Thirty Years On, The ‘Stapleton’ Pain Is Still There
Jul 28th, 2011 by 'holic
Being of a certain vintage I have the benefit of having experienced the highs and the lows of pre-seasons past. Funnily enough as I completed the first draft of this post this morning one of the ‘holics referred to the lowest summer of them all, in my experience. It should not have been.
The final game of the 1980-81 season kind of summed up the era. The first post-Brady season ended with the Gunners reeling off seven wins and two draws in the final nine games. Ipswich, who would be pipped for the title on the final day, were comfortably beaten 2-0 at Portman Road in that run. On that final day they missed an opportunity to land the big one as rivals Aston Villa also lost, to Arsenal. It was one of the most memorable Highbury days, with a guest appearance from Pele at half-time, and a good old fashioned pitch invasion at the end which turned a little bit lively.
So having clinched third place, and a return to European football, why was the summer that followed so depressing. One word. Stapleton. Effectively up until the previous summer the Arsenal were held together by the holy trinity of O’Leary, Brady, and Stapleton. Brady’s delayed departure was inevitable. His talents were destined for what was seen as the pinnacle of the club game in those days, Serie A. We hated seeing him go, but wished him well and pined for him for almost a decade.
That still left O’Leary and Stapleton. We retained arguably the best centre-half and the best centre-forward in the land. For a year though there was an undercurrent, a list of articles published emphasising that Stapleton would not decide on his future until his contract expired at the end of the season, and Manchester United not hiding their admiration for a player they had rejected when the young Frank joined Arsenal in 1972. The finish to the season raised supporters hopes. Why would a top player consider leaving a top three club for one that had finished eighth? We were in no doubt at the time. Money!
It was even more controversial than that, however. Not only was he turning his back on those who idolised him for a fatter paycheck, but the clubs failed to reach agreement on the fee that was still due to secure the players registration in those days, even at the end of his contract. The first million pound transfer was two years previously, so Arsenal felt their demand for Β£1.8m was fair. Most of us thought the FA would probably decree around Β£1.5m, but instead Arsenal were awarded just Β£900,000. The sentiments felt for one of the first players to attract the tag ‘Judas’ turned from anger to fury. Most have never forgiven him.
So we had lost our most creative player, and our most potent goalscorer, in just twelve months. That summer of 81 we tried to fill the void on the cheap. An overweight Ray Hankin arrived, and almost immediately left again, John Hawley, like Hankin a former Leeds striker, tried his best but lacked Arsenal quality. A mixture of kids and squad players were tried, but none shone, and Alan Sunderland looked lost without his partner. The gloom that descended over Highbury that summer lasted far too long. Have you ever heard of Winterslag? Neither had we, but the part-time Belgian pub team ended our European adventure that season.
So forgive me if I am not yet crying into my beer although some would have you believe that something equally apocalyptic is happening right now. Our most creative player may, or may not, be on his way. I would merely repeat that in the first season without Liam Brady we actually improved our League position, and with some of the names currently being linked with us I still anticipate a season in which we will be very much a significant player.
Don’t misinterpret that. Of course I feel we need to strengthen the defence (probably two signings), and a proper defensive midfielder. If Cesc goes then let’s get another midfielder of high quality, but we still look to have some excellent attacking options with Gervinho being added to the mix. Cut out the basic errors at the back this season, and I am sure we still have enough potency and variation up front to be a threat to anybody. I’m hoping my glass will still be half full come September. We shall see.
In the meantime thank goodness I don’t have the same feelings I had in 1981. That was a summer we did not recover from until George Graham arrived six years later. And Stapleton, I haven’t forgotten.
Cheers Nicklas
As different as it gets, we appear to be losing another striker this summer. If Sporting Lisbon do secure the services of Nicklas Bendtner then there will not be the same outpouring of ire that occurred thirty years ago. Nonetheless we have watched the Dane take his first awkward steps in senior football, and develop into a player who it is generally thought will score goals wherever he goes.
We have also experienced his growing pains. There were days when he just didn’t seem to be able to get anything right, but there were also moments (that flying header against Tottenham at the Grove) when he appeared to be living up to his potential.
I hope, no I’m sure, that most Arsenal fans will wish him well. He has learned from some of the best in the business in his time with Arsenal, and with experience may well become the player he thinks he is today.
Good luck Nicklas, and thanks for everything you have done for Arsenal.
Club Level Tickets Winner
Congratulations to the winner of the club level tickets for Saturday, Danny Styles, who correctly answered that Thierry Henry won the golden boot four times whilst at Arsenal. Not surprisingly the majority of you, and hundreds entered, got that right. I don’t know where Danny is located, but the club have your details and will be in touch with instructions on how to collect your tickets. Have a great day.
Cheers ‘holics.
252 Responses to “Thirty Years On, The ‘Stapleton’ Pain Is Still There”
Well I’ll have a drink before bed then!
Cheers ‘holic!
And heh, Winterslag, what a name!
Yo Ollie.
Looking forward to Sunday.
Hah, interesting: http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/KRC_Genk
Winterslag has been assimilated with Genk, I didn’t know.
Well they are this season’s Belgian champions!
Guess we could play them again then.
Plus Γ§a change…
Looking forward to that day too!
And in English of course:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KRC_Genk
Posts like this make realise that much as I love all things Arsenal and consider myself a true fan (albeit from lands afar), I must defer to those who come before me.
Will definitely wish Bendtner well even if he had cursing on many an occasion
Great post Holic, pint of G&T please.
Puts it right into perspective mate and then some.
Stapleton’s still a cunt! π
Wow, a post inspired by my ranting last night, truly honoured holic. Was at that villa game with my Dad bottom right of the clock end. Remember being very confused that firstly villa had vitually the whole of the clock end, and secondly why they were cheering wildly when they were getting beat.
I even had a picture of Stapleton that I took with me to the hairdressers in my 1979 cup final shirt to ensure I looked exactly like him on the way out.
John hawley, his replacement was probably the worst player I have ever seen. Was totally broken for years after that
I started in The North Bank that day Jhlf. Ended up in the terrace in front of the West Stand. Never seen so many lads in high spirits as that day.
Can’t forget the crowd to Pele that day. “SIGN HIM UP, SIGN HIM UP, SIGN HIM UP”. Never got closer to him.
I thought it was funny reading your drink after I had just been sketching out the original post. It was longer and darker, and I didn’t think people would stay with it long enough to get the point.
neversawhighbury, ‘Holic, –
‘holic,as you may remember by now, I have urged you to write that “history” book many times now.
Another brilliantly remembered and encapsulated episode from AFC history.
I was at the Villa game at Highbury that day, on the North Bank, where it got more than “a little bit lively”.
Personally, I was trying to get out of the action, but overseas and younger Gooners may be interested to know what happened that day.
We were in the ground over an hour before kick-off, as usual. At the back of the North Bank a large mob in Villa colours were singing anti-Arsenal songs and generally getting a bit out of hand. running across the terraces and threatening, without actually doing any damage.
Eventually they were rounded up by the police and marched along the front of the West side terracing, before being shepherded into the segregated, away section of the Clock End. That is when it all kicked off for the first time that day, ‘cos the “mob” were actually disguised Arsenal fans, now in the thick of the Villa support !
I spent the rest of that match, crushed half way up the North Bank while various groups invaded, and battled on , most parts of the terrace.
Fortunately for us, and the police, results that day prevented the post-match pitch invasion getting any more dangerous than it was, as both sets of fans were happy enough with the outcomes. A line of police and horses thrown across the entire pitch in double quick time, stopped the fans getting right into each other.
So next time a Steward asks you to stay in your seat, it may be worth considering what the alternatives could be. (Although, personally, I think safe syanding areas would be good for the atmosphere).
Don’t know how you remember such an amount of information on so many past events ‘Holic, but these posts always repaint the details for me of so many days from my own past.
Great stuff.
And, nearly forgot ! , shattered to lose Brady and Stapleton in successive summers.
Will summer ever become a better time for Gooners.?
Regarding bendtner, if he was played in the centre in a team who can cross the ball, he would get 20 goals. Alas, we don’t play his game and I felt kinda sorry for him last season.
Although as blogger said, he had his mickey Thomas moment at barca and blew it. Hit it first time and would have been a folklore hero forever. Shame
Can only agree with Trev – write that book! π
Remember that tactic working about three or four times Trev, most impressively against Manchester United one day. Thankfully, as you say, those days are now firmly in the past, but fun when you were young and stupid(ly in love with Arsenal!)
Quality post that should be read and heeded. Dont remember much about that transfer as was about 8 but can remember some pretty unremarakble years after it where leagues were something captain nemo lived under. Brady now part of the pundit holy trinity with Giles and Dunphy. Thought G4E article on the value of cesc was spot on tonight
Marvellous post ‘ Holic , great ( and not so great ) memories .
For that Villa game , I remember the queue for the Avenall Rd entrance to the North Bank going back beyond The Plimsoll Arms at about 12-30 . Can’t be sure but I think that was the biggest crowd I was ever personally in at Highbury .
Goals from Brian Mcdermott and a corker from Big Willie , who scored a few of those . Pele in an Arsenal scarf – how we could have done with him !
Stapleton coming back in a manc shirt and scoring in that League cup semi at Highbury a couple of seasons later – like a dagger to the heart .
Thanks again .
Why Sporting, Nicklas? Wrong step!
I just don’t understand how come Bayern or Dortmund didn’t make a move for him. He can become Luca Toni or better.
If we really need tall striker I wonder if Marouane is better then Nicky B. I don’t think so.
“Is this really the way it is or a contract in our mutual interest?”
Chimay, for now.
One quick one before I leave.
I know our marketing team is not the best but doing this on the launch day and then selling Cesc is outright stupid.
Maybe they know something we don’t π
http://www.arsenal.com/assets/_files/scaled/498×331/jul_11/zp_Away_Kit_Launch_14_1_2DCB81_966.jpg?ic=3b792aT
Trev @11 , great post , I’d forgotten all that kerfuffle . π
Noel73@16: some good points in the article, but he seems very convinced that we will sell if we receive a Β£40m bid – how do we know this to be true? That sum is only media speculation as far as I know, from the same media that for well over a year has basically claimed that the deal will be done “before the weekend”. I am not sure at all, unless of course there is a clause in Cesc’s contract, that we would sell for less than Β£50m or perhaps even Β£60m.
If Bendtner does indeed go to Portugal I wish him all the best. I still think he could have become a fairly major player for us, but that will not happen now.
Even now mentioning Stapleton around my Dad is a surefire way to get him effing and blinding about traitors.
Dad knows, Charlie. Believe it.
@Lars, like everything this summer its all speculation. Where did the 27million offer come from? That was an informal offer apparently but again who can say, but if it is true then that makes the cesc to stewart downing ratio even worse ,poor old Archimedes head would explode trying to reconcile that. I do feel it has been dragged out for 2 years now and I while I rate cesc as highly as anyone I would not be averse to him going if it ended this constant shit with barca…although am sure they will be in for LJW in a few years claiming he has barca dna as he ate tapas while on holiday with his mum….so no, I have no idea but it better all stop when the whistle goes at Newcastle.
Lars
Precisely mate. Β£40m is pure media speculation. It has done the rounds so often its become a fact, just like the WMDs did back in the day!
At least Β£50m would do the little genius justice, and I dont think barca have anywhere near that amount. Yet again, they are hoping and praying cesc acts like a c*nt to force through a move, which he won’t of course.
The odds, just like last summer, are lengthening daily on him leaving.
Great post holic, remember the day well – the Pele ‘sign him up – sign him up’ as he did a lap of honour in his suit and a bunch of orange balloons were released from a bulging net in the middle of the pitch. i think he was there to promote Nintendo or some such.
And at the end of the match they (may have been the Villa manager over the tannoy – Saunders?), asked the crowd to get off the pitch so that Villa could receive the league trophy (i think) or at least come out and do a victory lap of honour – oh how we laughed and refused to move.
Me – I despised Stapleton for what he did – but Chippy broke my heart. We knew he was off for what seemed like forever to me back then, and i’ve chosen my Gooner heroes very carefully ever since.
Future Captain Jack makes me grin with a kind of idiotic pride (???) i haven’t felt since his right royal highness Dennis B. was in his pomp. Cesc i flirted with – but i think Jack the Lad’s the real thing.
Have i revealed too much?
Ureds!
Fantastic piece about Stapleton, I was at that game vs Villa, completely forgot about Pele.
Noel: the Β£27m bid (which was rejected on the spot and deemed ridiculous) was confirmed by PHW about two weeks or so ago, and he also said that Barca had not made any more bids after that.
Great stuff ‘holic, i remember the day well, i’ll pop back in later with my recollections. There’s still beer to be poured and drunk here.
Lester, i think they were for Atari.
Have Γ quick one on me, lads.
iH2H: don’t forget to pour some for your customers as well π
yes,I went to the villa game with my dad. I was certain we were over the capacity 60,000 that day, there was not an inch to spare in the North Bank, brilliant day, shite summer to follow
iH2H @29 think you’re right – and TABS @17 think you’re right about the crowd size – if i remember rightly it was something like 58,000 in the days when we didn’t used to get many more than 38 tops.
Up The Arse!
Lars, Barca have been using their official website and fifa site to spout their shite so unless they are just plain trying to fuck with him and Arsenal I would expect a bigger bid soon enough, doubt we will take it though. There is no point trying to unsettle cesc as he is that already but with the length of his contract its pointless. I know it might be churlish but I can not forget the incident with the jersey after the world cup and the meek resistance he put up. I would have knocked that clown puyol out regardless of who I played for or wanted to play for..that was total disrespect and he should have been punished for it.
Looks like this could be a big weekend for the squad. We have to get settled quickly to have a couple of weeks to get the news guys (if any) into the team. I think it’s best to sell Fab, I don’t really want to but he has a that nagging hammy injury that will trouble him continually I fear…lsst year we were without him for 40% of the games. Any chance to get both Mata and Jalieka?
Sorry about digressing from the post holic. Although the tangents this blog goes off on would make Timothy Leary question whether the medicine cabinet was a wee bit on the potent side π
Agreed Gedo, with the intensity of English footie, methinks the old hammmy strain will be a recurrent thorn in the side. Maybe he will get better sitting on the bench in catalunya, who knows?
Alright spanner.
A rare and welcome visitor.
Cheers.
Backpass magazine just had an article on the 30th Anniversary of that Villa team, supposedly the only club (aside, of course, from Arsenal) to win the League at either Highbury or the Emirates. But that can’t be right. The final table showed Villa with 60 points, Ipswich with 56. Both lost in the final game, so even if Ipswich had won, it would still have been, in those 2 points for a win days, 60-58 in Villa’s favor. Didn’t Villa thus clinch the week before, beating (I think) Newcastle at Villa Park?
It is odd that Arsenal finished higher without Brady than they ever did with him, but what gets me is this: When Brady and the rest walked off the pitch at Heysel after the 1980 Cup Winners Cup Final, having played 70 games that season including 2 cup finals and won nothing, both Charlie George and Ray Kennedy had yet to reach their 30th birthday, yet Bertie Mee let them go too soon. (The same could be said of Frank McLintock, who damn near dragged QPR to the ’76 title.) Imagine the 1978-81 Arsenal side, with Brady, Sunderland, Stapleton, O’Leary, Pat Rice, Graham Rix, Willie Young, Brian Talbot Pat Jennings… and George and Kennedy having been kept in the loop. It would have taken a recurring Phil Dowd to stop them.
Evening Holic
Glad you are enjoying your holidays,
As for me i can’t wait for mine to end.!!
Excellent story about Frankie,great memories,
As with the majority of players who have left us in search of greener pastures/bigger trophies,i don’t think he won much with the Mancs.
From memory a couple of FA cups,but i suppose he was a little bit richer financially,which was what his move was really about,much as it is 30 odd years later.
Cheers
Clive
@Clive – Stapleton played on 2 FA Cup winners with the pre-Fergie United, 1983 & ’85 — in the former becoming the first to score goals in Finals for 2 different clubs.
Uncle Mike@38 nice spot – an Arsenal fantasy football team that could quite easily have been
cheers old bean, now off to bed
Hello Uncle Mike, living on memory here, but I’m sure the title was decided that day, so Ipswich must have played their last game after that day. There was no requirement for the league to end on the same day back then.
I remember watching Arsenal hold Liverpool to deny them the title one Monday night, Wolves beat Leeds to stop them winning it the same night, and Derby won the League while they were on their post season holiday in Majorca.
Tabs@20 – cheers.
Not an easy one to forget for me. It was getting bad at half-time – to be honest I don’t remember Pele at all.
A couple of us decided to try to get to an easier exit point at the back of the terrace, but were turned round and shoved back into place by two big ,double ‘ard bastards who made it quite clear we were going nowhere.
Luckily, they were Arsenal double ‘ard bastards, which many around us weren’t.
Fun (?) times! π
Take care span…
i’ve got a recollection they both played on that day and both lost – didn’t the Villa crowd go bonkers a couple of times even though they were getting stuffed by us – maybe misremembering but thought they won it that day – but Ipswich may still have had an outstanding game???
Uncle Mike, ‘Holic,
Can’t remember the precise details but Villa did secure the title that day, due to Ipswich losing on that same day.
great post hollic, I think one of the biggest gripes alot of arsenal fans had about stapleton joining utd, and the low fee we recieved was that liverpool offered Β£2M for him and he would not join them, then the FA ignored this bid and gave us less than a million. Utd had the FA in their pockets even back then.
Sorry old, will explain why deleted if your mail is correct.
the Villa side that conquered Europe the season after of course – Ohhh Welll – with Brady and Pele in the side it coulda been us
Terry Neill bought some centre-forwards, didn’t he. After Hawley and Hankin, Chapman was 82, but who remembers John Kosmina before that? A fucking Aussie who hated the cold. Dear God π
He tried Vaessen, Mcdermott, Meade. Even played Huggy Bear up front instead of centre-half.
We were a laughing stock then.
I remember that season. Last game we beat Villa where Peter Nicholas and was it Kenny Sansom scored? Ipswich blew it losing 2 – 1 to Boro after being one nill up – Bosco Jancovic sank them with 2 goals. How’s that for memory!
If Bendtner was half the player he thinks he is, he’d be twice the player he actually is. Having said that I’ve always had a certain amount of sympathy for a centre forward who was continually stuck out on the wing by Wenger. If he’s played in his proper position I think he’ll score goals wherever he goes, but will fall short of being top quality. All the same I had a soft spot for Nik and wish him luck.
I remember a game against Tottenham at Highbury when Brady picked up the ball just outside the Arsenal penalty area and hit a pass to Stapleton halfway inside the Spurs half. He caught the ball on the half volley and lifted it over the head of Mark Kendall in the Tottenham goal. From the edge of our box to the back of the Spurs net in two touches. Outstanding players will always be missed when they leave, but Arsenal survived and went on to greater things and it will be the same if or when Cesc and Nasri go.
Blimey ‘Holic, I’ve got to get to sleep in a minute. Already had enough scary memories tonight, thanks. π
dear old Vassen, local lad scored that goal against Juve away when we knocked them out – when as you say ‘holic serie A was top of the shop – remember lisening to it live on he radio in bed – went nuts when he scored and got told off. was Chippy playing for them then – i don’t recall that he was – he was probably still with us was he? … not sure of the years here at all?
pardon – ‘the radio’
or had juve replaced him with Platini (any place, anywhere) and Boniek by then – only 2 foreigners rule back then i think …
AL and Trev – Villa definitely won the league at Highbury . Ipswich had a further game to play as a result of fixture congestion because they got to the Uefa Cup Final that year .
With the league already gone , they lost their last game , hence the 4 point differential . Ipswich were better than Villa imho . Ipswich got weighed down with too many games and Villa suffered no injuries in the season . They won the league using only 14 players !!
I remember the Villa end exploding as Ipswich got stuffed at I think Boro that day and each Boro goal was celebrated like it was Villa that had scored .
The only similar thing I can think of where crowd reaction was completely at odds with what was happening on the pitch was watching a very dull Arsenal Bolton game in 82 , and the North Bank going crazy because the Spuds were getting beaten by Liverpool in the final of the Milk Cup .
Trev – We were so tightly packed in , I went with the flow of the crowd and ended up right down near the front of the North Bank that day . Consequently couldn’t really see what was going on up top where you were . I do however vividly remember people being led out to the Clock End as you describe , and then it all going off in the Clock end .
Still with us, he was. Missed his pen in the final, AL π
Horrible night in Brussels that was, although provides a memory. Crawling out of the pub we had taken over at five or six on the morning after to be confronted by a fully armed and padded riot squad.
What the fuck did they think we were going to do at that hour of the morning after a monumental session? We wished them a good morning and made our way back to our hotels π
AL @55 Vaessen’s goal was 1980 – Chippy’s last season – he was in Arsenal yellow .
Sorry @Holic , didn’t see you there . π
holic @15 – i know we shouldn’t dwell on such things but – i remember that Manure game when that – ahem – tactic was employed. The chaps actually waited till the ‘famous cockney reds’ started singing ‘you’re supposed to be at home’ before revealing their true colours.
So it’s something of a misnomer when people dismiss that stuff as ‘mindless thuggery’ – it was, on occasions, quite well thought through thuggery.
I know, I know …
Ureds!
Ah – was still the king of highbury, and of course he did holic as did kempes for them (first 2 dead cert pens missed?) then Rixy for us …
Rixy was s’posed to be next in line to throne vacated by LB, but didn’t fill them bots – never took to him myself – thought he was a bit of a lightweight – play often broke down with him and when ended up with Chelski years later (apart from anything else) knew i’d been right all along.
Ureds!
oops there’s a slip boots not bots – although …
And on a bum note like that i’d better turn it in – ta, ta
Up the er – Ureds!
At last, a decent blog site without all the doom and gloom. I too was at the Villa game as a 15 year old. We sacrificed our usual spot at the back of the North Bank to stand right at the front of the East Stand, almost at pitch level where the fence seperated it from getting into the North bank. I may be wrong but I think that section was the junior gunners and I remeber the dads standing on the other side of the fence and claiming their kids, who had paid to go into the jg section, to be allowed through the gate to join their dad in the North bank. Crowd on that day was 58,000, had some awesome attendances in those years. Also remember the 1st leg v Juventus when Brady got sent off in a 1-1 draw (whistling and booing of that decision was deafening). I think I actually had the big toe of one of my feet in contact with the ground at one stage and actually glimpsed the pitch through a myriad of heads a couple of times, but what an atmosphere, Juve were practically the Italian national team at that time, Bettega, Tardelli, Zoff, Causio, Antonioni, I still have the programme somewhere. We did have to put up with some dodgy players in those days though. Fans today complain about Denilson and Eboue, but we had to watch Hawley, Chapman (I’d completely forgotten about Ray Hankin!) plus past their prime Alan Ball and John Hollins. Also remember one freezing midweek game against Norwich in early 80’s when the crowd was 18,000 and the clock end was so empty you could actually count the fans at that end (didn’t reach 100 from memory). Those fickle fans today should put up and shut up unless it’s to roar on the mighty Arsenal!!
Thanks for the history lesson, ‘Hols π
Holic,
top post, some memories there, winterslag, can you imagine if that happened now? Singing’ please don’t go’ to Brady for best part of a season and he still did, was heartbroken, even more so when he came back and I sat in the stands at upton park and watched him destroy us in a 3-1 defeat. Villa game had Ipswich fan with me in north bank, he panicked when villa fans? came in until I told him they were arsenal and said hello to most of them! Heysel was proper bloodbath started by Valencia fans chucking firecrackers in our end, do you remember police horses in the seats? and police taking us into their car park, mayhem ensued. Stapleton a true cunt, first game back at highbury he came out of main entrance and promply got chased up the hill by irate gooners, anyone remember that? Also just like to say good luck to nicky b shame to see him go and also a while to go before transfer window closes, we will get what we need, patience gooners
@ 30 Lars, Heh, π
=====
Great posts, certainly brings back memories. I remember getting into Highbury hours before kick off, we were always there early, because the couple who took us to the game always wanted “their” exact place at the side of the clockend, me and my younger brother always stood by the smallgate that opened on the side where the St Johns Ambulance were and the Ol’ Bill would bring the “naughty boys”. (thats what the couple told us younguns)
I also remember that we were accompanied by three of my neighbourhood friends and we had started off the day with a bottle of pop and a bag of crisps in The Globe before making our way to Highbury. I remember the ground filling up quickly and was glad that we had gotten there on time, I’d never seen so many in the stadium.
Lester mentioned above that there was a big net with ballons on the centre circle, the reason why that little tit bit stayed in the noggin is because before the players were out some geezer burst out of the clockend, ran half the field and took a flying dive into the ballons, me and my mates thought it was hilarious and it was a talking point for years after. Following a bit of a Benny Hill chase the cozzers finally caught him and marched him towards the “naughty boys” tunnel, as he passsed us by, me and mates gave him a good cheer, I remember feeling adoration for his daring deed, but at the same time thinking he was a bit of a prat because now he wasn’t going to get to see the game.
From what I can recall from the match itself, we were better then Villa and thoughourly deserved our 2-0 victory. I remember when the final whistle blew the pitch was surronded by the police, but it didn’t do much good as fans broke through, left right and centre. Where we stood a couple of officers were blocking our path to the field of our heroes, these guys were always there and obviously recognised me and my brother because after a few minutes he looked at us, opened the gate and said; “fuck it, go on then lads, 5 minutes and be careful”
Well, I think that was the only time that 5 lads from a council estate in Holloway had ever listened to the Police and off we scampered onto the hallowed turf, jumping and shouting for joy. For those 5 0r so minutes we were the masters of our universe, the stuff of legends.
For years to come all the other neighbourhood kids unfortunate enough not to go, would look at us in awe and gather round as we told our wonderous tale…….
Well, ok, maybe that’s pushin’ it a bit, but you know what I mean, right? π
“Cut out the basic errors at the back this season”
That’s the key thing though isn’t it. Sounds a lot easier than it apparently is. How many close seasons have we been saying that for. Still waiting for any sign from this manager that he even genuinely acknowledges the issue. We wait and see. Again.
As for the defection of our number nine into the bowels of Manc-chester, well to understand the magnitude of the dissapointment in our household then I’ll have to tell you a little something about my younger sibling.
It was a commonly known joke, among my fathers friends that if you asked my brother what he wanted to be when he was older he would reply, dead seriously; “Frank Stapleton”
Ofcourse all the blokes loved that and everytime they’d get something Frank related (photos, newspaper snippets etc) they’d give it to him, his room was like a mini FS shrine.
When news of the departure broke my brother was distaught, don’t get me wrong, I was sad too, but I had been hardened by the departure of my Arsenal hero Chippy the year before, he cried and had temper tantrums for weeks, he was unconsoulable, that must of been the worst summer of his life. My parents were really worried when he made the statement that he didn’t think he wanted to go to Highbury when the new season started. Luckily come August he decided to go, but a loss in the first home game of the season (to Stoke I think) almost made him want to stay away again.
However as fate would have it, the Red Devils were to be our opponents a month later and his former idol would return to Highbury in the wretched strip of the Manc. Once again tears flowed as he saw Frank take the field, all the supporters arond us did their best to counsole him by booing every move Frank made.
At the end of the game he had come to the realisation that his love for the gunners was much greter then the love for one player, he then uttered the words that freed his soul (and got him a hefty smack on the backside);
“I hope I don’t grow up to be a cunt like him.”
Hello barkeep, can a gooner originally from Trinidad and Tobago but presently living in Japan get a pint of London Ale?
pleasure reading these memories of times that i remember, but the intimate details from the teraces makes a fan from afar very jelous.
I remember that villa game well, fantastic game to watch and a strange atmosphere at the end as both sets of supporters were celebrating. I’d forgotten about Pele, he drove past me on the way to the stadium and waved to me as I gave him a silly grin. I have to say for me the worst week in history has to be the end of the 79-80 season. I went to both losing cup finals, West ham and Valencia (robbed by a bunch of diving prima donnas) and then we missed out on europe by losing 5-0 to boro, who were by far the worst team in the league that season. I wouldn’t wish that week on anyone, even spurs. I was devastated. And then Chippy left! ahhhhhh!
Some great recollections, Holic. Looking forward to Sunday and The Pins. (Les Pins, Ollie).
Excellent evening with Zico on Wednesday night when the world and all of its issue were deconstructed and then rebuilt, the Zico wallet was in evidence for the long promised Deuchars pint(s) – so I’m well briefed and watered for Sunday evening.
Are you at the game on Saturday or Sunday, Lars?
And wasn’t 79-80 a record number of games? 69, all those FA Cup Semi replays with Liverpool (dalglish’s last minute equaliser), 2 cup finals, we could only have played one more game as we went out of the League Cup in the semi.
Just discovered it was a record number of games, 70 games and we went out in 5th rd of league cup… to the Welsh! Can’t imagine that record getting broken in a hurry.
Excellent story H2H 71!
The Pines, BtM ? π
Looking forward to the reunion
That’s the best place to go fir a pint, Ollie π
Heh. Larching it on sunday, that’s the plan.
All gone quiet? You must have given everyone the needle, Ollie π
Morning All,
‘Holic – your nostalgic post above, with more than able assistance from Trev, H2H, Glennw and others makes this, for me, the best Arsenal corner on the internet bar none. Thanks fellas, wonderful stuff!
I’m with H2H, our loss of Brady to Juve was the real tear-jerker for me. That man will always be my ‘King of Highbury’. The player that I could slap in the faces of the Spudites at school to show them who was the better team in N.London. I’ve chosen to blank the memories of C*nt C*ntleton. As you can see, I’m clearly over it now….
Even if we lost Cesc + Nasri this summer, it would not match the feelings of seeing Liam in the famous back and white.
One more thing. I was reading the tweets on TwitterHolic from Tim Peyton and then went onto his site to follow the stuff about Cesc. I realise that I don’t really get Twitter but I’m fairly certain that Tim was saying that Cesc was working in collusion with Farca to secure his deal away from the mighty Arsenal. OK, I’m also a bit naive but would you be willing to share your thoughts on this with us ‘Holic? For me, it put a different complexion on the whole affair.
A round please for all in the bar.
Ignore whatever Tim Payton says would seem like a good policy to start with, TS.
Thanks for the drink. I think I’ll stay in. Again, it’s hardly beech weather around here.
Thanks for the feedback Ollie. I have my own views on Mr.P but figured he should be ‘in the know’.
I’m sure the sun will be shining for you over The Ems this weekend. Give a shout out to Titi for me please π
PS: Do you think we could use the same tune and chnge the words to ‘Gervinho’ this year? The 5Head needs a song of his own.
5 heads, he’s only got 5 heads, he’s only got 5 heads!
And I see nobody else is rooting for the tree puns, so I give up.
TS – I wondered the same thing but realized he’s got an agenda and that’s to promote himself as close to the club etc.
He’s been saying that Cesc is refusing to train with the first team and play the preseason friendlies for about 2 weeks now but he also contradicts himself a lot, so it’s clear he’s got an thing against Cesc.
He says that Cesc hasn’t asked for a transfer request cause that would mean he would forego his compensation from Arsenal from selling him before the contract ends (a written request cancels that compensation), he then goes on to say that Cesc is trying (along with Barca) to push the price down and that asking for a transfer request would do just that. He isn’t too decisive now, is he?
I find it hard to believe Cesc would rebel against the Arsenal.
PHW has been quoted in his favorite paper saying some strong words. I think even Cesc knows we’re doing him a favor by agreeing to his plea to not offer him around and that anything less than 40M is outright unacceptable.
Ollie @ #86,
Oak-K. You’ve given me the wood for tree puns now. Have a larger and Lime on me but not too many, you woodn’t want to sap you energy before you leaf home. I’m trying not to be Syc-any-more about Brady & C*ntleton.
Snir @ #87,
Thanks for your feedback too. Agreed. Tim P’s comments are contradictory, I will disregard and move on. I think the Barman’s silence also speaks volumes π
I agree with yew, TS.
Ollie! Good afternoon π
It seems as though you’re the only one at the bar, get yourself a drink of your choice on my tab.
You’ll get a real one on my next visit to London (Man City at home seems quite likely with the spring break going on at that time :D)
I can Cedar light at the end of the tunnel re: signings, Ollie
Cheers Snir!
I maple to see the light there too, TS!
TS – You’re at the bar too of course. Hope I don’t miss you this season when I’m at the Tollie!
Cannons, join in the Friday morning drinking!
Which part of Nippon are you in? Did a tour of duty in Tokyo in ’05 – chasing Japanese girls with a bit of English teaching on the side.
Made it to the ’05 World Club Championship in Yokohama to watch the Mugsmashers vs a Costa Rican side called Sabrissa something. Got a behind-goal view of Timmy doing his ‘Elastigirl scores in the box’ impression.
Oh and Holic? Marvellous post, another fine tale that predates my goonership by a couple of decades. Literally my earliest memory (a pretty good one I thought) of seeing the mighty Gunners was a CL group stage game against Shakhtar at Highbury which we won 3-2 (I think after going down 2-0 but could be wrong on that). Was absolutely made up to witness a true collector’s item, a Keown double!
Your a poplar boy today Ollie! Looks like u’n’me are enjoying our own privet jokes. The timberature is slowly rising today. Looks good for your weekend trip to The Elms.
Oleaster be there!
I’m off to the Beech in my trunks .
Snir,
Plan to be at for the Man Sh*tty game. See you there….
Ah Wolfgang. Joining in the fun I tree? DLL will be keeping a log of your movements.
*Toilet & tree humour combined?*
Oh and Holic, I forgot to say this: Thank you.
I might be younger than most of the holics and not familiar with every single detail but it is posts like this that make me realize how lucky I am to have chosen such a classy club.
H2H – Loved your story, not a lot of things in this world can create such strong emotions from a man, football is certainly one of those things.
Very good at 96, TS!
Concerning your weather forecast, TS, I have only one thing to say: touch wood!
TS@100 – He’s already departed for the Bay . Can’t say I’m pining for him , in fact I don’t give a fig .
I’m off . TS , Ollie , Snir , CG , pints for you all on the Bar .
Cheers tabs and one back for you too. Alder very best π
Cheers tabs. And I have now realised it would be vine for me to try and better TS’ puns today.
It’s plane to see that you’re a finer punster than me, Ollie
@94 Camberwell Gooner
I’m presently located in the grand city of Kobe! It’s hot as hell here so I’m chugging Guinness and ice…
I must say this blog is a wonderful read. The weird thing is why it’s taken me so long to find it. Keep up the good work ‘holic, must better reading than the ridiculous rumours and depressing doomblogs….
ATID
Diaby out for 10 weeks after ankle surgery. Big blow. Another ever present from the last 3 seasons misses the start of the season.
Saw this on Gunnerblog earlier:
“….It is one of Premier League footballβs great mysteries. Why does Peter Hill-Wood, chairman of one of the clubs who demonstrates the most caution in commenting on transfer speculation, choose to let fly with his occasional volleys in, of all papers, The Daily Star?
Is it the paper that arrives on his front porch every morning? Does he have a close friend on the sports desk? Do they have photographs of him doing unspeakable things with Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith and a horse?….”
Once again, it appears that others are following the dubious antics that occur in the drinks in our bar π
Perhaps PHW himself would care to comment on his equine activities?
Steve T @ #108
So the Van Persie Wing of the Colney Infirmary has been re-opened with Diaby, Cesc & Theo it’s current patients.
Diaby must be the unluckiest ever Arsenal player in terms of injuries.
Not bad for us these days π
TS. Did any of them ever leave? My guess is that they keep a change of clothing there permanently just in case??????
Jeez…. meanwhile, at Trent Bridge, after finishing off a rather satisfying Indian on Monday, England are experiencing the ring burning backlash of a Vindaloo.
Always a kick in the pants.
Typical, 10 weeks into the close season, Diaby has an operation that will take 10 weeks to heal.
When did he get this injury?
Steve T @ #111
Diaby does seem to be a permanent resident. I thought Theo was thru’ the worst but obviously something’s up. If we sort out the Cesc saga in our favour then I’m sure his hammy’s will recover v.quickly.
Just logged on to find out you guys have gone bark-in’. Tree puns, leaf it out willowya, you’ll have me weeping.
Thank you for the kind words above and thanks again ‘holic for the original post that sparked my memory bank to recall those wonderful times way back when.
I have to ask….. Did you by anychance keep a diary why back when? Because you always seem to remember details so well?
A round for the regulars and one for the new chaps too.
Heh H2H, shoes clean and dry this morning? π
Pint of Peroni please maestro.
Indeed TS, it looks like the Copa disscusion has finally been put to bed, where ironically it belongs, because I thought that whole competition was sleep inducing……..
O-NO!!! I’ve started it off again,
I’ll join in you in that pint while I wrap plastic bags around my footwear in anticipation of a retort π
Cannons, a pleasure to meet you, albeit virtually. Thanks Camberwell.
No diary, H2H. Like I say, that Villa game was one of the most memorable at Highbury for a whole raft of reasons.
Nice one ‘holic, the Villa game was certainly a memorable one, the proof is plain to see here in the drinks, as all that attended are able to add a little side story to the whole picture you painted.
Still, it’s not just that game that you managed to narate so well, you have an uncanny knack of capturing and recreating the spirit of the moment you are posting about.
My hat is well and trully doffed, sir.
Come on Broad. Counter attack is on!
AW’s ‘s pressie digest on Pravda:
** Wenger – Gervinho has the qualities we need
** Wenger – I won’t talk about transfer targets
** Boss – We’ll do business ‘sooner rather than later’
** Wenger – Cesc will not play in Emirates Cup
** ‘Nasri is focused and will play on Saturday’
** Walcott could be fit for start of new season
** Wenger – I am not jealous of big spenders
** Wenger: ‘Cesc is torn between two loves’
** Boss – I have to give Lansbury a chance
** Wenger – We wait for permission to play Miyaichi
** ‘MLS move was the right one for Henry’
** Szczesny – This season can be massive for me
** Szczesny – We’ll be stronger defensively now
Looks quite positive to me….
Good stuff TS.
All positive apart from the suggestion that Cesc’s head isn’t right.
But then that’s what we suspect anyway, so good of Arsene to be honest – makes the other stuff more credible.
Yes Dr.C, I thought that too.
In fact, on a further positive note, I think the longer this saga plays out, the more it is to our benefit in that Farca are running out of time to make the deal happen and stretching their already stretched credibility. Of course you can spin all that 180 degrees as well.
I’m certain we’ll make more signings now.
According to Gunnerblog, we’ve agreed a deal with Souper Campbell as well despite his best efforts to screw the deal up via his father.
All rather exciting. Could be a fantastic year to be a Gunner π
Holic and your regular Holics all i can do is stand up, applaud you all and tip my hat for being a very classy bunch. Am glad to have found Arsenal supporters like you…coz the things i learn about the club i love being from Africa is really re-freshing…again i am a big fan of all of you and i will keep partaking in the drinks as i do every single day for the past years albeit not a regular poster….Interesting stuff you all post…
Cannons, the Japanese summer – I don’t miss it one bit! Now the lovelies, that’s a different matter (thank god the CG management doesn’t read this…)
Cheers Ugandan. Pull up a chair, have a drink on my tab or fetch your pipe. Whatever you prefer…
Nice post on ArsenalArsenal this morning CG.
Your better half said that she enjoyed it too! π
Cheers TS! ‘Twas my debut.
And re your second comment…that’s me well and truly rumbled.
*leaves coat, dashes for the door*
Anyone see our beloved captain is too unsettled to play a friendly match in front of the fans he loves.
Makes me wonder if he was really ever carrying an injury in the pre-season tours or was sitting on the switch board answering the phone in Spanish….hoping…..praying.
Told you he grassed us up (i.e. the gentleman agreement he apparently has with AW) to Barca. I’m even more convinced now that he’s in cahoot’s with the mono-browed one…..why do they leave you broken hearted like this….it’s not fair!!
andy, 113, I see you’re not a regular here.
You probably weren’t a regular at reading classes (or was that maths?), or you would have read/computed that he didn’t have the operation this week.
I see TS has kept the ball rolling while I was busy.
Your top whisky for him please, barman.
And the bar looks well spruced up now, in time for the new season.
Chaps ,
Bit mor e time to read the recent posts and what a pleasure !
H2H , another 2 great stories @69 and 71 , Blody Marys are on me .
Dazdownunder@66 – I too remember that freezing midweek game against Norwich . For some reason I got there ridiculously early . When I took my position in the Schoolboys enclosure , there were 6 people in the Clock End . I saw very little of the game , as the descending fog meant you couldn’t see the other side of the pitch . Have tried in vain to look up the attendance , but have a feeling that it was nearer 13/14 ,000 . Took me about a fortnight to thaw out .
TS @109 – I saw that and it certainly made me chuckle . Given that he said Horse rather than Llama , I think we’ll have to give him the benefit of the doubt π
CG@128 – May I also add my congrats . Great article over on ArsenalArsenal . I too am a meat and 2 veg man π
Drinks for anyone in the Bar .
Cheers for that lovely welcome Ollie.
My point still stands though, why didn’t we get Diaby sorted in May and he would be ready for the start of the season.
holic,
could you write a midweek piece on a memorable game of years past once a week.
perhaps then put it all together a publish a book.
i mean, Nick hornby didn’t do to bad out of his arsenal ramblings did he?
how about memorable away days?
@132: Because we needed to give Lansbury some play time π
There’s one interesting quote from AW in the press conference:
βHenri has the talent to play for Arsenal football club, and he has a chance to play for us this season.β
With Diaby there comes his chance to “do” him the same way LJW replaced Denilson.
@Holic: please do NOT write that book. First because it’s mightily enjoyable to have these stories distilled over the years and then we would miss on the wealth of holics comments. Cheers everyone for such an enjoyable read!
Jusr discovered a rather wonderful beer from Lidl of all places (German beer cheap as the Spanish are scared by things they don’t already know)…. Perlenbacher. Give it a try if you find it.
Even the Barca supporters are bored to death of the whole Cesc saga nowadays. The normal response is a shrug of the shoulders and a rolling of the eyes. Quite refreshing…
Ugandan @124. You are clearly a man of impeccable taste and education. I have no idea what you are doing here.
Ugandan Goon @124 – firstly, I agree. Second, many thanks for the kind words if I am included in that group.
Personally, this blog, both the main posts and “drinks” have kept my spirits up over a potentially very miserable summer.
Cheers Ugandan, one for you and anyone else who happens to be in here.
Don’t mind if I do, Trev. Cheers.
North or South Devon?
Dazdownunder @ 66 –
That Norwich game was the Friday before Christmas, if it the same one I am thinking about.
Arsenal used to re-arrange home games on the Saturday before Christmas to the Friday so as not to compete with the last shopping weekend. If it was the one I am thinking of, I was on the North Bank too, absolutely bloody freezing, and the crowd was c14,000.
My memory can’t compete with ‘Holic, and others here, but I think that was the season we finished 17th.
Yes, folks at Le Grove, Seven-fucking-teenth!!!
Listen here, True Storey, I have to keep this brief as I have promised not to compromise Takeabowson for the rest of this week, at least.
I have to say that your comments at @109 are a little out of order, if not rather superfluous.
You seem to suggest a measure of shock that I might be invlolved in certain activities with Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith and a horse . . .
It must be obvious, even to you True Storey, that with a name like that Lady Nina has to be a pure Thoroughbred.
Nuff said, old boy . . .
Now, if you don’t mind, I’m off on a tour of the Shires, actually with one of young Fabregas’ representatives, Donkey-Jote.
After that, we will be taking in a few of the Shetlands if we can find room – in our schedule, of course – before returning home.
That should open the eyes of our Spanish “friend”. If I still haven’t got rid of him by then, I shall try giving him one big Suffolk Punch π
Hope you get the significance of the winky thingy. I note that you boys use a lot of them on here. π
Catalan – right in the middle, west of Tiverton, between the two moors (Ex and Dart).
It is a land devoid of ESPN and mostly, it seems, of Sky.
Strangely enough I am pencilled in for a trip to a miniature pony farm on Dartmoor on Sat afternoon – at my daughter’s insistence – so will be relying on Arsenal Player for highlights. No problem there then.
Sunday I may be hunting for a stream if the game is being transmitted anywhere.
Cheers, have another?
Catalan – speaking of tasty Germans, the Erdinger Weissbeer is good if you’re into that sort of thing.
Sorry, but whoever mentioned defence matters and set pieces, may be interested in a Szczesny interview on Arseblog News (know you don’t mind ‘Holic) where he is talking about exactly that.
Time I shut up now.
After reading AW’s quotes on Cesc, I’m quite certain he’s leaving.
Mr Hill Wood Sir , don’t worry about me Sir .
Spaten, now there’s a beer that will leave your head like a rubix cube…funnily enough its solved in the morning..
Takeabowson – I am very worried about you.
By the way, I am rather concerned about the behaviour of this Smallballs character, constantly cavorting about in nothing more than a pair of Speedos.
If you catch him at it again, I think you should tell him to take a long, hard look at himself.
Have to say I absolutely love reading about all your memories of the past!
As for securing titles away from home which was briefly touched upon, surely our record of having clinched titles at Anfield Road, Old Trafford and WHL (twice, even) must be pretty unique in England at least? Not only do I find it hard to believe that any other club can have secured titles at all those three places, these are also titles won at the home of all of our three historically biggest (for various reasons) rivals.
BtM@75: Unfortunately, I am not at the Emirates Cup at all. However, I will be travelling over for the Stoke game in October, and it looks like there will be a bit of a get-together in connection with that game. You and all the other drinkers in this bar are of course very welcome to join up if you have the opportunity.
we ALL worry about you, tabs π
Yes Sir , your worry is probably well placed Sir .
Will pass on your advice to Smallballs Sir , but all he ever does is take a long hard look at himself Sir . Can’t drag him away from the mirror Sir .
Thank you Dr Z π
Trev , if you’re still here , that Norwich game was in Dec 79 . We just missed out on Europe that season , but get and agree with the point you were making to Le Grovers .
Daz, Trev, I think I have mentioned that Friday night Norwich game before in the drinks. That was the one where I woke up on the Saturday morning and filled Dad in on the most boring goalless draw I had ever witnessed, only for him to show me in the paper that we won 1-0. I was one of the hundred on the Clock End, I did not miss a minute of the game, and I still swear we did not score!
Mind you, the draught Bass in the Hen & Chickens at Highbury Corner was a powerful concoction in those days π
I swear to you, every word of that is true.
@115Holloway2Holland Thanks for the drink, allow me to return the favour. I hope this doesn’t sound too stalkeristic but your posts on the BBC blogs, (especially in response to the colossal fool, Phil McNulty) have always impressed me, so a round’s on me.
@118Goonerholic It’s a pleasure to meet you too Mr. ‘holic! I can’t profess to be as old a gooner as anyone here but I love the club’s history and I really enjoy reading first-hand accounts of it. Keep it coming and you’ll be getting a case of Carib beer for a taste of the Caribbean.
@125Camberwell Gooner Haha, yeah, the summer here is hell. I just moved from the countryside into the city so I’m now sweating in a concrete jungle with no air-conditioning and next door is a crazy one-eyed neighbour who complains just because I lie in the ofuro with the Tuesday Club podcast playing at max volume so I can hear it. The girls are still are cute as you remember them but what’s a man got to do to find a female gooner in Asia? Girls here are just fans of saying “Kawaii” π
Last two days of trials for the Happy Train (Mark II) boys and girls, will be making stops on both Saturday and Sunday at Holloway Road, Highbury and Islington, Arsenal and Finsbury Park (watch out for the unveiling of the red and white carpet at the Twelve Pins, or at least BtM and his Crail golf bunnet).
Also be nice to those Swedish serving wenches, especially the self sustainable models. Given no points are at stake, I expect very light traffic toward the Medicine Cabinet. However, for those who can’t help themselves, there is a special supply of water to make the day glow (heh), especially if you’re still on a downer awaiting the spending of some F’n money.
D L Ltd recognise that you have a choice and want to thank you for your continued custom (err, support) – remember our slogan “We can guarantee you a trip you will not forget. Or will (depending on what you ingest).”
On behalf of Dr Feelgood…..
Up the Arse!
Hi Holic , are you sure ? , I’m sure the game I’ve been banging on about finished 1-1 . Am I talking about a totally different game ?
Trev…. I have a secret key to the Noah carriage (along with Lonestar)…your recent posts suggest you may care to join us for a midnight picnic?
Weissbeir…. great taste, evil head the next day.
Ah, think you’re right, it was 1-1 and I told the old man we lost 1-0. I know it was bloody freezing, and I was mad to stand on the exposed Clock End that night.
You and about three others ‘Holic ! Got a feeling we scored pretty late on , by which time visibility was down to about 3 yards , which would account for you missing the goal , that and the Beer of course π
Good stuff Dr Z π
Daz, ‘Holic – my memory defers to both of you. I remember us discussing that game on here before ‘Holic, whichever game it turned out to be !
Sorry Daz if I confused things – please have one on Tabs. π
π
True Storey –
Before this whole business with Lady Nina and the horses gets out of hand, I feel I should admit to being a little over-boastful in my previous post.
Thoroughbred she may be but I don’t want her getting saddled with an undeserved reputation here.
These equine activities, as you put it, did not go on fur-long, and we have now decided to reign things in, a bit.
Anyway, before we finish up trotting out puns all night, I must be OFF!
Off to see the very same Lady Nina, in fact. After the first flush of our Far East fling, I am very hopeful of getting a more stable relationship going with the old girl.
I do hope this all helps to clarify things for you Storey. Yes, even you Storey.
I bid you Goodnight.
Am I the only one who did not like AW’s quotes at all!? Not even one good thing came out of that presser.
Tabs et al
re that Norwich game and around 13-14,000 turning up,that was a massive crowd compare to the game in 66 which is infamous in Arsenal history.
it was the 2nd last home game of the season and me and my Dad happened to be one of the only 4,000 odd who turned up.!!
We were a poor side then,and Leeds duly flogged us 3 nil.
When i asked my Dad what on earth we were doing there that day,he looked at me and said , ‘ Because this is our Club,our Team,and we support them through good times and bad ‘.
Suitably chastened,i think i loved him even more that day than i already did.
cheers
Clive
Although the quotes do seem as a challenge to Cesc to get on with it and get it together in case Barca don’t pay up.
Clive , wow , you were one of the famous 4000 !! Not for the first time I doff my cap to you . Lowest ever attendance I think .
Snir – only read the highlights of what AW said , so I must be cautious , but not sure what else he could have said . The position remains the same – if Barca come up with the readies he’s off , if not ,he stays . CuoCo .
Have we signed anybody yet? Spent any f*ckin money yet? Good posts all and to those who are going to the Emirates tomorrow, please give TH14 the great reception he deserves.
Tabs, I was referring to these quotes. It seems a challenge to Cesc to show some professionalism (and yes I know he has up until now, but maybe things changed).
“There is only one deadline, it is on August 31. The other deadline is for us to get everybody focused, the players who are really committed to the club, my energy and my focus goes on them.
“That is what I focus on, I cannot help the other situation, because it does not only depend on me, it depends on the players and on the other clubs.”
Fair enough ,Snir , can be interpreted that way , or the slightly more generous challenge to ” get your head straight ” .
I think its odds on , on him going now , sadly , but haven’t completely given up hope .
That was a night, Clive, although to be fair it was the same night as the Cup-Winners Cup Final which was being televised, and live football was in it’s infancy, and attractive as a result.
Snir, I know you don’t want to hear what Arsene is telling you, and I don’t want to discuss it, but the signs are there.
I’m sorry, personally.
Tabs
yes it was mate,still stands to this day,4,500 and something.
Don’t know where the other 50,000 were.!!
It was really like attending a Football Combination game,it was so quiet you could hear every word the players said as the game was played.
We were at the side of the pitch in the enclosure where the players come out on to the pitch.
I thoink there were about 25 of us scattered about in that area.
You could also hear the talking form the Dugout.
Billy Wright was the manager then, and a youngster named Peter Storey was just making his way that season at right back,dear old Jim Furnell was our keeper,mad Billy Mac was left back,Terry Neill was still playing that season along with Ian Ure, and Big Raddy,Frank Mclintock and Geordie Armstrong were also in that side,along i think with George Eastham.I think that was also Don Howe’s last season as a player.
We were still 4 seasons away from the great Fairs Cup victory of 1970,but the nucleus of a good side was just beginning to germinate.
Rome wasn’t built in a day,in the old timers case like me and some other venerable souls on this blog,it was 17 years between drinks.
So 6 years without a Trophy,nothing but a minor inconvenience.!!
Cheers
Clive
Guys, if Cesc stays what do you think should happen with the armband?
This is a tricky one for me.
I DON’T think Cesc wouldn’t be committed if he’s forced to stay, and in that case, he’d get on with it and be totally committed to our targets this season.
I think taking the armband away from him would have a bad effect on him and would also take away a bit of the respect he gets from the players in the dressing room (as of now, they’re understanding of his will to move, taking away the armband would signal AW doesn’t think his head is right and he’d lose respect).
A captain should be a central figure on the pitch and in the dressing room and not in the papers and I think that he can still be that figure if he stays, cause once this is over and he realized he’s staying I don’t see a scenario where he won’t give his all to Arsenal.
He ain’t a leader by voice, he’s more of a leader by example, and I just don’t know how he’ll react to AW taking away the armband (maybe his performances will dip and there would be no more “examples” that he leads by).
What do you think?
Holic, the signs are definitely there but bottom line is, Barca need to come up with the cash and I haven’t seen them doing that so far.
I’m just like Tabs, I think it’s gonna happen but I’m not giving up hope.
In any case, a signing of a CB and Mata and we finish this summer not that bad at all even if Cesc leaves.
Untold Arsenal wrote a piece about our cover for this season being much stronger than last season, and as we saw last season, our cover being up for it is absolutely vital.
Holic
i had forgotten that the CWC final was on.
were you one of the 4,000 ??
was your dad as dedicated as my old man that he took you that day,or were you still too young.??
cheers
clive
This will sound a copout Clive, but I really don’t know. It is highly likely, but the game itself doesn’t reside in my memory. We did most home games, and I do have vivid memories of some fixtures from 63 onwards, but the fact that we also did a number of reserve games mean that my memories of small crowds at Highbury are many!
Clive , thank you for your memories – great stuff , and a salient reminder to all the Johnny-come -latelys who want it all on a plate immediately . The next big success will taste all the sweeter for the wait .
Snir – I doubt he’ll play whilst matters remain unresolved .
Anyway , a debate for another day , I’m off to bed . Night all .
Tabs, the captaincy question was in case the matters were resolved and Barca don’t come up with the cash so he stays for one more year.
Tabs @176, Drink to how sweet the next big success will taste?
Holic, Clive, Tabs, do you remember how much it cost to attend a game in those days? Not in terms of actual money but how much was that compared to a pint. Was the price of tickets a deterrent in those days or really there were only 4000 lads willing to turn up for a battering?
Clive @164. Awesome. I hope my kids manage to get the same vibe from me as a father.
Re the Cesc situation. For me this has got well and truly out of hand. I firmly believe we should have put this to bed weeks ago. Their pursuit disgusts me. It seems we have at last started to get a bit tough with Barca. I posted many weeks ago that we should have set Barca a deadline. Tell them the price and that they have 2 weeks to agree it or bog off. Let Cesc know and all his advisors. It is that simple. But we are now 2 weeks from the start of the season and we are still none the wiser if we kick off with or without our Captain. The same goes for Sami for that matter.
AW has eluded to the fact that basically Cesc is a mess at the moment. 2 weeks from the start of the season and he has not kicked a ball (I don’t buy this dodgy hamstring story) and he is clearly not focused. Not acceptable for me.
As for the Captain debate, my opinion is that he should not have had the armband last year so it will come as no surprise that I do not think he should have it this season. I do not doubt his professionalism for one second, but I do question his commitment to the club when he clearly wants to be elsewhere.
Emirates cup in the afternoon. Unfortunately work prevents me from enjoying real drinks with attending holics in the pins. I am sure it will be both vocal and liquid.
@Steve T: totally agree with the deadline, looks like it has been set if you believe the rumours that pass as news these days. As was the case last year Barca have spent their kitty on someone else and know very well they can’t afford Cesc. I really hope Cesc will see them for what they are this time.
On the armband I don’t know what to think, you are right but on the other hand taking it away from him if he stays would badly undermine him. Like others I think if Cesc stays he will recover from his disappointment and hopefully have a stellar season as he does every other year.
One thing I feel pretty sure about, your kids have the best education a junior gunner can hope for!
@Snir: on paper our cover is getting stronger but after half a season of the bench they will rot like the others before them. I hope lessons have been learned and we’ll see more rotation otherwise whoever has to fill will be as unfit as were those who had to last season.
Matt, You are so right about the nominally stronger cover. To remain strong they must be regular participants or they will rot. It is up to AW to use more rotation to prevent that from happening. And also to keep the whole squad involved and feeling part of the endeavor.
Matt @ 179
Holic might be able to give you a better indication of price comparisons re Alcohol as i was and never have been a drinker.
My Dad neither smoked or drank,i played many sports in my youth and i never felt the urge to take up grog.
The one occasion i did experiment when i was about 14,i nearly killed myself.
As regards other costs,programmes were sixpence,the official handbook was a shilling,a return trip by train to the Midlands was around 30 bob for adults and about 15 shillings for kids.
A trip up North by train was around 35 to 40 shillings and about half again for kids.
I cannot remember how much it cost to get into Highbury,not that my rascal of a father ever paid.
One of his best mates was on the turnstiles and i cannot remember any money ever changing hands.!!
Cheers
Clive
Steve @ 180
Judging by your commited and passionate blogs on Holic’s site,i think your children are very lucky to have you,and will grow up learning the REAL ‘ Arsenal Way ‘.
All the best for the new season.
cheers
Clive
Re: Clive @183 That’s the kind of post that makes this a special place to be.!!
Thanks a lot Clive, pretty impressed by your recollection of costs actually. Maybe I should quit drinking after all.
So in all those years programmes have become 60 times more expensive while the handbook is now 100 times the price it was back then. Talk about inflation…
@Nas: totally true. It’s exceptional to be able to read Clive’s post and many posts on this thread starting with ‘Holic’s compared to the rest of the Arsenal blogosphere…
Matt – I agree that in order to retain their form our cover guys need to play but I truly think they’ll get a lot of playing time.
I’m sure you guys all remember the discussions about AW making wholesale changes every time we’d have a midweek game and I don’t think he’ll change his ways this season.
Problem is, that whenever they did get the chance they didn’t really take it (Wigan, West Brom, Sunderland away etc.).
Our cover will get chances just like our cover last season got their chances, they just have to capitalize on them.
If we’re on the subject on rotation I would like to see AW change his ways and bring in 4-5 changes each time change is needed instead of changing the entire team.
BT8 @ 185
thnks for the complement Buddy,
Holic starts the ball rolling and away we go down Memory Lane.
Matt @ 186
The only other thing i can remember cost wise was that after each home game dad and i used to walk up to Kings Cross St Pancras and wait for the 6pm evening paper,which if i remember rightly was Pink.
It had all the footy results,reports,tables etc,and again i think it was sixpence.
Then we would go across the road and pay from memory around 2 Bob for a bloody great portion of fish and chips from our favorite chippy, [I always had Rock Salmon and the old fella had Cod ], and sit at a table and discuss all the results and peruse the league table,before wending our way home.
Even though he has been gone nearly 12 yrs now,i can still in my mind’s eye see him sitting there,big and broad,buckets for hands,sandy hair,blue eyes,like it was yesterday.
cheers
clive
Holic-clive love the stories of dad taking you to the Arsenal,as my dad did here but only in a mad rugby country my father being a reasonable rugby rep in his day i have vivid memories as a four year old of a ranferly(rugby FA cup) sheild match between Manawatu and counties in which i played against the four counties players on the back lawn the mourning of the match,i must of worn them out Bob Lendrum an ALL Black at the time droped a kick beside his post for Manawatu to score and win in injury time,i am still waiting for my loved Counties to win a Ranferly Sheild………sorry about the rugby your posts just brought back some memories
Great posts all. Love the father-son ones.
For all of those fortunate enough to be going to the Grove today; have a fantastic time. Enjoy the pints, the banter and the game! Some photos of your sober meeting, perhaps? Buy yourselfs a pint – I;ve called the landlord and he ensures me that a Mr L. Ars has put some cash behind the bar for you.
Can anyone tell me if and where the games are on TV? Or are we stream hunting?
CG – I’m pretty sure ESPN is broadcasting in the UK and in the US it’s on ESPN Deportes.
If you’re looking for a stream and don’t want to install Sopcast/Veetle et al your best bet will be –
atdhe.ws, livetv.ru/en, and myp2p.eu
In myp2p.eu you’ll have loads of sources and to watch a web based stream just press on “others”.
If you’re having problems with it, I’ll be at the bar tomorrow and help you out… You can email me as well, snir_geuli@hotmail.com
Cheers Snir – you are a mine of information!
Sure thing CG – The thing I’d do for a fellow holic (and the HT train driver :D)
*things
Some fine posts from days long ago ‘holic, H2H, Clive, tabs, etc. Your vivid memories almost makes it feel like I was there too or at least watching it on a widescreen HD TV. Fine work gentlemen.
H2H – I wouldn’t want you to piss into the wind or soil your shoes. I thought that we both came to the conclusion that the Copa was not a brilliant viewing spectacle (this time) and that I was arguing it is to SA what the Euros are to Europe. Anyway, if you insist on pissing into the wind might I suggest wearing those fishing footwear that go above the waist (hipwaiters, I believe), Welly’s, or use a raincoat. In any event, might I suggest that you refrain from wearing your wooden clogs whilst facing windward as I imagine urine would stain said footwear and therefore would make you less impressive in the eyes of the ladies π
Have a Grolsch on me H2H. Make that two, one for each hand. Cheers.
Here’s hoping for a couple of productive fine tuning exhibition matches this weekend without any further injuries and hope everyone enjoys the return of our prodigal son Titi.
UTA!!!
Some gems of posts here
Thanks ‘holic, I second Snir @ 101
H2H – Great story @ 71 Cheers
Yet to go through all the drink though..will get on it
200 will be reached long before I leave
Oh and I stumbled across this interview.
All I can say is that this guy is class.
His first answer is respectful and grateful to the club who made who is today.
Anyone doubting his love for the club or professionalism should remember this interview.
http://www.youtube.com/user/CescyFabGooner2#p/u/2/gtc7ECdve4E
That’s the way a player should behave.
200 is quite easy Ollie π
I’m saying 200 would be the amount of wrong decisions Phil Dowd will make in 2012.
Q for English ‘holics: Why doesn’t your country take the FIFA U20 WC seriously? It seems that your nation is sending a substandard team and that you took the UEFA U21s more seriously than the FIFA U20 WC.
Q for Snir: Do you ever sleep? And if so, during what time of the day?
heh well done.
200 is quite a conservative estimate I’d say π
Too many under-something competitions, maybe Stingy?
I see Coquelin and Sunu are in the French squad.
Hey Ollie π I see that you’re always complaining about the weather. Do you live in the French Alps?
heh Stingy, no, just Paris.
And believe it or not, it’s sunny this morning.
Hope the weather’s looking up in London too.
Matt, entrance to that game in ’65 would have been four shillings (20p) to the terraces, and probably six bob (30p) for a seat in the East Stand Lower. You couldn’t sit in the West Lower back then because it was still terracing.
I’m guessing the average wage would have been somewhere between Β£15 and Β£20 a week. I think in terms of a percentage of the average salary the cheapest tickets today probably compare favourably, percentage wise.
The problem the club haven’t seemed to grasp is that everything else has increased exponentially and is squeezing disposable income available for going to football.
But that is a very complex issue for debate elsewhere I suspect.
Morning ‘holic.
And goodbye as I’m leaving shortly.
See you tomorrow.
Have a good trip mate. Will text my train details.
Beautiful day on Brixton Hill. Van Persie top on and Her Nellieness sporting same for “that nice little lad” Jack Wilshere. Time to mosey along to Brixton Station for a rattle up the Victoria Line to Highbury and Islington. Wonder if that Thai restaurant “Shompoo” has reopened yet. Really good authentic Thai food.
Holic, Ollie, The Pins after the game tomorrow – looking forward to that.
Come on you reds!
Chompoo website says open from 5.30pm, BtM
Not sure if that is current, but there is a wide variety of good nosh on Holloway Road.
Indian Ocean for the obvious, El Molino for fabulous tapas, Amici for a bit of pizza or pasta.
Have a good day, will see you tomorrow.
Clive – respect to you and the 4,000! A bit before my time, but at least I was one of the 14,000.
Matt – As usual I can’t remember the exact year – so many years and games have tended to merge a bit for me – but when I first had mates who were old enough to drive, we just used to park the car two turnings round the corner from the stadium, walk up to the North Bank turnstiles, and in for Β£1.10.
No tickets, no parking restrictions, no seats, no stewards, no refreshment outlets apart from some caravan-like construction half-way up the steps at the back of the terrace.
Clive (again) – very envious of the ‘dad’ stories. My dad only ever took me to Highbury once – no idea why it never happened again, but he was not a regular anyway. But with that one trip the job was done.
He died 9 years ago, but whenever anyone mentions him, that one and only trip to Highbury under the lights is the first thing that springs to mind.
Bloody Hell, Football eh?
Snir – Thanks for the stream info. Enjoy wherever you’re watching.
Trev and everyone – Cheers, happy to help.
Can anyone tell me why everyone is going crazy on Cesc and turning against him based on what AW if he basically said what we all already knew?
People have totally turned against him (the twittersphere, and respected Gooners there as well) and AW didn’t really say anything new.
Great posts on here last night, hopefully will give my son the same memories…hope all going today have a good one, wont get over myself until october, november and am chomping…
Snir, Thanks for the stream info.
The Scottish league having started early might even be worth watching if it were any competition. Aberdeen the last club (in 1985) to have won the league other than Celtic or Rangers, and only one club (Hearts in 2006) even made runners in the last 16 years.
I wonder if the Arsenal players will pick up on the fact that the longest, loudest chants this weekend are likely to be for an opponent?
Cause for thought for a few of them.
U.S. national team fans have been hoping for this story for about 5 years and today Klinsmann was named as the new coach.
http://tinyurl.com/3hp7a7w
Hopefully he can develop a striker anywhere near as good as he was.
Oops, I forgot JK was a dirty rotten stinking Spud. π
Aside from Thierry, Riquelme should get a big hand too, having ensured we made our only Champions League Final to date.
Trev @ 210.
How very strange,your Dad taking you once,and never again,i wonder what motivated him to take you just that one time.
Yet here you are all these years later,still Wedded to The Arsenal.
Just be grateful he didn’t choose WHL for your initiation.!!
Cheers
Clive
OMG, Given’s second save on Malouda is one of the best I’ve ever seen.
(Looks like the Casillas save vs. Sevilla)
He scrambled like a Hockey goalie!
Thierry Henry on the bench.
I’ve got it covered…
http://twitpic.com/5y8mgn
Looking forward to first real sight on Al Jaz on satellite – (good goal for New York in 1st half)
“Holic – back in 65 my salary was 765pa just out of college so may be average was even higher, making prices much higher pro rata today
enjoy the match everyone
For those who like to avoid the ‘holic pound I am on 3-2 (28/1) and 4-2 (50/1), both with Sportingbet.
‘holic, I wasn’t aware the ‘holic pound was a fixture in preseason fixtures. How did it fare on the games so far, our is this the pound’s initial outing?
My stream just froze on Keown’s face. Not good.
Quick visit to down a bloody mary.
Catch up with the drinks later.
Tv’s ready here, tap is open, so I’d just like to say;
COME ON YOU RIP ROARING REDS!!!!
Crap, we’re in blue π
Not really THE ‘holic pound bt8bbnn. A frivolous couple of punts to liven the afternoon up.
Anyone streaming? Link?
MyP2P.eu
The ESPN one is working so far Harsha.
The only stream I can get to work would be great – if only the guy who is streaming it had a satellite dish that didn’t flop about and consequently fail to recieve anything more than five seconds at a time…
‘holic, Thanks for the clarification and glad I didn’t miss anything earlier. π On my stream there was a brief shot of Cesc smiling on the sideline, so look out for numerous stories citing the smile as proof that he is staying at Arsenal. π
Gervinho looking like a spark of life in the first half, I thought.
Lars, firstrowsports.eu is working pretty well for me.
Lars
http://atdhenet.tv/38305/watch-arsenal-vs-boca-juniors
This is an excellent stream, only problem is that it’s got 30 second in-game ads every 20 minutes or so.
bt8bbnn – My dad was actually saying Cesc looked depressed as hell, I guess it all depends how you interpret it π
Finally, I found one that works for me:
http://www.aljazeerasport.net/live/201113172354173268.html
All the others just worked for a few seconds and then froze up on me.
Snir, Yes, it’s all in the interpretation as you say. And that’s what the Fleet Street crowd understand. As a matter of fact, “Cesc Depressed as Hell Watching Team Play” would probably make it past a few Fleet Street editors. π
Is the Boca keeper a clone of Fabianski, or am I confused? He looks like Fabianski and then he did an awful kick.
Looks like a Squillaci/Djourou double bill of bloopers …
I’m not optimistic about us signing a CB and Mata, but AW – PLEASE sign a CB, please, I’m begging. PLEASE!
We’re didn’t concede from set pieces but we did concede from basic errors, so nothing’s changed basically…
God, this is so frustrating.
Snir, tell your dad it is in most cases impossible to tell if a person is depressed just by looking at him/her π
That second half was a sleeping pill. We’d be better off just forgetting it ever happened, I think. Can’t say too much about the first half due to not having seen too much of it.
Clive @219 – yes, I’m forever grateful Clive, but it was very strange, and a shame I don’t have the memories that you and ‘holic, among others, are lucky enough have.
Still, at least we did that one all important game.
Some people should have to sit a test before being allowed on Twitter.
It’s a fucking friendly using squad players for fucks sake.
So let me get this straight…two up with good offensive play. Then we play ping pongball again at the back…
I don’t even have the energy. And our “captain” is too “unsettled” to play. I don’t even know what that means.
Looking at the Cesc situation from a glass half full perspective, at least he was in the stadium today watching the team he’s captain of. I guess there wasn’t an F1 race in Barcelona today π
So ‘holic it was a friendly – apart from targeting LJW which should have led to a 2nd yellow/red – that I understand – but imagine if you were Cesc sitting in the stand , , would you get the encouragement to stay, or is it the same old same old …
A breath of fresh blood from Gervinho, Jenkinson and Frimpong in the 1st half, but nothing at all new in the 2nd was not a surprise given the changes made
Off for a large Cognac in the sun hoping against hope for at least 4 signings in August
COYR
4 signings at least? Think you’re confused, we’re Arsenal not Paris St Germain.
And I very much doubt Fabregas is going to be swayed either way by what he sees in a friendly
The Catalan press today say that Cesc is willing to pay the difference between BarΓ§a’s bid and Arsenal’s ask …
He must be richer than I thought, Stingy.
re Snir Geuli 199, thanks for that link, it was really great. Feeling quite emotional up here in Aberdeen! Seeing Thierry Henry at the Emirates started it. Hope you all have a good time tomorrow, am really jealous.
About the wearing of the away kit, is it not a friendly game practice for the home team to wear the away kit? It happened in the Audi Cup too. Sure someone knows the answer!