And If You Know Your History
Jun 11th, 2011 by 'holic
It’s June. It’s a major competition free summer. Players contracts don’t ‘officially’ expire, or click over another year, until the start of July. In short, this is the bi-annual nightmare month for the insatiable football news addict (and blogger, let me tell you!).
“Do some more historical stuff, ‘holic.”
I see that a fair bit, and I’m humbled a fair few of you enjoy that stuff, but it can’t be done all the time. It can however be something all of you can dig into as and when you see fit because of the sheer depth of historical stuff out there.
A lot of my recollections are personal, but I have also read extensively about the Arsenal before I was born, and if that really interests you there are ways and means of picking up some really good books, dvd’s etc that may be of interest to you.
First and foremost head over to eBay, pick the ‘books, comics & magazines’ category, and search for ‘Arsenal’. I’ve just done it, and spotted the first bargain, which sadly will have ended by the time I get to hit the publish button on this piece. Bob Wall’s ‘Arsenal From The Heart’ is required reading in as much as Bob was an Arsenal man from Chapman to Mee, and much of what he writes will surprise, from the rising costs of football either side of the second World War, to his visionary predictions, many of which have come to fruition.
The Arsenal Stadium History, which has currently attracted no bids, would be outstanding value much more than it’s three pounds starting bid, and similarly take a look at Forward Arsenal, which can set you back anything from a few quid for one of the recent reprints, to a hundred or so for a first edition. This book tells the history of Arsenal up to the early fifties, and is the work of Bernard Joy, an Arsenal defender under George Allison (thank you Nicky in the drinks), but later a respected journalist.
No time to read? Head over to the ‘dvd, film & tv’ category. Want to be reminded of the Highbury years? Get it for a fiver and you have a bargain, and a really good watch. Do you wonder why so many still want Arsene Wenger to succeed with his latest creation.Β Less than a tenner may get you not one, but two Arsene doubles.
Then you can join me in one last essential purchase. The last time I purchased the History of Arsenal it was on video, so you can imagine how chuffed I am to find the 2008 version on dvd for less than a fiver. I’ve got mine. You?
Happy hunting, Arsenal historians of the future.
213 Responses to “And If You Know Your History”
Good timing ? Beer please Holic
And of course one for yourself !
You bugger, I finally do a poem on the last one and you render it moot π
Haha, sorry draped. Everybody go back to the drinks on the last piece please π
Evening TaBS. Happy man I am to have got that history dvd. How sad am I?
Nice poem Draped – the anti fat sam sentiment always goes down well π
Holic , not sad at all – have you not seen it ? It’s been on youtube for a while , as are the Two Legends DVD’s about Thierry and Denis , both of which i would fully recommend for a slow summer afternoon
I’ve got nearly all the Arsenal dvds…..but it makes me sad for seeing our glory days under Arsene, Thanks for the kind comments Holic and TABS, Dr Pepper all round π
Might I also recommend ‘Making The Arsenal’ by Tony Attwood. Brilliant stuff. Thanks for recommendations ‘Holic!.
When I read “I have also read extensively about the Arsenal
“BEFORE I WAS BORN” (my capitals) I wondered whether the author was some kind of ET…but then I realised it was only ‘holic.
My only other comment is that I remember seeing Bernard Joy the Schoolmaster and amateur “stopper” centrehalf but only recall him playing under George Allison not Herbert Chapman. I may be wrong however as it’s a long time now.
Be aware that almost all Arsenal history books have got the vast majority of the events before WW1 wrong. A ripping yarn, maybe, but wrong.
My recommendation would be Tom Whittaker’s Arsenal Story.
Nicky, I’m a time traveller. What can I say? π
You are also bang on about Bernard Joy. I just raced through the thirties and he did sign in 1935, after Herbert’s death. The memory had it differently.
I’ll have to reread it now …
Andy, I hear what you are saying, but the fact that there are differences of opinion between those who were alive at the time doesn’t tell us which of them got what bits of our history correct.
To be honest it kind of adds to the mystique of the club, and the fact that we have such a remarkable history. Every other London club is jealous as hell of that, and rightly so.
To watch us win things now you have to watch the History channel
I got hectored on the last post … again!
Anyway, I just wanted to extend congratulations to the boys today for a fine away victory 0-1 @ Colon in the Clausura! Job well done.
And congratations to our sole goal scorer today G. L. Blanco. I’m not sure who he is. Could be one of our summer signings I missed.
Had a lot of trouble in finally failing to leave a comment today on the, now, last item. Some problems in the ether.
But having written it, your going to get it! – if not quite immediately, in the poetic form.
I have some spiffing news for you,
I’m working on a squad review,
With all the latest transfer stuff,
Both real, and dodgy agent’s guff.
The thing is, how to make it rhyme,
Be back in the morning, ‘cos tonight there’s no time.
Stingy, Is that Argentine football you’re talking about?
I only talk Arsenal footy 8ball. Arsenal footy all day long baby.
I think the G. L. stands for Gianfranco Luigi. Might I suggest you change your moniker to the club’s new summer signing and latest goal scorer “Gianfranco Luigi Blanco”. Kinda rolls off the tongue, don’t it? Whilst not scoring goals, GLB scores with the ladies and is famous in his homeland for his tango skillz.
And if you must stick with your present moniker just shorten it to “behind the 8ball” as it aptly describes most of us long suffering Gooners or simply “8ball” for the sake of brevity.
Nice one ‘Holic – looking back through mighty red-tinted glasses right now seems like the only chance of any sort of an antidote to me in a week when a shadowy (oh – sorry, i mean ‘silent’) Yank speculator Stan ‘Satan’ Kroenke secures a contolling 66.06 % of The Arsenal – and completes the process of making the former ‘custodians’ of our club gut-wrenchingly rich. Still I’ll be back next year roaring them on…
“C’mon The American Football Corp. – you should be pissing all over this lot”
Pardon -a controlling 66.06 %
Just read the latest comments from our friendly Uzbeki .
*leaves the room puking*
Chaps,
Let my just say this:
*BOILK*
Glass of water, please.
Tsk, tsk, Lars.
Too much of this hangoveryness about today.
π
Speaking of history, the Mirror says today “Diaby is likely to miss the start of the season. The France midfielder will undergo surgery next week to cure a persistent ankle problem that bothered him in the second half of last season.”
Are we condemned to repeat our history endlessly, or what?
Well I’m pleased to say that whilst experiencing yet more internet problems, my squad review has now become official.
I can now bring you, albeit a day late, the rhyming version of the minutes of a meeting in AW’s office, held late on Friday night.
Please bear with me as –
while writing in poetic style I purely am an amateur,
but try hard to improve upon my iambic pentameter.
“We need an experienced Keeper or two,
That mad Jens Lehmann and Buffon will do.
At Right-Back we should now just be okay,
As that young boy from Charlton keeps running all day.
At Centre-Back tho’ we are still really bad,
So go and get Samba and that Cahill lad.
At Left-Back it seems Clichy’s going somewhere,
But Thomas Vermaelen is really good there.
At Centre-Mid “Deckchair” just ain’t got the guts,
He even drives coaches all round Brazil nuts.
Should we all panic ‘cos Captain Fab’s off?
No, his hamstrings are knackered, re-torn by a cough.
It seems Sami Nasri’s this summer’s new moaner,
So let him join Cesc at F C Barcelona.
His thirst for success wont be easily quenched,
From his place at the back of the Spanish Giant’s bench.
We’ll buy Oxlade-Chamberlin, Southampton’s new quickie,
With some cash-in-the-attic from selling Rosicky.
Eboue’s quite mad, he can leave with Squillaci,
Tony Adams wants players, somewhere near Karachi.
We could reward Andrey with just one more year,
And hope that he gets his Arsh-avin in gear.
The problem is, who do we bring in up front,
To replace Niklas Bendtner, the big useless !*!*.
With Samba and Cahill and big Hazard bid,
And the young Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin kid,
Gervinho, Diarra and Larsson both back,
And the Jenkinson boy to take up the slack,
Vertongen could come in and Keepers a-plenty,
Let’s sign ten, or twelve, no let’s make it twenty.
With all of that lot,
We’ll win EVERY Cup,
But, hang on a minute,
Damn, I just woke up.
Drink for anyone who is still here after that lot, Cheers.
Big toast to Trev who was a little late but came up with the goods.
Tremendous stuff Trev – far better than our ape/bale based verse of friday . A drink of your choice from me .
Nasri – What were you doing moonlighting on Arseblogger yesterday ? Blogs will be asking you to spend a weekend on his yacht next . It’s a slippery slope old son – the grass ain’t always greener – just ask Alex Hleb π
God, I’m so bored. Apart from the deafening silence on the transfer front, there is nothing to talk about, nothing to worry about, nothing to get angry about, no reason to go to A & E with hyper-tension.
Pearce could at least of made the summer interesting by insisting Wilshire go to the Under 21’s.. oh wait, I stuck needles into his voodoo effigy’s eyes.
Worth waiting for Trev. Well played π
Trev,
Rhymes and Crimes. Excellent.
Good stuff Trev.
Have we signed anyone today?
Nice one Trev
Anybody see Spain’s first goal in the U-21 match? Still raging that we didn’t get Smalling or Jones?
Was thinking the same, ‘Holic. It looked just as poor as any Arsenal attempt to defend a corner.
Thoughts from the Kanadian GP: race car is the same spelt forwards as backwards π
Further thoughts from the Canadian GP: after overtaking, one is obliged to apologize.
‘holic & Lars,
That could very well be ManU’s future CB pairing some four or five years in the future …
‘holic
I’m not talking about opinions but stone cold facts.
Have a look through the history books and answer these questions:
1. Who played in goal in Arsenal’s first ever game?
2. What happened when Arsenal turned professional?
3. When did Royal Arsenal become Woolwich Arsenal?
4. Who was Arsenal’s second manager?
Thanks for the kind words folks.
On the main post ‘holic, you’re dead right, it is hard to recall all the history stuff. I don’t know after all the years, how you still manage to separate one match from another.
My only attempt resulted in me creditting George Johnstone with a hat-trick instead of a single goal, in the wrong match against Leeds.
Your stories always repaint faded pictures for me tho’. Still think you should do that book.
Maybe it’s a good thing we didn’t win the Carling Cup after all. Birmingham City seem to have not only been relegated to the second division, the bad news seems to just keep coming for the CC chumps. These are just today’s headlines:
1) Alex McLeish resigns as Birmingham manager
2) Birmingham City star Liam Ridgewell has called off his Β£170,000 wedding by sending a text to guests just eight days before the ceremony
Name one thing that has happened to us that is as bad as any of those three things, and I will personally front you the money for a drink at the ‘holic bar.
‘holic,
Do you remember when Vinnie Jones was the MoM at Highbury? Were you there that day?
‘holic – I thought you don’t watch international footy any more? Yet you caught the Spain v England U21 today.
Speaking of that UEFA U21 match today, I’m just catching a same day tape delay of it right now. I was wondering if someone out there in ‘holicville could help me out with something about this tourny that just doesn’t make much sense to me. During the broadcast they are showing a number of players whose present age is 23 years old. It is advertised as Under 21 (even by pitch side signage). To me, U21 means 20 years of age and under. If you’re going to allow players who are currently 23 years of age participate why not call it U24? I mean, to me, the guys that are 23 today were too old to play in the last tourny two years ago let alone this one. Huge disconnect here π
One other thing I noticed which was quite strange. Spain had two guys (Mata and Martinez) who were on the 2010 World Cup winning side (albeit as non playing squad members) and are regular starters for their club sides (Athletic Bilbao and Valencia). Three key England U21s decided not to participate for whatever reason(s) (Wilshere, Richards, and Carroll). I find their decisions to not participate rather odd. Just sayin’.
Stingy,
I won’t spend money on tickets to watch them live. Of course I’ll watch them on tv when there is nothing else on. As it happens I only watched the first-half last night, so outclassed were we.
I’m told Spain are kicking themselves over letting in a last gasp equaliser having completely dominated the game.
Now who does that remind me of?
(And yes I was, if you are referring to the draw with Wimbledon in 89.)
Stingy, the players have to be U21 when the qualification starts, which is two years before the tournament is played. Players born on or after January 1st 1988 are allowed to play in this tournament.
And why a few players do not participate, I do not find it odd at all. According to Wikipedia, Martinez made 30 appearances for Bilbao and Mata played in 41 club games this season – and this in a physically far less demanding league than the Premiership. Wilshere played in 49 games (and played for the full 90 minutes in almost all of them) and was getting close to being burnt out. Participating in the U21 Euros would also have given him very little time to recover for next season, meaning that he would have missed the start of the season.
Richards and Carroll are, as I understand it, both injured.
Holics
New fixtures fo 2011/12 due out on Friday.
I am reliably informed our first 5 fixtures are,
Man City away
Chelsea Home
Man Utd away
Spuds home
Liverpool away.
So there’s a maximum 4 pts out of 15 in my humble opinion.!!
Clive, surely that has to be a joke???
Clive I make it at least 11 points:
3 away to City
3 at home to Chavs
1 away to Utd
3 at home to Spuds
1 way to Scousers.
Easy!
Clive – you prankster you
Lars,
Thanks for the info on the U21 stuff. I knew there had to be a cutoff somewhere. I still find the name of the tourny misleading though. If it happens every two years and you have to be U21 at the start of qualifying then there still shouldn’t be present day 23 year olds playing in it.
As for Jack’s missing out on this tourny we probably are on opposite sides on this one. And reasonable people can disagree. I think Jack should be getting all the international experience he can get and any time one gets an opportunity to represent one’s country they should do it. Both Mata and Martinez played last summer in the World Cup. Though they did not play in the matches they were with the NT for the whole camps and I believe young Jack had last summer off. This summer both Mata and Martinez are playing in a summer international tourny and young Jack has the summer off again. And while the EPL is a more physical league both La Liga and the EPL have the same number of matches (38 rounds). I love Jack but he should be itching to play in this competition. If I were Jack I would.
Take Messi. He’s playing in this year’s Copa, along with a lot of other South American players who play European club footy. I’d say that the Copa is a far more demanding competition than the UEFA U21 with only two groups of four. You don’t hear Messi complaining about playing too much. He gets angry when he’s not played. And guys like Messi played last summer in the WC.
I say Jack should be playing as he’s only 19. I know my opinion on this matter is probably in the minority with fellow Gooners and with old AW too. As long as he is healthy he should be getting as much international experience as he can and that he is eligible for.
And, I could be wrong about this, but it does not seem to me that England is serious about winning these international competitions with age restrictions. If they were they would be sending their best teams all the time and be getting much better results.
Countries like Argentina take these types of competitions very seriously and it has shown in the number of times they’ve recently won competitions like the U20 World Cup.
Morning All ,
Clive and Dr Z – 15 points surely ?
Stingy – Was the Vinny Jones spectacular the 2-2 draw as ‘Holic surmised , or was it perhaps Wimbledon’s 1-0 win in ’97 , where the Hollywood Tosser didn’t maim anyone for life , successfully completed 3 passes , and scored the winner ?
Andy Kelly @37 – From the way your inquiries are couched , I’m guessing they are trick questions , so any chance of the answers ?
tabs?
15 – been at the medicine already?
A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down Dr Z π
Indeed it does, with an IPA chaser π
Stingy: I probably can’t convince you, but anyway…
I think Jack should be getting all the international experience he can get and any time one gets an opportunity to represent oneβs country they should do it.
I don’t think there is much to learn for him from playing in a tournament like this. He is now an established England first-team player and even a starter, I’d say he learns much, much more from having a rest now and not being totally knackered by the time Euro 2012 kicks off. He could have played in the U21’s and performed well, but what about next season? There isn’t much to learn for Jack here as he has already “graduated”, so to say, from U21 footie and the same goes for Theo Walcott, who by the way would also have been eligible for selection for this tournament.
Both Mata and Martinez played last summer in the World Cup. Though they did not play in the matches they were with the NT for the whole camps and I believe young Jack had last summer off.
The key here is “did not play”. Playing games takes, as we all know, a lot of energy and because of this training sessions during championships are usually kept short and light which means that players not playing in games (and especially so for players who know that they won’t play unless there are many injuries) are more or less just on a paid vacation compared to the players who do play.
And yes, Messi will play in the Copa but that tournament is the equivalent of the European Championship in which Jack will most likely play next summer. It is a full-on major tournament for seniors, you can’t compare that to the U21’s.
Afternoon ‘Holic & ‘Holics
There was an ‘Holic from Herts
Who let rip the loudest of….
OK, I see we’ve moved on from poetry now…. nice one from Trev I thought, clearly saving the best until last.
Clive @ #45,
I’m assuming the opening fixture list is a gentle wind-up but message undestood. 4 from 15 eh? Is P.I.B. back on the play-list by any chance? π
Did someone say tabs has been raiding the CMC? I’m wondering just how many sets of keys there are in circulation now. Is the mighty barman now dishing them out with the change from a round? Can’t be, most of us seem to hold never ending tabs (drinks variety) so that can’t be right.
Zico, are you able to explain, pretty please?
tabs has his own stash, has been proclaiming this for months now.
I did take a mould of the keys though and can be bribed – just so’s you know. π
Personal stash , TS , for when you or the good Doctor aren’t around , kept under a loose floorboard . A little gratuity from the Columbians for enabling them to have a little fun with Lady Robbie .
Ah , i see the good Dr Z has already explained the situation π
tabs and drz
Thanks for the explanations. All perfectly plausible and reasonable, not that it would stop either of you getting-in when you needed to and amen to that.
Has LR emerged from her Columbian excursion? She’s been very quiet lately. Cat got her tongue or maybe it was a pair of S.American pliers?
How’s the HT MkII coming along? Do we unveil her along with the new fixture list? In this doldrum of real footie news, that could be the big issue for the day π
Folks,
….and bribes in a brown envelope to the usual address north o’ Hadrian’s Wall via Ipswich.
zico, does that shameless push warrant my 10%?
TS – explained a while ago that whilst the Columbians enjoyed torturing Robbie , they had to let him go , as his constant high-pitched whining got them down . Last i heard , Lady R ran off and eloped with Carlos Valderrama – no penis required π
Have to say I’m looking forward to the HT mark II glossary rather more than the fixture list – over to you Dr Z
Lars @ #54
Simple equation from me:
Jack in U21 tournament = fatigue related injury of some description = disrupted 11/12 season = bad news all round.
So glad that sanity prevailed and he didn’t go. Would hate to see such a promising young career derailed. The rest this summer, I think, will work wonders and give him every oppty to pick up where he left on and push on further. Just my opinion of course.
tabs ‘ #61
Sorry, it’s the mid 40s dementure kicking-in.
Ah yes CV & LR, a match made in footballing ego heaven. May they have many happy moments together.
I think the glossary is the least of the jobs. Is last year’s train wreck now a shining new example of mass transportation for the hopeful Gooner nation or is it still a…. er…. crumbling wreck worthy of being parked outside SHL?
TS @ 60 – you’ll get your cut (just as well the days of the razor gang in Scotland are over, eh? )
tabs @ 61 – if the verbal farting continues on its present trajectory, the Glossary will be bigger than the train.
As for the U21s, Jack had more to lose than gain by going to that poxy tournament. He will get all the international experience he needs in the “big” team.
Dr. Z @64, If Clive is to believed, the razor gang in Scotland appear to have moved to the south of England where they are aging none too gracefully. π
Reconstruction work is underway , but one member wants new tracks laid to take in Catalonia , whilst another is insisting on higher wages and has downed tools . I fear building works will be hampered until these matters are resolved .
Dr. z,
A suggestion: If the glossary’s that big, hows about putting wheels on it and making it the train?
Blasted labor stoppages! Full-speed ahead and if it takes bribing the workers with the GT leavings then I for one am for it!
tabs @ #66,
Mmmm, very good points (sic).
I even heard of a second branch that might be heading in the direction of Salford, heaven forbid.
Meanwhile, Le Boss seems intent on no branch lines whatsoever and all tracks leading to Ashburton Grove Centraal. This I like π
Yup, if all else fails, there’s always ‘nasri’s approach….
tabs @ #57
Is there a ‘bad doctor’ too?
I’m with the Boss on this one – first prerequisite of a train is that it knows where it’s going .
Dr Z – given the length of the Glossary , suggest you ask ‘Holic for a guest post .
Nasri – there was a time when the workers could be bribed with a little light drug- taking ( Charlie Nic , Merse ) , but , i fear matters are a little more complicated now .
TS@ 71
Dr C is into bestiality , non ?
Heh tabs! π
Capital idea re: The Glossary although the guest post might be stretching things that little bit too far ….
I think The Barman already thinks/knows we’re certifiable on that front. Hey ho.
TS- Good point , well made π
Faisez la reverence fils @ #73
Oui, avec le bouc peut etre. Galen, il préfère singes.
Nah, the HT lingo is too arcane for the wider world – it would rob Holic of his readership in an instant and would confirm what the barman has already diagnosed i.e. TS is certifiable.
Maybe so zico, but I ain’t the only one.
TS@ 76
Oui , mais il aime les orangs-u-tangs mieux π
flrf
Et zico, il prΓ©fΓ¨re la fille blonde du Sainsbury’s.
Oops zico, forgot winky face at end of #78. Without it, my drink looks a little harsh, n’est ce pas?
TS – ce navire a naviguΓ© – pour nous deux.
Oui, c’est vrai.
What’s next, French rhymes???
Monsieur Edwin @ 81 – no worries, I got ya. π
Pas problem Monsiuer zico.
La rΓ©union du AST devrait Γͺtre intΓ©ressant ce soir. Mon Gazidis peuvent exiger un costume en tΓ©flon et fer culotte? π
(Ollie can translate if necessary)
Yes it will indeed be interesting – I had a hunch that they would throw us a bone by way of some good news today but now looking unlikely.
Why is it unlikely now Dr. z?
Do you have an inside line on this? Do tell….
The various feeds / blogs are suggesting we’re in for 3 players this week. If we can keep Cesc & Nasri and bring in 3 ‘quality’ players (whatever that means) over the next few weeks then that would be a real sign of intent.
I meant unlikely before tonites meeting – thought they may have wanted to start on the front foot – if we get 3 good signings I will be doing Mexican Cartwheels and will post it on YouTube!
And keep Cesc as well as Nasri – wow them cartwheels will be Olympian π
Now that would be worth seeing!
Knowing how long it takes Pravda.com to post a new signing, it would be September and the new players would have played a half dozen matches before the website made an announcement.
All for covert operations. I think sometimes we take that to extremes.
Maybe Ivan will surprise eveybody at the meeting or has it started already?
Zico
I’ll forgo a signing to see you do an Olympian Mexican Cartwheel π
so would zico management π
Dr Z , I’ll forgo one as well , so with TS and Management , that’s 3 new signings sacrificed , which by my reckoning is the Status Quo .
What time should I log onto YouTube ? π
Have we signed anyone today?
SV, It looks like we signed Dr. Z for halftime entertainment.
tabs @50 – I don’t know which game exactly. Vinnie is always on Setanta here in Kanada talking about how he was MoM one time at Highbury. I was hoping all you Old Timers (‘holic, TS, zico, Lars, etc.) could paint a picture of that one for me. Maybe even do an article tongue in cheek style?
Lars @ 54 – No matter someone’s age or experience or station in life they should never be so haughty as to think they cannot learn, and have others around them learn in turn, from one of life’s opportunities Grasshopper (fortune cookie over the weekend).
Example: Messi played in the Olympics (an age restricted tourny largely) after he was a full blown senior international and already being considered one of the world’s best.
Forgot about Theo. He should be playing in Denmark too (especially Theo! More time to work on his crosses and finishing).
8ball – HT entertainment is good. Can zico balance a ball on his nose?
Besides zico, have we signed anyone else today?
100!!!
‘holics, you go from strength to strength, thank you.
I was intending to write some more nonsense tonight, but have just got home from a day of golf.
Well, three and a half hours of golf and the rest on the lash.
Writing not possible.
Thanks for keeping things ticking over. I love the lot of you. π
OK – just returned from my back garden having sustained a significant injury rehearsing for the Olympian Mexican Cartwheel (OMC in the HT lexicon).
As well as injuring my shoulder, the camcorder strapped to my head seems to have ceased functioning, (probably wasn’t designed to be hurtled through 360 degrees attached to a maniac’s head with adhesive tape) – so the post on youTube will need to wait.
Has Gazidis been strung up by the BBBs yet?
That fixture list can’t possibly be for real? Clive ? π
TABS. You’ll be hearing from my lawyer. And my dog and cat π
CG – Get that lawyer to sign some players for us. Maybe do a reversal on BarΓ§a and we sign some of their players for a change and not their youngsters.
Holic.. did you get the Seve fist pump going?
Sounds like he got the Ale pump going, Catalan π
And Bendtner is not playing for Denmark in the U21 and is eligible from what I heard. If there is one guy of ours, along with Theo, that needs a little sharpin’ it’s Santa Nicklas. He needs a compass to find the net.
Obviously, AW has issued a fatwa that Arsenal youngsters shall not play in this UEFA U21.
If that Erickson (sp.?) young lad on Denmark, and Ajax product, is willing to play for his country then big Santa Nick should too. Hell, that kid Erickson is a straight up better player than Bendtner. So why is Bendtner not playing? Is he injured too? Fatwa perhaps? Oh, I forgot, he’s one of the three best strikers in the world and has graduated above that π
Let’s trade Bendtner (and a bag of balls) for Ajax’s Erickson. I’d take it in a heartbeat. Who’s with me?
True, Zico. Same action when you think about it.
‘holic – Good choice not to drink and write mate.
zico – Ale pump going. Good one.
OK, no great revelations it appears from what has been posted on twitter re the AST meeting – it appears that we will be “busy” in the transfer market but no revelations about ins/out as we don’t want to feed a media frenzy.
The wait goes on Stingy…..
I’m like the little boy in the back of the family car always asking, “Are we there yet?” Only, I keep asking, “Have we signed anyone yet/today?”
takeabowson #50
They’re not trick questions, they’re stories that have been written wrongly for up to 100 years.
1. The history books say Fred Beardsley but he couldn’t have as he was playing in goal for Nottingham Forest in Sheffield that day.
2. The history books say that tge club was expelled from the London FA and boycotted by teams from London & the south. Not so, they resigned from the London FA and played against more than 30 clubs from London & the south over the next 2 seasons.
3. Most histories say 1891 when the club turned professional. It was in 1893 when they formed a limited company.
4. Bernard Joy had him as G Elcoat and the club’s official history and website gas him as George Elcoat. It was William Elcoat. Actually, the official website includes Sam Hollis who never managed the club.
There are loads more like this.
SV, Are those fatwa eyes?
8 ball – “well you know what kinda eyes that she got……”
Dr Z @102 – Sorry to hear about your training injury – does this preclude you from cabinet-opening duties this evening ? Perchance , I may be entrusted with the keys tonight ? π
Dr C @104 – Will a full written apology be enough for you to call off the legal hounds ? It’s just I’m being plagued by journos from ” Hamster Weekly ” π
Andy @113 – thanks for the info . If the official histories have it wrong , where do you get your info ? … programmes , newspapers ?
And all this talk about our young lads being tired as a convenient excuse not to participate in the U21s. Tiredness?!?!? Well let me tell you about tiredness. I’m watching this movie called, “The Way Out”. It’s about these prisoners in a Soviet forced labour camp in the bowels of Siberia circa 1941. Before their escape they’re forced to do some back breaking labour including chopping down trees, working in mines, and the like because that’s what guys in a forced labour camp do … they force you to do labour at gunpoint. Anyway, a group of them get tired of this forced labour bollocks and say to themselves, “Right then, we’ve had enough of this forced labour gulag. Let’s escape”. They escape from their heavily guarded compound, elude capture through hundreds of kms of frozen Siberian forest, cross the border into Mongolia, cross hundreds of kms of the Gobi Desert, without food and water mind you, pass the Himalayas, until near death, starvation, disease, etc. they find their salvation and freedom in India. Did these lads whine about ‘tiredness’?!?!? Nyet I say! Nyet!
Pass the vodka comrade.
tabs, entrust you with the keys?
Equivalent to giving Alex Ferguson the run of the distillery…..
I still have trouble grasping that Vinnie Jones was ever MoM at Highbury. But he’s on camera saying that it is indeed so. Details anyone?
By all accounts a very indifferent meeting with Gazidis, seems the only difference was the absence of any Almunia based questions..all very standard. Liked Keowns comments on Pearce on BBC…basically said he did not know what he was doing. Hope you enjoyed the golf holic..after an embarassing incident with a practice ball I am inclined to be of the same view as Furio in the Sopranos…Faakking stupido game..
Dr Z – well you can’t blame a man for trying π
Comrade Stingy – i don’t know if it’s in the film , and i don’t want to ruin the end for you , but i believe these boys beat Spurs 3-0 the following weekend
tabs – korection, that’s komrade in kommunist Kanada π
s/b korrection. Damn phone won’t even let me misspell on purpose.
Did we beat the Spuds 3-0 at SHL in 1941? I bet these six comrades would have. These lads were motivated.
Re: Stingy @118 It seems safe to say that Arshavin does not come from such stock, or possibly he is one too many generations removed?
8ball – And these six guys were a bunch of foreigners (one American, two Poles, a Ruskie, a Slav, a something else). In that respect they resemble our squad. Le Boss should use this flick for inspirational purposes. It might give the boys that “belief” he’s always talking about.
Unfortunately, when Cesc and Nasri hear, “The Way Out”, they think it’s to Barcelona and Manchester …
SV @ 120
AW’s first season 96-97 , we mounted an unlikely title challenge . In the space of a month , feb/ march , we lost 3 home games to Manure , Wimbledon and Liverpool , which basically ended our challenge and we ended up third .
We lost to Wimbledon 1-0 and VJ scored their goal with a volley . Don’t remember much else , the goal was a pretty good one and was probably enough to get him man of match .
Take anything Psycho Vinnie says with a large dose of salt . He is a self aggrandising c*nt . When his film career began to falter , one scary facial expression can only get you so far , he appeared in Celebrity Big Brother over here. He was asked by one of the other Z-listers if he had ever won the league . Vinny answered in the affirmative and said that he had captained Leeds to the title . He forgot to mention that this was the championship rather than the Premiership , the lying c*nt .
6 under eh Holic? Impressive stuff. Time to retire on a high perhaps…?
SV, True belief is something we’ve been lacking since the days of PV4, I believe. Christopher Samba might be the solution seeing as the opposition players are likely to start bouncing off his biceps as soon as we get him in the lineup. On a possibly unrelated note, good thing all the commies moved to Kanada. π
tabs – Thanks for the info. That match sounds about right. In the interview, it’s a rather sore spot with Vinny that everyone thinks of him as a bruiser only. He goes on to say that the label irks him and that a former MoM at Highbury has to be more than a bruiser. They show him even donning the gloves and a parade celebration for promotion. They also show his miriad of leg breaking tackles and say that he received the quickest booking ever … 3 seconds.
Do you know anything about this 3 second booking? Red? Yellow? They don’t say.
8ball – Well, I should be fair to the True North. Now that we have elected a majority Conservative government there seems to be less communists here and I should go back to writing Canada. I’m just so used to writing Kanada because of kommunist governments it’s become second nature. And it’s fun to write it that way too. Also, the folks back in my folks’ homeland write it Kanada. So why not?
It’s mid June and they’re still playing (ice) hockey. Unbelievable and typical. Game 6 tonight. Where is there snow/ice this time of year? Minnesota maybe. Siberia certainly.
I remember one of old Vinnie’s movies, Swordfish, where he’s holding a howitzer and tells someone to shut it or he’ll find the piece part of his anatomy akin to a suppository. I thought he delivered the line well.
That’s about all I know or care to remember from his film career.
Stingy, there’s no snow out the window but the neighbor kid does play “summer hockey” which could be of some interest. Not sure if the ice is indoors or if they have some hidden patch of ice in the shade in the deep woods. Tomorrow I’m off on holiday to the north shore of Lake Superior, which means I’m headed in the direction of Kanada and if I spot any Canucks, whether of the communist persuasion or otherwise, I’ll be sure to let you know next week, when we are sure to have made a signing. (??)
North shore of Lake Superior should take you into Canada 8ball. I hope you got your passport and don’t take the plane unless you want to be sexually harassed prior to boarding.
Don’t hold your breath about any signings prior to your return. I wouldn’t be surprised if our cupboards are still bare (player wise and tabs wise, so to speak).
SV / TS / Zico etc
Maybe the HT could be routed round the North shore of Lake Superior and we could get some sexual harrassment on their too.
I hear the blond girl from Sainsbury’s has bought an annual season ticket in expectation.
Just watched the full Qand A and i must say while it did not say much it did give the sense that things were happening…A few drams of Bushmills and I would say Ivan would do a mean Tom Waits..or at the very least a decent sat nav..
Haven’t been here in a while as I too am trying not to be too connected to Arsenal in the offseason so I won’t go crazy over it (forgot the holic bar term for it π ) but if City bid 40Mil on Marek Hamsik from Napoli, then Cesc is worth 400Mil.
After all we’re talking about the 3rd all time in assists of the EPL at his age, that’s phenomenal, and I don’t want to hear that bs that his value decreased this season, cause even if he only played 22 EPL matches this season he created the most (!!!) scoring chances this season.
He’s worth 400Mil in this world’s market.
i think we may be waiting a while for any exciting news on transfers. there seen to be cycles of this sort of thing . a few years ago it was really just us and united competing and for a while after treble united saw no need to strengthen. then for a while after that we had the “youth” market to ourselves and nabbed walcott, ramsey etc while chelsea went after established talent and united weren’t focused on this area.
now you have
chelsea and city with unlimited resources and both think they need strengthening
– city in ch league so more attractive to players (money only goes so far)
– united with a cash pile built up and needing to replace some aging starts in one go
– spurs with desire to repeat their fantasy of last year
– resurgent liverpool with new owners and dalglish paying stupid prices
add to this list the need to rebalance squads to allow for homegrown players and impending financial fair play and you have probably the busiest summer ever
frankly we can’t (or won’t) live with anyone except possibly spurs on money. some of this is because we pay stupid money to platers like bendtner who do nothing (other teams have expensive “reserves” but actually get value out of them and allow starts a rest
occasionally for someone like jones its not about money but where do they want to go and lest face it the last 6 years and constant moaning by the likes of cesc and flamini and now nasri mean that we are not an attractive option for any name player (excluding the whizzo finn from charlton:( )
these are the sad facts boys – we will only get what the others don’t want.
SV@132, I’ve played w/ Vinnie Jones here in LA many times. He got sent off in 1 of our games in 10 seconds. He’s definitely a competitor.
Also someone to avoid if you’re playing shit too, “come on you cunt, pull your finger out”. Haven’t played with or against him though in awhile. Fun memories.
Oh Trev @ 137, you tease π
Morning ‘All, jeez a busy night in the bar with tabs resuming CMC duties. Very noble of you old bean.
‘Holic @ #101,
We feel the love and it is reciprocated π
tabs @ #129,
I take it VJ is not your fave person then? We used to hang about a very popular juicer in St. Albans back in the late 80s/early 90s and he was a regular fixture at the bar on a Friday night along with other wonderful people/players like LWC Darren Anderton. Can’t say that I have the same total dislike for the fella if only because of his performances in Lock Stock and Snatch but yes, lying c*nt sounds like a perfectly reasonable description. As an actor he may have been just a teensy weensy bit typecast. π
Trev @ #137,
The trip to Lake Superior sound like a brilliant summer jaunt for HT Mk II, with or without TBFS. It’s probably best to avoid all forms of harrassment though….
snir @ #139,
Not sure about Β£400M for Cesc, I suppose we could be tempted. Anyway, AW says he’s not for sale π
bernard @ #141,
Tell us more of your playing days, sound interesting. Did VJ grab your nuts too?
Last and by no means least Dr.z,
Dr.C may be able to help you with your injuries which would also mean a flight to Farca or similar so the benefits just keep coming. Whilst you’re there, perhaps you could try and undo your injury by practising a few more OMCs into the faces of Xavi, Puyol and any other DNA obsessed person that you find hanging about the Camp Nou. A quick kidnapping of that Messi fella would make it a really productive trip. If you could manage that and bring him back to the bar, I hear tabs has ordered a pint of N.London DNA so we could start administering the drug therapy immediately. By the time he leaves, he’ll be wearing a red and white football kit and have an irresistible urge to go and hug Eboue.
Have a great day ‘Holics. Morning beverages and other pick-me-up substances are available on my tab on request. I think we should leave tabs on CMC duty for the rest of the week. I kinda like the thought of the SAF looking after the distillery.
takeabowson @117
Ploughing through old newspapers has busted all sorts of myths. For me, the biggest one has been the story of when the club turned professional.
The catalyst was the FA Cup game against Derby where it is reported that Derby’s John Goodall approached Arsenal’s Peter Connolly and Bobby Buist and offered them professional contracts. The thing is, Buist didn’t play in the game – he didn’t join Arsenal until 8 months later!
It made for a roller-coaster 2 1/2 years for the club.
The problem is, when a former chairman, George Allison and Bernard Joy write something, who would question them?
Wanted:
A digital recording device and an extensive supply of adhesive tape.
For sale:
An old fart’s dignity.
PS tabs – I’ll have some white powder please, I’m aching all over this morning π
Dr.z
Why not take that break to Barca as suggested above? The sunnier clime will help heal dem bones plus the opportunity to write yourself into the Arsenal history books? π
TS – I am too scared that I fall into Xavi’s massive mouth, never to be seen again.
zico – try tying a plank across your back?
TS, look, an Olympian Mexican Cartwheel is a tricky assignment.
Do you realise how much sticky tape I would need for both my camera and a plank, not to mention the destabilisation brought on by my dodgy shoulder, after last night’s dress rehearsal?
Besides, Management will be questioning my disappearing act once the football season actually begins, so, tempting as it is to share a Cerveza with the good Catalan Doctor, I may need to give that one a miss.
Any other practical suggestions to get us some new shiny players?
zico, noted and yes.
An OMC (but a near miss vs a direct hit) directed toward IG or AW? I have a roll of extra-strength duck-tape to help you with your tricky assignment – that stuff is about as practical as it gets.
Totally understood re: the need to keep Management sweet and anyway, whilst we’ve still got Bendy who needs Messi?
Does that mean we might actually get see you at The Ems this coming season? π
Oh yes.
Timing is everything though. Fixture list will be scrutinised big time on Friday.
Dr.z,
You, me and every other member of the bar I would guess. That will kill some of the lack-of-Arsenal-matches tedium.
I need to pick my 13 games so would be good to co-ordinate on a game or two?
Well up for it, TS.
We should have plenty of time to organise – only thing that puts a spanner in the works for me is when they change games for TV!!
Murdoch has much to answer for π
Dr Z, Dr C awaits, cerveza en mano….
Dr.C
Now that’s an offer that should be hard to refuse but the dialogue above seems to preclude Dr.z from making off season excursions π
You are welcome to a lunchtime swiftie on my tab though if the mood takes.
Catalan, thanks.
Please put that beer on hold.
Or chuck it in Pique’s face π
Just watched a Gervinho highlight reel from which I can glean the following:
1) Good news: The man does nothing but score goals.
2) Bad news: None.
3) Ambiguous news: The man wears the same number as Eboue.
Comments?
Re: TS @143 There appears to be no conventional train service to the north shore of Lake Superior (unless the Canadian side has it), just the sort of circumstances where I believe the HT Mk II can thrive. Most likely and perhaps more importantly, not too many police either. π
‘nasri
Comment: Use Eboue as a makeweight in the deal
Good news: The team mascot gets to say goodbye as part of a deal that could be of real benefit to the team (yet to be proven of course).
Bad news: Jack needs to find a new whipping boy in the tunnel.
Ambiguous news: There are no known North Korean speakers in the Lille squad. Gervinho has a massive forehead – could he be trained to nut Sh*wcr*ss in aerial duels?
Nas, no police you say?
Sounds like my natural environment – and given some of the passengers on last year’s HT, will be well received.
PS – for any LWC who may turn up like the proverbial bad penny, be warned, we will be bringing our own Security.
So Gervinho comes in, who goes out (I’m ignoring EE as I’m not convinced he will be away), Rosicky?
‘nasri @ #158,
Agreed, sounds perfect. Helluva trip though. We’d need to re-size the on-board MC for starters which probably calls for another Columbian deal. Not sure tabs has the stomach for it. Thenagain, maybe we’ve found another use for Eboue. π
TS, With the proper coaching (Martin Keown, are you listeniing?) I believe Gervinho has virtually limitless potential to knock out (like bowling pins) not only Sh*wcr*ss but the entire Stoke City team as soon as Delap puts the ball in play from one of his long throws. They say the long throws give Stoke an advantage, but with Gervinho’s forehead on our side we can use that extra time to Arsenal’s benefit.
zico @ #160,
Maybe EE has agreed with AW that if he’s allowed to stay, he’ll offer his face as a post-match punchbag for JW? Not the worst deal considering the boy’s wages.
TS, heh.
The MC is going to be huge this season – may as well design a whole carriage around it. The rolling, laughing stock. Or is it the laughing rolling stock?
And since it’s in Canada we will need a supply of Rolling Rock for the rolling laughing stock.
Oh dear, I can feel the madness coming on and its over a month before there is an Arsenal fixture……
zico,
Sound ideas. The rolling laughing stock (RLS) for the HT Mk II should be a roaring success. Or we could just call it the MC Carriage/Car i.e. MCC (snigger).
Anti-Madness Pills (AMPs) caused by lack of Arsenal matches now on back-order in huge qtys. As it seems that the HT Mk II is going to Kanada on it’s maiden voyage we’ll need to choose a Very Open & Large Train Station or VOLTS to offset the AMPs.
TS, The RLS in my understanding does not need fuel being powered by MC fumes, but for the sake of accuracy Rolling Rock is not actually Canadian being originally brewed in western Pennsylvania before a conglomerate moved its brewing operation to New Jersey of all places. Details at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolling_Rock
but Moosehead could be a good Canadian alternative albeit from the maritime provinces so in this instance it would not be a local brew. Minnesota (i.e., civilisation) being nearby a number of south of the border brews will be on hand, never fear. I understand the ore for the casing of the iron-clad MC is now being mined somewhere in the vicinity. No doubt the AMPs are going to be popular. π
‘nasri,
Ah yes! Have enjoyed a few Moosehead’s over the years, not seen them in English bars for a while although I continue to spot Mooses in bars over here on a fairly frequent basis, but I digress….
The Moose Laughing Stock doesn’t sound quite as good as the Rolling Laughing Stock so I propose that we forego the authenticity and source the NJ based beer as prime sponsor. We could have Mooses serving in the RLS as deference to the Kanadian brew.
Let’s see what others here prefer…. if they can be ars*d π
And talking of Madness … …
Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentleman to the Press Conference following Tabs’ appointment as manager ( for one week only ) of the CMC . Any questions , yes , Mr Adrian Durham from TalkShite …
Durham : Tabs , How do you think your relationship with Abramovic will endure , given his propensity to sack managers ?
Tabs : Durham , I am the manager of the CMC not CFC , you useless know-nothing c*nt , please leave . Any sensible questions ?
Henry Winter : What do you hope to bring to the role ?
Tabs : This will be a period of evolution , not revolution . I will be relying on mental strength and collective energy .
Henry Winter : Any incomings , outgoings ?
Tabs : Yes indeed , I will be losing some french cheese and some Danish bacon . I have already brought in a south London red , and I am hoping to soon bring in some African black , which makes you do the samba , and a little treasure from the Garden of Eden , which might prove a hazard to us all .
Henry Winter : What about prices , do you intend to charge ?
Tabs : I have raised prices in line with inflation , and utilities , by 6 % , but seeing as 6% of nothing is nothing , I feel that my customers will swallow it .
Henry Winter : Are you worried that your predecessors in the role still stalk the corridors of power and do you think you will be granted the degree of autonomy you seek ?
Tabs : A difficult question to answer , but if i am forced i would say yes and no .
Henry Winter : Finally Tabs , do you realise you’re talking about yourself in the 3rd person ?
Tabs : Oh f*ck , I need drugs .
tabs good afternoon,
I’ll chase that back order of AMPs. You’re not the only one in need π
Brilliant piece by the way maestro. Gervinho, he would be proud of your stance too – maybe he originally modelled his English from the Del Monte ads?
Afternoon TS , thanks for the kind words .
Btw , you’re right I don’t like Mr Jones . Had the misfortune to bump heads with him in a professional capacity many years ago – a nasty , nasty piece of work .
I’ll take your judgement as sound Mon. tabs.
Two half decent performances in two of my favourite films do not a nice person make.
*makes mental note not to discuss b*ll*ck grabbing footie players with tabs again ;-)*
Dr Z @145 – White powder by the bucketload here , I will also chuck in a tube of anti-moose repellent .
TS – No worries π , i also enjoyed those 2 films too , just a shame that the characters Mr Jones played didn’t require a great deal of acting on his part – too close to home for comfort .
‘White powder by the bucket load’
Is it time to disclose some of the details of the Columbian deal? Sounds like you should be out there brokering deals with AW.
Did we sign anyone today?
Emergency Reserve supply – kept for injuries to middle aged men that occur whilst under the influence .
As for the complexities of the Columbian deal , let’s just say that whilst brokering the deal , i always kept in mind the sweeteners i would require to launch a bloodless coup d’etat for control of the CMC ( for one week only of course ) π
SV – nope , but rumours regarding the massive foreheaded one appear to have some substance . Where’s our french correspondent , Ollie , when you need him ?
Masterful tabs. Ivan would be proud of such a response. Did you script his answers for the AST meeting too? My, you’re a busy boy this week π
TS You mean you didn’t see me , operating silently in the shadows , with my hand up ivan’s backside ?
Which reminds me , American brown anyone ?
Is the transfer window open or did AW, with TS’s assistance, close it after he felt a stiff breeze?
Heh tabs!
Which reminds me of a tale that I just received on text which I’ll try and tone down a bit with apologies in advance to all the women that use this bar too. This post in no way reflects the views of the person who’s posted it or is designed to represent any persons real, living or imaginary etc, etc:
A firend of mine was in his car with his new girlfriend and the petting was starting to get very heavy. She turned to him with a naughty look in her eye and whispered “f*ck me in the sh*th*le” to which he replied “I’m not driving to SHL at this time of night”
*runs for the door*
Regarding our inactivity in this allegedly open window, as VJ would say, “It’s time to get our thumbs out!”
Wow – drinks 164 to 168, evidence if it were needed, as to why letting tabs take charge of the MC, the CMC, the GT and any combination thereof puts us all back in the certifiable bracket.
tabs @ 168 – well on form mate, I salute you. (With honourable mentions to TS for his ‘electric’ contribution.
This place is a god-send on work days π thanks Holic and holics
Greetings SV
I’m trying to understand the multi-layered message that you may be trying to send me @ #181.
Would you please make an old man happy and explain yourself as my grey matter is not what it used to be.
Barman? A beer please for Komrade Stingy. I’ll have a Moosehead and any others in here are welcome to what they fancy. On Lars’ tab please as LISB π
TS,
Cheers for the drink. Have a MH on Lars’ tab.
No hidden message really. Just thought that since who are good with swinging doors (i.e. the medicine cabinet) that you would come in useful to AW for such open and shut cases.
Are any of you Jolly Olds over there on the other side of the pond following the Copa Oro (Gold Cup) by chance? Or even know what it is?
Mr.V @ #186
Thanks for the clarification. Message received and understood.
You may now notice that we have a Dr.C, a Dr.z and a Mr.V.
This could be yet another entry for burgeoning tome that is ‘The Glossary’. Due to its size and weight we may need to consider having The Glossary Car (TGC) as well as an MCC.
My straight jacket awaits…
TS @182 π
Dr Z @184 π and thanks for your kind words .
SV @187 – nope , pray tell , haven’t seen any cups , gold or otherwise , for a while π
TS – cheers for the beer – as your mate might say – Bottoms up π
Dr.z @ #184
TS would like to thank you for your kind words too. He says he’s going to talk in the TPS until Arsenal confirm if the deal with the massive foreheaded one (MFO?) is either dead or alive.
He would also like to point out that this could be a long summer.
Can he buy you a drink?
And zico became Dr. Z while I was away? This I do not compute. Was he going through the final qualification stages and now has become a full on MD? Explanation anyone?
He could come to Kanada. We are short of family doctors and long on MH. We could compensate him with cases of MH …
Mr.V
Zico was a self-proclaimed Dr.z if my memory serves me right although he may have been led in that direction, which in itself, is a highly dangerous course of action and liable to a swift kick in the gorbals.
There are only a couple of full on MDs on this bar, I believe.
Dr.C is one. Unfortunately, Dr.z is not. He practices arts of a far darker nature if you choose to believe the stories.
tabs @ #190
Quite and preferably well away from the crumbling dump (TCD?) π
The Stingy Frenchman, I read somewhere, thought that this would be, “a hot summer, very hot”. He was speaking of the transfer window but based on his inactivity, I believe, he duped everyone and was really speaking about the weather.
TS @ 193 – all biographically correct.
From memory it all started with Dr Who, time lords and BtM. I just self proclaimed myself Dr Feelgood as convenor on my own personal Happy train. Which became THE Happy Train.
Apologies to our North American patrons who may not know Dr Who….
Let’s sign this stocky #10 on the Swiss U21 squad. He looks the business and we like foreign youngsters.
Thoughts from the bloviating lot (BL). You know who you are.
OMG, my boredom is almost terminal. I had hoped some juicy bits would have come from Gazidis yesterday, but no, all answers were utterly predictable. Full credit to him though for having the guts to go and hold what was gonna be an undoubtedly difficult meeting.
I suppose he did imply we would make a few signings, but that has been said before only for nothing to happen because there was no ‘value’ in the market place.
If I was rich enough to own a share, I would have asked him to ‘please list all the over-paid under-performing parasites that are gonna be shipped out this summer’.
Different subject entirely. I hardly watch TV, but if anyone likes psychological dramas with a twist, Luther tonite is the absolute fucking dogs. Best thing I have seen since Callan (and Christ, does that age me). π
zico – If this Dr. Who is an MD we could use him. Send him over. Basic compensation package of cases of MH and hockey sticks. He does sound Chinese, who are not known to be heavy lager drinkers, so his signing may prove difficult π
200!!!
And Bang ! Get in
Sv – your effort disallowed for multiple posting . Unlucky old son .
Stone , may i take this opportunity to recommend ” The Shadow Line ” – still available on BBCi
TABS,
Will definitely check it out, thank you.
This Dr. Who wouldn’t be a practitioner of Ancient Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture now would he? We’re really only looking for the real MDs (the family doctors).
SR @ #198
I may be naiive but having played through the AST meeting parts one and two, there are, for me, definite words of comfort in terms of this summer’s intentions for squad strengthening. I include letting certain players go as part of our strengthening, if you catch my drift.
I’d be amazed if we’re not holding multiple talks and/or negotiations right now with new players but like any deal they can all fall through until there’s a signature on the line that is dotted and money has been transferred. That’s just the nature of things in my experience.
BTW, I thought IG’s performance was a master-class in how to handle yourself in front of a disappointed audience. He’s a PR person’s dream. He was never going to answer some of the direct questions with direct answers and he explained why, very clearly I thought. I also believe that behind closed doors, there will be a full de-brief of the meeting with AW in attendance.
Both IG & AW are sophisticated grown-ups. They both appear to be very loyal too. The issues that face them are obvious to all of us – we need to do some re-building in the squad if we’re to win another trophy. They know what they need to do. If they should fail, they also know that the stakes are high and that the board will take care of the results or otherwise as it has to act in the best interests of the club.
What’s my point? I think they should be left now to do their jobs. If they fail, they’lll be judged harshly by us supporters and the board will take care of the rest. IMO, IG may survive another trophyless year or even years. I’m not sure that AW could survive not getting past the CL qualifiers.
Sorry for the rant ‘Holics. I’m popping a bunch of AMPs now, they’ve just arrived π
… and a drink for SR please Barman on my tab – he deserves one if he’s read through that lot!
Anyone want to enlighten the AmeriKan? Don’t they have wikipedia over there either? Or Google?
Sorry SV, I’m on the move…anyway everyone knows that Dr Who is really Bergkamp the Man. π
So BtM is Chinese Medical Doctor? I thought he was Scottish …
… living in AmeriKa … with a bonnet …
And now that America has a socialist income redistribution leader at the moment, while Canada is the one with a conservative leader, it might be proper to write Amerika.
Did ‘holic go golfing, and use it as an excuse to drink, again?
TS @ 206 – I have now watched the whole thing through as well and agree with your interpretation on what was said. However, the use of the word sustainable appeared to be an exercise in managing expectations – guess we’re not going to sign Messi then.
And the guy from Le Groan looks like Gareth from the Office!