“So What Do You Think Of It All Then, ‘Holic?”
Apr 12th, 2011 by 'holic
We are at a pivotal moment in the history of the church handed down to us by our fathers and grandfathers. Yes, like most supporters I feel this is our Football Club, and that whoever is calling the shots at any time is just the guardian of our most cherished institution. I suspect Mr Kroenke feels he is spending hundreds of millions of pounds to disprove my belief.
The internet and popular press are absolutely awash with people claiming knowledge and understanding of the nuts and bolts of the deal. I read one article by a trusted author and my fears are soothed. The next moment somebody I also have time for points out the potential pitfalls and I am nervous again. You will have guessed by now, delighted though I am that the preferred major shareholder has claimed the ultimate prize, I am still trying to make out the cut of his new clothes. From a distance I fear I can just make out a lot of bare flesh.
New money and football clubs have not proven to be universally compatible bedfellows. Chelsea’s army of new followers have generally been appreciative of the Abramovich era, and the first spell of sustained success that the club has ever put together. Manchester United may remain the benchmark by which we are all measured on the pitch, but off it the turnover of supporters appears colossal, and the sea of green and yellow at their games suggests that the longer the Glazers remain, the more likely it is that the exodus of the die-hards will continue. Liverpool under Gillett and Hicks came close to implosion and remain the starkest warning to date of what could happen if distant owners fail to understand the nature and position of football in the British psyche.
The deal is being dissected to the n’th degree, but for me there are two things we need the new owner to be absolutely clear about. First and foremost that no additional debt, directly or indirectly, falls on the Arsenal businesses as a result of the takeover. The self-sustaining model has been sold to us as the future. A combination of prudence and manageable level of debt that we have employed is the envy of most of the major players in European football. Don’t waste the sometimes painful sacrifices we have made to get to this point. Encouraging statements have been issued, but mention of a ‘loan note alternative’ in the offer documents hints that the buyer may not have sufficient free cash to complete any significant take-up of the offer and will have to find the finance. It is worth considering also that the timing of this deal is entirely of Danny Fiszman’s making, not Stan Kroenke’s.
Secondly, the position of the small shareholders is an important safeguard. The size of the owner’s shareholding should ensure he has a free reign in terms of having the club run in the manner of his choosing, although the Red and White shareholding has the potential to stretch out significant policy decisions. I would love to see a commitment to ensuring that a percentage in excess of eleven is maintained for the tail of small shareholders who desire a part of their club for other than investment reasons. I also believe in the tooth fairy and Father Christmas, but such an undertaking would additionally help to prevent future owners from delisting the club and compulsorily purchasing valued holdings.
After those two things we have to let Kroenke get on with proving he is a proper custodian, and give him our qualified backing. He has, it seems, been influential in the establishment of an executive team that will take the club into the future. Ivan Gazidis is an excellent choice to head that team. His background ensures he talks about football, not soccer, and supporters rather than customers. The people who work for Tom Fox have nothing but praise for him. The old board are being retained as a facade. There is little doubt they will slowly disappear from view, but I hope they are treated with dignity and respect when the time comes.
Then there is the position of the manager. It is now one man’s call if Arsene stays or goes. Well two actually, including Arsene himself. The early public signs are that the new owner and monsieur Wenger are singing from the same hymnsheet, and you wouldn’t expect anything else. However, Le Boss has perhaps not been as accountable as he now will be. Will his terms of reference, or his interpretation of success, be rejigged for him by Kroenke? Will he himself feel more restricted as a result of the change? I don’t pretend to know the answers, but perhaps it is for the good of the club that there are now more questions for the manager to consider than may have been the case in recent times.
So overall I sense I am not alone in offering a cautious and qualified welcome to Mr Kroenke. How many have already written that ‘the proof of the pudding will be in the eating’, and how many more will do so in the coming days? Lazy phraseology it may be, but it is none the less true for that.
Good luck Stan. You take care of our church, or else.
167 Responses to ““So What Do You Think Of It All Then, ‘Holic?””
I’ve been away for a few days, what the hell happened…? π
Medicine cabinet left unattended for one….
I thought there might be another opening at the bar tonight.
Mind if I order a Guinness BEFORE reading the blog for once, so I can drink while reading.
Drinks of their choice for TS and zico too, and one for you, barman!
Zico was helping himself all over the shop. TABS has drifted off into an opium haze, Lars is bankrupt, and OH… the club has been sold.
I have no idea how this is going to pan out. Those better qualified / with more time than me have all analysed it much better than I could. But seems that noone is sure.
Best sit back and see what happens. I’ll open a bottle of Rioja reserva … anyone care to join?
Great write-up, ‘holic. I’ll have a whisky chaser then π
Last time I mixed my drinks in Catalunya, I had a very bad morning, CG, so I’m afraid I’ll have to give your offer a miss tonight.
I reckon AW needs to send a strong squad to the U19 tornament in America, If we do well, AW can continue his youth project. Otherwise stan might start To question it. (although it is avert cheap and chearfull model.Β£
It’s Miller time!!
Evening all.
Pleasing to see we could still be the first London club to win old big ears π
Fair enough Ollie – wouldn’t want you to go MIA again!
A lot can happen in 20 minutes, ‘holic, though it looks unlikely.
Heh, even more so as I type, Cuntski down to 10.
Don’t pay any attention to the loan note alternative. That’s a way of avoiding Capital Gains Tax and benefits the sellers.
What’s more to the point is what Kroenke wants in return for Β£700m. Up til now Arsenal has never paid a dividend. Will Kroenke really sit there just hoping someone will pay him a lot more money in 10 years time? In no other business would an investor expect no income for such a large investment. If we knew what he gets out of his other investments by way of income or otherwise we might have a model for the future.
Holic, great posts as usual. Appreciate your cautious welcome to the new guy. I’m 100% with you on that. Like you, I believe in the tooth fairy and expect the best from KSE. The upside for our club inc. the team and their management is, I think, significant.
However, should SK choose to join the ‘church of Glazer’ then my welcome will turn to a ‘p*ss off’ quicker than a Theo sprint down the flanks. So long as he genuinely understands what he has bought, and as a true sports fan I believe that he does, then this next chapter in our history should be another glorious one and deliver the requisite clutch of silverware too. All the key elements are already in place. A re-invigorated AW could be just the ticket.
Apologies to all if the medicine cabinet was not as usually accessible as it normally is over the weekend. I hang my head in shame for taking the keys with me, by mistake I might add, on a brief but enjoyable Family Storey break. Normal service is now resumed. Self-medication is not encouraged π
Having caught-up with most of the drinks from the esteemed regulars I needn’t have feared. All seems to be quite well in the bar and, as usual, common sense and sanity prevails.
It’s a time of great change for our beloved club. I’m going to choose to embrace it with, as they say, a healthy dose of cautious optimism.
Drinks all round please Barman and, as ever, a large one for yourself.
Zico, I’ve made a public apology for fear of re-banishment to the step that is naughty.
Let’s not go there again…. π
How’s the passenger list coming along for the HT? More aboard or are there any rats deserting NOT that we’re a sinking ship mind?
Nice post, ‘holic.
Whatever’s on tap for me, please. Cheers!
Evening all.
My guess is that Kroenke is doing this so he can wait until the stadium debt’s paid off through normal means, then sell his shares to the highest bidder when they rocket in value.
Otherwise, what’s in it for him? I remember reading a month or two ago that he’s just done exactly that with one of his ventures in the states.
I hope our club retains it’s values and soul.
Septic businessmen realise that their excuse for sports don’t sell around the world. Football does, glorious, pure football even more so.
Perfect marketing vehicle for his cash cow π
I need a stiff one after that please barman… Make it a double JD I spose, a taste of things to come π
TS – it was carnage. That Catalan bloke and TABS were zonking on opium – whilst the rest of us could only look on in drunken bewilderment (no change there for me then….).
The Happy Train is currently in a siding waiting for the next trip to the Grove. Having won on Sunday, there weren’t too many doomers to be found, so seats are still at a premium. Luckily, you’re up front with me, and of course, you have an annual season ticket anyway. π
Incidentally, I have asked zico Management to lay on a buffet just in case Stan fancies slumming it with “lower than club level” Gooners on the aforementioned HT.
Welcome Stan (with reservations) – love zico. π
P.S. I wish my grandads supported Arsenal – one’s Orient, and the other a sp*d
I think I’ll think about the future once the on-field present has come to it’s conclusion in mid-May. We will hopefully know a little more about the intentions of KSE at that time too.
Another two huge games for united to contend with now, but it pains me to say it, they seem to have the nous to deal with it.
There are a number of regrets already from the season, none more so than the 3 recent draws, so onwards and upwards for the next 7 games and we’ll see where that leaves us.
A pint of your finest Guinness please young man.
CoYRRR’s
Great writing as ever ‘holic…preseason (aka summer holidays) in Colorado from now on then
Ollie @ 3 – sorry, missed your kind offer of a drink. Cheers. Watch that Catalan bloke, though, I see he is trying to get you to mix your drinks and its not yet 10 o’clock.
Dont’ be surprised if he offers you a pipe….
Turning to football – was it good news that the Indebted went through? I suppose it was – but couldn’t bring myself to root for them – I hate watching football when you are willing both teams to lose and suffer multiple leg breaks – you just know it will end in disappointment. π
Such a shame to see Ashley exiting stage right gutted for the total C@@t, And what with his glorious teammate and all round wanker Mr Terry going with him it’s been a good night, Lets hope spurs get hammered tommorow and it’s been a tip top week π
To add a tad more on the takeover – personally the ship has been drifting in my view and needs a new captain as since the last one retreated to his birds nest due to the illness it’s left us a bit rudderless and hopefully a new dawns on the horizon,
Up The Arse, And drinks all round please Guv.
Hot toddy for me cos “rinse” has just made my blood run cold with his vision of the future!!!
I’m of the opinion (hopefully) we are in safe hands, but in saying that the question of how Stan is going to want his money back “HAS TO BE ASKED”.
Another positive I can see in all this is, it’s quite obvious Stan is his own man, who will run the business HIS own way. So perhaps AW will become a football manager again as he was when he first joined us, rather than head of the finance team, & start banging on the board room table demanding we bring in the two or three world class players, that we have obviously been missing for a few years?
We live in hope……
Like you Mr Holic, I read an article, I’m 70-30, next article I’m 30-70. Even if I dont read anything and listen to myself, I still bounce between 30 and 70.
Forget about the loan note alternative, it covers the bases. Its to do with converting shares into securities to avoid…. ok it is really boring, just dont sweat it.
If as someone suggests, Stan waits for the loan to be paid off and sells at a premium, or, alternatively, takes every Β£ profit in dividends again makes no difference as the value of the business is based on the bottom line and assets irrespective of long term loans. And lets face it, no-one values a premiership club under traditional business rules anyway.
Which leads us back as to whether it’s 30-70 or 70-30. Well, fuck knows, coz I dont.
Evening ‘Holic and Evening all ,
Welcome back TS , and not before time – get thee to the medicine cabinet – had to attend another bar for my trip into dreamland yesterday and it wasn’t up to the TS standard .
Just about back in the land of the living , and what a pleasant surprise it is to find a tidy little entourage at the bar at this time of night . Catalan , i’ll have a swig from your Rioja if i may .
Great post ‘Holic , not much to add until all becomes clearer , don’t think much, if anything will change in the short to mid term . Stan cant leverage the club , even if he was so inclined , until Usmanov sells , and Stan unlikely to spend his wife’s sheckles , (if ever ) until he has total control .
On a lighter note I see that chap from Le Grove is quoted in the mail online as speaking for all arsenal fans – as misguided as Ade last week , when he said all arsenal fans still loved him – and the biggest case of over-exposure since Sammy Nelson bared his arse in ’79 .
Bodyh of christ please reverend! Stan is not so much our saviour as our saviour from a fate worse than death if you aSK ME. Usmanocv is a carpet bagger and a venture capitalist. As long as he is fucked off the better ifg you ask me. This pantomime that he is a doer of goodness is quite hilarious, well it would be if it wasnt such a fucking sick joke. The fat gangster is a vile scum sucking cunt and the sooner he is jettisoned the better.
tabs – quality, concluding comment. Have a pint on my tab for that final paragraph alone.
Ollie. Ignore Zico. Not trying to get you to mix your drinks. I’ll do it for you.
Ignoring the football tonight – impossible for there to be anything good about it.
cheers Zico don’t mind if i do
By the way, if Arsenal are such a big pile of shite, with no defenders, what the fuck does that make the chavs? You know? The cunts who just spunked Β£70 mill in january on 2, thats TWO players??? Where does that leave those twats then if we are soooooo shit?
Mug – you just disproved my theory! A pint for you with thanks! Or a pipe…
Easy Mug. Let’s use the language for effect please fella, not every other word. π
I live in Brighton, so well done to them tonight, first league club to be promoted this season.
Haha! Thanks Catalan! Oh and JET scored for Cardiff tonight too… All good if you ask me!
Mug, brilliant stuff. Have a drink on me.
While much is still left unsaid from Stan, I don’t forsee any problems. He’s been involved with the club for a while now, and he’s obviously trusted enough to get a spot on the board unlike Red&White Holdings.
For now I say welcome.
PS: I hope after tonight, Chelsea will have the response to put the title challenge back in our hands.
More tea vicar? Nitey nite
Sorry for the profanity btw… Proper good night now…
No worries Mug. Have a good one.
Night Goonerholic, you lot still fighting each other on the terraces.
I have to say, I am kind of disappointed. I wanted Usmanov. Now I know everybody questions his shady past, but I have done business in Russia and it is VERY different from what we are used to. It was not in anyway mega-multi-million but we were trying to source some metal plates for a three year contract for $6 million. Fortunately we were part of a big group and were advised before we went there, my boss the President of the company had to pretend he was Muslim and couldnt drink alchohol, and I had to pretend I had a liver complaint.
So, we had a morning meeting, 2 of us, 3 of them, and every time we agreed on something, they toasted it with vodka, no kidding! And it got to the point where one of them passed out over the table! Honestly. In the end, we offered them the contract, and we were given ‘presents’ of gratitude’. When we got back to the hotel and opened them up, there was $10,000 in cash.
All I am saying is, what they find acceptable may not be the same as us. And if you want a low level example, on the subway, if you say ‘one please’ for a ticket, you get charged a hell of a lot more than if you say ‘ahdeen pozhalsta’ (which is ‘one please’).
Sorry to go on and on, just trying to say that what maybe acceptable there doesnt quite hold together here. I am sure if one digs into Ambranovich past, all is not squeaky clean.
As usual, had too much to drink. Holic ’til the end.
Have a good kip, SR π
Cus, only until next week π
And Gaz, you might want to call yourself GazB on here to avoid getting flamed as a result of mistaken identity π
Ruskys or Yanks tough call! Thankfully we are the only London Based English Club left in the Prem! I cant include the Porn Brokers down at spamulot cos they wont be in the prem come next year! Blimey what a turn out for the Books lads. I am beginning to warm to the idea of ground sharing with you lot ! At least you will get to see an english team every other week.
Poor old Holic!! chin Chin! I will always be there for a stiff double!! You can rely on me
Okay I will get my coat (Blue and white)
As always, an excellent read ‘holic. Thanks.
Cus, well used to doubles me. Outnumber you by three to one π
…an they were all in colour π
Thanks SF,
Good to see you here.
Cus , i think your lot are from the Caymen Islands !
They definitely are. It’s the less taxing lifestyle.
Just checked. It’s the Bahamas for Uncle Joe.
thanks Toasey , i was close !
Cus, your jingo-istic comments are best left in a land that time forgot, the one from 50 years ago should do it. In any case, you’ve been pulled-up before in this bar trying to claim that your lot are an “English team”. Why would you want to anyway? Have you
checked the nationalities of your starting XI lately? Even your beloved Galen is Welsh.
Once Real have finished chewing you up and spitting you out let’s see if you can make it back to play with Europe’s elite for next season. Then step and repeat for another 13 years. By which time, of course, we would have had the best part of 30 years playing in the CL. That’s a l-o-n-g time but way less time than the last time you lot won The Championship.
Best of British old boy!
Evening Holic
On a totally seperate subject,i’m already looking forward to seeing the’ Blue and White Hoops ‘ back in the top flight next season.
It’s been a long wait for their supporters since their last season in the PL back in the mid nineties.
They had some wonderful players back in the late 60’s to mid 70’s.
Rod Marsh,Stan Bowles,Terry Venables,Gerry Francis,to name a few.
Always entertaining to watch,and let’s not forget that our own
esteemed Double winning captain,who was cruelly caste aside for the inept ‘ Blockhead ‘ in the early 70’s,promptly signed for QPR,who under their astute manager Dave Sexton,went within a Sparrow’s fart of winning the Title in 75 -76.
Yet another example of an Arsenal manager who underestimated the playing capacity of an older player.
I can think of another Arsenal Manager who seems to think 30 is closer to 50,who might regret letting some of the older players leave before ththey should have.
Then of course you have a manager up North who thinks exactly the opposite and knows the true value of blending experience with youth to ensure a continuation of Success on the field.
Cheers
Clive
TS ” Ave it ! ” – one for the road from me
That was a well balanced outlook Holic. I’ll drink to that!
TABS,
Ah yes, Mr. Nelson’s derriere. I had forgotten that incident until your top post above. Thanks for keeping us all entertained whilst the awful stench of Spud lingers at the bar π
Dr.C,
According to Zico @ #17, it appears that you and TABS have some explaining to do??? BTW, totally with you regarding tonight’s CL QF. Can’t stand Manure, almost (I said almost) felt sorry for the old men in blue.
Zico @ #17,
No-one likes a grass….. man π
As a Yank myself, here’s to hoping that Silent Stan represents us far better than some of his predecessors, namely Mssrs. Hicks, Gillett and Glazer.
Based on his precedent as an owner on this side of the Atlantic, I have some confidence that he will.
Clive
Some help please. Didn’t Roderney also play for Man Sh*tty and was there once an infamous brawl on the pitch between him and Stanley? Is my memory failing me again?
Cheers, TS
Whoops
Cheers all. It looks like next season we’re going to need a man who can choke a man who can choke a bear, to do a one-up on Stoke:
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-News-Stoke-are-tracking-Galatasary-defender-Servet-Cetin-article722747.html
When we have this individual in house, presumably he will also scare the shit out of Kroenke to make sure he doesn’t get away with any shenanigans.
I hope it won’t be a case of “you never know what you’ve got til it’s gone”
Holic wife will be at the Liverpool game at the weekend with an Gooner relative .. send me an email and you can meet her, and him he is a so like you!
If you lose to the bin dippers will there be fighting in the streets. LOL
what a week… only last week i was posting that the problem is not arsene its fizman…. he booted out dein which broke up a winning (unbeaten at the lane) team… and that we have no board at all…
and now a week later… we have an owner, well at least a controlling interest, we now have someone to make a decision, not decison by commitee which never works… but will stan make the right decisions? we shall see, we all hope so but how can he, he knows nothing about the game… its all very exciting and worrying at the same time..
im hoping that his manaager gazides has worked it all out and is feeding back to his master whats what, ie everything with the club is fantastic except for almunia, denilson, bendtner, squillaci and a bunch of other no hopers who need replacing with top quality…
stan knows!
Cusup, Welcome to our lovely bar. Have a drink. Will you fancy joining us tomorrow evening as well?
Or this evening depending on what part of the world you’re in.
SK is no idiot and will not want to do anything that upsets the AFC balance. His record in the states underlines this. His return on investment may well be a % of growth of revenue.
I was thinking of the glazers, and while utd are debt ridden, has it been a problem? no. so even if we do go into debt for a short while it will not matter if the long term strategy is sound. I laugh at utd fans who continue their protests. They are well on their way to at least another double. success under the glasiers has been almost unrelenting. OH dear what a shame, what arrogance.
The AST getting all pompous is embarrassing. no fan no matter how self impoortant they feel, will no more about business than SK or utd’s owners. Football may be a sport but IT IS sporting business. Thinking anything else is delusional, and thinking that owners will take on board anything other than possible marketing benefits, from fans(=customers) is laughable. so i wish the AST and Mr Payton in particular would shut up. SK i believe will be good for AFC, and his whole or majority of the club will be of benefit,
Our duty as fans is continue to support and love the club. Thiers is to run it
As an expert of American sports I can tell you we’re in good hands.
The NFL’s St. Louis Rams were a shit team before Kroenke enterd and since have won a SB and lost a SB a year later to my beloved Patriots (and reaching the SB is a very very hard thing to do in itself), lately they are horrible because they had to let go of their stars because of the salary cap issues they had but are starting to resurrect themselves with Sam Bradford, a young promising QB.
As for the Colorado Avalanche, they won their second Stanley Cup in their history (as the Avalanche – they were previously called Quebec Nordiques) in 2001 with one of the best teams I have seen in my life, and again started fading in the last couple of seasons, but that’s American sports for you, you don’t see a constant team being a championship threat very often, and plus winning an American championship is very hard because even if you have the best record for 82 games you still have to win 16 more games in the Playoffs.
NBA – Denver Nuggets are still a work in progress but Kroenke has definitely made them a team to watch, and a team that means something to the city of Denver as opposed to earlier years where it was only the Broncos, Avalance and Rockies.
Overall, he wins trophies wherever he goes, even if it’s not constant trophies, but again, like I said, winning constant trophies in American sports is rare (even for the Lakers, Celtics, Steelers, Patriots, Red Wings etc.).
Nice one Joshua π
Cus, apologies, but I am booked for our friends from Salford, and hopefully Fulham away, so won’t be enduring the Mickeys massed ranks attempting to throttle the life out of us.
It would have been a privilege to meet the lass who has so much to endure π
See you here later?
Nice write-up ‘holic..
It’s morning and I don’t want to drink now. Coffee, please
Sorry Holics,
23:50 Tuesday night here on the left coast and I’m still so stoked over Sunday. John Dillinger might have bought the team for what I know. I’m sure it will matter later but right now I’m thinking can we beat Liverpool? Barkeep Mint Tea and a Linzer tort.
I bet Ade scores one at White Hart. He always seems to carve that particular bird.
@Chippy A good bet?
left coast – I was thinking the same, Liverpool on Sunday, looks quite worrying, but then again, their away record is shit.
But wait, our home record is shit too :\
That reminds me, I have a funny game to tune in to later π
LC & SG
I hope Liverpool keep up their shite away form and we having 0-0 and win this weekend. We need 200% focus this weekend!
I’ll just throw Usmunov in to the mix again. Seeing he doesn’t want to sell his shares, it will be interesting to see if he will form part of the board and if so what his intentions will be.
I’ll just stick to the Camomile tea for now please
Lets hope Arsenal is the winner in this deal,could be a dream start he may be holding silverwear at the end of this season.
I see the prospect of humiliating home defeat by auntie Maureen and his cohorts was keeping Cus up late last night !
“Good luck Stan. You take care of our church, or else………” I’ll yank you and throw you to hell π
Wengers youth policy was forced on him if you have 20M you can,t buy 5 20m dollar players but every 20m player was a 2 million 16 year old you have to buy the right ones and wait Wenger spent before Billionaires then the stadium payments made it impossible as 4 the take over y would you want an owner without enough money to change the current set up 1 with 3Billion as apposed to 1 with 11B 2 more than Abromavich now
ps i want Messi etc. not messed up Denilson Diaby Eboue 2 3rd rate CB,s 2 4th rat GK,s
The idea that Kroenke is buying further into AFC so that he can strip us of our cash holdings with punitive dividends and management fees is the less rational understanding of his motives. Deutsche Bank has verified that he has sufficient cash resources to cover the Β£394m it would take to acquire all the issued shares he doesn’t currently hold. He won’t have to find that much if Usmanov doesn’t want to sell out or if most of the 10% of small shareholders want to hang on – he’ll ‘only’ have to find the Β£180m to buy Fiszmans, Lany N’s and the boards shares but the cash is there to buy all the shares if it comes to it. There is hardly a takeover of any size that doesn’t have an alternative to cash, such as a loan note or bond, as depending on the position of the seller it can have tax advantages not to take cash so there is little to read into the existence of the loan option. So what’s in it for Kroenke? Arsenal has the poorest commercial revenues of the top 10 clubs in the Deloitte money league bar Inter. We generate Β£100m+ less than Bayern and Β£40m a year less than ManU. KSE’s business is all about maximising commercial revenues and adding the worldwide potential of Arsenal to his less exportable US sporting enterprises could pay well across his whole group. The current Arsenal sponsorship deals unwind in a couple of years so there is little doubt that Kroenke will pay himself some healthy dividends before too long but there is every prospect that he’ll generate enough extra revenue to do so while also benefitting AFC in the process. Time will tell but the scare stories look to be the flimsier at the moment.
Amos, Stitch & Rinse
Thanks for your informative posts. Like you, I think the scare stories are just that at the moment and the relationship could prove to be a real win-win.
I’m hoping that SK & KSE will be given every opportunity to prove his/their value and goodwill to Arsenal.
TABS @ #75
Indeed! Was I a tad harsh on the fella? I know he means well.
Then again, he is an LWC…. π
Talking of LWCs, there’s a slim chance that I can source a spare for next week’s NLD. Any takers?
Fine article, particularly the comment “like most supporters I feel this is our Football Club”.
As it happens, I’m rather hoping Mr Kroenke gives us our Club back; its been Arsene Wenger’s club for some years now.
TS @ 81 – no such thing as being “harsh” on a LWC. Pond life and you know it.
PS – I ain’t no grass – you asked “what happened?”. I merely relayed the facts about the opium den. Don’t shoot the messenger π
zico,
Quite right, my humble apologies. Allow me to offer you a tug on one of Dr.C’s opium smoke dispensers as compensation.
BTW, pond life? That’s being a tad harsh on all the creatures that occupy the murky depths isn’t it? π
For once, can’t decide which match I want us to win more: Manure or LWCs? Both are essential if we’re to be champions this year. Whisper it, I suspect Manure will squeeze a draw with us at The Ems (b’stards). Anyway, it’s the Mugsmashers first….
‘Holic – first trip to the bar since arriving in Devon.
Firstly, I hope everything went as well as it could do over the weekend.
Secondly, I have made a point of reading everything I could find on the takeover, from the Times and Telegraph to the Sun and Mirror.
This post of yours is as good as anything I have seen.
Sure, it is written from a supporters perspective, but it is comprehensive and brilliantly put together. Great read.
Cusop @ 44 – I am sure you are “looking forward to sharing our ground”. Residing as you do at Shite Hart Lane it is a sentiment that is easy to understand. Even easier as you don’t seem to be able to find another London borough that is willing to rehouse you, as your dump slowly crumbles.
Sadly for you, it will never happen.
@ Trev #44
…. and luckily for us! I think I’d rather have The Glazers in charge than share a ground with that bunch of plebs. π
Morning all ,
Yann Martel’s ” Life of Pi ” is a relatively simple story of a young lad called Pi , a hyena , a zebra , a female orang-utan , and a 450-pound Bengal tiger – but call it an ” allegorical tale about belief in its many guises ” – and suddenly Mr Martel is being hoisted shoulder-high for a lap of celebration round his local library , with the 2002 Man Booker held aloft .
So with allegory the way to go , and at the risk of coming over a bit Andy Grayish , and also with advance apology to any female ‘Holics at the bar , here’s my stab ;-
Two old ladies , Dot and Ethel , visit a zoo . They go to the giraffe enclosure and see a male giraffe standing by the fence .
-Look at the size of its c*ck – says Ethel – “Y” know , i think I could stroke it from here .
So saying , she reaches through the bars of the enclosure , grabs the giraffes c*ck , and gives it a little stroke . The giraffe’s eyes open wide , it lets out a bellow , leaps out of the enclosure , and dashes off . A zookeeper runs over .
– what’s happened ? – he says – What did you do ?
The old ladies tell him they stroked the giraffe’s c*ck.
-Blimey – says the zookeeper – Well , you’d better give mine a stroke too , I’ve gotta go and catch the f*cker !
Well , clearly the Booker awaits , but what does it all mean ?
Maybe , the giraffe is our very own Captain Fab , the old ladies those twin pillars of respectability Xavi and Iniesta , and the zookeeper Monsieur Wenger .
Or maybe the giraffe is silent Stan , the old ladies are Lady Nina and Danny F , and the zookeeper is Usmanov .
Or perhaps it is a more literal tale with the lovely Charlotte Jackson cast as the giraffe , those two proponents of 21st century feminism , Keys and Gray , as the old ladies , and the phone tapping Murdoch as the zookeeper .
Who knows ? Answers on a postcard and the lucky winner gets a round of cheese toasties on me .
Have a good day all
Sorry hols, put this in the wrong drinks π
holic, canβt you do anything to let that pair of vile and despicable spoilt pricks at Le Moan know they do not speak for proper Gooners. Today is the last straw from them scumbags.
Calm down, old. Not that I don’t wholeheartedly agree with you, but people are smart enough to work out what to read for themselves.
I am not the arbiter of what is or is not acceptable, but I trust the vast majority of people to make choices as they see fit.
I haven’t listened to Talksport for three years, and today aside I haven’t visited the place you allude to in months. They can broadcast what they like, and we have the choice to ignore it. Exercise that choice, and don’t use the drinks as some sort of campaign ground please.
Thanks mate.
TaBS,
Have you been at the mushrooms again? π
That was very BtM’ish, in a great way…
Mushrooms on the menu?
I was just going to ask for a plain old Boddingtons, but assume that TS has left a bag of psilocybin unattended.
Remember, Julie’s been working for the drug squad π
oldgooner @ 88 – the trick is not to take them or their readers seriously. We’d have a new manager every 3 months if that lot had their way….
Thanks ‘Holic – throw in a bit of bacon and a pint of the black stuff with those mushrooms and i’m a taker !
@Amos #79 seems on the money.
A glass of your finest claret, as ever, ‘Holic, if you would be so kind.
Shame about the game, the chap she will be with is an absolute Gooner through and through!!
Well tonight we say a big Hoorarr to our valiant effort at the Lane, hope you all be watching us. Then next week its your turn!!
Hoorraaar Will you be brig your new flag!! Its got blue it in and some stars I believe.
There ain’t half been some virtual farting going on around here….
valiant effort…..blah blah…… big club, my arse.
Barman please a glass of red wine with a plate of TABS’ cheese toasties, some sauteed mushrooms and (heavily) marinated giraffe steak. Quite an appetite today.
TS – glad you noticed Zico’s eagerness to tell all. If only, as BtM will attest, he was eager to get the rounds in!
Meanwhile, whilst your back was turned, TABS has quite clearly sneaked past you once more and is flying around high as a kite.
Is the train moving right now? The ride seems remarkably smooth…
I am writing a book consisting of the most poignant and prophetic quotes in the world of Association Football. As of last weekend it hadn’t been going too well, I actually had none quotes. But then, this week, I now have seven!
It’s not over ’til it’s over – Harry Redknapp.
Well, we’ll just give it a go – Harry Redknapp
You never know in football – Harry Redknapp
I’ll settle for penalties – Harry Redknapp
We are not out of it yet – Harry Redknapp
Sold out crowd, great atmosphere, anything can happen – Harry Redknapp
Miracles can happen, and you have to believe – Harry Redknapp
SR – it would be great if he could have made those quotes with a straight face……
Amos,
Very good post, well thought out and makes a lot of sense. You managed to bestill my panic for at least seven minutes π
Bloody Hell, Catalan, not only do I have to fight off the scurrilous lies that the Time Lord himself (BtM) has been propogating, but I now need to contend with snide remarks from Spain……
Just as well I am an easy going type of guy….but I will take note of the mutinous crew that are conspiring to take over the Happy Train π
Morning Holics,
Keeper black coffee in bed (Thank you Squeeze). I see the discussion rages on. I hope somewhere at the bottom of this barrel there’s a few pounds for a few good players. I’m not of the ship the lot out persuasion but some quality in depth would help bring the silverware we all so badly crave back to North London. It would also help if our goalies and CBs wouldn’t collide at pace but these things do happen and to good people too. Off to work,what will the day bring? 5 goals for the spurs? Methinks 2 for ade (bringing his total against them to 11) and one for the portuguese brat. Sorry Cus, you cus you.
PS this morning some x manu(re) player on sky sports news claimed that they are and I quote “the perfect team” Next time I’ll order what he’s having keeper. Obviously a potent and thoroughly intoxicating blend. …You go to my head like a haunting refrain…
Zico, Mutiny on the happy train? It must have been drug-induced!
8 ball – too right.
Not happy enough with the Goonerholic Grog, some have taken to seeking out Class A narcotics – is it any wonder the Emirates is so darned quiet…..
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/danny-fiszman-1945-2011
Rest in peace, and thanks for everything, Danny.
Our thoughts are with your family tonight, and in the coming days.
RIP Danny.
What ‘holic said. I feel strangely emotional right now.
RIP Mr Fiszman
*raises glass*
That is all.
Last time hols I promise.
RIP Danny. The stadium will be your memorial.
What a shame that on the day one of the Arsenal old school dies another site has aimed vile garbage at the chairman and called for a return for the man Danny hated with a vengeance.
You are right. I’ll never read Le Scum again.
Same here, nelly.
RIP Danny , you have written your page in the history of this great club . Thank you .
I’ll wait until I’ve finished my dinner before I raise that glass, but I will do too π
He did tremendously well to hold on to life until the deal for the shares was done.
Like a lot of strong people, he went when he knew he’d done what he needed to do.
An Arsenal Great, no doubt.
Quite remarkable, Ollie. Did what was right for his family, and Arsenal, in admirable fashion.
Peace be upon you Danny and all your family.
RIP Mr Fiszman
RIP Mr Danny Fiszman
You’re a huge part of why we all care so much about this great club. I know we will fill the Emirates with trophies in your honour.
Just got in and read the sad news on the drinks not un expected due to the haste the takeover wad completed in but still sad news to hear as others have already stated the stadium is his legacy and it will out live us all, My pint is firmly raised to a man that was part of The Arsenal.
I’m sure Rocky and Holic dad have saved him a spot in the Terraces up high,
Up Thd Arse,
here’s to you, mr. fiszman. rest in peace. thank you for ashburton grove, and for all the rest. my prayers for your family.
chippy, you’re so right. ‘holicdad is going to give him the punter’s odds, and rocky the inside scoop. good call.
Sad news.
RIP Danny.
RIP Danny. Thank you for everything.
Rest in peace, Mr Fiszman.
You done well for your family
you done well for our club
thanks a million Mr Fiszman
Arsenal director Danny Fiszman dies aged 66
All this takeover nonsense seems a little small potatoes now.
RIP Danny thatβs no age at all, the man WILL go down in our history for all the right reasons……….
Mr Danny,
Thank you. Thank you for Ashburton Grove. Thank you for all you have done. I am shedding tears, yet I am grateful that you suffer no more pain. Peace be with you and your family.
RIP Mr Fiszman.
Danny Fiszman’s passing certainly increases the feeling of our having reached the end of an era. Here’s to a great friend of Arsenal.
Thank you ‘holics. Showing your class tonight. As did the chairman earlier.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/apr/13/arsenal
RIP Fiszman…
Thanks for everything.
What SR said at 124. I have only but heard the news. Was coming on to give my thoughts on the take over and then heard. The Grove will always be part of his legacy. I will take my seat in block 4 and always be grateful for your efforts and for what you have done for our club. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Holic
All Is Well.
Danny has just arrive at the Arsenal Bar ‘ Upstairs ‘.
He has been warmly welcomed by among others,
Herbert Chapman,George Allison,Tom Whittaker,Alex James,Ted Drake,Cliff Holton,Jack Kelsey,Geordie Armstrong and Rocky.
HE IS AMONG FRIENDS.
Clive
…and Joe Baker, Clive.
Nice sentiment sir. I really hope so…
I would like to say first and for most that I worship Arsenal and everything that goes with it. But as an American I tend to find the way English fans of football think that American sports and sport fans donβt love their teams with the same passion as yours. The US has football stadiums that hold 90,000 people every game and are sell outs. The Boston Red Sox (who own shity liverpool) spend almost 500 million every year on their team wages and the Red Sox fans donβt take crap either and are just as demanding as us football fan for Arsenal. So I know what happened to liverpool and man u but its happened plenty before American owners came to this beautiful Club i.e. leeds. Just give us Americans a little more respect when it comes to our sports teams and fans.
I kind of can’t believe the timing of all of this. I get the impression that Arsenal’s interests were on Mr. Fizman’s mind up to his death… truly amazing and unique. I’m speechless.
Cheers to you, Mr. Fizman, thank you.
Fiszman, sorry. My ignorance wins again! Apologies.
GUNNER !,
Please don’t think I believe all American owners follow the Glazer, Gillett, Hicks model. My problem is not with US owners, just bad owners of any nationality, and to be fair we have still to see what Stan brings to the table.
He was the choice of Danny, so that puts him up a notch in our estimation anyway, but he will have to earn our respect and gratitude. I have little doubt that he will.
Gunner – As a die hard Sox, Celtics, Patriots and Bruins fan I let myself comment on what you said.
Never ever (ever!) compare the English passion to football to anything in the US, simply because it ain’t the same.
Football in England is a way of life, with everything that that saying includes.
Sports in the US are entertainment.
They sell out because people love sports and they love being entertained.
As with every entertainment source there will always be another, that’s why when we lost to the Giants and went 18-1, the first things that were heard was “this was a great season, now let’s get ready for the next one” as if “the show must go on”. Well, to the fans, it doesn’t, Football is life, and when you experience a disappointment such as losing the UCL final the last thing you wanna hear was how good of a season it was.
I have no problem with Stan, or any American for that matter entering the EPL, but you simply cannot compare the passion the English have for their Football.
Again, sports in the US are regarded as entertainment, otherwise you wouldn’t have teams relocating, and you have PLENTY of teams relocating, or changing colors etc.
Re: Snir @136 As an American I have to agree with everything you said about the respective fans’ attitudes toward English football and American sports. The passion scale is most definitely tipped toward the British side of the Atlantic, including the highest ups and the lowest downs, and that’s what captivates me so much about it.
bt8bbnn – Now that that’s settled, could you please tell me where I can find a link to The Brady 6?
I missed it and I HAVE to see it π
Sorry Snir, I can’t help you there but Brady has been an amazing quarterback for the Patriots, and like Joe Montana (of my 49ers) the main reason a historically losing team now has a serious cabinetful of silverware.
And to think I couldn’t really love him to death like I do now until he said last season “I hate the Jets” because of the love I had for Drew Bledsoe…
Which brings me back to the needed hatred in players for them to be able to give that little extra.
Evening all Holics,
First things first. My final respects to Mr Fiszman and condolences to those he leaves bereaved.
Next, to Snir with love (and all due respects) Steve Grogan is THE man as Darrly Stingley would tell you could he again speak.
@scruzgooner where are you man? Its lonely out here on the cliffs.
My respects to Mr Fiszman for what he has done for The Arsenal..
RIP
to Snir Geuli
You obviously donβt really understand American sports or you wouldnβt say that. If youβre a red sox fan or Celtics fan how long did you celibate them winning their Titles in the streets for just entertainment it was 3 days for me and about 30,000 other people. Now donβt tell me about English football I wake up at 6:30 am to watch Arsenal every weekend and spend countless thousand to watch them at the emirates but I would do the same for my home football team too. And the reason why teams move well the USA is a very big place we have a lot more cities than England does that can support large teams. And the way the leagues are run there are no second divisions so the teams move to get more money something that would happen in England if it was just 28 teams instead of 90 with a chance of promotion. And if you read what I was trying to say is we are just as passionate as you are about sports whether it be Arsenal or anything else. I didnβt speack for three days after our lose to those pieces of crap barca. Now I donβt want this to be we are bigger and better than you back and forth but you and all Other Arsenal Fans in England need to remember that ARSENAL is an international team and when you write blogs or comments you can come off pretty arrogant to the rest of the world and trust me as an American I know plenty about that. Much love Arsenal
Well said GUNNER 1,
Holic you might want to think about blocking the international holic’s on here, otherwise who hell are we going to rip the piss out of on a daily basis.
Only joking GUNNER 1.
Gunner 1, first of all I ain’t English.
Second of all, I too wake up whenever as I live in N.C.
No matter what you tell me , you won’t be able to convince me, the passion the English have for their football is not replicated anywhere in the US.
And yes, I celebrated like crazy out in the streets for days when the C’s, Sox and Patriots won their titles but I know for a fact English passion is bigger having been in both sides of the pond.
At a time when “money” seems the sole motivation for many in football, and there is much discussion of it at this particular time for our great club, today marks the passing of a man who, while he had plenty of money himself, was a genuine Arsenal stalwart.
Danny Fiszman, like our other recent directors, had not taken a dividend on his shareholding for a long time.
Rather he gave drive and direction that has left us with a stable club and a stadium that is the envy of most in football.
He sold his shareholding only at the last possible moment, to the bidder he clearly felt would best protect that stability.
“Stability” is a word often heard when Arsenal is the topic of conversation.
That quality has been achieved at our club by a group of directors who, despite criticism from some, have offered present day football something different.
RIP Danny Fiszman, Arsenal Fan.
Many thanks.
Lovely read, Trev.
Thanks. Many could learn from such a display of respect for those who have elevated this club to where it stands now.
Top post Trev
What the previous two said, Trev.
Another round to raise a glass to Danny Fiszman, please barman.
That’s an excellent post, Trev.
Best wishes to the Fiszman family from zico, and a further round of drinks please Guv.
A sombre good afternoon ‘Holic & ‘Holics,
Respect to Trev @ # 146. Here’s hoping that most will agree with your perspective.
This is a good time, I feel, for all Gooners to unite and pay their respects to a fine human being who happened to be a wonderful Arsenal Supporter as well.
Hey TS , You found a home for your possible spare against the totts next week yet ?
Hey TABS,
I did, in fact I became ‘the spare’ in the end – bit complicated won’t bore you and others here with the details.
Looking forward to the match. My first visit to that ‘crumbling dump’ known as Shite Hart Lane in well over 30 years.
Will it be the scene of our continuing march towards The Championship or will The Spuds get some form of horrible revenge for us taking two titles there and dash our final hope of silverware this season?
I guess we need to beat The ‘Pool first….
Have a good one TS , and be sure to take an oxygen mask . Like you , it’s some years since i traipsed down the lane ( kanu wonder goal in 99 being my last ) , and thought that the smell of overwhelming decay might be good for the soul .
Will settle for the juicer – give ’em a cheer for all the ‘Holics
TS – make sure you have been innoculated – against everything!
While, you are at it, can you get me a copy of the 0-6 DVD (I’m assuming they will be producing one, given their “glorious” campaign) – muppets the lot of them.
In fact, diving muppets – interesting game plan by Twitch last night – run into the box and dive. And dive. And dive again.
Okay – 0-5 then.
All hail the rising shite of Spurs…..
Will do both TABS, I can smell the place from here π
Shame about last night wasn’t it? We go out 4-3 to the best club in the world and they get beaten by a decent but far lesser team 5-0. Big club my arse. They were distinctly average. I think Almunia’s problem is that he’s been rumoured to have been taking GK lessons from Gomez. If they play like that against us we’ll whip their LWC arses.
Will be passing through Enfield Town on the way there, so quite near to your neck of the woods.
Hopefully, there’ll be the chance of another ‘Holics meet-up at The Tolli pre-/post- match soon…. but only 3 games left at The Ems this season π
Zico,
Oh yes, I’m hoping that Dr.C can send me the requisite list of potions and I’ll leave a few spare ‘anti-Spud packs’ in the ol’ medicine cabinet for other ‘Holics that may be visiting.
Do you think a bio-suit would be a little OTT? Some kind of shite filter is a must though…
ha ! the bio-suit image works for me.
Enfield Town is indeed not too far away , tho’ its far too spud-like demeanour militates against regular visits . Mind you , on my last visit , i noticed with some satisfaction , that the recently installed Gooner shop was doing far heavier trade than its spud counterpart . Maybe business in the spud shop will improve when they release the DVD of their ” glorious ” european campaign . – Nice one Zico
How about a bio-suit with a cannon on the chest, a cock-on-a-ball on the seat and a big number 50 on the back. Too subtle for those muppets?
TS @ 158 A bio suit, with a deep diving suit on top should just about do it.
Give ’em hell.
…so where’s Cusop when you need him? π
I think Lady Nina deserves credit as well for refusing to take 20 odd million more from Usmanov because she decided Kroenke was a better option for Arsenal and wouldn’t be swayed from that principle.
Excellent post Trev @146
Cheers
Gt @ #162,
I find his appearances are similar to being offered an umbrella when the sun’s shining π
Goonertown, I even invited him to come back (see 65). I can’t think of why he would spurn us so. π
Limestonegunner, Quite true. I can’t even stand the thought of Usmanov running the club. *Raises a glass to Lady Nina.
Right time to settle this American /England sports debate !!
Chippys going stateside to the home of thd Rams at the start of september I’ll be flying into Bears land before hopping a Train to St Louis Ville before popping down to Florida, So if any of the America Dwellers could name me a few good bars to visit to watch the sport I’d be me most gratefull – And if you wanna pop out for a pint or ten let me know lol Arsenal screening pubs would be much appreciated π