The Old Man Saw Them All
Jan 27th, 2011 by 'holic
Forgive me for the personal nature of this post. I am heading west on Friday afternoon for what will probably be the last trip to ‘holicdad’s home. It is not a prospect I particularly relish.
I have already the most important of his saved possessions. The Supporters Club membership cards from just after the war that somehow he survived. I also have the most priceless legacy of all. The memory of being brought up in the way of THE Arsenal. He made sure I would have that to look back on by taking me to Highbury from before I could even walk.
Obviously I don’t remember those earliest trips, although recollections of our fortnightly Saturday routine kick in when I am six. Mum, and sometimes sister, would usually be transported to the West End while father and son went off to the game. Late sixties and early seventies the old fella bought a couple of season tickets in the East Lower so sometimes the whole family would go, with me on a stool on the raised back step of the Clock End. The day would end with a visit to the ‘holicgrandparents, a ham sandwich on seedy bread, and a slab of bread pudding.
I was on that big old step, the other side of the crash barrier from him, when Arsenal thumped Anderlecht 3-0 to land the first trophy of my lifetime. There were tears everywhere. At last I knew the immediate reaction to victory and defeat was almost identical. Down the years of course I have experienced both so many times. You could almost sense the old man delighting in me learning the lessons of winning and losing.
It is only with the benefit of hindsight that you appreciate how he had grown up in the first flush of Arsenal success, and had to learn how to lose gracefully in the fifties. He was eight when Arsenal landed their first trophy, the FA Cup, at Wembley in 1930. By the time top flight football was effectively ended by the outbreak of war nine years later, the son of a Tottenham supporter had witnessed five Football League championships and another FA Cup triumph. In less than a decade Arsenal became the most famous club in the world.
He freely talked of the great players and games he had seen, but rarely revealed the stuff that I really found fascinating years later. I took him to the Charlton match in the last season at Highbury. I figured I owed him that in exchange for the hundreds he had treated me to. Outside he let slip the tale of how he walked to Highbury one foul morning in the school holidays to collect autographs. As he stood, soaked to the skin in Avenell Road, he saw the familar figure of Alex James walking up the road.
“What are you doing here in this weather?” enquired the Wembley Wizard (Google it non-Scots!). “I’ve come for your autograph, Mr James” said the old chap. “Then you’d best come in and dry out then.” With that the finest number ten in the game took the old man into the Arsenal changing room with the rest of the team, and Herbert Chapman himself, and treated the starstruck kid to a cup of tea before getting everyone to sign his autograph book. Now I know that tale is almost certainly true, because until a serious damp problem in a previous home of mine ruined it, I was the proud owner of the red velvet autograph book that contained the signatures of the Arsenal players from the thirties to the fifties. Rarely does a day pass without me thinking of that book.
Two years on I am delighted I managed to get him to the Grove for his one and only visit. You could tell what it meant to him. We both knew, I think, that he wouldn’t be back. Until the end of February, at the earliest, I will still be able to talk of the man who lived through, and savoured every single Arsenal trophy success. I’ll tell you this though. Nobody would have been more pleased to see Arsenal end their brief drought against Birmingham than ‘holicdad, and nobody will shed more tears if it happens than me.
135 Responses to “The Old Man Saw Them All”
TOP TOP post let’s do it on the 27th in memory of the ‘Holicdad
love you holic mate
Nothing to add to that. Top stuff.
There I was having a quiet Thursday and now I’m all emotional! A drink to you and in memory..
Legendary. Cheers.
Bless you Holic.
That was fucking lovely…this is reason that I read your posts sir!
Truth permeates your writing, and I for one will be toasting your dad tonight and on sunday (after I call my pop and tell him how much I love him).
Thank you.
Stands and raises a glass to all our Arsenal dads. How we will always be grateful of how they managed to point us in the right direction. May we all carry on their good work and continue to pass the legacy on to our own children.
Keep the faith.
Lovely post and even better recollections. I know they’re personal to you but so much of what you’ve written strikes a chord with me too – you and your dad’s era map almost exactly to those of me and my dad, even down to the memories of that night against Anderlecht. Nice one.
Another emotional one here. Cherish that one last visit.
Was having a quite one, but a Irish whiskey is calling me!
Top notch, ‘holic. A drink to you and ‘holicdad!
A Dad like my own long-departed Dad. Always talked of “The Arsenal ” and never got over the “over the line” goal which cost us the Cup. Proud that his wife (our Mum) as a girl, once lived in Gillespie Road. First watched the team in 1916 while convalescing in London after being wounded in WW1.
We won’t see the like of story-tellers like these again.
I have to say I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog, ‘holic. It is stories such as your father’s Alex James meeting that make me proud to be part of the Arsenal community, and of our deep culture.
Great post sir!
Top post Holic you had me tears in my eyes!
Lovely and nicely written.
Wonderful post holic.
I love your sentimental posts about the holicdad, who must have some wonderful stories to tell (like that Alex James one). This sort of tale can’t fail to resonate with anyone who has watched football with their dad.
Hope you have a quality trip & I’ll raise a glass to you both this evening.
Cheers to you, ‘holic! I have 3 and 4-year old boys that I have long ago began inculcating in the Arsenal tradition in the very hope that they will someday look back when I am long gone and feel the way you feel about your father. Probably like your father, I hope the Arsenal will be something that, no matter what else happens, I can share with my boys throughout our entire lives. I’m American, so I didn’t grow up with the club, but as my ties to the club were developing over a decade ago, it gave me a feeling that I knew I wanted to transmit to my children one day. And now, I am. Once again, my deepest condolences for your loss. Now let’s bring home the Cup for all the Arsenal supporters, both here and recently departed.
Top post ‘Holic. Couldn’t help reading without a lump in my throat.
As father of a young boy, I have taken inspiration from your story. Whilst I have duty to bring him up as a good person, I feel I also have a duty to bring up him THE Arsenal way.
I think we are lucky, nay privileged to support a club that makes us proud of not only where the future could take our great club, but also the rich history that has been has been built up since 1886.
Drinks all round for Arsenal dads everywhere
Up the Arsenal
That’s a beautiful post ‘holic.
*sniffs*
A fantastic post ‘holic, though one that left me visibly choked as it made me reminisce lost loved ones and the pride and love for my little boy – A sentiment I’m sure your dad would always keep with him π
On a slightly cheerier note, what age would you recommend taking a child to the game? My son’s 3 at the moment and not quite got the attention span whilst watching the match on tv but want him to get a feel for the matchday experience ASAP!
‘holic our memories about minor things tend to fade but thanks for writing because memories like yours about ‘holicdad are with us right there in our hearts.
Great read Holic, best wishes
As a teenager that has recently lost his dad, ur blog and many others have helped me divulge into all things arsenal as an outlet. This post is my first comment and while I always apreciate your work i have yet to congratulate you. And I thankyou for this outstanding post and I’m struggling to find the words that vent the way i feel. So for now I wish u well holic
Superb one,i love ur blog.Am proud of de history.hope 1day i’l be able 2 lead ma son in dat same path.
Wonderful, emotional, brilliant – thanks
‘holic… I never had a dad like that, I found the Arsenal through friends. I’m humbled that you’d share the story and bare you sole to the evils of the interweb. If I were not an expat stuck in California, I’d be down the gunners arms raising a pint to you and the ‘holic dad!
I know all Gooners are with you in wishing you the best…
Suddenly The Carling Cup means more. Come on you Gunners!
Cheers all.
Dannyboy, all I can say is a mate who is a top Gooner brought his lad to the Wolves game last season at five, and he was fine.
I doubt everybody is the same. I would say go for it to be on the safe side, but doubtless there are folk out there who would tut at that.
My earliest memories may kick in at six, but I must have been pretty well behaved every fortnight up until then for him still to be taking me!
I don’t know what to say so instead I’ll raise a glass. Here’s to you and yours, sir.
You’re a top blogger but more importantly, you’re a top man.
Reso
Respect to your father and you, and may Dad RIP, long live The Arsenal whilst we are on this mortal coil.
Very nice post, I had a season ticket with my Grandad in my early years at Highbury and he passed the day after we tonked Leeds 5-0 in 04, so he didn’t quite manage to see the league win at WHL (he was there in 71 though) or the unbeaten season completed. But there was something very poetic about the game at WHL that year because it was two days before his funeral, which made it kind of fitting. It all felt like it was in honour of him, which I’m sure you’ll feel if we beat Brum. At half time inside WHL that day is one of only two times I’ve ever cried inside a football ground. (The other being the minute’s silence for Rocky).
My old man passed when I was just 4 months old so I never got the chance to go to a game with him. It sounds as though you have been truly blessed Mr. Holic sir. *dips lid*
Here in New Jersey, not far from the place the New York Giants and the New York Jets play their brand of football, my two and a half year old daughter talks about wanting to watch “the football” and see “THE Arsenal” with her American gooner dad. One of these days we’ll sit at the Emirates and we’ll raise a glass (she’ll have a soda) in the memory of our dad.
That should read “we’ll raise a glass in the memory of YOUR dad.”
Thanks ‘holic! Makes people like me who weren’t there for all those memorable times, really appreciate this wonderful microcosm that is The Arsenal even more! And it wouldn’t be what it is, without people like you and your dad. Cheers again!
Fine post sir, it’s the personal touch that makes this fine site what it is. Long may it continue.
A glass raised and a hat tipped.
Cheers.
Let’s all raise a glass to the ‘Holicdad.
Now that’s blogging.
This post is a victory. It made everyone cry. Bless you and good luck out West.
i’ll never forget the Anderlecht match, my 1st ever Arsenal match. My Dad wasn’t a big fan of football, but even he had a bit of a soft spot for The Arsenal. They must have been great times with your dad. Great memories…. thanks for sharing!
Without question the finest piece of writing i’ve ever read about football ‘holic. Every word made the image conjured up so clear. I can relate it to my own dad introducing me to the game 40 odd years on in the 90’s
I don’t doubt he’ll be there at Wembley with the rest of us that manage to land a ticket somehow
Just wanted to say I found today’s post very moving and to wish you all the very best.
Let’s hope that February 27th is great day for all Gooners wherever they are.
Tears in my eyes thanks for sharing your memories my first Arsenal memories are the 1971 FA cup final. Took my old man to cardiff to a semi- final luckly his still with us but he spent the match giving out about having to sit down.
Thinking of you ‘Holic, it’s tough.
For all who clicked on the link in the post and it didn’t work, try
http://www.goonerholic.com/2008/01/thanks-dad/
you may find that does.
A tearful hernellieness raises a glass to you dear ‘Holic and to ‘Holicdad.
BtM is winging his way across the pond tonight. Take care.
RIP holicdad. Such a wonderful story holic, am glad that he enriched your life with marvelous memories.
top post, ‘holic. brought tears to my eyes. best of luck this weekend at the old’holichome.
if i can impart half the love of THE club to my son that your dad imparted to you, i’ll consider myself lucky. and if i can raise up a son who can wax as lyrically about the time we spent together when he was growing up, i’ll consider myself blessed.
rip, ‘holicdad. here’s a blanton’s neat to your memory.
(and, btw, i can now see the site from my home, in its new one, i guess!)
Great post ‘holic. You’re a master at translating emotions into words. RIP ‘holicdad and condolences for your loss. A tip of the hat and glass raised.
Great story, brilliantly written.
I’ve urged you to write that book before . . . .
Don’t know how you hold all these details in your memory, but they are great to read and bring back so many of my own past experiences.
Fantastic stuff, thanks for sharing it.
Amazing post holic ….. Best of luck to you and your family
Touching post, my best wishes with ‘holic family.
You’re lucky to have such an amazing Dad who apart from so many good things also passed on the Arsenal way of doing things. I was already a fan of your unique style of writing which always filled with emotions (reminds me of Fever Pitch). After your thanks-Dad post and this one, the respect has only increased. Cheers!
Very nice post ‘holic.
I’ll drink to to that.
C’mon Arsenal, grab this cup as a gift for the ‘holicdad π
I remember having read the 2008 post thinking all those personal stories made you the best Arsenal blogger. Nothing has changed.
World class as always!
Great post mate. All the best.
Great post Holic.
The zico dad is 80 tomorrow and this is a timely reminder of my obligations.
All the best to you and your family.
Brilliant article, Shadders. Top, top writing.
Best of luck to you today.
Fantastic writing, ‘holic. Thanks for sharing
You have stirred me from my Slumbers Holic.
Beloved Fathers.
Irreplaceable.
Never Forgotten.
Loved Always.
Clive
Very moving article Holic mi old bean.
You’ve been truly blessed with a great old man, and his left you with a legacy that will last a life time.
He has, of course, managed to touch all our lives inadvertently too. Without him, we wouldn’t have one of the best bloggers around, and I wouldn’t have a dear friend who I get t see all too rarely.
Take care my friend, and we’ll win, ’cause we’re Arsenal.
‘Holic,
Truly moving read, thank you.
My dad started taking me to Highbury in the mid 70’s, the latter days of Bertie’s regime. It didn’t hit home how that feels to a father until I took my son to see his first game, luckily enough we managed to get my old man up there as well, 3 generations to see us beat Everton 3-1 in the carling cup, and my little lad learned a whole new vocabulary that night that I had to bribe him not to share with his mum!
Thank you for continuing to write your blog, and I’ll raise a drink to yours on the 27th.
Lovely job, Holic.
I feel you, ‘holic, I feel you.
I read every post, but never comment. This is an extraordinary post. I hope that the last Sunday in February will bring what we are all waiting/begging for…
when Arsenal thumped Anderlecht 3-0 to land the first trophy of my lifetime
You’re younger than I thought, I was thinking 1953 π
Great great post, mate. Superb stuff.
Drink of their choice to everyone in the bar.
That. Was. Touching. Awesome piece of writing – brought tears to my eyes. The story about Alex James was, for me, a lesson about love, humility and simplicity. Great job, sir! Great job!
Brilliant article, I am another that regularly just reads your high standard of Arsenal views, but find myself compelled to contribute today. Fantastic story and I hope the lads do it for holicdad (as well as the rest of us) at wembley.
I have recently followed in my dads footsteps in initiating my sons into the ways of Arsenal. The final piece to the puzzle, to keep the nephews grubby totteridge hotspud supporting hands off them once and for all, was to take them to a game. I finally managed this recently by taking my 6 year old to the leeds game and on sunday I am taking my 4 year old to watch the arse against Huddersfield.
It makes me immensely proud to see the wonder in the eyes of my sons – that same wonder and amazement I had at their age – when experiencing all that fantastic atmosphere on a match day. Cannot wait for Sunday, can’t wait for the wembley final, come on you gooners!!!!!
Martin
Morning All!
@ ‘Holic – Wonderful, nostalgic, tear-jerking post. A super read and inspiration for YT. The Storeyson will be at The Grove before his 5th birthday in deferecne to The Storeydad (RIP) who did the same for me. PS: Storeydad also used to share memories of that world-beating 30s team. His faves were James and Bastin. I believe he also sought the odd autograph outside the East Stand but the ‘Holicdad’s experience sounds exceptional. Can you imagine that happening today?
@ Mog (from previous post) – Fair point re: Almunia, it could be a shop-window thing to help boost his leaving kitty in the Summer months. Who knows….
@ BtM (from previous post) – I will be in the Tolli before and after the Everton match. Lars might be there too post-match and schedule permitting. Would be delighted to share a drink. Are you willing to identify yourself other than by a Scottish accent and a red & white scarf? The Barman has my contact details should you wish to get in touch. π
Thanks, ‘holic. Brilliant.
As ever ‘holic,brilliantly written.Thanks for sharing your memories.
This article and the drinks surely tells you that this is the best bar around. Great write-up i know it must be emotional writing this. 3 cheers for you and all the top gooners on here!
Best thing I’ve read in a while.
I’m sorry if this brings an image of a sadistically grinning Andy Gray to mind, but take a bow ‘holic.
‘Holic,
Wonderful article.. And this brought a tear in my eye like many in the drinks above..
Thank you for sharing about ‘Holicdad.. Hope his soul rest in peace and the players win the Carling Cup on the 27th of Feb for him.
‘holic, in the 50s, 60s and 70s most of my family (and me as a glass washer in the early days) worked at both Highbury and WHL (Mecca had the franchise, funny thing to say now!) and I valued my early days going to both grounds. Coming from Tottenham my family were split about who to support with the majority being spuds. I saw the light at an early age and embraced the red and white with a passion.
I was 19 when we won the Fairs Cup, also the first trophy I had ever seen the boys win. I witnessed many great matches at Highbury, but that night will always remain the most vivid. There were just so many emotions involved. I shared the night with mates, I am pleased for you that you could share it with family.
Of course, without getting too emotional, there is a greater family for us all.
And we are all Arsenal!
Dr C,
Read with glee your explanation on the previous post about Nordic herbal remedies and ex-lunatic GF. Despite possible appearances, I’ve only managed to pass-out once from excessive alcohol intake (it was a stag night) but there’s no place for that anymore in the modern world is there?
Barman? PC drinks all-round please with supporting Health & Safety certificates too served on non-slip mats with all the necessary liability and indemnification insurance on the side. The world’s gone mad and quite possibbly me too π
Lovely, ‘holic.
Brought tears to my eyes.
*big hugs*
‘Holic, you truly are one of the world’s great bloggers but today you have outdone yourself.
Superb, with so much of you in the words.
I think you know how lucky you are to have had such a special bond with ‘holicdad.
I haven’t contributed for a few months with a new job and all but I still read regularly.
Please accept my belated commiserations on your loss.
COYRRR’s
This is brilliant.
I don’t have any football traditions in my family and I am very young but this makes me proud to be a Gunner.
I feel like a nouveau riche though
Eli, always good to have young blood in the bar, provided that is you are of eligible drinking ane? π
….age not ane….
Beautifully written, made me think of my long gone Dad, brought a tear to my eye. I wish you peace, and will raise a glass to you tonight.
Like many others, I read the blog everyday but rarely comment (except in the immediate drunken aftermath of a win!). This was such a fine piece of writing that I wanted to congratulate you. As somebody else said in the comments, you need to get that book written.
I started coming to the Arsenal as a fatherless kid of 13 in 1977, and was looked after by a bunch of older boys. Nearly fifteen years ago I took my seven DAY old adopted daughter (and her mother!) to see Arsenal v Leeds. Not sure but she might be the youngest kid to go to Highbury!
superb, nearly brought a wee tear to my glass eye, keep it up.
That Charlton match was my first Arsenal game and I remember Hleb scored that day. That means your dad saw something even rarer than an Arsenal trophy, a Hleb goal.
I’ll raise a pint to your father next time I have a tipple.
Reading this, with the hint of a single tear in my eye, I am certain ‘holicdad couldn’t be any more proud of the son he brought up.
As for me, I am proud to be a member (however new I may be) of this fine community, and even more proud to be a gooner.
*Raises glass*
Cheers
Some great comments here as well as the superb article.
Like one or two guys here my family has no footballing traditions, infact I believe I am the only member of my entire football who loves the game.
I had no influnences growing up and had to decide for myself. Fortunately I chose very well indeed.
My son first went to the Grove when he was 7 months old, and when I say say months old I mean 7 months from conception. My wife was massive and we waddled down to the stadium from up by the White House pub. Took us ages. We even missed Cesc’s goal because she needed to pee near half time and took her about half an hour to get sorted.
When Charlie was born (Named after the great Charlie George, met him in 2006 and he was such a great guy, and I wanted an Arsenal name for my boy) the first thing he ever wore in this world was a tiny little Arsenal baby grow.
Now as I didn’t have any real family who knows football none of my reletives bought anything of the like for my son …. no …. the little kit first ever worn by my boy was given to me at an Arsenal match by one of the most passionate Arsenal fans I ever met …. his name? Goonerholic.
All the best holic. If you ever feel like posting photos from trips to watch the Gunners is days gone by they’d be a treat to view.
Simply beautiful writing, Sir. You’ve got me misty already and we haven’t even lifted that trophy yet! It’s stories like this that make me realize how much I’ve missed growing up in the US. Yet, when I look at my eight year old son, who’s been in Arsenal kit since he was three, I’m hopeful for all the memories he’ll have when he’s an old codger like me.
Here’s to old traditions and the new. Cheers, ‘Holic!
Great stuff, Rocky7.
A great posting like you I have been a gooner since the 50’s. 57 age 7 stood on the clock end with a mate of my dad loved them ever since [& a bit before]. Lost my ‘ol man a couple of years ago so know how empty you feel. He’ll have a big smile when we thump the gloggers at Wembley. R.I.P. ol fella, & I could murder a slice of bread pudding.
‘holic
Don’t let anyone call you a blogger. You’re a writer. And I always want to read more. This did genuinely bring tears to my eyes. I’ll be sitting with my dad on Sunday and I will give him a copy of this – he’ll enjoy reading it. When are you going to put some of these stories into something publishable – like a book? Sorry – that should be WHEN you do can I edit it?!
It’s a football / Dad thing. My Father-in-law very kindly offered seats for me and my 3 yr old son recently to a Barca match.
I went, but politely declined for my son – his first game will be at The Arsenal (hopefully with CatalanDad).
My wife didn’t understand, my Father-in-law understood perfectly!
Wonderful stuff… and the comments – superb.
Dr C
…and a great post yourself. What a wise father you for not letting Catalanson get indoctrinated into the ways of Farca.
May I suggest that the time to take him to the Nou Camp is when Arsenal are in town whipping their arses in the CL. Well, we can all dream π
Barman, whatever Dr C is drinking please but no Nordic herbal remedies just in case he asks.
TS.. this is not the post to elaborate, but I deny passing out… just that I have no memory!
I will share with you a fine bottle of Spanish Reserva red… and anyone who would like to join on this mellow evening.
To family ties (to be fair, whatever their allegiance) and doing the right thing.
DrC
A sad but lovely tale. Sounds odd – and bear with me – but have the best time possible. I never got to take my Dad to The Grove before he passed away in 2009 nor to Twickenham which I had always promised but never managed, but as my family say “you never have a bad time at a good Irish wake”.
It’s how you remember people that and it’s absolutely clear that you have clear memories of truly great times.
Good luck fella and I’ll raise a glass.
A Top Post. Your dad must have been proud of the ‘holic blog.
A rare one for yourself and we’ll all join you.
Cheers to you and yours!
Hey Up,
Best blog in blog land by a country mile haven’t been about much due to work and trouble posting !! But like a fine Wine the quality never dissapoints, Great stories Holic and all the best mate hope it all went/ Goes well and I’ll shortly raise a glass to all Gooners in the sky who are many,Im sure all will be roaring on the Reds in the run in and many old songs will be sung over and over and over again. Your dad Sounded a fine Gentleman so will be in good company with Rocky and the Bear Now let’s win something for all,
Up The Arse,
Dr C
Honoured to share a bottle of fine Spanish Reserva with you and any other in the bar who care to join in.
Apologies for assuming you passed-out, that was wrong of me….but losing your memory is possibly a little more scary? As you say, we should park it there for now.
I’ll echo your toast, *raises glass*….
To family and doing the right things.
Barman, another bottle of fine Spanish Red when we’ve drained this one and please join us.
Chippy,
Good to have you back. Please pull up a chair.
TS,
Cheers mate these are on me !
Been a bit out of the loop I’ve had real trouble posting thought I was on the banned list lol and the new jobs manic so carnt even pop in for an afternoon beer or two now π Hope alls well fella –
For the first time in a good few years I’m actually starting to beleive we can have a proper go for the title – alot of things seem to be going for us and at the right times Vp back and fit Cesc being fit Walcott and Young Jack stepping up JD And Kos growing as a partnership game by game Song remembering he’s a dm not cruyff and Nasri having one of them seasons but the biggest for me finally having a keeper that the fans snd much more importantly the Arsenal players beleiving in – makes a hell of a difference.
Anyways I’m rambling and must make move the pubs calling, Take it easy TS and Holics.
Heh! Good to see you here again Chippy. Is it just me or does it feel like the start of an era with this goalie? Maybe in 20 years time I’ll have learnt to spell his name!
Dr. C,
I believe that would be Szczesny, fine doctor. I too have difficulty with Polish spelling. And thank you for also sharing personal family moments and passing on the love of Arsenal intergenerationally.
If there’s still some of that fine Spanish red I’d love to join both you and the fine gentleman TS for a glass or two.
CG,
And you mate.
20 years!! that will be a good 5 before I learn to spell it π
Agree completley some players have just Got It what it is I’m not so sure but it screams star quality at you from the moment you first see them In my life Brady had it, Rocky had it, Dennis had it,Cesc had it,young Jack had it And the biggest Had it was watching a young paddy stroll on for his debut against Wednesday I think and spend the next 45 mins announcing himself as having it π
I think what I’m trying to say is the Youngest Poles got It !!
Missed out wrighty !!! On the downside tho I do remember seeing Helders debut and thinking we had signed the next gullit π but more often than not your gut feeling on a player having it – is spot on.
Ha! Did he play more than once?
Chippy, TvN
Thanks for your acknowledgements. Wojciech has looked like the real deal for some time now. Really good to hear Le Boss stand behind him as our current #1. Shame that we’re highly unlikely to draft in a supporting CB while TV gets himself fixed up but let’s see what unfolds between now and the end of the season before we judge the situation too harshly.
I think we’ve all got a warm and fuzzy feeling about this season now and rightly so. The trick is to keep the faith after a disappointing result or two when the vultures are circling and the less than patient ones start baying for blood.
Dr. C,
Definitiely a new era for our GK situation and can’t believe a man of your intellect can’t spell Szszszney…. simples! π
Helders….. who?????? π
There are others like him if we can be bothered to cast our minds back.
Here’s one from the 70s – Peter Maranello….. who??????
Marinello’s debut, goal at Old Trafford for the new Best.
Marinello’s nemesis, Ajax 1972 European Cup quarter-final home leg ;-(
Evening all. Thanks for the head-swelling compliments. Have arrived in one piece.
Fantastic post. RIP ‘Holicdad.
Have just secured a ticket for my daughter – now just 7 – for Sunday’s game vs Huddersfield.
Your post will be well to the fore in my mind.
I hope she will, one day, remember me with the fondness you clearly have for your dad. I guess there is no greater gift you can give your child than that.
well written. best of wishes to you and ur entire family
Can’t believe I have to wait one more day for the Arsenal..
As always, nice to read TS’s and catalan’s posts… π
Cheers
Harsha, The game is on Sunday but don’t sleep in too late. Noon kickoff!
Seriously…. who out there knows Helder’s Arsenal statistics? Got to keep you busy…
Holic, not much to say after such a post, but to have a toast for you and holic family.
Lovely post, Holic.
Nice one, ‘holic.
I read regularly but don’t contribute on the drinks. I’d like to say though that your writing is absolutely fantastic. Your personal stories consistently bring the history of the club to life; undeniably proof that a football club is not just a brand to be changed hands and sold to loyal consumers but something more.
It’s people like you and your father who have made this club truly exceptional and I’ll certainly toast you when I receie my first jar of the weekend.
CG,
39 games 1 goal in two seasons apparently π The web is a thing of beauty!!!
Chippy.. the 1 goal I can believe, but the 39 games??? Why oh why…?
An early morning beverage for you, sir!
My eyes a little teary ‘holic.
Here is a quadruple toast for the ‘holic dad. yes we CAN.
ette,
I’ll raise mine with you on that..
Afternoon all,
‘Holic – many thanks for the clarifcation and the spelling correction, all first class. Marinello was a great hope as an addition for the double winning side, didn’t quite work out like that in the end though….
Harsha – very pleased to hear that Dr.C’s and my posts keep you amused. Dr.C’s are genrally far more witty but that’s what a decent education does for you I guess.
A cheeky round for all please barman π
Cheeky round? I’m in. Does anyone know if Bentley is cup tied for Wembley?
nasri – no i don’t, but he’ll probably have stopped trying by then anyway. One of the personality traits he shares with Adebarndoor, don’t you know.
Sloth, greed etc . . . .
Hey Trev, Right you are but they’re like most players in being up for games against their old teams. Bentley and Hleb were both looking lively in the 2nd half of Brum’s cup game today vs. Coventry but my guess is Bentley might be the bigger threat against us if he’s available. More beer please, barman!
nasri & Trev,
Bentley started and played the entire match against us in the CC, so I’d say he is cup tied.
Barman, a round of cervezas for the fine gentlemen please.
Truly outstanding ‘Holic, an emotional read which endorses my feelings that we are so fortunate to have (had) our Dad’s and have The Arsenal.
Hopefully when Cesc goes up to pick up the Cup on the 27th, I know the first person I will be thinking of is my old man.
God bless you and the Arsenal family.
A pint of extra cold Guinness please.
CoYRRR’s
Nasri, Yes I am aware. 12o’clock kickoff Sunday …equals 530PM kickoff here.
In case you are wondering, I live in the land which Christopher Columbus set out to find, somehow must have got a bit drunk :), went west instead of coming east and named the first bit of land he came across as west Indies.
Anyway, we simply have to continue this run of form now. The time just feels right.
Come on Arsenal!
Drinks all round, please.
Views on the Vela loan move guys? Personally would have preferred Bolton , but I guess WBA means that Vela wouldn’t be missing London’s night life.
Fuck Bolton – like the Romans name one thing they have ever done for us?
Apart from the roads, sanitation and giving Jack of the Shire some game time….they also gave us Allardyce, Robinson etc so fuck em
Ooh so wound up 2nite me π
awesome stuff holic.
fitting its huddersfield this sunday
Right, chaps – I am now in what must officially be the smallest hotel room in the whole world. It’s unbelievably cramped, but other than that I have no complaints. Have had a good day, been to a few pubs with friends of mine who are here for the weekend. Had dinner at Nandos and then a few pints at the Clachan pub just off Carnaby Street. Off to bed now and off to the Grove in the morning!
Lars. Bed already? It’s Saturday night in London. Should have headed over to N5 and sampled some of the delights there.