A Grand Day Out
Aug 19th, 2015 by 'holic
Another reminder, as if it were necessary, of the depth of our fanbase worldwide was provided in the wake of our victory at Selhurst Park. A ‘virtual’ friend was over from Australia, and we had planned via Twitter to attend a match together. As it turned out the only game he was able to see live was the trip to Palace. “Tickets are like rocking horse droppings, but we’ll try”.
Well a big thank you to another ‘virtual’ friend of his who texted while he was in the air to London that he had sourced a ticket. Kane was literally in the clouds. I took Monday off and made arrangements to meet him at Arsenal station for a relaxed afternoon around the Highbury area. What to do in those few hours. I needn’t have worried. It all fell into place.
Pretty much on the strike of twelve we met outside Arsenal station and he started to describe his experience of Sunday as we strolled up Highbury Hill. I interrupted to point out the view back to the station. “Remember the end of Fever Pitch?” Indeed he did. A few paces later the almost incongruous entrance to what was the West Stand and west entrance to the Clock End.
Once a secure site, the gates are left permanently open these days, it seems, and so in we strolled to take in all that Highbury has become. It wasn’t my first visit back, obviously, but it is hard to describe what an experience it is to look around the old girl, even now. Lump in throat time. Kane has an interest in architecture too, so when we turned the corner into Avenell Road and the East Stand loomed large in front of him, some furious camera action ensued.
We snuck inside the marble halls and took a peek at the original bust of Herbert Chapman, and the wonderful motifs set in the floor, and then it was time for another reminder of days long past. I can’t remember the last time I was in the Gunners, and we very nearly weren’t on Monday. A huge thanks to Una for opening the door to two strangers, and the excellent pints that fuelled the next leg of the journey.
Past the Supporters Club, the birthplace of Piebury Corner, Highbury House, and up the steps to the Ken Friar bridge, and a tour of the statues from Tony to Dennis. I’m not sure that Selhurst Park or Highbury had prepared Kane for his first view of the new home of football. Down the steps to the Armoury, he made the essential purchases from the club shop and then would not let me put my hand in my pocket for the tour of the stadium.
They give you headphones and a media player that guides you around the West Stand. “I’d sooner you tell me about it” said our visitor, which turned out to be a good idea as his player kept breaking into pieces. It’s a short climb to the Directors Box, but the view out to the pitch and stands is so impressive. The gold Invincibles Premier League trophy stands out.
Up another flight of stairs and we were in the Diamond Club. I explained to Kane to make the most of it, as the hoi polloi only see it on the tour and won’t get near it on a match day. The lift took us back to the bowels of the stadium. He was fascinated by the booths where the post match interviews are conducted, and we fleetingly sat in the auditorium where the post match press conferences are delivered.
The differences between the home and away dressing rooms are marked, and devised personally by Arsene. We strolled out of the tunnel to the Arsenal ‘bench’, although of course there are no benches these days. Here you get some sense of what it must be like when the place is full. Kane was also fascinated at the press area, expansive, and complete with an impressive catering zone. The historic front pages on the walls act as a window on those who have plied their trade reporting on the club in years past.
Now we should have gone to the museum after that, but Kane muttered something about beer, and the Tollington is just a short stroll away. High tea is more pints, and we review the afternoon. There are worse ways of spending a Monday afternoon, I can assure you if you are ever in the area, and at a loose end. It’s also a great way of finding out a lot about someone you don’t know in a few short hours.
I hope Kane enjoyed it as much as I. It’s fantastic to think that someone who has followed the club for over twenty years, watching matches in the middle of the night more often than not, should prove beyond all doubt that where you come from has no bearing on the depth of your love for the club. The next time someone tries to tell you they are a better, a more deserving, supporter of Arsenal than those thousands of miles away, just try and explain one more time that they aren’t.
If you want to check out my Flickr account with photos from around Highbury and Ashburton Grove then click here.
174 Responses to “A Grand Day Out”
Nice one Kane. And you too holic. Great read.
Cheers, nac, anfpb. π
Third!
*Goes to read post*
Excellent stuff, Holic! Sounds like a very good afternoon out and about.
Nice posting, Maestro. That sounds like a really good way to spend a weekday afternoon.
COYG
Beats transfer speculation too! π
Great review of what sounds to have been a fantastic day. I did the tour a year or so again with a bunch of Icelandic Gooners and enjoyed it thoroughly. Like you and Kane I wandered over to the Tolly afterwards (and maybe befors as well). There were only two of us in the bar! It’s quite different from a matchday experience.
Nice one Holic. Sounds like a fun day.
BtM, you definitely went before as well as after as you strongly recommended the Thai curry that you had for lunch!
talk of beer and curry
cruel
on a dry and hungry man
π
You would not be dry if you just took a step outdoors here for just a minute between 11am and now, cba.
Curry takes a little more organisation. π
cba, we so have to have a little light libation at the Tollie.
Make it happen, big man.
A great football day out ‘holic without actually watching a game…nicely portrayed.
cba – trust you are at least less dry by now!
What a nice story! I occasionally take overseas visitors to the ground but have never ventured back to the old place. You have inspired me to do so. The beer is an added attraction!
As you say it’s a big relief to get away from the quite pathetic transfer speculation. If anyone with any sense hasn’t discounted anything that has appeared in the media by now I’d be surprised . Utter garbage is being peddled as credible news. Sad that our great game has descended into this sort of stupid pre and early season pissing contest
TTG, it is such a simple and enjoyable way of passing five or six hours. And on a non match day it is so easy to do at a leisurely pace.
Great story. Sounds as if you were a more than able companion for Kane.
BtM making his way to the bar in the Tollie when the place is empty? No one will be surprised reading that.
π
Smashing write up, Holic.
That just decided me to exactly follow your route and tour with Erin (except the pubs, clearly).
Must fit it in before school starts again.
Great article, Holic. A nicer weekday sounds difficult to imagine. π
I will take Mick McCarthy’s word on Ainsley Maitland Niles.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33989046
I just hope the lad is also immune to serious injury as so many of our youngsters have not been.
Lovely piece, ‘holic. One day I hope you get the opportunity to meet an NZ virtual friend for something similar. Your photos also brought back some happy memories – although the feast laid out in one of the Grove pics isn’t exactly what I remember grabbing at half-time in any game I’ve seen.
Thanks also to everyone who sent their best to the dog. He’s doing fine but hasn’t barked at anyone since returning, so clearly still has a way to go.
Γskar
Excellent piece ‘Holic. Enjoyed that.
Oskar, best wishes for your best friend. Buy him a little drum.
Don’t generally care about other clubs’ transfers. But Pedro to the scums is a bit unfortunate. He is a player I have always liked. In the last 6-7 years or so of Barca’s dominance he was always overshadowed by luminaries like Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Villa but the combination of his qualities, humility, work-rate and selflessness reminds you of Alexis. Even in that odious blue shirt I will find it very hard to loathe him.
π bath & Up
.
100% ‘hol π
LVG lost Pedro because of the way he treated Valdes. His boorish attitude is starting to affect United’s attraction to new signings. If he kisses people who score in the CL that won’t help either ?
19
hard to loathe him ?
.
you’ll make the effort though ?
π
.
david mellor was a male model
afore he donned that jersey
.
.
and cheers for the mental image thunder T
*shudders*
π
Does indeed sound a grand day out. Lovely read, ‘Holic.
Good players don’t wanna see the wrong side of the ‘ball’ after the odd match, … Van Balls indeed!
… predicted more Moaninho signings and they have had two already! Probably more to come since their strikers are underwhelming as well.
Do not think we’ll sign anyone… but would not complain if we did!.. or in the very least promote some youngsters to the first team…
We’re probably looking at the last year or two of Flamini, Rosicky and Arteta.
π
My tour guide was Perry – recounted somewhere above, about a million drinks ago.
Well worth the few sheckels charged.
I often take a trek down to what became of Highbury if I am on the go before the Tollington doors have been breached by a thirsty Goonerholic.
Its a weird experienc – flashbacks accompanied by an ache of the sort felt when thinking of loved ones who have passed.
Sounds like a great Monday, mind.
He’s actually started barking again, Dr F, so no tin drum needed. Quite astonishing difference between Saturday and today. I was quite sure I’d lost him, but he clearly had other ideas bless him.
I agree about Pedro’s quality, but where would we put him? On the left with Alexis on the right? But we’re already paying Theo squillions and he can’t get on. I fear Pedro could be benched next to him wondering which will get the sub call first.
I’m resigned to Benzema now, with just one goal scored in 2 matches it seems inevitable. But I still think the defense is a bigger problem. Coq has played well in DMF but he’s no Paddy or Manny P or Peter Storey. My pick would be Christoph Kramer who played in the World Cup Final but is currently on the outer at Leverkusen. A quality CD with speed would also be useful.
Γskar
I’ve done that “visit Highbury, go to the Emirates” walk as well but I didn’t have an official tour or anything. Highbury was sad to see, the Grove was huge and soulless. Like going to a big Tesco with no cars in the vast car park. Lots of concrete and emptiness.
Great photos, H. Those ones of THOF do bring a lump to the throat.
Otd:glad to hear that flo (four-legged oskar) is on the mend.
Less worried about a CB with Gabriel and Chambers in the squad and some prospects in the U21s, notably Pleguezuelo, than having cover/competition for Le Coq. It looks like AW is basing the defensive part of the midfield around a double pivot (perm two from Le Coq, Santi, Ramsey, Wilshere, Arteta) rather than a box-to-box player, with Ramsey and Wilshere being the options for that role when he wants to line up that way. I would guess a lot of hope is being invested in Bielik, too, as a potential box-to-box DM, but we probably have a season or two before he comes through to the first team.
Good write up Holic
Yes us gunners thousands of miles away
Have the same fun,pain,nerves that those lucky enough to see them live do
As a regular at high bury for 20 years before coming to live in oz
I have paid my dues
We all support the best team in the world and are very proud down here
Unfortunately in recent times we have been visited by
The scouters,toffees,Chelsea,spuds,
Huge crowds but crap games
When will the gunners visit?We all live in hope
sydney
you did however feel the need
to say you’d paid your dues
so maybe you think there is a difference
.
mind you
i did the same meself here before
so maybe i subconsciously do too
.
wrongly i’m sure
cos
if passion is measured by
being a local
i’d have grown up
round the corner from mr and mrs strong drink
and the ramone family
I wanna be sedated π
a daytime dilemma indeed
brudda F
π
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Em5WDEXJ_pY
.
aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh
yeaaaaaahhhhhhhhh
.
π
Thanks for sharing the pictures Holic and, as with others above, evoking some great memories.
Interesting the way the new accommodation retains some of the symbols, even beyond those required under preservation orders.
Is the bar at the back of the old North Bank now a bedsit I wonder?
Cheers,
UTA.
pay my dues? is that the same as paying the cable company? π
A rare outbreak of common sense and decency by the FA, but to be applauded nonetheless.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds have been granted special dispensation by the Football Association to continue without the number one shirt in tribute to former goalkeeper Dale Roberts.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34003450
I did sign the petition Ned and you are spot on. It really should not have been a difficult decision and those that initially refused should think long and hard about having any involvement in sport
So nice to read some common sense about this transfer window and Arsene Wenger
http://www.7amkickoff.com/2015/if-the-players-are-available-wenger-will-buy-them/?
Tim is probably closer to things than me but I think he is spot- on with his analysis.
Evening chums.
Hope all are well.
Evening, ‘Holic, and holics. As Jack Kerouac wrote, ‘happiness consists in realizing it is all a great strange dream’.
SteveT@38: good man.
“..the Grove was huge and soulless…”
Exactly. God forbid if those new architects incorporate something old in their work.
They are self-taught “geniuses’ and we are living in the world where the word OLD is dirty.
I guess it all started with that fascist Corbusier and now we have that Zaha twat.
SSY. The post-1992 baseball stadiums in the U.S. are successful architecturally precisely because they incorporated historic design elements into new downtown buildings. Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco to name a few. Old WAS dirty in the previous generation so I have been glad to see this breakthrough in my lifetime.
‘holic, that tallies with my day at the grove, highbury, and environs. we had bonnie prince charlie doing our tour, and went to piebury and not the tollie, but the beer at the gunners was also delicious.
however, you, my friend, know how to write. you capture the air and the warmth of the area, and the tide of feelings. i can’t do much more than incline my head towards your ability and your craft.
glad about rushden and diamonds.
i didn’t find the grove soulless, i found it vast. i can imagine it feels like a new cruise ship to someone used to the clipper ship that was highbury.
bt8b, dodger stadium is an exception to that rule, though site has a huge part to play.
speaking of stadiums in U.S.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcwJt4bcnXs
well now
small world
spent the day with the mrs
throwing a spanner in the works
of a total twonk of a developer
.
heritage architecture is a tricky bugger
those who foolishly try and mimic the old
invariably end up with pastiche pish
a pale imitation of the original
.
good sturdy bits of timeless design
can stand side by side
regardless of century
.
@42: “Novelty for its own sake is an anachronism”- Fuentes.
“Except when the paradox is intended.”- Faustus .
Speaking of novelty, Arsene’s endless supplies of polite-speak for “promising but nowhere close to good enough for us” continues: http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20150820/-wellington-is-stunning-to-watch-
Stunning to watch. π
Dr.F @48
He’s stunning to watch but what is he doing? It doesn’t say he is playing football! ?
World is not small, you are sugarplum.
You’re like pil without the wobble. Boooooring.
“timeless design”?!
You must be the smartest in your class.
Have a lolly on me.
*goes down the shop for monkey nuts*
.
never let it be said
i’d see a numpty go hungry
More Highbury memories…
“Peanuts, roasted peanuts.”
Best tanner ever spent! π
π
52 H….whatever happened to Percy Dalton? It seemed like a mega business in those far flung days π
Can you still get just roasted peanuts in their shells? Loved munching on them at half-time. Best tanner ever! π
H….there’s a local farm shop here that sells them in their shells. Still groan when you crack them open and find there s only 1 nut inside π
TTG@49: Exactly! “Tricky, quick and stunning to watch” might apply to his samba moves as well. Or some cool bossa fingerstyle on the guitar if you are so inclined …
You’re making me sad now.
You are mean and cruel.
Yes, you are.
Oh, well…
Eandy @45. Funny stuff by John Oliver, and I have to agree about the public financing being out of control.
eandy, love the john Oliver bit until the talk… tasing the mayor? too American.
You can’t find a tanner these days, either, ‘Holic.
Good morning guys,
I do not know if this guy is exaggerating and I have not had his story verified with my source, however some of you may find this interesting.
He claims that this players house and one of his Ferrari’s are up for sale. He also backs the story that his club are currently looking for a replacement.
As it is twitter, you can ask him about it yourselves!
Enjoy!
https://mobile.twitter.com/ahmedgazarin/status/634445105013723137
Uply@54: Family-run Percy Dalton was bought by the UK arm of Germanyβs Intersnack Group in 2009 and now runs as a nuts and dried fruit processing and packaging division. Intersnack UK operates as KP Snacks after buying KP last year. The Percy Dalton brand now seems to have been killed with KP being the nuts brand. The old Percy Dalton factory in Hackney Wick closed when the company moved to Suffolk in 2005 and is now being turned into work/living studios for artists and artisans.
There’s an article over on the Grauniad site about Manchester Oilers’ transfer dealings. Whilst there are several obvious differences, there are aspects of the story that will be familiar to drinkers here.
The season doesn’t feel as though it has started properly yet – and there are doubtless a few bloody interlulls to “look forward” to. Is it like this every year?
COYG
64 Ned…..the monks yet again a mine of information….a bag of monkey nuts for all of them on the house π
Sorry should be Ned @ 63 ( another case of numerical dyslexics ) π
GT
Please don’t get sucked in by all this bollocks. There has been enough garbage printed about transfers this window to sink the Titanic. All is utterly desperate when Rodney Marsh’s mate ( unnamed) becomes a reliable global source.
I hear Benzema’s cat has cancelled it’s session with the pedicurist the next week
TTG,
That’s why I posted it with a caveat! π
I can’t put my name against anything unverified! π
67
nice bitta feline sam spading there , inspector clawso
.
aww sweet holy bugger
that was shite
π
sorry
won’t happen again
.
*withdraws monkey nut privileges from self*
.
.
howdy ‘hol howdy all
I remember tanners. Mind you I’m practically old enough to remember groats (worth fourpence in even older money). I also remember the Greek shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos claiming his new Rolls could “turn on a sixpence – whatever that is“. Probably apocryphal.
Decent peanuts in the shell are hard to find here. Only the rubbish little ones are sold that way (all shell, no nut), with the big ones presumably turned into butter. And don’t get me started on roast chestnuts…
Γskar
If you do find quality peanuts in the shell I can thoroughly recommend Australian liqueur Muscat as the perfect accompaniment. Morris of Rutherglen the best of the best, if you can find it where you are! Here is a UK supplier … http://ds09.projectstatus.co.uk/qwine/shop/sweeties/nv-morris-old-premium-rare-muscat-50cl/
Γskar
I’m a honey roasted Cashew man myself! π
The boss said the following to Journalists at the press conference today:
“We expect, like you, (journalists) to make a signing but we are not close.”
π
The next time someone tries to tell you they are a better, a more deserving, supporter of Arsenal than those thousands of miles away, just try and explain one more time that they arenβt.””- made my day.
From the last 18 years there has been nothing more i have aspired for than visiting The Arsenal. I sincerely hope and pray that i do so soon for the wait has been too long and too painful.
I agree about Pedro, excellent player, work rate and will be quality wherever he plays, sadly he will play for the rent boys.
My only grouse about transfers is why does it take so much time for us when others do it without battling an eyelid. I know they maybe paying over the odds and can afford to as well but then if we need to buy someone and have the money, why do we haggle over it so long. If we are not buying anyone say so and let everyone get on with their lives.
Pool will definitely be tough but then which game isnt??? Expect the same team to start and do the job come monday. 2-1 sounds just about fine. COYG.
Is thisΓskar’s link?
I do not believe it! I manage to get the link in, and Öskar’s umlaut, and all on my teeny-tiny mobile phone keyboard, but I leave out a bloody space! Clearly at least one buttock sort of the full smartarse.
COYG
Nope Pangloss, that is their Tokay and not my favourite. It appears ‘holic has sorted the problem and deleted some posts (thank you boss) The link is in #71 and now working.
Γskar
Bollocks! That’s “…short…” in the final sentence. Give up, mate.
Past midnight here and I’m off… G’night anyone still here.
Vinay: My only grouse about transfers is why does it take so much time for us when others do it without battling an eyelid.
That is quite simply not true. Some signings are done quicker than others and that goes for all clubs. We just think ours take longer because we pay much more attention to what happens at our own club.
pan G
“one buttock short of a full smartarse”
π π
cracker π
to ‘o the eveningish morn to ye cba
how many buttocks does it take to complete a full smartarse? or as the spillchucker prefers, a full smartness?
Lars @80. Too much common sense spoils a good conspiracy. It is a commonly known fact that Man U’s transfer process begins and ends when LVG snaps his fingers. π
Oskar with umlaut and dog.
Speaking of roast(ed) chestnuts, the problem in NYC seems to be the locals’ distaste for them, not the tourists’ because these days “Vendors sell them mostly in high-tourist areas.”
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/chestnut-tradition-toast-n-y-vendors-offer-treat-article-1.473997
howdy 8ball
trust yer in fine fettle
.
panG’s doings above
just added to a favourite homer simpson moment
accused of doing a half-assed job
homer is distraught
“but I used my whole ass”
π
Uply@66: Cheers. As they say, pay peanuts, get monkeys.
ttg@67: Benzema’s cat? Is that like Schrodinger’s cat?
cba@81: I bet you hardly know where to put you face… π
This made me chuckle. A dead Arsenal fan’s stone at The Grove…
http://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BBlX4hf.img?h=345&w=460&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f
nice one cynic π
76 – I shall steal that – and I wont be the only one !!
Bollocks! Thatβs ββ¦shortβ¦β in the final sentence. Give up, mate.
Two buttocks short of the full smart arse but thy pants runneth over with buttocks in the dumbass stakes π
The full Nicki Minaj of dumbass in fact.
Right, that’s the wit exhausted who can I call a cunt?
*checks mirror*
back
the big smoke again today
well
an asthmatic throat-clear
in shite bar
plan was
bit of a session
drink some drink
not fuckin stayin here
can’t ignore covers band
jeez
miami vice jackets sorts
lookin and smellin
like a hoor’s handbag
covering rikki don’t lose that number
soundcheck
might go offy instead
π
.
.
‘holic
be a pal
don’t let me do one π
smiting is yer friend
π
awaiting moderation
drinks setting
π
or
awaiting drinks
moderation setting
deary me ned
nowt improves on a bitty wordplay humour
like an explanation
.
*tuts at ned*
.
π
I did the winky face too
π
(that one)
congratulations me on the ton minus several
.
it’s been quite the journey
.
coodna dunnit wifffaaahhht all a yous
Homer doin’ the groove. π
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSVMW3jZcg4
Ton approaching …
Ton minus one?
*tap-in*
Well in, Cynic
Tippy tappy goal rather than a screamer but luckily they all count, Cynic. π
Arsecast fake quote of John Terry:
“If I had wanted to be pulled off at half-time I would have given Wayne Bridge’s wife a call.” π
Well in for the ton, Cynic.
cba@94: tut taken. We are dreary me folk at Castle Ned.
But when the drinks we are awaiting arrive, we won’t be…
On a different sporting note I went to the Oval today and indeed have tickets for Sunday too. ( haha) These two teams are incapable of sustaining a game into the fourth day and I expect Mrs TTG to find me alternative employment on Sunday.
Funny game cricket but not in a humorous way
Looks like we might have signed Benzeeeeeeeeeeemaaaaa
At least that’s what Rodney Marsh says. So it MUST be true.
SS1 now – McLintock, Wilson and Graham on Time of Our Lives – just now talking about Spuds away ’71.
Just 15-20 mins left unfortunately.
And 30 minutes later I see this. Oh Trev. π
I missed the first 40 minutes Holic.
Just checked for a rerun but nothing scheduled right through as far as Tuesday evening π
What I saw was great – talking about the Spuds away game, the Liverpool final, the fantastic spirit amongst all the players, how they still do anything for each other today, Geordie Armstrong –
– so annoyed I missed the first part. π
They tend to repeat those programmes, in fact I think that may be a repeat. It’s a case of keeping our eyes pealed. Sad I missed it but thanks for the info Trev.
Looks like it’s repeating on Thursday next week (at 10.15am, 2pm and 8.30pm)
Good man, Charlie.
It’s going on record now – maybe 3 times. π
Done, Cheers Charlie !
π
Seriously 8ball, are those things that look like cream buns in your #83 really chestnuts? And your Yankee friends don’t like them?? They are ginormous compared to the tiddly ones I find here in NZ, and it confirms to me that (I’m sorry) Americans have no taste. My mouth is watering… π
Γskar
Come to think of it Oskar those chestnuts were preternaturally large.
….
Oh no!! They’re alive!!!
8ball 97
π
homerisms used everyday in my house
most regular is late for dinner one
.
“all cold and eaten”
is shouted up and down our stairs
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TacnPiqbheM
and kGT
i blame you
i just looked at benzema’s twitter account
and tittle tattle fubble sites
not my kinda shit at all normally
now visions of private jets and jersey holding ups
beatin all round me boilky head
.
benzema’s gets spillchucked to gentleman’s
whatever that means
mind you
is that how these “in the know’s” do it
type in a name
announce whatever falls out the other end
in The Daily FubbleGurgle
.
.
jeez
i need to head this hangover off at the pass
*deputises posse*
the +s and -s
of not being miles from everywhere
i can establish entry level csi style
that i was in the indian last night
.
“all cold and about to be eaten”
*attaches nosebag*
Top man Charlie thanks ?
arsene’s pre-scouse presser
.
on alexis
” on monday night he will not be short ”
π
cba @ 117
π
Not only private jets but also, replacements, home game unveilings and all sorts!
My contact has clammed up over the last two weeks. His last words were “I wish I could speak but I can’t (he was excited by the way)”
Meanwhile, others have taken it upon themselves to do some digging and I must admit, there have been some right gems unearthed, to say the least.
Some supporters/fans are becoming understandably agitated, while some remain optimistic/pessimistic!
One thing is for sure and that is that it will all be over in ten days, and we can all get on with what we enjoy most, supporting or complaining about the team we all so dearly love.
We just all want the team to do well and for Wenger to get what he deserves. Nothing more and nothing less!
UTA!
i do my post-match complaining
if needed
to meself
on the long traipse home from the bar
to be greeted by herself
who greatly prefers an audience for hers
Barman – Whatever cba wants please π
a compilation of me mother-in-law jokes
can be got on
the wheeltappers and shunters
christmas dvd extras
.
renaissance man , me
π
just bloody toppin up yesterday’s tank
.
sorry for splatterin shite all o’er
.
yer fault ‘holic
yeah
π
cheerio
Oy
just on the simpsons
scratchy gets on private jet
finds richie valens buddy holly and the big bopper
.
benzema better do a dennis
.
π
bye bye now
pints of non-collaborative
ostentatiously manu non-viewing
beer to consume
.
UP THE ARSENAL
The repeats of Time of Our Lives are on Sky Sports 5 by the way
Yannited fielding the first ever central midfield duo with three syllable names starting with Sch? Not a well planned idea.
wifi works
sorry
i promise ‘hol not to bollix about
but
a “schweinsteiger and a schneiderlin”
sounds like a pair o’ tall oddly shaped pints
for a pair o’
“real football hipsters” *
.
.
.
* h2hβ’
just ordered an alex cropley
broken not stirred
hold the olive
π
Nice piece H’.
This is what it’s all about, it’s not just footy, is it!?
WHam losing 0-2 to Bournemouth in first half.
How did we ever conspire to lose to that rabble?
just wrote a long loada shite
had tons in
walkin home in the dark
hi vis on
king tubby on me wee speaker
irishisms in jamaicanisms
tirty tree rpm
cromwell got a mention
.
anyhoo
i’m jamaican and proud
slainte gooner T
god rest
.
and
don’t think I’ve forgotten about the famine !
yeah
you
“oi !! england !!!!”
no use trying to hide behind tom jones hair
we can see you π
Was yours@135 a “short loada shite”, cba?
What happened to the long load? Sounds like an interesting read.
COYG
winky face π
don t want ssy
coming over scaring us natives
.
“we’ll batter ye shortly”
but
“lardso forgot to iron his ben sherman”
“we only march with neatly turned out troops”
and a cock sparrer karaoke accompaniment
.
and
speedoes
.
FABULOUS
π
*wearing a ben sherman now*
.
.
COME AND HAVE A GO IF YE THINK YER SHIRTS IRONED ENOUGH
Cheers, cba.
For the record, and the avoidance of doubt, I haven’t a fcuking clue what you’re talking about.
panG
there are enough long loads left here
glad I lost mine
was a double newspaper eyeball popper
of an evacuation
fuck
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34027260
Pangloss@138: π
i remember saying on the arses
a good time ago
i went to the bray air show
every time
drunk and happy as a family
.
jeez
i know it is vacuous and selective
but i hope no ‘holics have been visited by this
tunetime
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yYtjASjsvzM
Esso’s neck of the woods, cba. He was on that very road this morning, but is ok obviously.
Apologies, preview was going to be today but this afternoon was summer in Swindon so I enjoyed a cooling ale or two. It will now be tomorrow if I can get the grey cells to regroup.
Obviously it is now raining again.
Happy autumning, all. π
good stuff ‘hol
glad
but
esso ok? π
ye sure ?
never seemed ok to me
just below you on the tollie meet list
proper goonas both
you’ve a long way to go to be ok too ‘hol π
it’s like “nice”
can’t be doin’ wi ok
far from ok are all you nutloops
don’t wanna get soppy
but trevs
virtual bar
real friends
is golden
.
.
‘hol
my money is spent before it’s earnt
so
meeting all you fellas
Will be a big deal
and
i know I’ll just say hello and feck off
in 30 secs
.
yup
but that’ll do for me
π
UP THE ARSENAL
Don’t be worried about beer tokens when you do pay us that visit, fella. π
mis-worded that ‘hol sorry
wasn’t money
i’m not a social sort really anymore
get full
avoid conversation
go home
unless i take a notion
π
make a fuckin roarin mouth of meself
.
not alone in that i’m sure π
Preview can wait, ‘holic, I’m enjoying this cba blog.
Give the man a drink barman.
Oh heck, give everyone a drink … I’ll cover the payment in my will.
Γskar
I’ve declined to go to the Oval tomorrow so I can build up,for Monday night.
Actually it’s because I can’t be arsed to go ( no slight intended great man) ?
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CMnuJaFU8AAqM6Y.jpg
Cynic: There isn only really one team the MP for Islington North can support. Or is Gunnersaurus Rex running for leadership of the Labour Party now?
And the uncropped picture is even odder:
http://www.islingtontribune.com/sites/all/files/nj_islington/imagecache/main_img/images/news/Jeremy%20Corbyn%20and%20Gunnersaurus.jpg
Haven’t been around the computer much lately, so just did a massive back drink.
Hope your 4 legged name sake makes a speedy recovery OtD.
cba, you crack me up. π
Gunnersaurus would immensely preferably to Liz Tory or Andy ‘Troy Tempest’ Burnham.
+ be
I blame this dratted keyboard…
Perhaps all political parties should be led by football mascots. Cameron is an Aston Villa fan, allegedly, so perhaps Villa’s Hercules could take over the Conservatives.
http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/slides/photos/003/345/543/hercules_crop_north.jpg?w=630&h=416&q=75
Not sure what he is doing with his right paw, though.
Ned, i presume that’s the front bench they’re sitting on then ?
They’ve obviously strengthened the bench from the Cup Final.
*from = since.
Trev@160: π Not sure which portfolio they are holding, though…
apologies
i can be a right spanner when i’m pished
i think it’s the street lights
sooner i’m back where the cows go moo the better
drunken oul eejit that i am
π
Seems two Worthing (Isthmian League Div 1 South) players died in the Shoreham air show crash.
https://twitter.com/WorthingUtdFC/status/635467257573965824/photo/1
Thoughts with families and those of all victims.
100% ned
dreadful state of affairs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94AHiy19vFg
Awful news Ned- a terrible accident and ghastly tragedy
“I hate to be a kicker,
I always long for peace,
But the wheel that does the squeaking,
Is the one that gets the grease.”
.
here
have a bucket of lard from me
not you m’lud
you, i respect
There’s a blue and yellow planet,
To the north of good old Mars.
There’s an evil hearted monkey,
Who’s the King.
And he very often wonders,
As he looks up to the starsβ¦.
I never did find out the last line of that.
best shut me wazoo
afore i plant me foot in it
.
cheerio
or
bazoo
π
much of a muchness, really
π
Keep your wazoo open young fella me lad. π >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>