Book Review – 32 Programmes
Aug 4th, 2011 by 'holic
A little nostalgia helps to take my mind off what might otherwise drive me over the edge. The longstanding regulars may recall me confessing to following non-league football a good few years back when reviewing a book called The Bromley Boys. The author of that book, Dave Roberts got in touch recently with a copy of his latest offering, and I have to say the teenage ‘holic again lit up inside me as I read it.
There is a story behind the book. When Dave and his wife prepared to move to the United States he was rather less than chuffed to be told that he could take as many of his 1,134 football programmes as would fit in a Tupperware box. The answer is thirty-one to be precise, although an extra one would be added to the collection at a later date. In a thoroughly entertaining fashion Dave takes us programme by programme through his collection.
His first was Fulham versus Manchester United in 1964, and his last was Bromley versus AFC Hornchurch in 2008. In between I have to recount that his closest brush with following a professional side with as much passion as he reserved for his beloved Bromley was a momentous week in April 1971 with the Arsenal. Dave, a gentle individual it seems, in a bid to win favour with the Arsenal skinheads at his school, casually mentioned he was going to watch the Gunners away at Forest. Of course he wasn’t at all, but one of the skinheads asked for a programme.
Desperate not to lose face the author makes the hectic trip to Nottingham, and also has the type of confrontation with the locals on the bridge over the Trent that many of us experienced back in the day. I can see Dave’s account in real life in my imagination. A combination of his fine recollection and a vivid picture of the journey from the railway station to the City Ground in my memory brings the whole evening to life.
Sadly one week later Dave’s attachment to Arsenal was brought to a premature end as his new skinhead mates see him carried away by the St Johns staff after fainting at the home game with Burnley. That is a real shame because I have a feeling Dave would have been able to paint a marvellous picture of some of the Arsenal days out that followed.
One more Arsenal trip makes the book, as Dave was at Loftus Road for the 1976 encounter which saw Frank Mclintock score one of the goals by which QPR defeated us. The programme he bought that day contained a winning lucky number, and his prize was a Rangers tracksuit top, later carelessly lost, but you will have to read the book yourself for that story.
32 Programmes is the story of a youthful football obsession that I shared, crushes on disinterested girls (tick for that one too), leaving home (more than once – snap), and more. If you are a child of the fifties and sixties you will find much in the pages to make you smile, but it is no more exclusively for us oldies than Fever Pitch was.
The book is released today, published by Bantam Press. You can get it ebook format, or you can order a real paper version through the Amazon ad in the sidebar. (Sorry Peter Storey, it’s a temporary break for you!)
Maybe one quiet day I will try to compose a list of what my 32 would have been had the situation arisen. We’ll see.
Cheers ‘holics.
193 Responses to “Book Review – 32 Programmes”
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Thirst!!
Good work H2H.
This one is on me 🙂
Cheers ‘holic.
Sounds like a good read, the concept that it’s just not a guy following one team, is also interesting.
I hope it does well.
First + three places!
Hol’s & Holics, are you participating in the Barclay’s Fantasy Premier League competition? If so, I would like to join your league (if you have one) or join with you in another. I just want to match wits & retorts with class people.
Hol’s, please feel free to send information to my email.
Cheers!
Cheers Lonestar,
We should have one this season, shouldn’t we?
I’ll look into it and try and set it up over the weekend.
LG – That’s a great idea. Let’s have the Holic fantasy league! That’d add a lot of fun and banter to the drinks 😀
Lol, didn’t see you there Holic, beat me to it 😀
You’re my main man, ‘Holic. Let me know if I can help. I am, as you guys would say, chuffed 😉
*places cash on bar*
Drink up, boys. I’m off to more work.
Holic, what’s the holic pound on us getting Rubin Kazan?
The force is strong with that one, Luke.
I mean, Snir 😉
il have a murphys barman,,,,love the blog ,, im supporting arseanal 20 years and ive never felt so gloomy 2 weeks till kick off,,wenger needs to do a wenger and find us some keowns,adams ,,campbells or its gonna be a long ass irish winter,,,although the rugby world cup is on soon ,,,another murphys please,,,ireland for the world cup!!!!
Easy irish,
Removed that last post because, although I sympathise with the sentiment, I don’t want that stuff blowing up on an Arsenal blog.
Especially this Arsenal blog.
Cheers.
I’ll sign up for the FFL for sure, we can have a ‘holic league and a HtoH (or H2H one ;)) too,
Good fun.
no bother holic,,im just annoyed i will have to watch a few of their matchs to see how kyle will develop this season because in fairness they seem to be doing a good job wit him,,,that tackle on scott brown last season is exactly what the arsenal are missing
Love strolls down memory lane like this. There’s something about finding out why a team sticks to a kid, and how he stays stuck to the team through trial (his) and error (theirs).
About a year ago I was at a small bookshop not far from the “local” of the New York Gooners and picked up “My Favourite Year,” edited by Hornby and including a chapter from him — not about Arsenal, but about his second team, Cambridge United. Also Roddy Doyle talking about Ireland in the 1990 World Cup, and a neat piece by a Scotsman following Leeds as a teenager because of all their Scottish players in the Clough “Damned United”/WACCOE season — of course, following the World Cup that Scotland qualified for and England didn’t. A nice piece on Norwich 1993, too. Nothing on Arsenal in the book, in fact the Gunners are barely even mentioned, but also no Spurs, Chelsea or Man U.
The problem with fantasy footy leagues is that you find yourself subconsciously rooting for wankers like Rooney etc in games that you know you shouldnt – I say you should avoid it Holic, but if you decide you want to go for it, I will participate as long as I can select a 100% Arsenal 11 with me as manager.
I have been fighting the Guinness cordon tonite folks so apologies if I ramble, but can I just say thanks to Trev and Harsha for their kind words in the last set of drinks?
That, and what the fuck was Cusop on about in the same said drinks? He’s a piece of work, for sure.
U reds. 8)
Shit, did I just dream that someone asked Holic to consider a fantasy football competition for this blog?
Oh god Lonestar @ 4 – time for bed Zebedee zico 🙂
Enjoyed the post, Holic and will download the book.
Irish, reading between the lines you’re referring to Kyle Bartley’s return to the Govan wastelands? I think it’s a fair move for him as long as Rangers play him as a CB and not in the mid-field role he played for them until injured last season. Rangers captain David Weir is now 41 (what!), so a Bartley – Bughera pairing could be on the cards. He looks like a big strong lad. Hopefully he’ll be in contention for an Arsenal role next season.
Pity the Teddy Bears were not out of Europe last night, he’ll miss that experience with them.
Zico – That’s true when there is actually a prize to be won for the league. If we just keep score and it’ll be for the banter then I for one, would want to do well in it so for bar bragging rights but I won’t root for other teams that have my players on ’em 🙂
Heh, Zico…
The problem for me and fantasy leagues is that I’ll never win because there are some wankers (players and teams) that I will NEVER select.
Said wankers then go on to score mad, crazy points.
It’s all in fun though, but I do understand your sentiment.
Up the Arse.
Breaking news , breaking news, breaking news, breaking news.
I have been on the sauce for 8 hours. It has taken me 2 hours to get home on the central line. But I had 2 hours of the stone roses and the rifles. TS, as a big Who fan you have to check out The Rifles if you don’t know them.
So, who have we signed? What have I missed???? Oh,we have not bought anyone yet then.???? Oh well.
A pedigree for me please as a nigh cap please.
Bergkamp’s the Man –
good to see you here again Dennis. Just to repeat the thanks for your kind words, left with a little note in the last set of drinks.
‘Holic – will order this one and the previously mentioned Bromley Boys, which had slipped the memory banks.
1 Advance order for your own too. Has to be done, you know.
And i have just discovered a cheeky little scotch egg in the fridge. Now if that does not compensate for the lack of signings I don’t know what will.
Nice piece by the way holic. Thank you.
I second BtM’s sentiments regarding Bartley. Since it looks like we won’t upgrade the CB position we may very well need him. Give Bartley one solid full season playing regular footy with the Strangers and he could very well be Arsenal ready this time next year. Nice big strong lad. Just the way Wolfgang likes’em 😈
As this is a nostalgic piece, I was intrigued enough to read the article on arsenal.com about Carl Jenkinson’s reasons for choosing the No 25 shirt.
It has to be a boyhood memory of Kanuuuuuu and that fantastic hat-trick vs the Chavs in the rain at Stamford Bridge.
Or that triple shimmy without actually touching the ball that left all those Deportivo defenders and keeper on their arses as the ball rolled into the net.
The fantastic mid-air back-heel to score in that 6-0 (6-1?) victory away at Middlesborough.
Er, actually no.
The reason is, it’s his parents’ door number !!
Is it me ???
G’night.
‘Holic, It sounds like a great read and to celebrate the change in your sidebar, I decided to order it. 🙂
Re: Trev @27: Jenkinson sounds like a live one. 😉
Re: Steve T.: After 8 hours on the sauce, I would say that one scotch egg is just the start of what you need. Maybe a full dozen? 🙂
Judging by the title of ‘holic’s post, the magic number tonight is 32 and there don’t seem to be too many people hungering for it, so I hope you don’t mind if I pull a sneaky one here …
3 more to go.
Just two more!
A magic goal!!!!
You been drinking again 8ball? :drunk:
Hey 8ball,
That Mexicano with the two cracking goals for Chivas yesterday was amongst those suspended and sent home from the Mexican U23 team which represented their nation at the Copa America. There were eight players sent home in total. Jonathan dos Santos too. Their sin: inviting a group of prostitutes in their hotel rooms 😎
Stingy, I think that’s the 2nd time this year the Mexicans have had a scandal like that with putas servicing a national team. Tsk, tsk, tsk. I misnamed the Mexicano with the cracking goals in the last set of drinks, his correct name is Marco Fabian. And it’s interesting to know that Jonathan is the brother of Giovanni dos Santos, of Tottenham infamy. I assume that means that Carlos Vela was not among the arrested. Perhaps it’s his moral superiority, being Arsenal and all? 😉
Maybe you’re thinking about the Copa Oro? In that one the Mexicans had some 5-7 players suspended for ingesting performancing enhancing drugs. They claimed the drugs came from tainted beef 🙄 That team won that competition and had both Hernandez and Giovanni dos Santos on it. I didn’t hear about another Mexican team inviting prostitutes over to the hotel — but I won’t put it past any of their teams 😉
Stingy, So much vice it’s hard to keep track of the details… Apparently, the first incident happened in Ecuador in June.
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/170858/20110628/mexico-soccer-prostitutes-scandal.htm
… And Vela was not among the 8 players suspended in the prostitution scandal, and neither was he among the 5 players suspended in the banned substances scandal. Moral superiority might have a role to play here because what are the odds of him not being in either suspended group? I’m not sure but maybe the ‘holic pound can help on that one. 😉
Anyone care to join me for some Old Speckled Hen on this fine Friday? This looks a really good read, I can’t wait to pick it up. By the way ‘holics, has anyone of you ever read this book: Rebels For The Cause: The Alternative History Of Arsenal Football Club? It also looks really good and I tried picking it up in bookstores on Oxford Street last month when I visited England but every single bookstore I went in only had crappy Fergie bios 🙁
Morning Cannons,
Go to the Amazon ad in my sidebar and click it. Once you are in Amazon search ‘books’ for ‘Rebels For The Cause’, buy one of the many cheap copies there, and put just over three bob in my Amazon account at the same time!
Cheers.
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2F6QxfTao
Any gooner wanna celebrate?! Bring your asses to Raleigh, NC. I think this deserves a fucking party, and no, it’s not BYOB!!
On a serious note, I’m thrilled that silent Stan doesn’t talk but at least he’s knows how to tell Barca to CUoCO!
It’s so fun seeing them cry, their poor asses aren’t used to be told no. Even Udinese agreed for a postponement on Sanchez’s fee so they can pay for Cesc.
Well, CUoCO!!
I choose CO.
And I know we haven’t started the season yet and the window hasn’t closed yet, but it’s a “final” offer and I’d be amazed if we sell on say the 29th or something with 2 days to find a replacement. Don’t see that happening.
Morning Holic et al. I’m in for the fantasy league thing if it happens!
Mexican last night;
Extra pica salsa? Check.
Plenty of beers? Check.
Ill advised tequila chupitos? Check.
Absurdly ill advised coffee at end of meal? Check.
Lack of sleep? Check.
Ring of fire? Check.
Patients lining up in waiting room as I type? Check.
NOW is the time for coffee please.
Next week is internationals.
I doubt if we sign anybody next week, meaning – Newcastle away and no new CB.
And if we do intend to sell Cesc, I expect them not to let him play in the EPL and then sell him, can’t play and then sell him, that’s total disrespect to our season’s targets and ambitions. Either he’s with us for the ride or he’s not.
Morning All!
Dr. C @ #43,
I can relate to your v.amusing post….
7-a-side footie in the park on the astro pitch last night? Check.
More damage to right leg? Check
One too many beers after the game? Check
Alcohol & ibuprofen cocktail? Check
Lack of sleep (what a surprise)? Check
Up at 6AM to fetch milk and biccies for Storey son? Check
Deadlines to meet today? Check
Back out on the sauce this evening? Check
Strong coffee in hand? Check
Another for Dr.C? Check
I bet that’s just a walk in the park for many here.
Have a good day 😆
Snir @ #41
“… On a serious note, I’m thrilled that silent Stan doesn’t talk but at least he’s knows how to tell Barca to CUoCO!…”
Can you supply some further details?
Cheers.
Another is very necessary, TS. I’ll send my girls out for two more cafe solos.
Yes.
Barca said (for all that’s worth, I know… :\) that their latest offer is their final one.
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2F6QxfTao
This means we rejected it (I’m guessing it was high on the agenda of the board meeting yesterday).
So Silent Stan is supportive of AW holding out for 40M.
Personally I think, that if we sell Nasri, get Mata, keep Cesc and get a CB and we win the league. I don’t see United as a better team, only a team with more mental strength, but I hope that that would be dealt with by the club (psychologist anyone?).
Anyway, we rejected their latest bid which they say is their last.
If they do bid again, I expect us to reject it as it’d be way too close to the season, and I’d be livid if he plays in the EPL and then gets sold to Barca. Can’t see that happening.
TS @ 46
Up at 6am.!!!!
You’re sleeping in mate.
I’m up at 3am,
do 1’000 situps and a 1’000 pushups.
Go for a 2hr run,
back at 6am,when you are still in bed.!!
Take the dog for an hrs walk.
7am car to airport,
Private jet to the Himalayas,
run up Mount Everest,plant Arsenal flag on summit,
run back down the hill,it’s not really a fucking mountain where i come from,!!!
back to airport,jump on plane,back home in time for dinner.!!
Cheers
Clive
Excellent Dr.C.
The girls in summer dresses are back in hiding here in the UK, more’s the pity. Cool with rainclouds. Although, I hear Wolfgang is readying his strapless collection to coincide with the new season. Somehow though, that’s no substitute for me.
Steve T @ #22
Cheers for recommendation. Can you recommend a Rifles album or a few tracks to get me started?
For those who can get french channels, the match tomorrow is on ‘Direct 8’
yippee
Urgh, yuk!!! Did anyone see that beautiful DB10 goal in the Van Der Saar testimonial match? A thing of beauty, obviously, but then he turns around and high-fives Shrek and smiles at him! I hope God washed his hands after touching that balding, chavvy, scouse thug.
Rumour has it Camberwell, that God is now recovering in a local infirmary from a mild dose of the cheatingdivinggrannyshaggingsmoking virus 😉
Cognac,
What else can you get on French channels? 😉
No problems with Bartley going on loan – good experience, and hopefully suggets a CB coming in? Otherwise I think we’d have agreed to only 6 months so that we had the option of him covering after Christmas when the injuries start to add up.
Pure HT speculation, of course!
TS – *lights candles, kneels down and prays for a rapid and total recovery*
Dr. C – I’d have sent Bartley to a loan in the EPL and not SPL :\
To His Cliveness @ #50
Thank you for sharing your incredible schedule. I did say my routine would be a walk in the park for many.
Wonderful to hear that someone of your tender years retains so much vim and vigour. Did your sojourn in the SU help to deeply re-charge those vast batteries? I would be forever grateful if you would share with us your tips on staying young and beautiful. I know WS would also appreciate the latter.
Thanks for making this Gooner laugh yet again 🙂
@55 TS – there are 3 sets of channels but for footie its a bit limited,
digital (I guess for those on UK south coast with aerial in right direction) TF1, France 2, M6 and Direct 8 are most likely or Canal+ group on subscription
motorised satellite – free to air (rarely) or on subscription (see liveonsat.com)
other sources, (rebroadcasts over internet via certain decoders) which apparently are better than the feeds we all look for (p2p sharing is I guess what this is)
Cheers for the link Snir @ #49.
I can now see NewsNow has a bunch of similar and badly reported tales. Cannot be ar*ed and will not click on that load of old b*ll*cks.
My private bet for both Cesc & Nasri starting the season is, incredibly, still holding water. But who knows what could happen in the next 8 days?
My guess is what Paul Daniels would say “not a lot”!
Cheers for the info cognac. Very complete!
TS – Your bet is still holding water true, but IMO there should be one deadline and that is the first official game Cesc plays with us, if he plays at Newcastle, United, Liverpool at home or UCL I expect us no to sell.
As for Nasri, even if he plays and we can sell I expect us to sell a player who is in the last year of his contract.
Mata and a CB that’s all we need.
The draw for the CL playoff starts in a few minutes… I am still conviced it will be Kazan.
What’s the ‘holic pound on, Lars?
Udinese.
So… Udinese it is then.
Udinese. First leg at home.
Snir @ 58 – yeah, me too. There are plenty hammer throwers up here, and not the best place to develop Wengerball.
My head hurts? Check. 🙁
First match at home with no AW, Nasri, RvP and possibly Cesc.
Have to say, not confident.
TS @ 59
I owe it all to the voluptuous Cicilia,
To say she has reinvigorated,re energised and rejuvenated this old Body and Soul of mine,would be a massive understatement.
Along with the 3 Pints of Bull’s Blood for breakfast,2 Virgin’s Hearts
lightly braised in butter and garlic for lunch,and deep fried Monkey Brains with a side plate of grilled Snake Testicles for Dinner,i continue to perform incredible feats of endurance that would quail the hearts of men half my age.!!
If you want the Lunch and Dinner recipes,let me know.
cheers
Clive
We’ll play the first game at home, by the way.
The other games are
Odense-Villarreal
Twente-Benfica
BM-Zürich
Lyon-Kazan
We should beat Udinese both home and away, but I can’t help but feel a bit worried…
Lars, I’m a lot worried.
Our UCL away form isn’t perfect to say the least and at home we’re gonna be without RvP, Nasri and maybe Cesc.
No one to create chances and no one to finish ’em.
Not the best draw but winnable – and if the worst comes to the worst, we’d still be in Europe
I can’t help think that there are a few who might be wondering that they would not have to worry about this tie if they had bothered to get their finger out at the end of last season. Time to man up.
Quite possibly without jack and theo as well.
They’ve lost Sanchez, which is good for us.
Guys, a tough tie is the best outcome. This team have performed in the big games – its when they turn up thinking all they have to do is turn up when things go Pete Tong….
Snir @ 70
my friend,i have to say you strike me as the Eternal Pessimist with a Capital P.!!
But have no fear,Wolfie has already hatched a cunning plan.
He is going to infiltrate the Udinese change room at the Ems,in his
Speedos and Jimmy Choos,masquerading as a ball girl,by the time he has finished stroking/sucking/squeezing/swallowing/deep throating every ‘ Member ‘ of the team,by the time they run out on to the pitch,they will not know whether they are ‘ Coming ‘ or ‘ Going ‘.
Cue a comfortable 5 nil win,allowing us to send a reserve team over for the 2nd leg,and allow the first team to rest up ready for the trip to Utd the following w/end.
Cheers
Clive
Clive – HT personified. Well said mate.
Clive – Either you don’t read most my posts or the transfer window had a negative effect on me :).
I start every season (this one included) with full confidence we’ll win the league. It’s just that I have strong gut feelings and this gut feeling tells me not to be overly confident considering our suspensions and the fact that the tie is sandwiched between Liverpool and United in the league.
You can go back and check my level of optimism in previous drinks, in fact, I’m quite sure I was one of the people who pushed for the HT to be built in the first place (in 09-10 it was just a happy bus, we didn’t have a budget for a train 🙂 )!!!
Zico. This team? This team will not be playing. Hone keg will be no clichy, Nasri, rvp, theo and jack. Cesc and NB may well be gone. So it will be almost a totally different side. Just as well we did all of our buying early doors to give the new lads enough time to bed in???????????.
Oh, yeah. Sorry, I forgot.
I can vouch for Snir, fully paid up member with DL Ltd.
Head still hurting? Check.
Steve T – last I heard Theo was going to be fit for Newcastle, and Jack as well.
I’m not saying it will be easy, but as you have rightly pointed out, they have no one to blame but themselves for that.
I still stand by belief however that the last thing we need is for the attitude shown last season against ,say, West Brom at home, to be repeated.
The worst case scenario regarding this draw was that we got the Russian team, so I for one am happy we avoided them.
Zico – I’m quite sure I’m one of the founders 😀
Steve T – Agree completely, the way it’s looking now, we have lots of suspensions and the players will come off a very tough match at St. James’ for the first leg and a tough match with Liverpool at home for the second leg.
Like you said, it’d most probably be Gibbs, Gervinho, Ramsey and Chamakh for Clichy, Nasri, Cesc and RvP. Can’t say that’s an improvement (maybe only TV for JD is). That is of course if Theo and Jack are fit…
Snir @ #70 – I think your confidence is in need of a boost. Have you had a rummage in the CMC lately? 😉
Clive @ #71 – Thank you, more than enough information for now. The VC has a lot to answer for!
zico @ #69 – You old softie you. It’s a trip to Clive’s kitchen for you…
Snir – just to cheer you up, Arsene is banned from the first leg too! 😉
Sky reported that both jack and theo are struggling for the first game. Both likely to miss out. Remember this is not mid season where they have full fitness and it is just a case of getting better.
Udinese excellent for me I live an hour away and get to see the mighty reds
Sky report lots of things, some of which I could use to compost my lawn (if I had a lawn)
TS @ 86 – if Clive’s kitchen is stocked with Guinness (as opposed to Virgin’s Hearts) then I’m in!
Steve T – Sky ain’t exactly a fool proof source though, is it?
Why the hell is AW banned? Can someone jog my memory?
Camberwell, Arsene had complaints that were a bit too strong for UEFA’s liking about Barca’s best player, one Massimo Bussacca.
Camberwell
For appealing against the RVP sending off vs Farca I think.
Ah, crossed with Lars 😳
Austrian @ #89
Welcome back. We all await your match report with much anticipation. Enjoy!
No doubt, several of us will do one for the home leg the week before. All being well, I’ll be there. I’m sure we’ll spank Italian ar*e…er… so to speak.
For the attention of Harsha (previous round of drinks)
Dear Fellow Traveller
Please find enclosed one virtual season ticket for the HT MKii service which leaves for Portugal at 9pm sharp this evening.
This ticket allows you access to all areas of the train, although DL Ltd will accept no liability for any untoward event that may occur if you venture anywhere near the Noah Carriage, nor any diseases that you may contract from the specimens therein. In particular, you should always wear your Bubble Wrap Suit in the event of approaching the pet commonly known as Cusop. Nor will D L Ltd accept any liability for any sporting injury which may ensue from any “activity” undertaken in the Sports carriage, particularly if the injury arises from getting in and out of your Bubble Wrap Suit. Or indeed getting in and out of anything.
Please send your payment to our resident chemist(s) at our Head Office, who will perform their usual quality check. Please remember that we accept payment in Llama, should your mushroom stock suffer from any blight or pestilence.
Forever yours
Dr Feelgood
Spurs coming to town for zico – worth the admittance fee to shout nasty things at Harry Twitch.
Udinese is not the worst of draws. Especially as they only start their season at the end of August.
Looks more favourable to me than Celtic last time.
Would have loved the first game away just to be able to go though.
Bah.
Do you think Cusop will pop round for one at your local, zico?
Actually, perhaps I should beg my boss to see if there’s any activity to be done in Trieste that week 😉
UEFA are a bunch of chocolate starfish.
I know just the place to take him, Ollie 😉
Ollie @ #98
Agreed, Udinese is just fine. Very winnable even without notable squad members. I’m guessing that you won’t ST it to The Ems on that night unless your going to make an extended trip to London and take in the Italians and The Smashers all in one go???
zico,
If you spot Cousin Op, please show him to his berth in the pets carriage amongst the llamas and other hairy beasts. Please do not feed the animals 😉
They have lost Gokhan Inler and Sanchez this summer, and their season proper starts a lot later than ours so we should be better prepared than them. Still, tough draw, Wenger suspended from the first leg and we’re playing away in the second leg. We’ll have to play well to qualify.
Makes our pathetic capitualtion from March onwards last season even more annoying.
I’ve an interesting post from Dr Feelgood on that very thing TS, but for some reason its not getting past the Barman’s spam filter.
I think Dr F could be under scrutiny – probably Interpol again 😉
TS, yeah unlikely, I would have possibly stayed on a couple of nights in Holland if we were playing Twente there.
But ST tickets already booked on a day trip for the Smashers, so even if I went to the Udine game, would be in one of these mad dashes leave tuesday back on wednesday.
I know I’ve done the incessant travelling to and fro and worse before, but this early in the season maybe not.
Unless Udinese-supporting mate wants to go to the game.
Ollie, are you going to be around for some ale after the Mickeys match?
zico @ #104,
Maybe it’s the Commons Select Committee having a delve into DLL?
Ollie @ #105,
Yes, to do both is probably a (Friar) bridge too far at this stage. Udinese will be a good warm-up for The Mickeys.
Could be TS – I’ll see if I can get it posted on his behalf anyway…..
On Behalf of D L Ltd
For the attention of Harsha (previous round of drinks)
Dear Fellow Traveller
Please find enclosed one virtual season ticket for the HT MKii service which leaves for Portugal at 9pm sharp this evening.
This ticket allows you access to all areas of the train, although DL Ltd will accept no liability for any untoward event that may occur if you venture anywhere near the Noah Carriage, nor any diseases that you may contract from the specimens therein. In particular, you should always wear your Bubble Wrap Suit in the event of approaching the pet commonly known as Cusop. Nor will D L Ltd accept any liability for any sporting injury which may ensue from any “activity” undertaken in the Sports carriage, particularly if the injury arises from getting in and out of your Bubble Wrap Suit. Or indeed getting in and out of anything.
Please send your payment to our resident chemist(s) at our Head Office, who will perform their usual quality check. Please remember that we accept payment in Llama, should your mushroom stock suffer from any blight or pestilence.
Forever yours
Dr Feelgood
Clive @50 – Lightweight . I do all that and more dressed in my speedoes and Jimmy Choos .
@71 testicles for Dinner ? A mere snack .
@79 – A cunning half time plan indeed . The Gooner Malaysian Ladyboy Massive are on stand-by . What those boys can do with a few oranges has to be seen to be believed .
Well done DF, spot on!
Welcome aboard Harsha!
Do try to avoid petting Cousin Op. Apart from the overwhelming smell of rotting pilchards there is a slight risk of catching delusionitis-c*nticus if you make contact and it’s a notoriously diificult virus to treat, even with a well stocked CMC and the three doctors aboard. If you must remove your BWS then keep your bio-suit handy (if you have one) as a further preventative measure.
Udinese ? never heard of them ! Piece of fucking piss , with or without Nas , Fab , V-P , and even Jack . Jesus , let’s at least play the game before we all start getting hysterical .
Heh @ Professor TES 😀
Wolfgang you are a man amongst Ladyboys…..
Afternoon Wolfgang.
Can you please keep The GMLM on standby for The Mickeys too?
Can understand if none of them wants to attempt a ‘procedure’ on Kuyt though….. nasty! 😉
Afternoon lads.
I for one am pretty happy with that draw, are we really worried about a second rate Serie A team that lost their best players during the off season, who won’t even of kicked a competitive ball yet?
Fuck ’em.
Dr Z – you’ve got me all a flutter 🙂
TS – they’re not fussy , Hardinso or Hardinso Endit , its all the same to them .
Rose Street and 18 pubs later! Zico would then be saying phaucking london sassanack!hatespuds I need a pish!
Afternoon H2H , wise words indeed Sir . Bloody Mary on the Bar for you .
Cheers tabs.
I could use it. As I said last night, I decided to lay off the sauce for a while… Big mistake. I’ve woke up this morning with a sore throat and a snotty nose.
I’m sure there’s a lesson to be learned here somewhere.
I know where you’re coming from . I decided some time ago not to drink any more . Happily , I also decided not to drink any less 🙂 Get it down yer .
Cusop, that’s what I say on my way TO the pub 😉
TS@96
It’s a deal
I’m looking at this way, it’s not an easy game by any means, but this is a side that finished well behind two teams who lost to the Spuds last season. One of those teams couldn’t even score against them over 180 minutes!
Zico @104.
Re Dr F. My guess is that it’s the c.u.n.t.s.
Raise the alert level
@ Catalan – I will raise the alert level, once you have solved the acronym of course, as you knew I was going to ask!
zicio 107, yes indeed.
Presumably this time we’ll manage not to avoid
missyou. 😉There was meant to be a strikethrough there.
If memory serves me correctly it was TABS who named the Catalan Undercover Narcotics and Terrorism Squad.
….er…. migh’ve been me….. too much mirth to remember Dr.C 😉
@ Ollie – nice one. No chance of me being kept prisoner south of the river this time. I think TS is going to be the ringleader of this particular expedition.
@ Catalan, thanks for reminding me. We have gone to Defcon 5 😀
Heh, the strikethrough was the other way ’round, cheeky ‘holic!
H2H – Absolutely. Anyway, isn’t a 2nd leg away supposed to slightly favour us?
If we can’t turn that lot over we’ll know we don’t deserve to be in it.
Pints of that Australian staple, Victory Beer, all round!
U D Naysee .. bit like an unemployment form.. Guys I hear Upson and Campbell are looking for homes. Big boys and have had a special relationship with Arse-ne. May be they are just what you need.
Nasri and Fab were looking pretty miserable at training any ideas why!!
They heard you were in the neighbourhood, Cus?
*apologies for entering late*
Holics,
I am very upset here. How can anyone be happy with the fact that our “captain” put up 3mil of his own money to get away from us?
This is a new low. We better cup-tie his ass.
Only Obama (I apologize in advance for the political reference) would call this – rejecting a bid in which your “captain” offered his own money to leave – victory.
I don’t feel too bad about the CL draw. I expect a win, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we cocked it up, either.
I hope this missive doesn’t jeopardize my seat on the HT Mk II. I should be in a better mood by kick-off with the Geordies.
That is all…
Yeah, look at him, he’s almost in tears;
http://www.arsenal.com/assets/_files/scaled/498×322/aug_11/zp_Arsenal_training_4_1_29B02E_2741.jpg?ic=f3dbb3T
(repost from Ollie from yesterdays drinks)
137 was to Cusop.
@ lonestar, fine purveyor of llama (and thus assured of a berth on the HT), cheer up.
We’re gonna win at least the treble, remember? 😀
Ah, Zico,
What was I thinking, mate? Unless, of course, one of the treble was the Ems Cup… 😛
We’ll be ok…Come on you Reds!
We got the Eusbio Cup tomorrow, so that’s one in the bag, after that the PL and the CL will be a walk in the park.
DrZ @136 – 🙂
Lonestar @136 – Sounds like you’ve been spending too much time with the press mate . Some quality time with your llamas , that’s what you need . In the meantime , I’ll buy you a drink , on Lars tab of course 🙂
I’ve just had a butchers around the interweb to find out more about our CL opponent;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/italy_results/tables/default.stm
Not in a great position, are they? 😉
Re: Cusop @134 you are a glutton for punishment. No wonder you support that club.
Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuubtime 😀
@ Goonerholic – yay! Me too 🙂
Zico and holic. Get in! To the, er, pub. Aaah! Actual, real pints.
City of London, brace yourself.
Er, not in London town for a fortnight CG 😉
In the Mess, sun over the yardarm.
Guinness time 🙂
On call. Soda for me please barman.
No worries zico – got the CG Management for company!
Second pint of Arthur on it’s way down, waiting on the loonies to arrive. Sore head? Uncheck.
‘holic, I just noticed the total count of drinks has passed the 50,000 mark quite recently. Is there any way to know who hit the mark. If there is, don’t they deserve a free drink?
Blogs has tweeted quoting spanish media that CF4 has not travelled to Portugal?
If true, cue the gnashing and wailing…..
Also, the one-thousandth post is to be expected quite soon. Maybe Goonerholic deserves something special to commemorate the momentousness of the moment. Free drinks on Lars’ tab? Somehow it does not quite match the momentousness I had in mind. What do you all say, drinkers??
H2H, you’ve got mail.
Zico – It’s Portuguese media that’s spreading that rumor… Don’t know how reliable they are.
Did you guys hear about the rumor going on about a row between AW and Nasri on the plane to Asia?
I agree 8 ball. Honorary lifetime membership of the Happy Train coming right up. (That’s a large whisky on the zico tab on the 20th Holic btw) 🙂
Need to dash – more pints have arrived.
If Cesc was meant to be on the plane and didn’t travel that says a lot.
The “good” news keep coming. Dutch media saying we failed with the WP for Miyaichi and he’s going back to Feyenoord.
zico @ #155
There are multiple pictures of a (happy) Cesc (happily) training with his (happy) team mates at LC this morning ahead of their (happy) flight to (sunny) Lisbon.
It would be very strange indeed if he didn’t then get on that (happy)flight to Portugal unless Vermy went all Terminator in the gorgeous Herts sunshine and Sh*wcr*ssed the (happy) fella?
I’m still happy but I am standing next to the CMC with keys in hand 😀
PS: Over at the marshlands, I hear M*dric and The Chimp are looking very glum these days as they face yet another season of mediocrity, whilst being forced to play football in a crumbling dump in order to win nothing and not qualify for the CL yet again. Still, they have St.Totts day to look forward to nice and early, don’t they?
Child
Under
Supervision
Of
Parents
Snir
The CMC is yours. Try to cheer up fella and stay well away from NewsNow 🙂
Cesc not on the plane to Portugal. I wonder why?
I’m in a pub, surrounded by loony mates and yet I can’t keep away from this virtual saloon – that should tell me something, although it is mainly what they know about Arsenal could fit into a very small matchbox (car), heh.
Anyway, TS, your happy credentials are never in doubt, chemicals to hand or otherwise.
The Guinness glasses are not yet in cordon formation, but the night is very much in it’s nappies/huggies/diapers.
Bring on the return of real football!
TS – I might try and cheer up but I’m pretty sure you’ll need to restock after my visit to CMC ;).
Steve T – It hasn’t been confirmed yet, but if true, poor form from Cesc, no doubt.
Steve, source?
Unless the club decided not to take him cause there’s developments in talks..
Any other scenario is bad form from Cesc.
Snir – “developments in Arsenal talks” – come on now, let’s keep this at least slightly real. 🙁
Snir,
As a true supporter of The Arse, I will happily keep the CMC stocked for you.
If you have a minute, let’s try another perspective. Imagine if you could the following string of events unfolding:
We lose every match in August.
We’re out of the CL.
We then go into a melt-down and do a Spuds/Mugsmashers and find ourselves right near the bottom of the table come Xmas.
We’re out of all competitions, even the Europa League.
Come Feb, instead of St.Totts day looming it’s St.Arse day for the first time in an age.
Things have gotten so bad at the club that we struggle to fill 30K seats at a home game.
The press have even lost interest in us and start to pick on another club instead.
We make a recovery of sorts and end up finishing mid table come May.
All of our star players have moved on inc. Cesc, Nasri, Theo, RVP & Arsh.
KSE lose interest and start to back away, Usmanov can’t be bothered to plug the gap.
We’re looking for a new manager, no-one (not even ‘Awwy) wants the job.
If the above catalogue of unthinkable events were to happen (they won’t!), I’d be looking back at this point in time thinking it was golden – full of promise and opportunity.
We’ve currently got a fabulous home, a decent squad, a decent manager and decent prospects for this season. Not the best but decent.
So….what’s my ever so morbid and laboured point?
Try to enjoy what we have now, ‘cos you never know what’s waiting around the corner 😉
UTA!
Doesn’t matter where from, the meeja are all cunts.
Right, Tottenham Hotspur arriving in town at same time as the biggest, most sophisticated cultural and international festival on the planet is taking place? There must be some mistake?
Any Marshmen looking for somewhere to stay smack in the middle of the Fringe better have deep pockets.
And, they can forget about selling the Big Issue because we are over-subscribed in that department too.
Down side for you guys dahn sarf is that there will a few thousand loony Scots in Trafalgar square a week later.
Be gentle, some of them have never been on a plane 😉
Afternoon all, massive developments before our final pre-season friendly, then . . . . oh 🙁
If it’s true that Myaichi can’t get a work permit, has this 18 year old Romeu that Chavs have got from Barca got one ?
Have I missed something ?
Re: TS @169, What, now you’re trying to spoil our good time?? 😉 😉
To change the topic (Cesc that is), Nasri has been blasted by Laurent Blanc (I hope that whatever happens he will perform in the national team which has not been the case in his last 3 games with us).
It’s clear Arsenal will never let Nasri contract run out, the bluff did not work and Nasri is less committed than ever. No need to wait for the Cesc saga to unfold one way or the other, now’s the time to get rid of Nasri and get a replacement.
Sorry ‘nasri, I’m just trying to get a grip on what’s really going on. Big picture and all that. It was really a pep talk to myself (or maybe Edwin) to help me remain calm and excited about the start of the season 😉
Ollie is right, ‘meeja’ are a bunch o’ c*nts.
Trev – That Romeu kid doesn’t need a WP, he’s Spanish.
TS – C’mon now, you’re making it sound as if I’m an outright pessimist who came here to poison the bar.
I’m not.
And all that “at least it’s not this bad” is pointless cause I don’t want it to “not bad”, I want it be better.
Once again, I’m taking all these things that are happening to heart so much cause I really believe we’re only a small step away from silverware so keeping Cesc IMO is vital for our trophies hunt.
You know that if he ain’t on the plane to Portugal then it means something, especially after we all saw him yesterday and we saw there’s nothing to suggest his hamstring is still bothering him.
Snir, recieved and replied.
===============================
Now then, what’s all this gloom about?
Mr Myachi was never gonna get a work permit, there wasn’t a LWC’s chance of winning the title as far as that was concerned. There are rules and requirements and he doesn’t meet them (yet) It’s not the end of the world, I don’t think he was quite ready for the first team anyway.
Bright side = send him back out into the world to a team where he will get match time so he can come back a more experienced player.
So, Cesc is, according to unconfirmed rumours, not on the plane, this could finally be the end of a saga I’ll be more then happy to see the back of. If the worst comes to the worst then we can say Adios amigo, vaya con dios.
Bright side = at least we’re not spuds.
Half full glasses all round please.
H2H, received and replied.
I’m not so sure about Miyaichi since he was always going for the “special talent” WP.
AW wouldn’t be stupid and file an application for a player with no caps unless it’s a special talent visa.
As far as I know from Youngguns the special talent doesn’t necessarily have to do with caps.
Snir @ #176,
Can understand why you took it like that but not intended in that way e.g. see my comments to ‘nasri @ ‘175.
Cheers.
Snir: “You know that if he ain’t on the plane to Portugal then it means something, especially after we all saw him yesterday and we saw there’s nothing to suggest his hamstring is still bothering him.”
If you ask me that doesn’t have to mean any more than that he is not yet fit to play a game. He’s only just got back in full training, maybe this is even an attempt to keep him out of the internationals next week.
Nerves fraying?? Maybe we’re about to see who is the good poker player and who isn’t. Let’s hope it’s Arsene. Not me though, you can deal me out. I’m following Goonerholic’s advice and heading on down the pub.
Those special visas are tricky things and more often then not the aplication will be denied. It’s not that easy to get a work permit in the U.K (for non euro residents)
Time for me to hit the bar!
I hope our players don’t follow your example and hit the back of the net instead.
Have fun, H2H
H2H – No one said it is, just ask Galindo, Botelho and Wellington :).
Have a look at the email I replied before you hit the bar…
Lars, judging from yesterday I think Cesc can manage 45 minutes, especially after Del Bosque already ruled Cesc out of the match.
This might mean nothing but this is happening after the idea was to have him play for the last two days, something must have happened between the last couple of days and today.
Time for me to hit the bar too ‘Holics! It’s real beeeeeeeer tiiiiiime!
No doubt see some of you tom for more *boilk* filled fun and merriment 😀
Snir, maybe he felt his hamstring afterwards?
Really, all I am saying is that we can not infer anything just from Cesc not being on the plane to Portugal – something we, I might add, not even know to be true yet.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-why-key-men-are-missing-for-benfica
“Nasri has a muscular problem. Cesc is just coming back from injury and he is not ready to play in the game. Diaby is out and Koscielny has a small muscular problem.
What really worries me though is that according to that article there are about five million players out with injuries already. What the fuck do they do at London Colney during training sessions???
And no Gibbs, he didn’t even mention him… 🙁
Also, from the squad announcement:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-takes-19-man-squad-to-portugal
——————————————–
Arsenal squad (in alphabetical order):
Arshavin
Chamakh
Djourou
Fabianski
Frimpong
Jenkinson
Miyaichi
Traore
Miquel
Ramsey
Rosicky
Sagna
Song
Szczesny
Van Persie
Vermaelen
Gervinho
Squillaci
Lansbury
———————————————–
Note. con’s liberal use of the word ‘alphabetical’…..
I, for one, am very glad to see real footy return. First live Bundesliga match today, Dortmund v Hamburg, and Ligue Un this weekend.
Borussia Dortmund is a great young team that should make waves in the UCL this season. They don’t spend big and rely a lot on youth. Arsenal fans would appreciate that team. And their 80,000 home crowd is amongst the best support in Europe.
I wonder when the team photo which got rained out yesterday will be made up. I’m suspecting after Sept. 1st 😉
Lars – you should find a real neighbourhood bar too. It seems everybody’s drinking real pints now. That’s not a bad idea and I might do it myself. I wonder if they’ll accept, “Just put it on Lars’ tab”, for payment 💡
They don’t spend big and rely a lot on youth. Arsenal fans would appreciate that team
Heh, Stingy, good one, have you heard ‘Arsenal fans’ lately 😉
New post >>>>>>>>
Ollie – you too mate. Off to a real pub for you too. A French one with many French ladies. Oops, forgot, you’re on call. Go for one later then 😉