Gibbs always injured Diaby always injured DJ a walking wounded that is why we are a shit weak team, Santos played six, out 10, Coq play ten minutes out 4 weeks that is the reason for our Achiles heel get the fitness right and the team will flow.

  74. Scott from Oz says:

    Rico,I agree tactically things haven’t been good,but the most popular complaint has been the lack of spending,that’s what I addressed with that comment.

  75. rico says:

    Steve, i totally agree re the fitness, is it the diet, do they warm up and down properly, what is going wrong, we suffer time and time again but no-one knows why…

    But as AK pointed out earlier, wenger said Coq was struggling with a niggle, why was he played?

  76. alan b'stard M P says:

    Oh Scott, sorry, I forgot the add that we can’t afford kids. The old days of bring your own district kids through the system has changed with the unfortunate internationalization of the competition.

    I meant we needed proven English players

  77. Micko says:

    Morning all,
    Thought I had stumbled onto the shopping channel by mistake, agag’s gonna love this.

    There’s a bad stink around Arsenal these days, its become a familiar smell over the last few years, the place needs fumigating.
    Spurs is gonna be fun next week, but for all the wrong reasons.

    Alan, great vid.

    Kev, your sounding more and more like you know who !

  78. DutchGooner10 says:

    Morning Delightful Gooners,

    Sensible post Rico. Anyone care to nail it on the doors at the Ems?? Throwing it through the window attached to a stone will do as well.

  79. rico says:

    I understand Scott, and of course we need to spend money on just 3/4 players in the summer..

    But no matter how much we spend at the next available opportunity, it won’t change the here and now..

    We need to beat the Yids next weekend, what is Wenger going to be able to do to ensure that we do?

    I just can’t see him being able to do anything….

  80. Potter says:

    “”They are legally obliged to maximise profit for shareholders. They are the shareholders””

    No they sold out took the money and somehow retained their position.

    However I have no doubt changes in the board room are coming. It may be that Wenger is going upstairs and that is why he appears to have lost interest in the team. With regard to Guardiola , if he does come ,perhaps he will bring Cesc back with him after all to play for his boyhood hero was one of the reasons he gave for leaving.

  81. rico says:

    Hi Potter, that went through my mind about Cesc but he gave lots of reasons so i don’t think he’d be back 😉 😉

    Messi might follow Pep though 😉

    When do you think the changes will happen, after 1st April with the new financial year?

  82. mog says:

    gibbs lasted for 90 minuites thats an improvement then.
    and more good news i think the next 3 league fixtures are the spuds, liverpool and newcastle. not going to be 4th much longer then, best make the most of next week cos it’ll be all down hill from here or should that be down table.

    anybody got the samaritians phone number

  83. stevepalmer1 says:

    Alan, i know where your coming from but i fear that we buy 4 top players and train like we do and 3 out of the 4 will end up in the sick bay. it has got to have somthing to do with how we train or not train i only wish i knew what were doing wrong. Mertsacker Jenks santos all fit when they came but all cripples now.

  84. alan b'stard M P says:

    lol. The comedians are out. Good. We need a larf!

    Steve

    yes that medical team of ours needs to answer questions

  85. devilgunner says:

    Scott you said..Wouldn’t it be ironic in 3 years time to see us on top
    withJack,Frimpong,Ramsey,Afobe,Aneke,Ox,Ryo,Campbell,Coquelin,Jenkinson,
    Gibbs,Szczesney,Toral,Eisfeld,Lansbury,Bartley(throw some more in) all playing regular first team football,and Wenger gone.”

    It might and it might be not ironic. These kids would need fresh ideas and what AW gave them will stay with them forever. If they are to become better players put them under the guidance of another coach.

    Sir AF changes his coach every few years. In that way ideas at Manure change and therefore his players are kept on tiptoes and fresh with new ideas.

    IMO it will not be ironic. AFC is ARSENAL FC not arsene fc. That is what I am hating at the moment.

  86. alan b'stard M P says:

    I just finished watching midsomer murders and escape to the country, and the rain is starting. Thunder too. Thank Christ I mowed the lawn

  87. rico says:

    devil, that is spooky, last night having to suffer dinner with a milwall fan 😉 we were saying the same about Fergie, the people around him deserve half the credit for all he hs achieved, he seems to be the huge motivator and the coaches coach –

    both of which we don’t seem to have anymore…

  88. stevepalmer1 says:

    We have gone through all of the arsenal traits, GG defencive approach Arsene wengers youngsters approach. I have just had a brain wave. Surrogate mothers and injury resitant players with talent. Yes we breed our own, breed an arsenal future, with resilliant genes, Paula Radcliff paired with Tony Adams, Joan collins logevity paired with Viera, Rico reliabillity with thierry henry. breed our own and be sure of a glorious future .

  89. alan b'stard M P says:

    remember the Arsenal stadium mystery from 1939?

    How about the board are found deceased under suspicious circumstances.

    Bodies in away dressing room to blame the last lot we played with a letter connecting them to AKB mob

    Send for Insp Barnaby

    If only

  90. devilgunner says:

    Unlike many persons, who prefer to watch only their team and whatever concerns their club, I am an avid studier of other clubs and their methods. I watch a lot of coaching and also interest myself in their operating methods. Their is only one club I do not observe and that is the scum at the shit lane because I hate them.

    SAF is a person who motivates those around him. Not only players but also the board, the coaches, hell even the tea lady. I am wondering what will happen when he dies. Not when he steps down because his presence itself is enough of a motivation, but when he dies since he will no longer be there. Unless he dies at the ground and his ghost will haunt the club forever. Maybe that is why the Emirates is soulless……at Highbury it was reputed that Chapman’s ghost stalked the marble halls.

    I am sorry, but for the new manager to succeed AW has to GO. And I mean leave the club permanently not be moved upstairs.

  91. DutchGooner10 says:

    To hell with the “like” button at Arsenal.com! I think we need a “who cares” button, a “WTF” button and a “@#*&%!” button. Just saying…. oh and a “lol” button because I just get tired of writing it! 😀

  92. rico says:

    devil – i agree, if he stays within the club, the way we are now won’t change as he’ll think he is still top dog…

    When fergie goes, i don’t think he’ll have much to do with the mancs, he’d be too proud and too upset…

  93. devilgunner says:

    So here goes……
    Sir AK……Faye White
    Sir SP……Emma Byrne
    W.A.T.H…Jane ludlow
    Scott…….Rachel Yankey/Rebecca Spencer (I gave you two Scott so do not complain)
    Me……….Lauren Bruton
    Micko…..Jordan Nobbs
    ABMP…..Kim Little

    Sorry if I forgot someone. Just add your name

    I think that we lot could produce a master race of pure bred footballers.

  94. mog says:

    allezkev the first 11 all playing in pink boots, by the way did you see the finest forward to have ever kicked a ball for arsenal before kick off yesterday in that stupid hat. did’nt he look a right james.

  95. rico says:

    Devil..

    He was a very good footballer, solid defender and was very good for us, the fact that he has big thighs and huge feet has absolutely nothing to do with anything …. 😉

  96. devilgunner says:

    Obvously AGAG and Rico have a lot more choice…….the men’s first team and reserves.

    Oi you two, are you interested in Arsene in any way?????

  97. devilgunner says:

    tut tut tut……hmmmmmmm……there is something fishy there Rico. I have a sneaky feeling that you are hiding something. 😆

  98. allezkev says:

    No mog, thankfully i missed seeing that idiot…

    But i did read about it and kinda thought, yep, that sums you up!

  99. agirlagunner says:

    Weeeeeds!! Have a good lunch. 🙂 🙂 Catch you soon, buddy.

    rico likes Freddy in his CK’s… or in the altogether. 😀 😀 good write-up by the way. We are all out of ideas. And our young ones are a year older not wiser, it seems. Time and again, it’s the same shoddy defending, the lack of battling spirit, pointless tippy tappying about. Sigh.

    Hello, all!! SSP, you have unleashed some vey scary ideas here. 😛

  100. DutchGooner10 says:

    DutchGooner – Susan Boyle to get the singing voice back in the stands. Hey, it won’t look pretty, but I take one for the team.

  101. rico says:

    I can’t think what you mean devil 😉

    Thanks agag, i’m going to leave tehse boys in your capable hands now, Fido needs a stretch of her legs… So do I 😉

    Back in a short while….

  102. devilgunner says:

    DG10……I would pair you with……….Susan Boyle……..to produce a supporters master race to light up the stands.

    And do not think of killing me. 😆

  103. allezkev says:

    Right i’m off to do a bit of gardening.

    I’ll leave all you fine people to dicuss your eugenics, i’m off to replant some onions… 😉

    Oh and Devil, who is YOUR partner?

    And don’t tell me Lady Nina????? Lata.

  104. mog says:

    dg10 thats to much nobody should be asked to go that far not even for the arsenal. how about brittney spears, a bit of a nutter but a lot better on the eye.

  105. K-TR7 says:

    Hi DG.I Like you like studying different systems.how the dutch and spaniards focus more on techniques,italians rely on tactics such a catenaccio…its quite fascinating actually.next week i’ll write about how Allegri played the perfect tactical game against us.

  106. DutchGooner10 says:

    Mog

    Britney is a risk, if she catches a cab/limo or a passenger seat it might get her pregnant wearing no panties.

  107. Billboy says:

    It is hard to look at our club and see much that seems right at the monent. We do need to ask how it got like this.

    One thing for me that it hasn’t been is the lack of spending. No. It’s the awful waste of money that pisses me off. You don’t need me to list the poor or , at best, ordinary players we have bought since 2005. Add to that the outrageous wages paid to them and to those that have progressed to the first team squad but should have been moved on years ago and you have a sum of money that could comfortably have bought what we needed.

    My worry is that we will continue to make those same mistakes and descend so far into the pit that GG’s 12th place team of the mid-nineties looks good.

  108. W.A.T.H says:

    Very good post Rico…..

    One question………. Why on earth would Guardiola want to leave Barca for us…? His club his DNA…. Not going to happen.

    As for Wenger moving upstairs a big no-no !!

    A clear out is needed and having him around to act as CFO or what ever else, he’d be nothing but a nuisance !! Thanks very much Mr Wenger but time to go along with the board. All good things come to an end and some can change with the times you obviously cannot.
    I would of hoped he have the decency to resign but then again he isn’t going to walk out on 7million a yr is he..!

  109. W.A.T.H says:

    Says it all……….

    The current Arsenal team is in real need of improvement and following Saturday’s FA Cup defeat, Roy Keane, who enjoyed many battles against Wenger’s team during his playing days with United, said the current side is a shadow of the one he remembers.

    Keane, who covered the Sunderland match for ITV, said: “This is the worst Arsenal team I have seen in my time watching football. There is a lack of desire and a lack of passion.”

  110. alan b'stard M P says:

    Stoke 2-Crawley nil

    Stoke a man down

    commentator said ” typically well executed Stoke set piece ”

    Please tell Arsene set pieces are part of the game

  111. rico says:

    Hi Billboy and Wath

    I can see AW leaving Wath, he looks lost, a tired old man who looks a shadow of his old self – he can’t need the money but if he stays much longer, he’s going to be ill….

  112. rico says:

    She loved her walk thanks alan, went in the woods and all the sniffs make her a very happy mutley 🙂

    And now she sleeps, hoorah 🙂

    Thanks Kt, I have…

  113. alan b'stard M P says:

    the papers are full of stories about AW will buy big and has money to spend. How many times have we heard that?

    A few days before, Gazidis was on radio saying they make stars, don’t buy them

  114. rico says:

    Billboy, totally agree about wasted spending, sticking by players who clearly fail week after week etc – but some of them i still wonder what they would be like under another coach who doesn’t want to be a father to them, but just stuck to managing and distanced himself from the squad….

    Get rid of the cotton wool and gee the buggers up a bit, thats what most of our squad need….

  115. alan b'stard M P says:

    Talksport say Stevenage are giving Spurs a game and Spurs are playing like rubbish. ” Disjointed ” was the term used

  116. rico says:

    alan, more spin before the ST price goes up no doubt, no-one will fall for it this time around….

    Just turned on the footie 0-0 at the mo….

  117. rico says:

    Could do with Stevenage getting a bot or two stuck in just before the end, a few injured yids wouldn’t go a miss 😉

  118. rico says:

    Stevenage are really giving a good account of themselves, could have had a penalty and could have easily just scored….

  119. rico says:

    pretty much alan but they are passing it around a bit too, pity wenger didn’t realise that playing direct football can cause sides probs, we might have got more from the game yesterday had we tried that….

  120. DutchGooner10 says:

    Cobwebs Rico?? Did I do some mirror damage with Susan Boyle?? You don’t strike me as an granny madam.

  121. rico says:

    😆 DG, had a bit of a late one last night, well, this morning, and then up early, not quite at the granny stage….. yet.

  122. agirlagunner says:

    Dutch, I don’t think you can top thinking goonster was a girl. 😀

    rico, but it’s so much fun to read the news when we’re winning. I find it gives me a lift. Haha.

  123. rico says:

    But that doesn’t happen all too often these days agag 🙁

    I’m surprised at just how many afc blogs are up and running these days….

  124. Micko says:

    Devil’s added a new string to his bow and gone into match making, checked out Jordans profile and found out we were both born in 1992, how uncanny is that.

    Dutch, get back in your cave !

  125. agirlagunner says:

    I am surprised at the number (and quality) of Arsenal blogs, too. Now if only our players were as invested in the club as the fans are… 🙁

  126. rico says:

    its the same here in the uk DG, just a few hours a week for many moths depending on how much tim you have to give back – goonster is also busy at work i think and not allowed to blog – shame 🙁

  127. agirlagunner says:

    Are you a golden girl this year, rico? 🙂 🙂

    goonster’s been naughty. 🙁 I hope he’s okay though.

  128. agirlagunner says:

    I hardly sound English, Dutch. 🙂 I am currently on pause with the shopping. Must. Save. More. I was undone by all those January sales. Tut tut.

  129. alan b'stard M P says:

    Rico is probably old enough to appreciate ” Band of Joy ” who along with the Yardbirds created a well known band

    Band of Joy, 1967

  130. DutchGooner10 says:

    Agag you do have a nice vocabulary range if I may say so. 😀 re January sales.

    But you didn’t answer my question. Are you by chance a lawyer??

  131. allezkev says:

    Rico, 3.55;
    Your as young as you feel boss….

    And i’ll leave it there as my mate with the magic buttons is lurking somewhere…

  132. agirlagunner says:

    English is taught in schools here, Dutch. 😉 You won’t have trouble finding your way around the Philippines, asking for directions in English. 😉 I should hope I don’t sound like a lawyer. Eeek.

    1967?? My parents hadn’t even met. Haha. I like it alan, very twangy. 🙂

  133. devilgunner says:

    Hiya mates. Back again. It was bloody refreshing to work in the garage for a change and I can tell you it relieves the tension when you concentrate on something else other than footy.

    But at the back of my mind I was still thinking about the present situation.

    Just read some of your comments and one of them stuck me a bit…….that Stoke with a man less have scored from a set piece. We do not seem to do proper set pieces do we. Corners, Freekicks and throwins. I did not see too much movement when they are given. Just put it there and hope for the best.

    So it begs the question…..with all those injuries (indicating lack of power training, lack of good warming up), poor set pieces and lack of heart and attitude what are the players doing from Match to match??? How are they spending their time? They do seem tired and without any form. So are they doing anything or does AW let them take care of themselves regarding the physical while he gives them a ball to practice for an hour daily and then off you go???

    Some of the players do seem disinterested dont they???

  134. DutchGooner10 says:

    Agag a bit of irony isn’t it. January sales should save you money not shatter the coin piggy. I guess women around the world run the economy 1 month of the year. 😛

    Here in Holland it’s only thought by educational choice. I study marketing/communication and like to read English books on the matter. Much more elaborate, globally trending and attending a bigger audience.

    Don’t worry you sound nothing like a shark. 😉

  135. rico says:

    i was never really into all of that kind of music alan, i was a bay city rollers, jacksons and osmonds girl 😉

    oh, and david cassidy 🙂

  136. alan b'stard M P says:

    Bay City Rollers. Oh Gawd! 😀

    AllezKev Winterburn was booted from Blackburn when Allardyce took over in 2008

    Not sure what he’s doing now

  137. devilgunner says:

    Rico……you should listen a bit to Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Ozzy, Metallica. That is some music culture not the pooh pooh they do today. A bit noisy I agree but the lyrics are great.

  138. rico says:

    Winterburn talks a lot of sense as does Dixon, all these true gooners and not one involved at the club they still love….

    ffs, it’s simple if we want the arsenal back in arsenal, get some of these ex players back and involved…..

  139. devilgunner says:

    Now why the hell I am not AFC chairman????

    Off to go and bang my head against the wall.

    Maybe its a good thing that I am not otherwise AW will finish with a few bumps on his forehead.

  140. alan b'stard M P says:

    Rico, I think the last thing the bosses at Arsenal want are popular ex players. I agree with you, but the board may see that as politically undesirable

  141. rico says:

    devil, but the noise plays my hearing aid up 😉

    alan, no way would wenger want them back, and for the same reasons he won’t get Keown back…

    Some would suggest that AW doesn’t give a toot as we all know that the ex players would get the arsenal back in arsenal…

    i keep banging on about that, but imho, that is all that’s needed, along with a few fresh ideas but then they would bring that to the squad….

  142. devilgunner says:

    Or they are afraid that they will be labeled as incomptent??

    But FFS dont these arseholes realise that success will bring more money to the club???

  143. DutchGooner10 says:

    What music will AW listen to these days? Edith Piaff ” Monsieur Incognito “.

    Or Bob Marley “Exodus”

  144. Micko says:

    Devil, its not the size of dog in the fight but the size of fight in the dog, Stevenage showed that today, we have become toothless, teams know if they can get in amongst us they have a good chance of turning us over, we’ve become a soft touch, heads need to roll this summer if not sooner.

  145. agirlagunner says:

    Good night, friends, rockers, teenybopper!! Dutch, go get reading more! Then write for the lady of the house.

    AK, alan and Devil, twang away!!

  146. devilgunner says:

    Rino Gattuso on Milan Channel……”I am ready to play for Milan even if I do not get paid.”

    A true club man.

  147. agirlagunner says:

    Adam, unless I’m mistaken, goonster/stanlette/staninha is from Arnhem. 🙂

    rico, you’re very pop! 😀 Haha.

  148. K-TR7 says:

    I don’t think Guardiola would leave Barça for us.why would he?unless he wants a new challenge and if thats the case i think he’ll go to Italy.

  149. devilgunner says:

    At the moment we have 43 points. Although it seems nearly impossible if we win another game in this season I would gladly get 50 points so as to be safe mathematically and be out or Europe completely.

    That would be a rude wake up call for the club.

    If it serves its purpose I would gladly do without St Totteringhams day for one season.

  150. Adam says:

    DG. That is very kind of you. I am flying into Dusseldorf apparently and will have a bit of free time for a couple of evenings. No night clubs though. That would be a bridge too far for me. Thanks again.

  151. K-TR7 says:

    If thats what it takes DG i’ll take it.if we don’t qualify for the CL I’d rather we be out of Europe altogether.

  152. rico says:

    Kt, as Wath said earlier, Barca is Pep’s blood, why woul he want to leave, the speculation about him coming to us is all down to him stalling on a new contract….

    But, maybe he wants a new challenge, he’s young and no way would he manage another spanish club, a bit like ces would never play for another english or spanish club….

    Time will tell….

  153. DutchGooner10 says:

    Adam your welcome. No sweat mate.

    The first link allows you to search cultural and shopping streets as well. Find themes at the bottom of the page.

  154. rico says:

    devil, there will be no St Totts day, not unless they have a massive relapse…

    3rd is in the bag for them, if not 2nd…..

    But yes, if it wakes the club up, then its worth it in the long run…..

  155. K-TR7 says:

    I have lots of reservations about Guardiola especially in terms of signings.of all his signings only mascherano/cesc/alexis can be considered as successful.

  156. K-TR7 says:

    I think Bould should be seriously considered.at a certain time in the future our entire team will be composed of players that went through him at reserves level just like Guardiola and most Barça players in the 1st team.

  157. devilgunner says:

    Who will come after AW?????

    Now that has got to be the joke of the century.

    Its like when you finish with your first girlfriend. No one is as much as beautiful as her (and you fail to realize that you are much more beautiful), you cannot imagine yourself in someone else’s arms. etc etc etc.

    AFC existed before AW’s grandad was in nappies and will continue to exist long after AW will himself be in nappies in an old people’s home…..that is if he is willing to pay to go there in the first place.

  158. devilgunner says:

    There are so many coaches around. They can take AFC to a better level.

    However I feel that the next AFC coach needs to have the following pre-requisites……………

    1,,,,Must have AFC DNA
    2…Must have been coached by GG
    3…Must have been mentored by AW
    4…Knows the club and the way it operates
    5..Is not afraid to challenge and refuses to be a yes man
    6…Is not afraid of being challenged and of changing

    In other words it has to be one of the following….Bould, Adams, Keown.

    Nuff said.

  159. K-TR7 says:

    If i had to choose i’d like J.lowe of Germany.i like him and his style of coaching but unfortunately national team managers don’t transition well to club management.

  160. K-TR7 says:

    Adams is a NO for me.he has been a failure so far.Keown is a better assistant coach.Bould is a YES for me.in a couple of years Bergkamp will be ready too.i quite fancy Bergkamp since he is very intelligent and probably has lots of new ideas.a partnership of Keown/Bergkamp is quite possible.

  161. devilgunner says:

    K-TR7….I also like the way he coaches. But at the present moment I do not think he is what is necessary.

    As I said we need someone who breathes the Arsenal way and DNA back into the club. Someone who makes the club proud once more.

    When AW came in he came in with new ideas which are still in place. He was what was needed. The club needed to shed its booze club image and be plunged into modern football. Now that has gone stale. We need AFC DNA back.

    I hope no one starts the crap of having TH back as a coach. He is legendary, but he is not MR ARSENAL whose DNA pumps through all his veins. We need AFC to stop being a sleeping giant.

    The cannon will roar once again.

  162. devilgunner says:

    Just to correct you mate……Bould refused the assistant coach job because he did not want to be a yes man.

  163. DutchGooner10 says:

    Devil spot on. I’m done with those who say we can’t fall in love all over again.

    Did you hear van Basten signed up as gaffer for FC Heereveen? (2 years starting next season).

    Chavs won’t go Dutch either, Hiddink off to Anzi Siberia working with a mixed bag of tropicals.

  164. rico says:

    devil, there are plenty of options out there…. but the most important player is the assistant manager imho…..

  165. devilgunner says:

    However……it will be useless to have money to spend, the best manager in business and the best players if the board itself does not eat, drink, sleep, walk piss or shit AFC DNA.

    The fire has to come from the top.

  166. K-TR7 says:

    I think Bould is a head coach in waiting DG.keown/Bergkamp are only assistant coach material right now.Henry is not coach material imo.

  167. devilgunner says:

    I would also like to have TH back at the club though. He would be a perfect ambassador.

    Chairman maybe?? In the same manner as Beckenbauer at Bayern???

    Surely a better option than that tosser known as a cigar puffer.

  168. K-TR7 says:

    Walter Mazzari of Napoli is also doing a good job.i quite like Italian coaches since in terms of tactics they are the best.

  169. DutchGooner10 says:

    Henry is no head coach. But he would make a awsome striker instructor imo. Give him a double function Ambassador/frontline coach.

  170. rico says:

    Manager – Adams
    Ass manager Keown
    Coach – Bergkamp
    Defence coach Bould
    Drinks carrier – Henry 😉
    GK coach – Chesney’s dad

    All rounder, Mark Chamberlain….. He’ll take the soft heads in the gym…..

    😛

  171. K-TR7 says:

    What about Bielsa of Bilbao?i was a big fan of Chile because of him.his teams press very well if you watched Chile and Bilbao games.earlier this season Barça struggled against Bilbao due to his tactical acumen.Guardiola even flew to Argentina prior to his appointment as Barça coach to discuss tactics using chairs 😮

  172. DutchGooner10 says:

    Adams won’t return under any sort of reign under AW. (Paraphrasing his own words.)

    Think due to his knowledge Arsene will screw vice any new vision he would like to introduce.

  173. W.A.T.H says:

    Evening all,

    Just a quickie, Adams as much as he’s an Arsenal man is away with the fairies no way would I want him as manager. He could do a job with the youth for sure but not the first team.

    For me Keown is the man for the job, he was the motivator in the dressing room, he was the one that rallied the players he is articulate has played under GG and AW and has a good footballing brain and best of all is Arsenal through and through… Bould and Bergkamp as his assistants and dare I say it Stewart Robson involved as well as a tactician.
    Many great bosses have never coached before I don’t see that as being a problem its what drives the person on not always their previous CV…..

  174. rico says:

    DG, he won’t have to, wenger will be gone 🙂

    just as i need to go, need to catch up on the sleep i missed last night…

    Cracking day here today, serious and good fun combined and no naughtiness – all the right mix eh…

    You make HH worthwhile guys and gals… thank you….

    Take care all, be safe and go steady…

    Nighty night all – ’til tomorrow…..

  175. W.A.T.H says:

    Oh and Brady for Chairman I say 😉 As stated a few of the ex players with Arsenal in the blood should be employed by the club to promote train and travel the world in the name of Arsenal.

  176. devilgunner says:

    Bertie Mee for example W.A.T.H. He was no player, no previous experience as a manager.

    You and I are on the same wavelength mate. The questions I asked and the pre-requisites I pinpointed have been given the answers from you.

    Righto mates. I am off. It was a pleasurable day. However I wish the topic would have been how much everyone was shitting in his pants about us rather than the other way round.

    Cu all. Good night.

  177. rico says:

    Wath – my line up was tongue in cheek – i want Keown and Dennis…

    not literally of course… 😉

    Night all…..

  178. W.A.T.H says:

    Cheers Dev, all your points mate are spot on and you want a manager who has fire in the belly a natural leader and motivator someone who gets the best from those around him and who also is willing to listen… Keown for me and the tactical side of things he gets help although he’s done his badges so he’s no muppet…!

    Night Rico am off to just popped on to say hello… Enjoy listening to the BCR’s on ya ipod 😉

  179. K-TR7 says:

    Hi wath.thats why i think in future Bergkamp/Keown can make a good pair.Both seem to have good football brains and Bergkamp will ensure we still play some sublime stuff.

  180. W.A.T.H says:

    Keown with Bergy, Bould, Robson is a winning formula KT, add Adams with the youth plus Dixon and winterburn and you have ex players that love the club and want it to win and be successful… Players wont be allowed to put in half a shift thats for sure and that to start with would be an improvement.

    Nite KT and Dg take it easy……

  181. DutchGooner10 says:

    I’m off too folks. Need to sacrifice some Panini cards to the football gods.

    Laters T-K have a chillax evening. C u. Looking forward to your post.

  182. allezkev says:

    Evening Gooners.

    Great point KT, 7.15;

    Keown and Bergkamp were friends inside and outside the club.

    Both are intelligent men and both love Arsenal.

  183. allezkev says:

    Dutch, 7.19;

    The Dutch export coaches/managers just like the Scots.

    They’re everywhere, and they eat, sleep and breath the game.

  184. allezkev says:

    Wath, 7.48;
    Great managers have the intelligence to surround themselves with talented coaches, also great managers are prepared to listen to ideas from members of their staff.

    Herbert Chapman once said he’d listen to any idea, even if it came from a turnstile poerator [ or something like that ] as long as it was a good idea.

  185. allezkev says:

    Jamie Sanderson@YoungGunsBlogReply
    Retweet

    Favorite
    · Open

    Stevenage’s Smith used to coach for #AFC, before joining Stan Kroenke’s Colorado. Says Kroenke has ‘no interest in football’.

  186. allezkev says:

    Is Winterburn hinting at the Mata fiasco???

    Was it then, the Board’s fault we missed out on Mata?

    Traditional Arsenal tightness….

  187. allezkev says:

    Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle has praised on-loan Arsenal starlet, Ryo Miyaichi, after his goalscoring display in their 2-0 FA Cup win over Millwall.

    The fleet-footed winger impressed for the Trotters in his first start for the club after joining them in January for the rest of the season.

    And Coyle reckons the Gunners have got a real talent on their hands and in his eyes if he’s good enough, he’s old enough to play in English football.

    “I watched him a few times at Feyenoord. I knew that Arsenal had got an exciting young Japanese player into the club, when he went on-loan I looked at him extensively and he caught my eye straight away,” he said.

    “As much as I’m a manager, I’m a football fan as well. I want to see exciting players out there that entertain and when he gets the ball you actually think something exciting might happen because he’s prepared to take a full-back on. He looks to get shots away and get crosses in.

    “In football terms he’s only a baby but I don’t care what age they are, if they’re good enough I’ll play them and he’s certainly shown he’s up for the challenge of playing for Bolton Wanderers.”

  188. SD-London says:

    sorry late comment;

    I hate to say it but we have to hope JD and squilaci up their game and beg them and wish them and pray that they play well against the spuds.
    They are all we have got now .That is the reality because all our good CBs are injured.

    Wenger cant get Keown because Keown is always making comments in the media and trust me wenger will not like that.

    BUt i think if Tony Adams offers to help Wenger will surely oblige and i think he should come in now an rescue our season.Wenger needs help and fast now.

    Wintterborne needs to keep quiet too , he talks too much.

  189. allezkev says:

    While Wenger prepares for the meeting with Tottenham, the focus of others is on what will happen after the end of the season, with questions about the future of the manager and some of his players, notably Robin van Persie.

    “It is very difficult to say where this leaves us and what we will do. Let’s focus on the next game to finish well in the Premier League,” said Wenger.

    Wenger also framed a stinging response to those who have questioned why former players such as Patrick Vieira and Tony Adams are working for other clubs instead of lending expert back-up at Arsenal.

    “At the moment I get many lessons from many people who have managed zero clubs, zero games, zero Champions League games. I take it all on board, but don’t think that would have helped us win this game,” he insisted.

    “We have played 15 years at the top level and in the top four. It is remarkable consistency and one day when you manage a club, you will see it’s not easy.”

    Speculation about Wenger overshadowed Sunderland’s march into the last eight – and even O’Neill contributed to the debate.

    “When Arsene eventually decides to retire, he will be regarded by everyone – including me – as one of the great managers in the game,” said O’Neill.

    “We might not always see eye to eye about events but I think he’s been fantastic. He will be disappointed that they have lost but my own view is that criticism is not particularly merited.”

  190. allezkev says:

    From the Daily Mail.

    Arsenal have given Arsene Wenger their unequivocal backing and will give the beleaguered Frenchman £55million to rebuild his ailing squad.

    Majority shareholder Stan Kroenke and the Gunners board remain 100 per cent behind the Frenchman despite being resigned to a seventh consecutive season without a trophy.

    The north London club’s season went from bad to worse on Saturday as they crashed out of the FA Cup after to a 2-0 defeat at Sunderland.

    Saturday’s loss came just three days after Arsenal’s humiliating 4-0 defeat against AC Milan in the Champions League – a result that virtually sealed their exit from the competition.

    This season’s struggles have, for the first time, raised major question marks over Wenger’s role as manager.

    However, the Arsenal board remain staunch in their backing of the under-fire manager and still believe Wenger is the man to revive the club’s faltering fortunes.

    Down and out: Arsenal will go trophy-less for a seventh season

    As it stands, Wenger is under no danger of the sack – only a sensational shift in opinion between now and the end of the season from the Gunners board will alter that stance.

    Furthermore, the Gunners hierarchy are adamant the Wenger will remain the club’s manager until, at the very least, his contract expires in 2014.

    The only situation that would result in Wenger no longer remaining the Arsenal hotseat would be if he decided to resign at the end of the season.

    Cash injection: Wenger has the opportunity to bolster his squad

    The news will come as a major boost to Wenger, who will now focus all of his attentions on securing Champions League qualification.

    And the Gunners board will underline their commitment to Wenger in the summer by handing him a hefty transfer budget to help bolster his squad.

    As Sportsmail revealed on Friday, Wenger is planning an overhaul of his squad in the summer.

    High profile names such as Mario Goetze, Lukas Podolski, Eden Hazard and Matias Suarez all feature on Wenger’s shopping list.

    Transfer target: Dortmund’s Mario Goetze

    But despite the Gunners hierarchy giving their manager substantial financial backing, Wenger knows he faces a huge fight to land his top targets, especially if they fail to secure a top-four finish this season.

    Meanwhile, Gunners legend George Graham – who won nine major trophies with the club during his time as a player and manager – has launched a scathing attack on his former club.

    He said: ‘I think Arsenal are in crisis. I think it’s been slipping away for the last couple of years and they’ve not been replacing the players that left four or five years ago. ‘They’ve got money to buy players and I can’t understand why Arsene didn’t go out and buy some real quality players in the summer.

    Scathing attack: George Graham slammed Wenger’s youth policy

    ‘Nowadays you’ve got to introduce youngsters coming through like Sir Alex Ferguson does. But at the same time he’ll buy the ready-made player who costs £25m because they’re not afraid to do it.

    ‘I think Arsene has overdone the youth policy and the players coming in are not as good as the ones that have left.’

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2103460/Arsene-Wenger-given-55m-spend.html#ixzz1msa57P5H

  191. gavin watt says:

    Hi gooners. I was a big wenger fan but he is dragging us back further each season,it is obvious we need a new face in the hot seat. BUT i think wenger will want to pick his replacement he has already stated he wants Dragar Stojkovic from Nagoyo Grampus in japan. I would love pep or jurgon klopp from dortmund.Great site love all the comments

Leave your comment.

Discover more from Highbury House

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading