We’re The East Stand, Highbury
Mar 22nd, 2011 by 'holic
“Tedious fortnight break coming up then ‘holic. More personal recollections on the agenda?” An old Gooner mate knows me too well. I will leave the wailing and gnashing of teeth to others and retreat into the memory vaults in the old grey matter. But what? Where? Who next?
Then it dawns on me. I have written before of some of my experiences on the North Bank and Clock End, but there was another side to Highbury. Well two, to be strictly accurate! From an early age though, the East Stand provided me with an occasional seat, and a magical world where you could meet the players on their way to the changing rooms about an hour or so before kick-off.
1936 saw the completion of the new East Stand at a cost of Β£130,000 (yes really!). Almost identical on the playing side to its βolder twinβ on the west side, the art deco style construction included 8,000 seats in two tiers, and the most luxurious facilities in the game. It was the outside of the structure, far more imposing than it’s brother, that was an iconic image of the Arsenal for the next seventy years, and remains so today.
A last look at the East Stand before the farewell in 2006
The ‘holicdad had a couple of season tickets in East Lower for a decade or so from the early sixties. Our preferred perch was with his old mates at the back of the Clock End, so the seats often found themselves in the hands of grateful friends, or other family members, but we did use them from time to time. The inhabitants generally seemed to be a grizzly bunch, but let’s not forget that no trophies had been won since 1953. This lot would have been the equivalent of the disgruntled webwarriors of today. I remember one game against West Ham when we were three down midway through the second-half. Even at nine or ten I thought it was a supporter’s duty to support. I screamed out “WE WANT ARSENAL”, and some deeply unhappy punter yelled back in broad cockney, “WELL YOU CAN BLEEDIN’ WELL ‘AVE ‘EM COCKER”.
The corridor that ran the length of the structure downstairs hid magical places for the young ‘holic. At the north end was an exit gate to the junior enclosure, and by the early seventies I would take the season ticket, and if unaccompanied persuade the old commissionaire to let me into the enclosure, from where you could transfer to the North Bank if the fella on the next gate was in a good mood. There was also a decent sized concourse and bar at that end of the building. I had to make that my first image inside the stadium on the final day against Wigan.
The hours I must have spent here down the years
You could smell the atmosphere there that day. Ghosts were everywhere. The teas and pies the old man had bought me over time. Both were either molten hot or disgustingly cold depending on how busy it was. Later the two pint pots of Red Barrel. It was the forum of its day, with strangers engaging in conversation about useless managers, overpaid players, and stingy board members. Sound familiar?
The concourse narrowed into a corridor behind the famous old marble halls. Cupboard doors hid valuable artifacts from view. I remember seeing one open and inside was a match programme store. Thousands of them. If only I could have had halfΒ an hour alone in there. At the south end was the gate where the players would enter having parked in the indoor training centre behind the Clock End. A short walk along the corridor took them to the stairway up to the changing room. The players of the sixties and seventies would stop briefly, chat and sign programmes and autograph books thrust under their noses.
For that final game against Wigan I decided to skip the pre-match pints. My ticket was for East Lower, Row 1. I would have a birds eye view of proceedings. I wanted to soak up that atmosphere for as long as possible. When the gates opened, a couple of hours before kick-off, I was in. Photographs were snapped, and I spent a few minutes in different spots just taking in the sights, sounds, and smells, one last time. Given that the terraces where I had enjoyed some real fun no longer existed, I felt I was in the next best place that day. It got a bit emotional, I don’t mind admitting, and I was far from alone on that score.
Not a bad view of the last game
Once the builders moved in I avoided going back until Highbury Square was complete. There was simply no way I could have seen the old girl ripped to pieces. I have paid a couple of visits in the last year or so and I have to say that a very good job has been done with the renovation of that famous old facade. It was important for many, I think, that the aura of the place was maintained. The structures at the north and south ends of the ground have little bearing on what stood there before. The wonderful East Stand however still stirs the imagination, and brings a host of great days (and some not so great ones) back to life.
185 Responses to “We’re The East Stand, Highbury”
drink please !!
Me too. π
Fantastic post ‘Holic, bravo.
The sense of history sets your writing apart from the rest, ‘holic, it’s terrific.
Good memories, Mr Holic, when players were approachable, packed smoky terraces, Β£1.50 to get in, crappy pitches, cholesteral busting pies with highly questionable contents, complaining about the board stealing all the money, wondering why we signed X instead of Y, pints of Watneys. Some things change, some things dont. Thanks for the nostalgia, I’ve gone all mellow.
The day itself.
You know what?
A few days ago I was thinking: there’s one good thing that generally comes from interlulls : there’s sure to be some kind of nostalgic memories-based ‘holic post! Happy days!
A bottle of Bud then, please.
Oh wow, shivers down my spine, fantastic video, keep it forever.
My nostalgia extends a long way, but falls a few miles short of pints of Watneys! I will mellow my mellowness with my favourite tipple of the day.
My dad a sperz fan took me aged 10 after I kept on and on at him to the fairs cup final, 1970, we sat east lower right next to the northbank, which exploded every time we scored, when the final whistle went and when Frank picked the cup up… Great east stand moment..
I have never thought about this before, but the photo got me thinking. The stand has ” Arsenal Stadium ” on it, yet it was called Highbury. Did the name ever change from Arsenal Stadium to Highbury?
A piece of rare and true beauty; thank you.
Memories of an October night in 1976 when I went to my first night game at Highbury. I remember moaning to my old man that SuperMac actually looked pretty sluggish! I knew it all even at the age of 9!
That official name was always the Arsenal Stadium, wasn’t it, Stone Roses?
Officially it was always Arsenal Stadium, Stone, hence the famous old film of the thirties, ‘The Arsenal Stadium Mystery’. Highbury being the area was always an alternative, and a popular one. Told you where it was, not what it was.
Ollie, I have no idea, it’s a genuine question.
In terms of our new stadium, I much prefer Ashburton Grove, has a bit of class about it, but carries a lot less money.
Arsene knows, remember well Frank and the lads getting swept up in a tide of humanity that night.
Reminds me as well that the injured players, reserves, and kids, used to sit in the East Lower behind the tunnel. More autograph opportunities for the bold.
Thanks Mr Holic, I kind of like Arsenal Stadium.
Great writeup as ever ‘holic.
Thank you westlondon.
Supermac did look awkward at anything other than full pelt because of his bandy legs, didn’t he?
Holic
great stuff my friend.
I am sure Holic Dad and my Dad would approve.
With the news that Cesc has started running again,JD injury not so bad,Theo also on the cusp,and the young Pole back mid April,we could yet give Utd a real fight for the Title.
Hope springs Eternal.
Cheers
Clive
Fantastic stuff again Holic.
The East Lower was also my home at Highbury, although I sat in all the other stands as well.
It’s amazing how quickly we forget the finer details, but your post has me thinking back to that crowded concourse below the stand.
Keep up the great work,
BRF
Bushmills please, & one for yourself while you’re at it.
Top post once again ‘holic. Good memories of the old place. This remains one of the few places on the web where reasoned debate or a good-natured swapping of opinions is possible without resorting to profanity. I raise my glass to you!
Thanks Clive. I am thinking the title would be a real bonus now, but the break is well timed for us…
Cheers ‘holic for a wonderful nostalgic post.
What really worries me about this cursed international break is that Holland have two games, both against Hungary. I can just see it….
Great article many memories from 1967 onwards
Posts like this are why I follow this blog.
Pity arsenal are not like a club anymore .dearest club in the world and we’ve got denilson &diaby in midfield and almunia in goal and bentner up front how’s that for a laugh.
Sat east upper, great seat, how I miss the place.
Arsene Knows, might have to change your name son
Who signed steponov cygan right weah Jeffers and hasn’t won anything without gg defence
Lunatics in our midst – lock the medicine cabinet.
Mickey, the way to Le Groan is that way ————> Or better still feck off to Stratford.
Steady Mickeyk, can’t remember too many of the Invincibles being GG players…..
That’s right Mickey. Went unbeaten with Lehmann, Lauren, Campbell, Toure, and Cole.
Spot the flaw in your rant?
The invincibles had the influence of Adams bould keown winterburn dixon still at the club .since they have gone we haven’t won anything fact.arsene just go .
Yeah, don’t let facts get in the way son.
Arsene will fix it, he knows… Yes denilson, almunia, squill shit and others not good enuf for afc but his first 15 are fantastic, he made shez the no1 & freak injury. Ditto jd & song… He will get it right, he knows he needs to sort it out and he will…I’m pissed off with him but I’m staying positive, all the haters u may not like what comes next, who exactly is going to make the appointment? Gazides? Great!… If he goes we could be back to the don Howe era
Arsene knows @36, perhaps your first four words should be your new monicker for the time being.
A splendidly nostalgic post from a true Arsenal man.Highbury was (certainly for Gooners) the most magical place on earth.We must have had plastic fans then but not nearly so many.Would that one day many aeons from now when we move from the Emirates because it is just too small to accommodate 250,000 gates we remember it with such affection!
Ps-Don Howe is a legend.Ask McLintock,Wilson,Brady etc what a great coach he was.
When that silly red nosed bastard retires, his legacy will be that he started the over payment of transfers and wages because he had the money from the flotation, and fuck, did he spend it. And what really pisses me off is that he has the fucking cheek to now complain about the finances of football are out of control…
When AW retires, his legacy will be un-fucking-defeated. That may never be equalled.
I don’t know if AKB, but I do know that AKBTM. ~(Arsene Knows Better Than Me). And AKBTY (Arsene Knows Better Than You).
I do read Le Grove, Geoff and Pedro are really good writers, and over the last couple of months have really cleaned the site up, all the racialist thing has gone, and ………….
Oh, fuck it, I dont even know what I am trying to say, I think through my alcohol infused state I still have faith in the man.
I think it’s my bedtime.
I dont know why but I place the route of all our problems on leaving highbury. Maybe its just me but i wish we never left. The atmosphere, the feel, the chants, the stands being so close to the pitch, the memories. I think this all played a part in our success and even the players that played there felt the same. Think about it..we wouldn’t have that huge debt and sure the stadium may not be as big as the ems but still, maybe they couldv just added on it. I think we couldv had more years of success if we stayed..maybe im just being nostalgic
Stone, I read Le Grove too, every day. Their posts are full of insight, and while some of their opinions differ from mine, they are just as valid. The comments remain a place for debate, they have cleaned the place up as you say.
Perlease. Most come here to avoid the bollocks those plastics dribble. Racist, uneducated, bitter haters. That’s all they are.
oldgooner, they’re entitled to their opinions; as I said, they differ from mine but the world would be a boring place if we all agreed with each other. They want the same things we do, a successful team, winning trophies and plaudits they just have a different way of achieving it. They’re far from plastics, both are season ticket holders and as far as I can gather have been for some time.
jonners, no argument with you, but sums them up when they moan about the increase in club level prices, and how much is charged for food in what is a premium area. They are just spoiled pillocks.
And everyday they play football manager in print. They don’t have a clue about finances. Pathetic.
Gentlemen, I would appreciate if you took the debate about other blogs elsewhere. Thank you.
Agreed oldgooner, I enjoy reading half-baked claptrap, helps to reinforce my own point of view.
Sorry ‘holic not another word.
Djourou and Sczcesney back for the run in? Who’s writing this script?
Lots of column inches need to be filled jonners. Take anything coming out for the next few days with a liberal pinch of salt.
Cheers ‘holic.
Good to remind ourselves that we support a class club (giving the Wigan fans blue t-shirts on the day a simple example).
Too many summers behind me to be taken in by headlines ‘holic. Perhaps I’m clutching at straws.
Maybe, maybe not, j.
Off to check the news.
G’night all.
American Gooners please help mind the store as you can see ‘holic and the old worlders have hit the hay so we must be a bit more active in the wee hours. Nightcap, anyone? I’ve helped myself to some Jim Beam, a good old American drink, while I ponder the age-old question of when will Eboue next bail us out.
Fantastic post holic thank you for the insite to old highbury for those who never have had the oportunity to have explored.
Oi! βholic. You started it! With yer East Stand this and yer Clock End that and yer bleeding Red Barrel everywhere. Now you got me going. Standing in corner kick section between the Norf and West stands mid to late β50βs with, Roper, Logie, Lishman, Holton, Barnes etc. Speeding on, through the years. Great crowd favourite, wee Joe Haverty. Then dark days under Billy Wright. Got so bad playing nine man βcatenaccioβ defence I swear one day he pushed his missus on to the pitch (Joy Beverley of the Beverley Sisters), at halftime to sing and quiet the restless crowd. Then he remembered the Police Band was the traditional entertainment. Knew he was better off staying close to 15 coppers carrying tubas and protecting the coaching bench. That was just my fantasy. Joy never actually reigned supreme at Highbury βcos Billy knew in advance if he ever tried doing anything related to the game he βd immediately regret it. βLadees ! AND Gentlemen! β¦ I give you, β¦Wait for it!, Wait for it! β¦β¦. Ian Ure.β β OMG No ! Billy YOU take himβ. Then there was that other damp squid , Jon Sammels. Swiftly on to my upper level East Stand season ticket days in the β60βs and 70βs with my best mate Mick. Always saw a good game there, except when we faced Nicholsonβs double lot or whenever Best showed up. βI fort heβs supposed to be injured. Bollocks!β or, if Tommy Smith from LFC played. Then there was that great evening at WHL in 1971. Say no more. My other best memories are the Fairs Cup win, pre game Christmas time lunches in the West Stand restaurant that we always finished, with a large glass of port to get those match juices going.
My all time favourite Gunner. No, not Georgie Armstrong, though along with Charlie George he fully merits such consideration. Youβll never guess who and laugh when I tell you but I loved him. Alan Skirton. β What ? β
Last, my best London football moment at Highbury. We were at home to West Ham and Jimmy Greaves had just joined them. He got the ball in our penalty area, swayed slightly to the right, two defenders and our goalie ( Bob Wilson? ) swayed too . All were momentarily off balance and in that blink Jimmy stroked the ball left past all three. Bobby Moore was in the area too and Jimmy and Bobby celebrated with an arm in arm ring- a -ring of roses. The Gunners watched and smiled quietly. They could not help but admire Greavsieβs technique. I had to chuckle too.
Very nice post ‘holic..
Whatever you offer as a drink, please
Great post holic, great memories.
I must dig out snaps I took as an under 10 with my brownie π
Pretty sure I’ve got open end (no cover) Clock End covered in snow somewhere.
Cheers for the memories, ‘holic! I’d never been to Highbury before until 1997….. I think I was sat in the North Bank for the UEFA Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg Vs Lens?
We got to our seats around 10mins after KO just in time to see Sir Dennis of Bergkamp score the only goal and give us a lead for the 2nd leg.
I’ve had the priviledge to sit in all 4 stands at Highbury, and I think I loved the North Bank the best… I’ll never forget the old girl…. just sad I couldn’t be there for her last day.
Another great look back at days gone by.
arsene-al@41: if we would not have moved to the Emirates, we would now most likely be lingering in mid-table obscurity or perhaps even worse. Club Level alone makes us more money on a match day than the whole of Highbury did. We may not be able to keep up with the insane spending och ManU, ManC and Chelsea but make no mistake about it – the move was absolutely essential.
Nostalgia is nice sometimes but dangerous. It would have been nice to have stayed at Highbury and of course it’s missed but the reality is a move was essential, as Lars has said.
Usmanov has increased his shareholding to over 27%. Makes no difference to the clubs financing, but makes you wonder what is going on.
All these little deals, no-one wants to go over the 30% tripwire.
Oh how I’ve missed this bar.
Thank you very much for that, ‘Holic.
Come on Arsenal!
Nice one Holic,
Nostalgia and optimism seeping through the bar once again!
I’ll have a green tea please
Morning All!
‘Holic – that was a bit special, my gratitude and a teary eye. I have an uncle who occasionally gave the StoreyDad and I use of his season tickets in East Stand Upper. I guess that was equivalent of CLub Level in those days, anyways it was always a treat. Our usual perch was the West Stand Lower (cheap seats) and in my mid teens it was The Boys End and The Northbank. BTW, loved the comment about “disgruntled webwarriors”, some would do well to take heed.
Mr. Ruette – fabulous post too, thanks for the memories and your insights esp. the story of that goal by Greavsie. My favourite Gooner was little Geordie (RIP). In the mid 70s he was a bright patch in a very average side. Our Meerkat of today would do well to compare work-rates as he never, ever stopped running for a team that didn’t have a hope in hell of winning anything other than the right to stay in the First Division.
RVP – welcome back! How’s that chocolate leg of yours? Pull up a bar stool and have a drink.
Zico
Did you retun the keys to our medicine cabinet? I have a suspicion we’re going to need them later…..
SR,
I’ve been wondering why they seem to be holding back from a total buyout, they seem keen to put themselves on the brink without going over the line. Maybe waiting for stadium debt to be cleared or go under certain level or sponsorship deals to come up for renewal, who knows, I’m probably way off beam with those ideas.
Glennw
They’re both sophisticated investors who will enjoy playing the odd game of high-level brinkmanship. There’ll be other (hidden) agendas at work too. You’re right to say that trying to second guess the real reasons for their actions is tough to do.
I’m still trying to second guess AW’s tactics for the season run-in that will help us to secure our 14th title. Score more goals than we concede and win games, right? π
The clock-end in the 50-60 before they changed it had a open cinder pitch where on match days the players would park there cars on and walk to the east stand to change, also I remember the lower east would have the glass booth at the back where the teams would be read out over the speaker, and the ABC half time score board at 2 corners where a person would crouch in and put up the scores for the other games,or if the first team was playing away and the reserves was playing at home the score would be changed every time the score changed,happy days.
TS,
good morning, outscoring the oppo, sounds like good plan to me. I know win 9 and were champs but I think 7 wins( utd must be one of them) and 2 draws might just see us home. The lawro thing was mighty satisfying it was by the chippy on the corner behind old north bank, think he thought I was going to ask for his autograph, haha no chance, also had pleasure of winding up ruddock as he sat on Liverpool team coach playing cards outside Arsenal tube, he showed his class by getting a big wad of fiftys and twentys out and waving them at me, seeing him now I assume he spent it all on burgers! Met loads of players over the years, Sir Stanley Matthews was a true gent he picked up my 5yo nephew and chatted to him about all sorts of stuff for best part of half hour, top man
G & TS –
I like your way of thinking re: winning the league.
Barman a drink for my friend Zico too please
Glennw
Great stories, esp Sir Stanley! Were Lawro and Ruddock standing in-line for double burger and chips each? What a perfect pair for a big wind-up.
Must admit, if I saw Lawro anywhere I’d just ignore him. Hopefully, most do nowadays. He’s become more dismissive of Arsenal lately than any of his MoTD chum(p)s.
Gt
Rocket science, it isn’t π
I’ll get the next one…. on my own tab too!
TS- Thanks π
TS @ 66 – I thought YOU had them! π
Goonertown @ 71 – Cheers (being time poor today, I’ll have a swift dark rum and coke, ta).
Glennw – you’re my favourite train driver π Ruddock used to wind me up no end – I hope you give him the inverted victory sign?
Though I love Dennis,Thierry,Freddie and Bobbie
I started with Bob,Bob,Charlie,Georgie,John and Ray
But Pat,Pat,Sammy,David,Willie,Liam,Graham,Frank,Alan will always be my Arsenal.
So many memories and good times even the bad ones have their place.
Rosettes,fried onions,roll up ciggy’s and programs for 5p. Excuse me i think I have something in my eye…..
TS on his own tab? Now there’s a bargain to be had. One for me too please, maestro?
Zico,
sorry to disappoint but I didn’t give him the inverted victory sign I gave him the universal wanker one instead! I got plenty of true storys(sorry) about meeting players, mostly good decent blokes, one more about a non decent bloke, I’m not on a popularity crusade(honest) I with couple of others on way home from highbury stopped off at a pub in Colchester called the albert and who should be sitting in the bar, cigar in one hand beer in other, no other than the great(size wise) alan brazil, he was out celebrating his move to the spuds, manna from heaven for us. It didn’t take us long to get into every anti spud song we knew and a few others in the bar joined in, he got right hump and after about an hour of it he stomped out to our delight. I heard him mention that night on the radio a few years back, glad we made a lasting impression on him. Beginning to wonder if I’m the reason some presenters have it in for us
Glennw,
Another classic tale, brilliant stuff. Serves him right for trying to have a drink in a Gooners pub, what a pranny. He makes Ruddock look fit these days doesn’t he?
Oi nasri,
Get ’em in (for a change)! π
Zico,
Found ’em but they’re covered in Cusop’s finger prints…
Brilliant stuff Glennw – Brazil is one of my least favourite fellow countrymen (and a weedgie to boot).
Anytime you want to start on Hansen is fine by me π
TS – Cusop needs all the medicine he can get – understandable in the circumstances.
Ah Zico, a man after my own heart….
Hey TS, long time no see (by internet standards anyway) π
Fancy a drink? Is Lars still around? π
RVP,
Do bears crap in the woods? Cheers!
Lars was in earlier BTW (cf post #60)
Being from the States, I suffer from a distinct lack of growing up in N5. Never made it to the old ground (first trip to London to watch the Arse was 2006) but posts like this make me feel like I experienced the whole thing. I had a walkabout in the middle of the development there and could feel the atmosphere even though 3/4 of the old girl is gone. Can only imagine what it was like back then..
Cheers Holic, thanks for the fantastic posts
It’s still snowing in this hinterland of Arsenaldom. Between the drinks, the snowstorm and the interlull’s time lag it looks like there’s a decent shout of washing away the disappointment of recent results prior to the resumption of the league. Cuppa please barman, and one for yourself.
I know we look back with fond memories at the old girl, and some even wish we were still there, but if we didn’t move to the new stadium we wouldn’t be able to overpay mediocre players and couldn’t afford over-inflated Directors fees.
Injuries have already started. Bendtner injured his ankle running on his own and has been taken for tests.
Sigh, one down, eleven to go.
I always love these nostalgic trips you bring us on, ‘Holic. Thank you. They’re such a treat for those of use who grew up far away and never had the chance to live through the magic that must have been Highbury.
I’ve made my pilgrimage there, but sadly, the construction had already begun by the time I arrived. All I got was that glimpse of the East Stand while strolling along Avenell Road. Still, it felt good to see it.
Very poetic ‘nasri. Meanwhile, back in Blighty, spring has most definitely sprung.
Chin-up SR, should it prove to be serious, somehow we’ll find a way to cope without the world’s third best striker for a few games.
8ball – it’s snowing here in southern Kanada too. I thought we were past that stuff and on to spring. Oh well.
SR – that sounds like the Bendtner I know. Expect him to return with a groin injury as well.
Good day ‘holics! Drinks all around please.
Who are the mighty Danes preparing to face during this international break anyway?
TS:
“Do bears crap in the woods?”
Honestly, I have no idea. Theycould be taking turns relieving themselves at Shawcross’s house for all I know!
RVP,
…. but they’re not those kinds of bears.
Another round fella?
Denmark are playing a qualifer in Norway this weekend.
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/03/22/arsenal-youngster-jack-wilshere-spits-at-tottenham-supporting-taxi-driver/
Jack Wilshere, you’re my new hero.
My next Arsenal shirt is 19.
Fuck Spurs.
I read about the spitting incident days ago but was too disgusted to post anything. I don’t leave the house without my Arsenal scarf but I would never expect to be spat on.
The only saving grace is, you’re not nineteen forever, not now, not ever. Hmm, could be lyrics for a song.
How old are you Snir? One cannot condone such behaviour, let alone glorify it. I think ‘supporters’ need a little perspective.
Snir, you might want to make it 7, next year.
Stranger things have happened.
Snir, you and I are usually on the same page, but I don’t agree – young Jack needs to wise up – we don’t want to be breeding another Rooney or Cashley here.
Changing the subject, any NYC Gooners post on here?
zico, given the nature of the fella that made the allegation, I think we can treat the story with some mistrust.
Holic, I hadn’t actually clicked on that particular link – I had picked up on this story from one of the other blogs.
If its the worst behaviour he has seen in 38 years of cab driving then you Southerners are softer than I thought π
Zico – why the interest? Are you wondering about the NY Red Bulls and Thierry?
Nah, I am going to be in Manhattan when we play Blackburn.
Was thinking of heading to Nevada Smiths.
Evening Holic
My dear old Dad loved his sport,so much so that during the off season he used to take me to Lords as often as he could, to watch Middlesex play cricket.
You were able to hire a cushion at the gate for sixpence,so your bum didn’t go numb watching 6-7 hrs of cricket.!!
I spent many an enjoyable day watching a passing parade of some great charismatic cricketers from all parts of the Country.
Dad also used to get tickets for Test matches as well,so i got to see all the greats from Australia/West Indies/India etc.
The reason for this missive is because all those great golden summer days have been brought back to me, by the passing today of dear Old Freddie Titmus.
A wonderful character,great Off Spinner/handy late order batsman,distinguished Test Cricketer.
Fred was one of my dad’s favorites,as he always appreciated watching a bowler who defeated batsmen with guile and deception rather than the crash bang wallop fast bowlers.
I think my Dad in many ways was making up for everything he missed out on when he was young,living in an orphanage/no father,
So he made sure that i never missed out on anything by taking me to Football matches all over the Country and to the Cricket all through Summer.
I truly was a very lucky boy/young man who will be forever grateful to a fantastic loving Father,for all those ‘ Golden Years’.
Still today during the summer months,the first thing i check in the papers is how Middlesex are travelling in the cricket.
Well actually the 2nd thing,after reading about the 17 players Arsenal are supposedly chasing for the upcoming Season.!!
Cheers
Clive
Another great post Clive, thanks for sharing.
TvN – I’m 25. I have no perspective, I wish for Stoke to break their legs, I wish for Nani to break a leg, I wish for Barca’s plane to crash etc.
Sorry, but that’s the way I am, I’m a fanatic, I either love to death, or hate to death, and I hate Spurs to death.
Zico, it’s obvious Jack needs to wise up, but that’s exactly what I want in my team, that hate for Spurs, that passion for the Arsenal, fighting for the pride of Arsenal, fighting for the name of the Arsenal (and before everyone goes on about it, I’m not saying that spitting is fighting for Arsenal’s name but the passion he holds for Arsenal will make him kill for Arsenal on the 20th of April). It’s like when I get filled with happiness and pride when Thierry talks about Arsenal, it’s just that in order to give that extra you HAVE to HATE too. That’s why Thierry ran the length of the pitch, cause he was thrilled he scored against SPURS!
Just like I was proud to see Keown jump RvN or Vieira and Roy Keane in that tunnel bust up.
Everyone has been crying for players who care about the Arsenal, now we have one.
I must have missed the memo that said that the likes of Fabregas, Van Persie, Nasri, Walcott etc don’t care about Arsenal.
Clive, you and I share many things. The old chap played cricket around North London when I was born, so of course I ended up playing club cricket when I was 12, two years before I started playing mens football.
We used to go to Lords for tests. Dad would go in the ‘free seats’ and I would sit on the grass by the rope waiting to field the odd boundary. Spent time following Essex too as one of their opening bats came to Highbury with us for the football, and the brother of another played for the same club as us. Meant I got the best free seats at Lords and the Oval when Essex played county matches there. If only I realised how lucky I was at the time…
Beers for Snir and Glennw please barman, – both have made me chuckle tonight π
Charlie, I didn’t say they don’t care about Arsenal, but notice what I said.
I said, that to give that extra you have to hate too. I want ALL of the Arsenal players to HATE Spurs.
I want the academy to teach the young guns to hate Spurs, to teach them that Spurs are Public Enemy #1.
Good stuff Glenn as well. Some great tales told today.
Hello Snir. Will you make one more game this season? I guess the budget has already been stretched?
Snir,
Wishing for an opponent’s plane to crash? Sometimes it does not help to explain oneself. You’ve just proven that today. Seek professional help.
Me? Professional help? I was gonna offer you the same for forgiving Barca after what they did in the summer.
I guess some people don’t hold grudges like I do or they’re a bit more forgiving. I don’t know about you, but sports are the most substantial part of my life, and with it comes love and hate, my love and hate are probably more extreme and stronger than others, but I’ve known that my whole life, I”m a Scorpio.
Holic, when it comes to AFC there is no budget, I’m doing my best to look for a ticket for the title decider on the 1st of May (if you do hear about anything, I’d be glad to listen :)) so yes, there is another game for me this season (maybe that’s when I’ll get my JW shirt).
Theo, you are stepping close to the mark. I will not have ‘holics getting abused. Yellow card mate. Snir is a good guy. Some things aren’t always as they appear in black and white…
Snir, we both know those tickets will be like rocking horse droppings. I’ll keep trying Ticket Exchange for a spare, but you have to be lucky on the Grade A games.
Holic at 115 – Thanks for that, but don’t worry about it, I’m used to getting remarks like that, after all I get that from everyone in Israel who asks me “are you serious that you tattooed a football team on your shoulder?!”. I was always seen as a bit too fanatic. I’m O.K with it, it’s not just sports, it’s everything in life, including relationships, I’ll give the mother of my kids everything she’ll just ask for, that’s just who I am.
Holic at 116 – I’ll be in London for sure for that match, hoping to get a ticket, if not I’ll watch it at the Tollie, but obviously I don’t feel like flying all the way to the UK to watch a game at a pub:)
Look forward to seeing you.
G’night all.
‘holic,
Snir may very well be a good fella but read his words. Wishing for a plane to crash? Someone needed to point it out. It should have been you. There are lines ‘supporters’ should not cross unopposed.
G’night dear Holic π
Theo, snap out of it. You and I both know I didn’t mean it literally.
It’s just like thousands of chants all over the world.
It’s funny you didn’t call me out on the leg breaks. Isn’t that wrong too? Or do you want the same to happen and don’t want to seem as an “aggressive football fan” so you chose not to mention it?
Snir,
Some of what you’ve said tonight is disturbing. But ‘holic is right in that I shouldn’t get personal. We both want the same things in the end. I’ll just choose to take the high road to get to that destination. Tattoos of your club is one thing. There’s some saying out there, “Win with humility and be graceful in defeat”. Or something like that. The point is, always act with dignity and class. I’d rather win like Pep than to win like Jose.
Well, there are many sayings.
I don’t wanna be graceful in defeat. I wanna be alone in defeat. Shankly said football is more than life or death, he was right. In defeat, I wanna be alone.
In victory, I wanna celebrate, and one of the most pleasing happy moments is gloating.
I’d rather win, I don’t care how, be it like Pep or like Jose. Let’s win first, then deal with how to win better, nicer, more beautiful etc.
I want Arsenal players to hate Tottenham like I do. You know why? Because then, they wouldn’t let them win, they would eat the grass before they’d let Spurs beat them. Whether you like it or not hate brings out more from athletes. I think it was Magic Johnson who said last year that he hates the fact that the Celtics and Lakers of last season shook hands before tip-off, he said he hated every Celtic in his time (even though he and Larry are good friends now). I agree with him. I agree with TB12 for saying he hates the Jets.
That’s the way it’s supposed to be.
The same Magic Johnson who kissed Isiah Thomas before every game in the NBA Finals? Sounds like Magic is a hypocrite to me.
I knew there is a reason to hate him π
But you get my drift. There’s nothing I liked more than to hear TB12 saying “I hate the Jets” when asked if he saw hard knocks.
And hatred isn’t going to win you silverware. Otherwise you and other passionate Gooners should wear the jersey in place of Cesc, RvP, Nasri, Walcott, Arshavin, Sagna, etc.
That’s wrong. Hatred does win you silverware, just ask Vieira, Henry, Adams, Keown etc. They hated Spurs, they hated Man U. To lose to those teams was like a personal insult…
To these players it’s “oh well, we’re disappointed but let’s look forward for the next game”. Well, this isn’t just a business, this is a sports club with fans. Fans aren’t just “disappointed and looking forward for the next game”, their lives are dictated by the team’s results.
And it’s better to be classy from day one, while losing, let it become second nature, and then once you are winning you don’t have to change to become classy. Do you think Jose will ever become classy? I don’t. But Pep will always be classy. Better to espouse to be a Pep than a Jose.
It’s kind of ironic that you bring up Barca and Pep as classy after what happened in the summer and his remark about Jack. And I don’t accept it that it was lost in translation. I heard it. He is rude to think that Arsene is under no pressure to deliver trophies.
He should instead look at his club and realize how lucky they are to have 3 of the best players in the world at the same time cause before that (even with Xavi) they didn’t win a trophy from 99-06.
Oh, and Barca B has Wilsheres right? Well, when he made that remark, they were 12 points off the top of the Segunda Division.
And they have 7 Non-EU players in Barca A and 9 Non-EU players in Barca B in the youth ranks. And they also tapped up Aneke and Afobe and tried to sign them.
Classy my ass.
And how are you hopping around the globe in the first place? Shouldn’t you be in school, working, or helping little old ladies across the street or something? Must be a lucky trust fund baby π
And they have many gripes against Wenger too. The Cules that are just as fanatical as you are a Gooner call Arsene a pedophile. So I won’t get into all that.
And you over extend FCB’s trophy less drought (by one year). They won La Liga in 2005 & 2006. Meaning, if we don’t win something this year, our dry run will match their’s.
I’m starting Sports Management in the Fall. Theo Epstein as my role model π
Till then, I’ve got time to travel around, especially for The Arsenal.
Clive @105 you just turned me into a supporter of Middlesex cricket, whatever that is. Cheers!
Managers get asked a lot of questions that the media will spin the way they want to (especially the British media). I honestly don’t believe Pep meant any disrespect whatsoever. Pep is generally, if not always, a model that all managers should try to emulate. Even Old Red Nose could learn that from Pep.
Would you rather want Arsene to act like Jose or Pep?
Zico @104 if I were going to be in Manhattan I would love to join you at Nevada Smiths. Great spot, and maybe some other time.
Zico I was an NYC Gooner until 2009, so know Nevada Smith’s quite well although my local was farther uptown.
Well, good luck to you Snir in your future studies. And in your spare time, do help the occasional little old lady across the street. Even if she is a Spuds fan. You’ll be a better man for it.
8ball – how’s the shovelling going? I’m still half way done and taking a break. Wish I had some PQ lagers during the break.
Theo, it’s Spring break at the local schools so I’m home with my 6 year old daughter who “helped” me shovel some of the snow with her kid-sized shovel before insisting on stopping for a snowball fight, so it’s safe to say that not all the shoveling is done. Good thing because it will provide a break from kid stuff tomorrow. Cheers.
By the way, Theo and Snir, I wish I could find a few Spuds in Minnesota to be the objects of some controlled expectoration. Not that I would do it personally, of course, and I’m not condoning what LJW did, but I have a feeling that someone could be hired to do the job. There are people out here looking for honest work!
Speaking of Jose, he believes the EPL title is between his old club and ManIOU, completely overlooking the Arsenal. How nice. See what I mean when I say he ‘exudes’ class? With his translating skills he’d make a great ambassador.
Must seriously doubt Goonerholics credentials. You discuss going to Lord’s and also following Essex. I am shocked at that revelation. Shows unlikely ignorance or your conscious repression of the fact that Arsenal stars Dennis and Leslie Compton actually played at Lord’s too, but for Middlesex. You can only have one Master. Where ‘ere Arsenal players wander your cricket support must follow. Therefore the question before the House which was unthinkable before your post must now be asked , “Where do your true football club loyalties lie?”
Hello holics,
This interlull is becoming very tedious indeed. NB52 already injured? *sigh*
No Arsenal to look forward to this week π
An afternoon pint for me, please
8 ball @ 136 and 137 – cheers, maybe next time?
Any other takers for a lunchtime pint in lower Manhattan on 2nd April?
Morning All
Quick heads-up: Any ‘Holics going to the Blackburn game next week? If so, would be more than happy to meet for a pre or post-match beer at The Tolli and share a real pint or two. First drink on me.
Snir,
I’m with you on the Sp*rs hating. Not physical violence or anything like it but a deep-seated hatred of everything associated with the cock and ball emblem of the far smaller team in N.London. Even though you’re a couple of 1000 miles away from London I think you really understand it. I don’t care how much success or failure that lot go through, those two matches are always the ones that I most want us to win in a season.
PS: I’ll continue to keep an eye out for a ticket vs Manure but you’re in a long queue which includes me π
No B’burn for me TS, I’m off to Majorca for a long weekend next week (Thurs – Tues) picked up a cracking deal for Β£188 each half board inc a car… Jeez I spend a one’er on match days alone π so quids in
Bit early for a drop of sauce so Fresh Perky is on π
Love this post ‘Holic, very atmospheric. Sod all the angry people currently sniping at Wenger and the club, I’ve had enough of it too.
If you’re looking for a place to share some more history then come to Arsenalisation, I’ve got a post up about my earlier Arsenal memory associated with pain/joy (Sampdoria 1995) and would love to hear yours.
http://www.arsenalisation.com
TS – is there any news on what is to happen to our game against the Villa due on 14 May (the same day as the cup final)?
That’s probably going to my last potential visit to the Grove this season?
PS – I don’t hate Spurs (hate’s such a strong word) – I loathe them π
Been away from the bar for about 24 hours, and in the meantime I did something useful with my time: me and a bunch of others made the two-and-a-half hour drive to watch the Arsenal Ladies play their Champions League Quarter-Final against LinkΓΆping FC. And as a result of that, BtM is no longer the only visitor in this bar to get his mug shown on Arsenal.com:
http://www.arsenal.com/match-menu/172211/ladies/linkoping-v-arsenal-ladies?tab=gallery
Picture number ten, I’m the guy in the middle holding my Arsenal scarf over my head. The picture is so clear that you can actually almost see what I look like…
I do have to say that BtM has a much stronger claim to fame than I do since he was allowed to speak as well, but on the other hand I got to see an Arsenal team that actually progressed – and the referee was, would you believe it, Swiss in this game too!
Anyway, there were about 50 of us Swedish Arsenal fans there (people came from all over the southern parts of Sweden) singing and cheering the ladies on and the 2-2 draw was enough to see us through on aggregate thanks to away goals. Beer and banter for a couple of hours before the game (though no beer for me, I was the driver), and then a winning Arsenal team. Not a bad afternoon/evening at all, we had lots of fun.
There is a video clip here from Swedish TV for anyone who’s interested. The second Arsenal goal is actually quite a beauty:
http://svtplay.se/v/2370519/fotboll/linkoping_foll_tungt
Also note the Almuniaesque howler for their second goal…
And now: time to catch up on all the drinks!
@ Lars
The faces in pictures 1 to 9 made more pleasant viewing π
Lars, Thanks for the write-up of your day’s outing. It’s nice to hear of a positive Arsenal result be it male, female, or otherwise.
Mark,
Sounds like a good deal, enjoy. Hopefully catch you at another game soon and thanks for the virtual coffee π
Lars,
Fame at last! I’m sure your vocal Viking support spurred our girls on to the next round with Olympique Lyonnais so take a bow for your fantastic support. Have to agree with Zico though, the other pictures are more pleasing to the eye π
PS: Are you planning another ‘raid’ over here to pillage and watch Arsenal games?
Zico,
‘Might make Villa too, tha date is still subject to change according to Pravda.com. Considering Spuds away as well, it’s been decades since I went to Shite Hart Lane and I still can’t get the stink off from that occasion. What a loathesome bunch they are…
I’ll take a bet the Villa game is televised (be it Saturday afternoon/Saturday evening/Sunday), I can only hope we’re still title contenders by then but they might still be in the relegation mire so even if our season is done there’s still that angle for them to show it. Mind you Liverpool v Spurs and Chelsea v Newcastle are that same weekend (plus Blackburn v Man Utd if the latter doesn’t make the FA Cup final) so those could all be more likely to be shown.
PS for Lars:
Thanks for the video link BTW. We could really do with some of that finishing in the first team. I thought our first goal was even better than the second, very Arshavin/Nasri like. As for the goalkeeping, unfortunately it’s all too familiar…. π
zico@150: now that was just… just… um… true!
TS@152: It doesn’t look like I’ll make it for any more games this season, the one that could be a candidate is the game v Villa, but I am assuming that tickets for that one might be hard to come by what with it being the last game of the season. And also, I might actually be coming over on the weekend of 28-29th of May, there will be a Supporters’ Clubs footie tournament at the Emirates and if we get a place there I will most likely be over for that one. In any case it will be a quite late decision if I go or not. But anyway, if I make it over for any game I’ll definitely let you know.
Lars,
Cheers for update. Footie tournament sounds really good. Do you get to play on a section of the Emirates turf? Surely not…
Charlie,
Wouldn’t it be great if we’d wrapped the title up by then? What a party that would be! It’s good to dream….
Lars –
Well whoβs a pretty boy then? π
I found out the other day an ex-Arsenal Lady lived around the corner from me -Leanne Sanderson. She had a good goal ratio and scored more goals in a season (50) than Ronaldo@ manure (42) during the 2008-9 season.
We could definitely have done with that in the ladsβ squad that year π
Good news that Ramsey is made captain of Wales. All we need now is for him to stub his toe on the bed post and be ruled out for the next three days.
Geezzzz Holic’!!!
Was having an altogether down-in-the-dumps, melancholy kind of day and, *BOOM*, you go and hit me with that!!!
Last game I saw at Highbury was the demolition of Middlesboro when Thierry decided that he actually as GOD himself! Remember that fake shot/pass thingy effort?! how can forget it!!! I remember when SoccerAM had him doing it in training and Hells Bells, I think, said that she would like to see him try something like that in a game (I say “I think” as I am not sure that I did not either make that up or dream it!!! Could be either!)…Anyway, doesn’t really matter if I imagined it or not, SOMEBODY other than me must have thought it for him to have then gone and done it during a game!
I will never forget the “Highbury Feeling”, who will?! That “Fever Pitch” moment when you first wait outside, then walk through the turnstiles knowing that this week there would definitely be a problem with your ticket and they would surely turn you away, then onto the concourse, the pies, the beers, the long, long, LONG walk up to the light at the end of the stairs tunnel and OH MY GODDDDDDDDD we are in the most wonderous cauldron of delight and pleasure, despair and horror, pride and shame, choice and fate, fear and hope, love and hate that could possibly exist. NOTHING will EVER beat that feeling of crossing the “Stadium Muffled to Real Crowd Noise Ratio Threshold” as walking up those steps. (SMRCNRT for short!)
You put a lump in an already very bumpy throat Holic’ and yet I thank you for giving me something else to focus my bad day on!
Thanks and here’s hoping we can get a real pint together one day when/if I am ever back in the UK.
Meanwhile a virtual Guinness for the black stuff starved manic depressive!!!
Oh, and….
COME ON YOU GOONERS!!!!
9 games?!
NOPE…
Just win the NEXT game!*
* – Courtesy of Goonerholic (TM) who actually managed to leave me thinking that damned phrase more often than “Oh, I really should finish that pint”!!!!!!! Thanks again Holic’!
Jeeeeeez, too much to read.
Between the lines:
-zico, I believe the Goonervana massive now meets in somewhere called the Blind Pig, no longer in Nevada Smiths anyway.
I can try and check the address and name of the venue again.
Worth a go. I think it isn’t far from the original place either.
-TS, Blackburn is the day of the arseblog 5 a sides, one part of the pub may be full of arsebloggers type. Of course it means a few of the ‘double-dippers’ will be there too π
-Snir, not forgetting your ticket mail, but as it is, it looks like I will struggle to even get a ticket for myself for the Mancs game too, as the vagaries of my work travels mean I will be unable to be on-line when the Box Office unleashes its customary red bar on Red members.
Everyone I know is in a total panic that their players are gonna get a season ending injury over the international break. I dont know anyone who actually gives a shit whether X beats Y or Y beats X.
We got 12 players in action, one is already hurt, lets just hope the other eleven get home unscathed.
Ollie @ 160 – cheers for the heads up on NYC gooners.
I think I know the Blind Pig – somewhere near 13th Street I think so my original travel plan not too badly affected. I just need to make sure and not drink too much on Friday night…… oh. π
I went to NS when they were still there, for a Blackburn game 8.30am (I think) kick off on sunday morning.
Don’t think I could have woken up if I hadn’t been staying with one of them NYC Gooner types that night. Mind you, he was responsible in a good part for my poor head π
In fact, we thought the kick-off was half an hour earlier which didn’t help!
zico,
You on Facebook. The NY Gooners have a group and the details for each game at the Blind Pig are usually publicised by them there.
http://www.arsenal.com/usa/fanzone-usa/usa-supporters-club/nyc-arsenal-supporters
Cheers Holic. I’m already on the case.
Stone Roses – I’m rooting for Cyprus to beat Iceland! People just need to accept international breaks (at least those for qualifiers, pointless friendlies are infuriating).
Incidentally, both the next two seasons will see the Africa Nations Cup being played as it switches to odd-numbered years, so expect much gnashing of teeth from Premiership managers after Christmas both years.
By the way, if anyone is interested I am on a round table chat on the Arseblog arsecast in the morning. Also joining Blogs was the man from East Lower, and Arse2Mouse (who until now I had not read but who is now linked in the sidebar).
I never miss an Arsecast ‘Holic, looking forward to it.
You can tell Blogs that he has a pint waiting in The Diggers from me, if he’s ever in Edinburgh.
(As long as he brings Arshavin and Den Nilson) π
Well if I ever come up to see the Binos I will make a point of coming across to the capital for a pint…
Your on mate.
Thanks for the heads up on the NYC Gooners btw – seems I am unlikely to be lonely on 2nd April π
They are a great bunch. Ask for the one they call Danks and buy him a pint from me π
TS: oh yes, it is on the Emirates turf!
I may get there with our lot Lars, but to be honest I did the last Highbury one and that ruined me for the Grove. Well that, and my age, and my chronic breathing problem π
Cheers Lars, for the nice post about the Arsenal ladies’ victory
saw the picture..TS is right, Viking support saw us through π
He won’t need to ask for Danks, ‘holic, he cannot miss him.
zico: he’ll be the one starting songs you’ve never heard before π
Although with parental duties, I don’t know if he can attend every game now.
Cheers Ollie – my only challenge will be trying to explain to my US friends why I want to slope off to a dark bar “in the morning” to watch “soccer”.
Can’t wait. π
I have to admit the atmosphere for early morning kick-off was amazing.
The slight variations of usual songs are weird (I’ll let you find out), the local songs are a laugh, and I enjoyed a totally amazing 5-10 minutes version of ‘ArsΓ¨ne Wenger’s Red&White Army’ at the end of the game, with a lot of rhythm in it like I’ve never heard anywhere. Totally groovy.
You will have a ball!
Lovely piece Holic. I was mainly a north bank boy at Highbury but have sat in the east stand several times. My main memories were always of cramped seats and bloody pillars. It did not matter where I sat there was always a pillar in the way somewhere. Strange but I guess that adds to its charm.
Afternoon all,
Lars,
The opportunity to score a goal on the hallowed turf… sounds brilliant. Perhaps if Bendy’s watching you could give him a few tips?
Ollie,
Would be delighted to ‘double-dip’ and buy you a drink if you want to make yourself known to me at The Tolli. Depending on the result, we may take a wander down Islington High Street after the post match Tolli session. Might be a bit tight before the game as we’ll arrive fairly late – need to fulfil my duties to The Management & Co.
‘Holic,
Great Arse-Table session. Like Zico, I never miss an Arsecast.
Holic,
Great Arsecast this morning. Alot of common sense spoken and the viewpoints were well articulated as usual. Never ceases to amaze me the lengths and efforts good bloggers go to provide such great entertainment.
Hey guys Cesc is doing a live Twitcam right now if anyone’s intrested:
http://twitcam.livestream.com/49fql
My bad guys it was yesterday. It’s actually being re-aired at the moment!
I should be the short one with short and receding red hair, TS.
Ollie,
Thanks for that. I’ll be the one standing at the bar with his wallet open and ‘it’s my round’ tatooed to his forehead π
Seriously, I’ll attempt contact prior to the match via the ‘usual channels’….
Me wants me drink, barman.
….and that up there (article) was way before π ……..great read all the same π