And I Love Her Still
Jan 4th, 2012 by 'holic
Around a month ago now I promised to write a piece for the truly superb Arsenal Collective when I got time. Finally tonight I got it started. Hopefully I can put the finishing touches to it tomorrow. I want something special and personal to go on there, because I think it is a site that will stand the test of time, an inspired idea.
It inspired me to look out a favourite photograph. It may also give you a flavour of the piece to follow. Certainly it has given me a quick and easy post tonight.
Like so many I was snapping away like a man with his first ever camera on the day of the last match at Highbury against Wigan in 2006. I had long planned to get the modern day equivalent of the first view of Highbury I have ingrained in my memory, looking down Avenell Road at the back of the Clock End and the historic East Stand facade.
The image has no technical merit whatsoever, I know that, but it is just about the best photograph I have ever taken. It’s a personal thing. It’s a prompter of happy memories of people I was close to, and the Football Club that has meant so much to me.
Avenell Road was such a part of my life. The club shop run by Jack Kelsey. The Clock End and East Stand turnstiles. The box office and travel club ‘windows’. The marble halls and dear old Herbert’s bust. The hot-dog sellers and burger van. The tat sellers. “Who wants sweets, two bags a pound?”.Β The visiting mob coming down the road. Protests and Wrighty giving it back. Schoolboys entrance. North Bank entrances.
What a road. What a view.
450 Responses to “And I Love Her Still”
And then they went and turned it into flats π
Seconds on me!
At least it is still there ‘R.
How’s things fella?
Now to read the post, Holic what a brilliant timing fella! Just at half time! π
I can only regret never being at Highbury.
It will forever be one of my biggest regrets in my life.
Great road, great view and great history I’m glad it was preserved anyhow!
Same here Snir! Never got a chance to be there myself!
Lovely view/s ‘holic
Oh, how I wish I had been able to make more than that solitary visit to Highbury. But at least I got to be there once, and I am grateful for that.
Looking forward to reading the finished article!
Don’t forget “Jumpers for goalposts, isn’t it?”. π
Nice one Holic. As you know, the Clock End was the beginning of my long-distance romance too.
Nice one Holic .
Scene of a few crushes as well , that little road . I remember one against Southampton at the first game of the season in the early eighties which was particularly terrifying .
I was also interviewed by “Thames News” in Avenell Rd after Anfield 89 . Tragically , my screamed “We’ve f*ckin’ done it !” didn’t make the final cut . π
Lager please Guv , one for yourself , and drinks for all the usual suspects when they make their way in .
What a beautiful stadium. First visit in September 97 v Bolton. Arsenal won 4-1 and Wrighty got a hat-trick to become the (then) all time record scorer. Never forget that day. Funny but i have more memories of that day than my last visit to the Emirates back in December.
tabs@11
Edited out purely because you screamed, surely?
Happy days, happy days indeed Holic. Always was a lovely sight coming down Avenell Road in the old days and seeing the Northbank over the old corrugated fence on the border of Aubert Court. And the noise, the noise….Ta vm for taking me back to Another Country……
What a strike! Barcodes 2 – 0 Webb U
Ferguson out!
Why the FUCK did I take Cabaye out of my FFL team?!
‘holic: What a road, what a view, WHAT A LIFE I’M IN LOVE
That’s what I keep telling myself Dr Z π
Another big memory of Avenell Rd is of congregating outside the players changing room after Everton 98 . The players were hurling their kit out the window . My mate managed to get his hands on Christopher Wreh’s sock ! As far as I am aware , he refrained from framing it π
When football belonged to the fans! That was the time, before it all went pete tong. The best stadium i ever went to.
Enjoying the second-half of this game. Wish I had seen more.
What, ManU 2-0 down at the place where we were slated for only getting a 0-0 draw? Nah, can’t be true because I have been told that ManU would never!!!
Heh to the tabs sock story π
Did someone say technical merit? 10 points from the American judge!
Is Tim Howard in anybody’s fantasy team? If so, your ship has come in!
Astonishing how hard Newcastle are working without the ball.
That’s my ‘keeper π
Goof stuff, ‘holic!
8ball – Tim Howard is indeed in The Speedo Massive . Is this the turnaround my boys need ?
What’s going on ? Can’t get a decent stream here , so checking out a new band called Zola Jesus . Not bad I have to say .
I mean about the picture.
Sorry, Tim Howard scored? :s
Surely it’s just like any other player scoring as far as Fantasy Football is concerned though.
My keeper is SZCZ, of course.
Ah , it would appear Zola Jesus is the name of the female singer and not the “band” , just in case any musos out there think I’m a real thickie , which I am of course .
So what has Tim Howard done ? Saved a pen ?
Scored with a win-assisted clearance, tabs.
I’ve just finished my wind assisted dinner π
Then let two in π
Sprouts, Geoff?
Holic
I don’t think Avenell Rd has changed much if atall in the past 50 odd years.
The Old Man and i always came to Highbury on the tube and walked to the opposite end of Avenell Rd,following the same ritual every time,
into his favorite Cafe,a giant mug of steaming hot tea and a Roll with a wedge of cheese big enough to feed a horse.!!
Then a walk up to the North bank turnstiles in the early days,and then
in later years,walk up past the main entrance,and enter at the turnstiles near the Clock end,where we could walk round to the lower terrace near the dugout.
Nearly 50 yrs of memories for me,
I fished out an old programme from the start of the 64-65 season,against Sheffield Wednesday,Tuesday 25th August.
The team had just come back from a highly successful tour of South Africa and hopes were high.
We had already played our first league game away to Liverpool the previous Saturday,and despite 2 goals from Joe Baker and Geoff Strong we went down 3-2 to a late goal.
The game against Wednesday was a 1-1 draw,with a second half goal from Peter Simpson rescuing a point.
The team that day was,
Furnell
Howe-McCullough
Snedden-Ure-Simpson
Armstrong-Strong-Baker-Eastham-Anderson.
Not a good season it has to be said,we ended up mid table,which was our lot for most of the 60’s.
But still the the same old faces kept turning up week after week,endured long away journeys to far flung outposts,all in the hope that things would get better and that we would field a team capable of challenging for Trophies.
I’m guessing you were still a bit young for memories that early.??
cheers
Clive
that fukkin’ Rooney’s fukkin’ rubbish – he’s not getting a kick!
Joe Baker. Born in Liverpool. Not much of a Scouser though, tabs π
Ollie, yep sprouts!!!
Hhahahahahaaaaaaa π
Barcodes 3 – 0 Webb U
Phil Jones with a quite superb OG!!!!
UUUUnniiiiiiiiiiiiited!
Bloody hell ! How on earth did he manage that !!! I wonder if we get any extra points for a Keeper goal – probably not – the misers .
Cahill on the scoresheet as well ! The Massive are back .
That said Eagles pops up with an assist in the same week Dyer of Swansea scores a goal . After persisting with them all season , they were this week relegated to the bench π
Wolfie out !!!!
A N other brainless englishman masquerading as a footballer!
You have that useless tw*t Cahill, tabs? I suppose you’ll ditch him if he signs for the Bus Stop, right?
The events at the Sports Direct nearly make me regret I didn’t switch the TV on.
Sounds like an hilarious one.
Polish commentator said Nani has letter N cut out in his hair for Nothing I have shown yet again! π
If last week didn’t do it, surely this will at least stop the United admiration for a while.
Newcastles victory a testimony to teamwork:
Recipe? Sell your superstar centre Forward, ‘superstar’ midfielder and one of the best left backs in the country and unite the entire squad.
Ollie @39 Didn’t realise that i must admit .
3-0 Blimey .
Nice post Clive . Wasn’t that Liverpool game you mention the very first MOTD ?
Is that ManUre officially the new crisis club then?
Oh Fergie, GIRUY π
Geoff@50 and buy lots of strapping technically gifted frenchmen – now where’d they get that idea from i wonder?
Hi AL, hmmm I wonder π
There’s a 6 pointer in the relegation scrap coming up at The Grove on January 22nd.
Never been impressed with Pardew as a Manager,but you have to take your hat off to him,Newcastle playing some excellent football and the players seem to be enjoying themselves.
Cannot beat that team spirit.
Looks like it might be top 7 now,with “Castle only 3 pts behind us.
Ollie @46 , yep went for players linked with us at the back – Jagielka , Cahill and Hageland .
Cahill already on the transfer list for being spectacularly sh*t . Straight out the door if he turns up at the Bus Stop . He will be forced to hand over his Club Speedoes as well – no room for sentiment in this game π
I see, tabs, not necessarily a bad transfer policy.
I have generally no idea who’s in my team (apart from the contingent of 3 Gunners), and haven’t changed it since the start.
Nice pic Holic, remember first time going to Highbury was just for a look in close season and thought I was lost walking through leafy suburban roads when I happened on it by accident..was awe inspiring..Pity citeh are the real winners tonight, love when fergie gets knocked off his perch.
A good policy Ollie . Think I have made 4 changes from the start , and with the exception of Gervinho for Arshavin , all changes have been spectacularly hopeless π
Man U got shipped home via DHL π
Evening Tabs
you are quite correct,first ever MOTD was the Anfield clash.
Cracker of a game 2-2 late in the game and then the Scousers nicked a late winner.
Went up with the Old Fella and all his mates on the Sat morning and got home around midnight as our return train had some mechanical problems.
Toilets overflowed,food ran out,very long day.!!
Memories holic! Memories! go back a few years I remember standing exactly there when we won our last double, looking down to a sea of red and white.
Walking with my family of 250,000 Gooners to the town hall
Magic just Magic!
And well done the toons totally deserved win! this league is not over ~ not by along way!
Lovely stuff ‘Holic & Clive. Helping me to stir my own memories.
My best memory of Avenell Road when Highbury was still the HoF was queuing for my cup final ticket in 1980. I had collected every home programme that season, cut out the triangles and stuck them onto a flimsy, official yellow (or pink?) piece of paper. That season, I had watched almost every home game from The Boys End’ – me and a bunch of spotty, Arsenakl supporting oiks form my school.
I travelled to the ground ‘early’ on the day of allocation, hoping to get near to the front of the queue. It was a glorious, warm spring morning. I guess early in teen-speak is mid morning. When I got there the road was mobbed with one of the longest queues that I’ve ever had to stand in. I remember getting really close to the ticketing windows and thinking they’re going to sell out any minute but they didn’t and I got my ticket! Shame about the final though. One of the worst Arsenal days out I’ve ever had π
Happy days overall though π
Cheers all.
Evening Clive ,
Your day sounds a blast π
Cheers for sharing it . Were you even in a designated “away” end at that time , or did everyone just mingle together ?
tabs @ #57
Yep, me too. And Cahill will get the same treatment from Edwin too if he turns up at 3-Point Bridge although the Srollers don’t provide team Speedos π
*Strollers*
Evening TS
Belated happy birthday,you spring chicken you.!!
Tabs,
No such thing as segregation,
All the Arse followers,and their were plenty of us,all seemed to be congregated at the opposite end to the Kop.
We were right behind the goal and surrounded by thousands of ‘Pool fans.
Great fun all afternoon,loads of banter,only the late winner fucked up the day,and the Train journey home.!!
But it was like that wherever we travelled, in the 60’s particularly.
I cannot remember there ever being any trouble at any ground.
Maybe it was a gentler time,who knows.
TS: that is also one of my most painful memories. Do you remember Willie Young bringing down the 17 year old —– (Allen?) When clean through?
TS @66 heh π
You’re right about that Cup Final queue – bloody enormous !
Tabs, Ollie apparently a keeper gets 6 points for scoring a goal, the same as a defender gets. FFL-wise, Howard had a good day, not great, after giving up those two goals. In reality, I imagine he and Everton are about as devastated as we were the other day, giving up a 1-0 lead.
Geoff ,
My only regret is that Big Willie didn’t stamp on his head after tripping him . In the words of Withnail , Allen turned out to be a “terrible c*nt” .
Mind you , I remember Stevie Williams sorting him out in ’88 at the Lane π
8ball – bloody miserly if you ask me . I reckon if your keeper nabs one you should instantly go to the top of the League .
Thinking of introducing my own rules … π
Heh!. I used to join those Cup Final queues the night before. Slept out on Avenell Road three years running.
Clive – Thanks old bean! Much appreciated. I’m not sure about the 60s being gentler. Maybe the 70s was the peak form A-G-R-O????
Geoff – I remember it well. It wouldn’t have made a difference though. Still can’t say the name ‘Brooking’ without a tiny bit of sick coming back into my throat.
tabs – I still don’t know how I got my ticket on that day. My heart sank when I arrived in Avenell Road but I skipped back to Arsenal station with a huge grin on my face on the way home.
So that’s where I went wrong ‘Holic! I was never one for sleeping ‘rough’. You’re obviously made of sterner stuff π
Clive @68 Certainly sounds it . Cant really say that I remember unsegregated grounds . Sounds great .
My one experience of sitting amongst Liverpool fans at Anfield was not a pleasant one . Always opted for The Arsenal end after that .
Funnily enough , had a very different experience at Everton where the locals were always happy to engage in banter . Went up to Goodison for about 10 years with a mate who was an Everton nut and never had any bother . When we won up there in ’89 , the Everton fans clapped Arsenal off the pitch .
I remember going into the development office in the summer of ’79 and seeing the FA Cup on the counter. Jack Kelsey took my photo with it with an old Polaroid camera saying it was ‘an experiment’ Nice man was Jack, I got the pic for free!
TS
Skipped.?? All the way back to the Village.??
If the Feelgood Boy and Wolfie find out about this,there could be repercussions.!!
Tabs,
When you did you start going to away games,??
I can assure you the 60’s were a picnic compared to what followed.
Clive , apart from the annual visit to The Lane and more occasional visits to Upton Park with the Old Man which started in ’72 , I wasn’t allowed to travel with mates until 79 . I think the midweek FA Cup victory away at champs Forest was my first .
All got a bit hairy after that . I remember running for my life one year at OT after Rixy had won the game for us .
Tabs
That explains it,you were right in the middle of the Supporter wars than went on for many years.
Violence was the accepted norm,and you had to have eyes in the back of your head.!!
I’m sure there are plenty of horror stories out their that some of our older followers can recall.
I seem to remember Holic has had a few himself.
I guess i was lucky to be born at a time when we could go to any ground,stand on the terraces next to the Home supporters,enjoy the banter and the game,and then when leaving,wish each other all the best for the rest of the season.!!
I see the Police are going to wear full protective anti riot gear for the City-Utd cuptie this w/end,that’s how far we’ve come.
Tabs@72: heh π
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/8993371/Arsenal-look-to-avoid-another-Cesc-Fabregas-situation-by-starting-contract-talks-with-Theo-Walcott.html
As if they waited for the debate we had last week to start π
Tabs
Talking of Upton Park,i remember going to their joint with a good mate who was a Hammers follower,for a game against Leeds,in the 70’s
We were up behind one goal,and there was a thin blue line of bobbies segregating the Hammers and Leeds fans.
It was a terrifying experience,we were right on the edge of the Hammers followers,so closest to the Leeds nutters who were well up for a ruck.
Spent most of the match ducking and diving as all sorts of missiles were flying about.
Several times the thin blue line was breached as the Leeds boys launched several incursions into the Hammers ranks.
Bodies everywhere,complete fucking mahyem,it was like a war zone.!!
Rucks continued outside after the game,it just seemed to be completly mindless violence,and god help anybody who got caught in the crossfire.
Those were the days when the Stanley knife was the hooligans weapon of choice,and many a Fan payed the price for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I’ve just broken out in a cold sweat thinking about it.
Along with the FA Cup semi Final at Villa Park against Wolves,a story i will leave for another time,they were the 2 nightmares that stand out for me.
Snir @ 83
There will be some on here that won’t be too fussed if he goes.
The Jury is still out for me,but patience is wearing thin.
Indeed Clive , there appears zero tolerance between opposing sets of fans now , despite the veneer of civility , something that I think segregation has done much to foster . Segregation is of course essential , but I think it is a double-edged sword .
My own personal low-point was having to fend off some Stoke maniac in the cafeteria of BHS , prior to us beating them up there in the Cup with a Niall Quinn goal in the mid-eighties . My crime ? A London accent !
Clive , Upton Park was always in my experience a case of taking your life into your own hands , though your experience sounds particularly bleak !
I was at that semi vs Wolves so shall look forward to your story .
Re: Snir @83: Cesc-like situation? Did they discover that Theo has Southampton DNA? π
Nice piece holic. Not sure there will ever be a time when I fall out of love with the place. Thousands of wonderful memories over the years. A good topic for discussion for the end of season bash in Holland??? Well, for the first night anyway. Clive, nice tales form days gone by.
Just read the Theo report. I again agree with Clive. Jury still very much out. There were a couple of interesting reports in the Standard tonight. One was comparing Theo with Bale. If Theo wants a wage near to 100k a week he could do well to read that. My view is that he has a long way to go to justify anything near to that.
Tabs
A London accent !!,a problem for many Arse supporters who went,’Naked’ to that Wolves semi at Villa Park.
We will share stories about that another day.
PS,Has Wolfie heard about the Storey Boy ‘ Skipping ‘ @ 75,and my concerns @ 79.??
Clive@84: That semi final gainst Wolves terrified me!
I remember walkin to the game and coming towards us was a mob of Wolves ‘fans’ hundreds strong.
I was a 17 year old boy proudly wearing my Arsenal scarf and there was probably no more than half a dozen of us. They were chanting as they approached and a gutteral roar almost made me piss my pants.
We were walking in the middle of the road and rather than turn and flee we chose to continue walking. The mob spread wide covering the whole road and as they engaged us I felt as though my heart was bursting through the wall of my chest.
It was the longest 30 seconds of my life but finally the crowd thinned and I began to breathe a sigh of relief, alas prematurely as the very last wanker swung a well aimed steel toe cap that caught me flush on my shin.
Until your post above it was just a long buried memory.
Steve T
evening mate,
at the moment young Theo is not fit to lace the Bale boys boots,
different class.
I’d take him in a heartbeat.
Puts up Umbrella and prepares for incoming missiles.!!
Geoff
join the Club Mate,
Not only before the game,but afterward,when all the Villa fans turned up to give us a right kicking.
Evening Clive.
Sadly you are very correct. The article is the bottom half of the link below. Time for Theo to smell some of those roasted beans.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-24025090-festive-feast-of-premier-league-football-hard-to-swallow-for-fabio-capello.do
Clive, while I agree Bales is better than Theo, I think he’s being over-hyped.
The guy got the player of the year with 7 goals and 1 assist last season.
That’s not even close to good enough for a player of the season award.
A lot of Gooners are complaining about Theo’s demand of 100p/w but I’m not surprised.
EVERY player (prospects aside, I’m talking about first teamers) in one of the top 4 clubs would demand a 100+p/w salary these days.
That’s just what the market has become.
Snir
I’m afraid i have to disagree re the Bale boy.
His direct style of running at defenders is great to watch and causes all sorts of problems for opposing sides,
Along with Van De Vart,old Harry thinks so much of them,that they are sent out on the pitch with a roving commission to do what they want.
I believe they are about the same age,
But Bale has it on Theo ‘ Upstairs ‘ by a Country mile.
And by the way, it doesn’t say he will demand 100p/w it says that he’s got no demands and is open for talks (Jeremy Wilson explained that on his twitter as well).
100p/w is just the rate Englishmen get at City and Chelsea and since Chelsea were interested, he COULD demand 100p/w.
If we are paying someone 100k a week then quite frankly they have to earn it for me. That goes for everyone.
The spuds have a maximum wage of 60k a week.
Clive – Where did you see me disagreeing you re Bale and Theo?
All I said that while he’s a great player (which he is), he was NOT the best player last season, and he is not the best player this season. That’s all.
Read my post again Snir. I said that of he WANTS 100k etc etc.
One thing I read elswhere was that he had demanded 90k a week. Can’t remember where that was now.
Well in Steve T!
Sneaked in at the far post. That is one more than both Park and Chamakh in the league this season.
π
Clive , Wolfie did indeed see your remarks re The Storey boy skipping . Lends credence to his suspicions as to who was the childhood doll-lover ! π
As for Bale , magnificent player , but could we afford to keep him in bananas ? π
Snir , not sure I agree with your statement at 95 . Arteta is not on 100k . Nor is Kos , nor is Mertesacker , Gervinho and Vermaelen , All of whom are “established” and have arguably performed on a more consistent basis than Theo
Well in Steve T , though I think Chamakh got one up at Blackburn !
Tabs – I meant Englishmen.
Steve – Footballing allegiances aside. When someone is willing to pay you 100p/w, wouldn’t you have leverage and ask for 100p/w?
Ask from the other team I meant.
Anyway, you get my drift.
If Chelsea/Man City is willing to pay him 100, why wouldn’t he ask for 100 from Arsenal?
Kickings for a London accent………what will I cop when I come over bringing an Aussie accent………a lynching lol???
I also think there is far too much emphasis on how much x makes in the English media and fanbase.
Why is it important how much x makes?
As long as wage decisions don’t drive our club to bankruptcy/unhealthy financial position (and it won’t with someone who has a Masters of Economics at the helm) and AW decides that x should earn that, we shouldn’t care.
If AW values that player with an x value then that’s his value in the market.
There is no one better than AW at establishing a correct value for a player.
Snir , I think your statement is only true of the stupid money on offer at City and The Bus Stop .
Tottenham have a top whack of I think 60k , plenty of Brits there , whilst I would surmise there are few players at either Liverpool and Manure earning more than 100k a week , Rooney and Ferdinand aside .
If Theo holds out for 100k , I would surmise he won’t be here next season . He won’t get it .
I don’t think Theo has a chance of banging on how much he want’s to get paid for now anyway.
His performances of late has shown he is very inconsistent and asking for 100K a week is a piss take! Don’t get me wrong he’s young and a very good player but he has not improved for my liking. He has glimpses of Theo The Great but for the life of him he can’t dribble the ball past defenders. His finishing has been something else too. TH14 would be banging them all day and I also believe The Ox would do exactly the same. The problem with Theo is he loses composure in front of the goal, instead of concentrating what is in fron of him he’s looking back over his shoulder, now that needs to be sorted out only by himself until he does that I wouldn’t pay him 100k a week. We know he likes his Ferrari’s but come on bloody earn it!
Scott@107:
Sympathy π
Scott @107 – as long as you’re prepared to admit your cricket team can’t hold a candle to ours , you should be ok π
I wouldn’t rule it out Tabs.
He’s got leverage and possibly the best card he’s holding is the fact that RvP wouldn’t want the club to sell him as he keeps praising him and I’m assuming Cesc and then Theo would be one too many for RvP.
That’s one hell of an Ace Theo holds.
We’ll see Snir .
It all counts for zip if he doesn’t produce week in , week out . The talent is there , he has to apply it consistently to earn that kind of money .
I agree, but don’t you think the club would give him 100p/w if they know that
1) It would improve the chances that RvP will be staying?
2) It would strengthen a top 4 rival (Chelsea who are interested) if he is sold? And yes, I know that Nasri was sold to City, but that’s after he rejected a 115 p/w offer and he wasn’t more consistent than what Theo is.
On the contrary, he was anything but consistent.
Geoff,wait until you hear the chants the Aussie way…..you’ll all be doing colonial impersonations lol.
Takeabowson……….a few quiet heats for sure,but our boys are sticking it India big time atm.
We finally have some bowlers again……..very quiet since Warne and Pigeon retired.
Honestly,we have three or four big tall lads shaping up as McGrath clones,so exciting times ahead.
Well i’m glad it’s not me making the decisions Snir .
I honestly don’t think your No.1 is as relevant as you might think to RVP’s situation , nor would I read too much into RVP’s public pronouncements . He will be aware , more than anyone , that Theo is yet to achieve consistency of performance . He will also be aware that Theo is essentially a confidence player , and that that confidence is fragile . Talking him up in public is simply good captaincy in my book .
As regards Nasri , I agree he was also consistently inconsistent , but would argue that his best (August to Jan last season ) was better than anything Theo has as yet achieved , and that the offer to Nasri was made on that basis .
I say all this as a supporter of Theo , but it is time to start delivering . He is miles behind Bale , imho , of course .
If Theo does want 100k a week and he thinks he can get that somewhere else then close the dore on your way out is my view. He has to earn 100k a week. In my humble opinion he does not even get close the that. He has lead a charmed life re wages, especially considering his age. Produce the goods and he gets his pay rise.
RVP I would pay whatever he wants to reward his loyalty and for what he has produced. Use that as a bench mark. If in 3 years time Theo is achieving anything like RVP then he can have the same. I am bored with this silver spoon stuff. My hard earned cash helps pay his wages. He therefore can start to produce a bit more if he wants to earn big boys bucks.
The above does not just go for Theo but for everyone.
Scott , Mcgrath clones ?? I didn’t want to hear that π
Fantastic bowler .
Right , that’s enough from me , night all .
Tabs,
Thanks for your response on the last thread regarding Theo. I obviously don’t rate the lad as highly as you do, nor so I see the potential that you see – and I put my hand up and hope I will be completely wrong on that count some day. And I genuinely mean that.
I guess for me when you see a player like Fabregas playing at 17, you just know he’s special and he was going to be huge. Same as I do with Wiltshire now. When I saw Anelka during his early years at Arsenal, I remember thinking at the time that his pace and finishing ability was truly astonishing for a player at such a young age (even if you index link the transfer fee we got for him at that time – it would be still be huge in todays market). Sadly of course, through poor advice and a poor temperament he never did that talent the justice it deserved.
I just don’t see the same things with Theo. I never have. I see lots of positive things; pace, an honest attitude and even last year a marked improvement which has carried through some way this season. And I do think Wenger will make him a better player. But I just don’t think he’s ever going to be the player we hoped he would be. For me, he just doesn’t have that natural finishing ability & intelligence that really separates great players.
And the real difficulty is that there is real pressure about the Theo situation because unlike the transfer market for established talent, where I think its fair to say that we largely refuse to compete with Manu / Chelski / Citeh – its a much different story when it comes to investing in young players. We pay very big money for young talent when we see fit. Theo cost Β£12m or so? When you consider how much we paid for Fab / Jack / Vieira even Henry – its an astonishing amount of money for such a young player. Thats the reason why Theo is being given every possible opportunity to bloom, despite the fact that his rate of progress has been disappointing. Its also the reason, I believe, why he’ll be given a new contract largely on his payment terms, despite the fact that I don’t think he deserves it. If we don’t pay him, we’ll potentially loose him or decrease his valuation. Its perverse, but thats what I think will happen given his age and profile. You also touched on the point about contract discussions possibly influencing decisions – and I think thats a very relevant point. There is little doubt in my mind that contract discussions with players can influence selection decisions.
In fact, I would rather have seen us pay someone like Mata 100k a week. If that deal had gone through I think it would have had far more influence on RVP staying than young Theo and his contract.
Spot on Joe.
I remember Anelka making his debut. I also thought that he is probably the most gifted striker I have ever seen. If he had wanted to he could have been better than Henry in my opinion. He was that good. But poor advice means that he was never as good as he could have been.
I don’t remember anyone here or anywhere in the Arsenal blogosphere complaining about the 115 p/w that was offered to Nasri.
He is a lot more frustrating in my opinion cause he has a lot more in his locker.
He’s got a shot, good delivery, pace, nice technique, his skill set is miles above Theo and yet he hasn’t produced more than Theo (or maybe just a bit more, like you say Tabs, even though I disagree).
I wouldn’t offer Nasri anything close to 115 p/w.
In fact 80 would be stretching it for Nasri IMO.
Hi Joe , just caught me , very fair points all . Can’t respond in detail but I too would not bracket Theo in with the players you mention . I think the over hype has to a certain extent been part of the problem .
I do however sense that AW himself is getting a little frustrated , if his touchline expressions are anything to go by .
I agree with Steve . I think a lot might depend on the availability of other top class alternatives – Hazard , Goetse – as to whether Theo gets what he wants .
Great stuff ‘holic, that pic brings memories flooding back, I spent most weekends in my youth, on that stretch of ground.
TS, I remember that queue too. (have previously posted on it) I was there at 8 or 9am and it was still half way up the hill even then (must of been due to holic and his carry on camping mates π )
I’m really swamped at the moment, trying to get a bit of business done (All will be revealed hopefully next week) So I got a little less time to “hang out” with all you fine gents.
Please have a round on me.
It seems funny to me that I’ve come out as a Theo defender over the last couple of weeks.
I actually don’t rate him that highly and don’t have high expectations from him because he doesn’t have a lot that much to offer IMO.
I think he’s a fine player and that’s it. Not more than that, but if him staying influences RvP’s decision to stay then I certainly want him to stay. If not, then I’m quite indifferent.
I do however think he’s very harshly judged (that’s why I defended him) because of the expectations of him which I don’t know where they came from. The guy doesn’t have a lot to offer apart from speed, why would you expect him to be a world class player? He would never be a world class player.
Once The Ox gets a chance to deliver ( as he surely will) any Walcott debate will become an irrelevance
Agree. The kid has so much more about him in addition to being almost as fast as Theo.
I must say I find it hard to disagree with most of what you write Steve.
Mata was the big transfer we lost out on – and he’s been the only player at Chelski in sparkling form this season. And while I wished we pushed the boat out a little further on that front, I also think he was silly to join Chelski from a footballing perspective. I think he would have found it easier to make a name for himself at this club and that would have transpired into much more money over the course of his career than any initial increment he got at Chelski.
G’night guys, 1.30am and an early start in the morning…..maΓ±ana
Interesting discussion on Theo. Its perhaps fair to say that no other current Arsenal player divides public opinion like TW14. I myself go back & forth on him – love him this minute, screaming abuse at him the next! What to do about him? Well first thing is that he does not deserve $100K pw: not yet anyway. I also feel that he’s not a winger, and, not yer typical centre forward either. I would like to see him in the mirror of the old TH14 role – Wide on the right cutting in and having a pop at goal. We’ve seen him score a fair few like that. I can’t see him in the central strikers role but I believe he could be deadly as a wide striker cutting inside..
Holic that photo brings back fond memories. In my time I have tried out every conceivable part of the old stadium possible. I was blooded in the old Norf Bank terrace and spent most of my time there. But I also spent a couple of years in the Clock End and I believe that the Clock End is where all the old Gooner Grand Masters stood. I loved it there and have many, many stories from that period. I then tried East Lower and then West Lower and then back to the East. But then as my socio-economic condition improved I became a season ticket holder and moved upstairs to the Majestic East Upper. West Upper then became my preferred position – but only because at that time my best mate lived on Highbury Hill (still does actually) and so I could nip over there for a warming dish of soup and so forth (nod, nod, wink, wink) after games. After I gave up my season tickets I took seats where ever I could get them but I always loved the East Upper most of all. Looking back I also believe that we had better years when I sat in the East Stand for some reason….memories..
I wonder if AW’s reluctance to play the Ox is a reaction to playing Theo too early too often, building unrealistic expectations that the player’s development has not lived up to.
CW@84: remember going to Upton Park in the late ’60s. Nasty place. And that was before the days of the Inter-City Firm, or perhaps in its early days. In these sanitized, corporated sponsored, all-seat times it is easy to forget how scary and violent going to games could be then.
@ Ned: The Inner-City Firm was one of the reasons I finally stopped going to the North Bank. West Ham used to delight in “taking” the North Bank on a regularly basis. I got sick of the fighting but I have some mates who carried on with that crap well into their 30’s. Sad. I agree with you about Upton Park but the Den was something else. Also Maine Road was no ‘bowl of cherries’ either. Remember how far their stadium was from the train station? Well try escorting a couple hundred Gooners through the gauntlet of abuse to the station as I did when I was a steward. Not fond memories at all..
What’s with all the Bale love?! Bale miles better than Theo?
He is only slightly better and only this season
He had 7 goals and 1 assist in the league last season – Dennis knows how he was adjudged PFA player of the year!
Theo bettered him in stats last season
Yeah, he runs at defenders. So what? That means bugger all if he has no end product
No matter how good a player he becomes(he’s not that good just yet), he’ll always be scum to me
“The shop run by Jack Kelsey”, now there was a memory. What a nice bloke he was as well!
Regurgitating newspaper rumours (the standard says The Theo has asked for 100k the telegraph says he hasn’t asked for anything yet – sooo). then being outraged at the content is a bogus position – a pointless arguement.
After the enormously negative treatment our club has received from the arsehole end of the media in recent times you would hope gooners would know better than to parrot red-top received wisdoms and talk shite spite as though those organizations gave a fuck re the ‘sources’ of their wind-up stories.
Surely we should wait and see until we’re able to get more reliable information instead of finding ourselves goaded in to getting on the back of another one of our own players – who doesn’t need it right now. And when we almost certainly don’t know the full story – yet.
Up The Arse!
Part of our current problem relates to paying less than spectacular players, spectacular wages. Hence the reason we cannot get rid of some of them.
Irrespective of whether TW has asked for Β£100k or not, he is not entitled to a wage rise based on his current performance and needs to show a consistent improvement.
To say that Arsenal don’t want to suffer another “Fabregas” is just silly. Fabregas was special from the minute he put on Arsenal shirt and improved year on year. Walcott has gone backwards, or at best stood still.
Putting Oxlade Chamberlain into the team might on even a semi regular basis might just give him the kick up the backside he (Walcott) needs.
Grump over. π
You’re right Dr. Z Walcott has gone backwards this season – and i reckon whichever one of the myriad of full-backs that have been playing behind him have been grateful for that
UrEdS!
First and foremost he should offer an attacking threat though AL, and in that sense he has gone backwards (with some noteable exceptions, e.g. Chelsea).
You tryin’ to pick a fight, pal ? π
And on the Ox – i would like to see him get more game time too – at the right moments. But to set him up as some kind saviour or season changer at this point in his career is – i think – a risky business. A couple of bad games and the some of the same folk who champion him now – without having seen much of him – will be only too quick to get on his and AW’s back, encouraged by some sections of the media of course – “another over-rated/over-hyped youngster on ridiculous wages/Theo mk 2 – why didn’t we buy so-and-so instead etc.”
I hope he does come good this season and i hope he turns out to be a better player than Theo. But the whiff of Theo-bashing in the air bothers me.
having met you Dr. Z and looked into those wildish eyes after a bucket load of the black stuff has been had – i know better than to do that!
BUT Theo’s had a couple of rotten games after a fairly decent season – going forward and backwards imo. He certainly has his flaws but some of the criticism of him – like Big Willie Young in his – ahem – heyday – lacks a bit of balance – i think.
‘Holic, I’ll try to put a post in from the network today, for now it looks like I can only post from my mobile and home ip addresses.
Don’t know why Akismet has taken offence to the network I was using out of the blue, wasn’t a problem to be had before.
Snir @ 5, too right. Even walking on the ground where the hallowed pitch once was invokes emotions unexplainable by words.
Well in Steve T @ 100, nice debating assist Snir π
@122, very true also, looks like the wage ceiling is being morphed and shifted at the wrong time, why didn’t we just pay Mata what he wanted then?
NBN @ 133, hit the nail on the head buddy.
Zico @ 139, I’ve been saying your last paragraph for ages π
The Ox can only be good for the team as a whole.
I thought Walcott had gone forward this season until recently. He’s been rather wretched over the last few games he played though.
Morning all.
Morning Zico
Has the Feelgood Boy heard about TS ‘ Skipping ”
See posts @ 75/79/90 and 103.
As soon as i read it i knew there would be trouble.
Wind, for some reason, Mata looks like a cunt in that blue shirt, and it suits him.
Not sure I would have liked him.
Not basing myself on any footballing reason though, but there you go.
And while i’m at it it was Chris ‘whyayemunsausagefactory’ Waddle what coined the bullshit Theo has no football brain thing. That’s the same Chris waddle who went to sp@rs at nearly 25 (having only just broken into the England team) and got booed at Highbury by his own fans (i was there watching from the East Stand) when he attempted that back-heel dummy thing on the run he used to do, and fell over. They couldn’t stand him for most of that season and wondered what the eff they’d bought. And though it pains me to say it he went on to develop into a decent player.
Though he talks an awful lot of brainless bollox as a pundit – mind!
There’s a slightly annoying thing with arseblog news: now most of the links on the main blog link to that rather than whatever source.
But while there is a tagadab version of the blog, it doesn’t link to tagadab versions of the news (that probably doesn’t exist), so I can’t clink on these.
Bah.
erm – because chelski would have offered more?
Chris Waddle. Spurs, Marseille and awful punditry. Can’t speak.
Just ignore the twat.
Boutros Boutros Ghali.
Heh Ollie – Papa Bouba Diop!
Clive, skipping you say?
One of his less harmless habits, I’d say. π
tabs, Steve, Snir and others: the Tottenham Β£60k (some sources say Β£50k) wage cap is a bit of a red herring, they won’t be able to keep that up for very long if they want to keep their players. Modric still hasn’t signed the new contract that has been on offer for well over a year and if I am not mistaken, Bale only has one more season to go (not 100% sure on that one, though). And besides, they are already paying Adepaymemore Β£70k per week and then City lumps in with the token sum of Β£100k per week on top of that. Missing out on a CL place would be bad enough for us, but for Tottenham it would most likely be a disaster. Modric and Bale would be gone in a heartbeat (Modric has even hinted that he could move this January) and it would be extremely difficult for them to replace them with players of even remotely similar quality.
Steve T@119: could not agree more. I like Theo and really want him to succeed and take that final step into true greatness, but he is not there (yet, anyway). 100k/w is too much right now.
As for Mata, according to media reports at the time he said that once he heard that Chelsea wanted him he didn’t even consider Arsenal. He, unlike Elvis Costello, wanted to go to Chelsea.
Ollie @ 147, I was inclined to disagree with you slightly about him being a cunt in the blue, but after looking at Lars’ final paragraph @ 154, I’m slightly inclined to agree with you.
Excellent. Now Suarez’s mum has got involved.
He’s not that kind of boy. He’d never hurt anyone. Bite them, yes….
Woke up this morning really angry with Dan Smith and Martin Edwards.
No idea why today. But let me say this – you’re both cunts.
Smith, you’re a terrible cunt. Hope you’re enjoying your hairdressing career.
Catalan, you patently have anger management issues.
If you’re interested, I could introduce you to my friend Syko Babble?
Actually, he’s a friend of a friend.
AL @ 143 – the eyes were wild because the black stuff was getting thrown around the place! π
Dr Z
I believe my issues are justified. π
Rather than a session with Dr BS, perhaps Wolfie and I could just give them both a good paddling?
I think that would help.
Right Zico that clinches it! There’s a pint of the black stuff going in the post this afternoon addressed to – A. Gooner, Edinburgh c/o Zicoinexile/Dr. Feelgood/Syko Babble/Roxette/etc/etc.
On the envelope – in red felt-tip – i will write the words large – “Do Not Spill A Single Drop – Else The So-and-So Will Not let It Rest – Ever!!!!” –
Psed looking forward to a time when i can make amends in the flesh, rather than all over it – if you get my pint err – pardon, point.
Sorry, AL
I clearly have Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. You are forgiven.
Since you can’t make Monday, fixture list now under serious scrutiny π
Just saw Howard’s goal, some really strong wind at Goodison Park yesterday *phew*
Alright ‘Holic, it seems like the network is letting me post, must of been that specific computer that was the problem π
Great post. Being an Indian, I was a long-distance supporter for nine years (2001 – 2010), before I came to study in England. I managed to visit Highbury once, in the summer of 2004. It was such a beautiful experience. Highbury was truly special. So many great memories of watching late-night games that were way past bed-time, the unique camera angles, the closeness of the crowd… and of course, the 4 – 2. Simple special.
Wind. Can you stop making such noise and bending trees around me.
It’s quite annoying, you know.
I do my best Ollie π
Although I did knock down a tree in my mum’s garden, not looking good for me… π
The Scene :
Dr Feelgood is at the bar on the Happy Train. Β It is late and there are more staff than patrons. Β Indeed with the exception of Feelgood, the only other customer is Dr Borda Disorder, unconscious at a table in the corner, having come second in a contest with a bottle Β of Jagermeister.
The call of “Sista bestΓ€llningen var vΓ€nlig” has gone out for the last time. Β The bar staff are keen to get off for the night, but Feelgood is reluctant to leave, his mind pre-occupied with worry. Β As the Bar Staff turn off the lights to make their point, Β Professor Storey “skips” through the door….
Edwin : “Bloody Hell, Dr F, do you realise it’s gone three am? Β Shouldn’t you be at home?”
Feelgood : “I can’t go home Professor. Β A world of pain awaits…..”
Edwin : “Roxette found your diary, then?”
Feelgood : “Worse. Β The Witch has landed. Β I’m weak with throwing up……and to make matters worse, I’ve got this race thing hanging over my head…”
Edwin : “You’re not a racist, Dr F. An unreconstructed chauvinist without doubt, but racism?”
Feelgood : “No you don’t understand. Rox heard about this “Be a Gunner, Be a Runner” thing and promptly put my name forward……charity begins at home…..especially if your other half has one of them “conscience” things…… Β I don’t suppose you can get me out of it?
Before Edwin can answer, Dr Disorder attempts to get up from his table and careens across the bar room floor. Β He staggers up and says…..
“Jagerbombs, please. 2.”
And promptly passes out again.
Edwin (pointing at Dr Disorder) : “You could try fainting?”
Feelgood : “Won’t work. Β She just thinks I’m trying the amnesia trick again….besides she has paired me up with Dr Disaster here…to make sure I turn up.”
Edwin : Β “It’s easy then. Β Just tell Borda you’re going on a “Bombing Run”.
Β (quietly to himself) “AndΒ I’ll send your generous cheque to Save the Children….”
Genius…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zjhlZhAov0
Wind – a quick resume for you until you have time for the full version! π
Enjoy TS….
A completely hairless young man pirouettes in the centre of his bedroom wearing nothing but a beautiful salmon pink nightie.
Sitting on the bed is a Steve Jobs doll dressed in a miniature black skivvy with matching jeans and a pair of tiny blk sneakers on his feet.
On his lap is a Mini IPad.
The young man speaks,
” What do you think of the color Steve,do you think it suits me.??
I haven’t got the matching Bra and Brief set yet,because they were not on the washing line when i stole the Nightie,so i will have to wait till next time.
Now Steve,you must promise me that you won’t leave me like the Baby Jesus did,i was broken hearted when it happened.
You will promise won’t you,i couldn’t bear any more heartache.
Also My 2 best friends in the village are getting very suspicious about the amount of time i am spending in my bedroom,so i don’t know how long we can keep using this as our hideaway.
But we will cross that bridge when we come to it.
But whatever happens Steve,you will stay won’t you.”??
In the deepest recesses of his seriously damaged mind,the young man thinks he hears the Doll speak,
“Don’t worry Sonny,I’m not going anywhere,
Did i not tell you that you are ‘The Apple Of My Eye.’
The Young Man smiles and hums mindlessly to himself,as he pirouettes round and round and round.
Fade To Black.
@170
Wow – repeats! it’s a recurring nightmare! π
Thanks for that ‘holic.
I had only one visit to Highbury, and it was for Paul Merson’s testimonial. We were playing against an International 11 who included Paulo Signori, Chris Waddle amongst others. We had Merson, Seaman, Adams, Winterburn, Dixon, Wright (with his blonde hair), Bergkamp, Overmars to name a few – but we also had Gazza playing for us!! Gazza scored four, Merson got a couple and the game ended 8-5 to Arsenal. All watched from directly behind the goal in the North Bank.
I touched Bergkamp and Wright (my 2 favourite players in the world at that time – Bergkamp still my all time fav!) as they paraded down Avenell road in their cars, hanging out their windows. Moments i will never forget, and boast about to this day!
One of the best days of my life.
For Mr. Clive Waterman
I skip when I want
I skip when I want
Professor Storey
I skip when I want
Zico
I wonder if the Prof ‘ skips ‘ to the toilet,the bedroom,down the stairs,all the way to work,all the way to the Ems via the Tollie,
Skips to the Potting Shed behind the Allotments to meet The Feelgood Boy and Wolfie Smallballs.
The possibilities are endless.
Perhaps the Prof could write a book on the positive aspects of Skipping.
Cheers
The Sweeper
Bet he watched Skippy as a child π
@173
Touche Prof Tes.!!
Clive, in other words you wonder if Prof TES will go to the carsey while singing “Skip to my loo”!
zico@168: nice to hear a bit of Google Translated Swedish spoken by the bar staff π
Swedish translator needed?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OfsABOGw3c
They still make more sense than the customers Lars π
They probably do, zico, they probably do!
Wind’s gone really mad now.
Clive @37 –
have just read your post with a mixture of goose bumps and a moist eye, not to mention a large helping of disbelief.
That Sheffield Wednesday game you describe, was my first ever visit to Highbury as a young boy, and the only one, sadly as he always worked Saturdays, that my dad ever took me to.
Our approach was from ‘Arsenal’ tube station and around the ground to the very entrance in ‘Holic’s photo.
The crowd, the lights, the atmosphere, the players – a football team with it’s own station !! – the magic was done for me.
Like many of us here, my dad is gone, but the memories will never fade.
That is why I love taking my 8 year old daughter to games now, and am so pleased that she loves to be there.
An OJ for you Clive, and whatever any of the other regulars are having.
He’s here too. Being a bit annoying, if I’m honest.
When Wind’s around he ruins my golf.
On Tuesday, Wind was responsible for a 35 minute commute turning into a 4 and half hour journey from hell.
And he’s lurking around these parts today, too.
Dr.C @ #169 – Thanks, absolutley loved it π
Dr.z & Clive – I did enjoy episodes of Skippy as a young’un. I especially liked the helicopter.
Lars – I rarely skip to the khazi but am often able to skip away from it π
Clive @ #170 – Restraining orders have been issued for less π
Dr.F @ #168 – Top hole π
H2H @ #126 – So our paths have crossed before? Good luck with your ‘venture’.
Laters chaps….
Wind spent most of Tuesday afternoon trying to blow me off the M5 π
We can’t say H2H didn’t warn the ‘holics about Suarez while he was still at Ajax. If the Liverpool scouts had been reading Goonerholic instead of other “insider news sources” they might have found out the risks in time.
Huh, I tune in to catch up on all things Arsenal and I seem to have arrived in some kind of cyber asylum, wtf?
Interesting to watch the youtube clip of Howard’s goal, especially the angle from behind Bolton’s end, where it shows plastic baggies blowing toward Howard as be kicks the ball. Bolton’s keeper may have seen this too, which may partly account for his not being ready for the apparent gust of wind that blew in the opposite direction just as the ball bounced in front of him and then blew over his head.
A very good point 8 ball @ 188,
I seem to remember in particular, a certain Kanadian waxing lyrical about what a great signing Suarez was.
He’s now the “victim” and threatening to leave English football I see. One less diving cheat, if you ask me.
I think Suarez achived cunt status way back in the world cup for me
Seeing the weather around me, I think i could have scored that goal Howard scored.
Re: Steve T @102: We had better sign you up then! Very opportunistic. π
Harsha knows. Although to be honest I can’t remember if the Mike Tyson incident was before or after.
Re: Tabs @73: A formal appeal to the authorities for a retrospective rules change, perhaps? That Howard goal does seem deserving of more than the regulation points, but not being an authority of course, who am I to say? π
*prepares to Google the Suarez-Tyson incident*
Why would it be worth more points, bt8? Did we get more points for RvP against Everton for instance, both more difficult and more beautiful?
*casually punts the ball forward*
Bite?
Ok, Ollie. Now that you point it out, retrospective rules changes might not be such a great idea. Great assist, by the way. π
Heh, apt finishing, hope the ball didn’t get deflated before it crossed the line.
I’m the king of assists.
As cunting Evra would say Oliie, you’re the ‘Little Prince’ of assists.
But the King of assist Title surely must go to me this season, where’s Snir with those stats!
The Tyson incident was after the WC.
You guys don’t seem to understand my point about Theo though.
He doesn’t deserve 100, but he can get 100 so that’s what he’ll ask for. And 100 today is yesterday’s 30-50.
And like I said, why do you care how much he makes? So you’ll have a stick to hit him with? If AW thinks he should get that based on the market today then he should get that. It doesn’t really matter what he or anyone else makes as long as the club is in a healthy financial position.
Well in 8Ball . How Ollie turns these “casual punts” into defence splitting passes is truly a sign of genius .
A lot of hehs up there today .
As regards Theo , I think it is a measure of his inconsistency that on the one hand I partially agree with those that are beginning to view him through critical eyes , but yet , at the same time , find myself agreeing with AL’s vigorous defence .
GT @132 – Nice stuff Sir . I , too saw games at Highbury from all places . The only place that I wasn’t that keen on was at the the back of the Lower tier of the East Stand . Like looking at a game through a letter-box ! My season ticket for the last 10 years of Highbury was Upper East – truly a privilege .
Ned @133 – I think that knowledge is playing a huge part in how AW bloods AOC .
Mr C @157 – are you talking about Dan Smith , well-known leg-breaker , and Martin Edwards , erstwhile philandering Chairman of The Mancs . A bizarre connection if so π , but Wolfie wishes me to assure you that he is very much up for the mooted paddling session .
Dr Z @168 – heh , excellent π π Isn’t it Prof TES rather than Professor Storey though ? π
Mr C @169 – brilliant π
Clive @170 – curiouser and curiouser . This series up with “The Omen “, for giving me the collywobbles π
Ollie @178 – hilarious π , and @198 Spoilsport ! π
Today , I shall mostly be cooking . π
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIesCd4I4hU
TS – You carry on skipping mate . If others cannot appreciate the simple joys of skipping , then that is their look-out . Us skippers must stick together !
And for Arseblog’s view about wage rises coming out of fans pockets, it’s not that black and white because rises have been going on for years now for players wages and the 6.5% came in this year.
Also, just like Lars said, to stay at the top you have to adapt to the game and when everybody else at the top is moving and you stay at the same place it means you’re behind what you were before, you went backwards.
So if the club believes that Theo will help the club to stay at the top level then they should sign him, if not then they shouldn’t.
CG @ 169, thanks mate, I’ll give it the once over when I get to a Wi-Fi source π
Ollie @ 181, the fury is directly proportional to my stress.
CG @ 183, don’t blame your double bogey on me, or am I being too kind with my estimate… π
Zico @ 184, did I knock a branch onto the tracks? :O
Trev @ 187, when you’re in a blustery mood, what can you do? π
bt8b @ 190, Tim Howard seems a decent bloke, I’d thought I’d give him a hand. At least it probably made the fat Bolton fan with the spiked mohawk put on his Bolton shirt, surely he must have the record for the taking a shirt off in the least amount of time, looked away during the Carling Cup 4th Round after looking at him just before we equalised with Park or so, it was off and on in the time it took us to celebrate. Phenomenal.
Harsha @ 192, Nigerians and Ghanaians have a deep-seated footballing rivalry, but even that was encompassed to show compassion for them being hard done. With a bit of relief of them not going to the Quarter Final ‘wiped forehead in relief’
Ollie @ 193, I couldn’t assist, Tim was more in need. A ‘king’ can only do so much… π
Missed it first time round .
Trev@182 – Lovely stuff . Hope your daughter is on the mend .
On a lighter note , @187 you were getting blown on the M5 ? Lucky old you , but wasn’t it a bit dangerous ? π
tabs @ 205 – heh. It was the one that skips.
The skipper and the sweeper. What a motley crew. π
Indeed Dr Z .
“The Skipper and the Sweeper ” . I think there’s a film there somewhere π
Tabs, no danger. They pulled off in a lay by.
heh π
Snir@207: did I really say that? π
Holic @ 74 Camping out in freezing temps just to see the Arsenal? I’m getting an image of you as a hippie at Woodstock. Cheers!
Goonergirl @ 63 I could picture in my mind the scene you so beautifully described, well done.
Snir @ 124 Can we add to Nasri’s arsenal of weapons that he is a beautiful dribbler and has great balance. Neither of which can be taught.
tabs @ 211 –
yes, but if you have been paying attention, only available on Betamax π
Re: Wolfie @206: Watch the way you palpate that chicken, lad. π
@218 and @219 – heh π
Tabs – ah, good point – I believe I meant Martin Taylor. Although if Wolfie is willing, let’s paddle Edwards too!
Wind – nope, I think double bogey is about right!
TABS @209 – you beat me to it re Trev! Commenting on it, that is! π
Lars – you said Spurs couldn’t keep it up with paying 60 pw.
That’s adapting.
Snir
If Sp*rs can’t keep it up, perhaps THEY should have got Le Coq extension?
Snir: ah, I see… didn’t really realize that that was what I was saying, but now that you put it that way I can see I did π
Rejoice folks: the return of Schteve:
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2012/01/05/165758_mcclaren-revient-a-twente-off.html
Dr C 221, I did wonder, but didn’t want to point out the possible mistake as I figured Martin Edwards was a valid target, even if the connection was less evident.
http://www.francefootball.fr/#!/news/2012/01/05/161913_pas-de-delai-pour-city-et-les-toure.html
This suggests Gervinho will not be able to play against Leeds either.
CG @ 221/223, heh! π
http://news.uk.msn.com/uk/bendtner-arrested-after-hotel-brawl
Good old Nick B eh?
How he has gone off the rails since leaving the mighty Arsenal…
Hey tabs @ 205 as per mertesacker fair-minded to a fault dear boy (said in best Uncle M fruity tones)
Don’t get me wrong i’m nowhere near The Theo’s biggest fan but some of the criticism aimed his way – after a couple o’ stinkers admittedly – seems a bit harsh in light of a mostly decent season so far.
Plus the the wages lark is possibly in large part a trumped charge instigated by media outlets who sometimes seem to relish winding up gooners (after all it gets a strong reaction, and that’s their agenda – no?) happy to take on board their output without always fully questioning whether anyone who’s actually in the know would be prepared to make public the actual facts of the matter in question (pardon for the pseudo-legalese – am trying like fukkery to keep the thing generalish).
Onwards and upwards
Have been mostly skipping the drinks today – i trussed i ‘aven’t mist much!
UreDS!
And on the Suarez front (could be rhyming slang) was it not H2H who suggested we watch this space as he (or some other soothsayer on here) had long ago marked him down as an utter scumbag – how Ian right, right, right were they!
Lots of debate about Walcott so I thought I’d throw some stats at you (courtesy of bbc.co.uk/football).
WALCOTT 222 Club Apps ( 86 as sub) Goals 40
BALE 181 Club apps (18 as sub) Goals 30
Conclusions?
Hey AL @229 can’t disagree with any of that – the voice of reason !! π
And you are right , it was indeed H2H who foresaw the Suarez problems having watched him at close quarters in Holland . Perhaps Snir should offer his balls to H2H ?
Mr C @221 – Ah , that makes more sense , although I concur that Martin Edwards would be a good candidate for a paddling . Trouble is I think he might enjoy it rather too much , if the tabloid stories of his former pre-season tour antics are to be believed .
Snir @204 and @207 – Any analysis that ends with “he can get it , so we should give it to him” , is in my view , way too simplistic . I think that analysis overlooks the most important point – keeping a dressing room happy . If we award Theo X , why shouldn’t various other players immediately march in and say , you’re paying Theo X , I want the same .
It matters to us as fans because his wage should not be taken in isolation , but will clearly have a ripple effect throughout the whole squad and therefore affect the club budget , and thus should therefore concern us .
AW will do what he always does . Come up with a figure based on market forces and the value of the player . In my opinion that will be considerably less than the figures mooted (albeit in the press ) . It will then be for Theo to either accept , or go chase the dollar elsewhere , most likely from the bench a la Nasri .
Further , it is the fans who either directly (through the turnstile) , or indirectly (through TV money) , pay for the players . The sums charged to the TV companies would be nowhere near as high if the football was taking place in half empty stadia with anaemic atmospheres . The passionate crowds are a major part of Sky’s product .
To say that the 6.5% increase has only just occurred and is not therefore relevant is a misnomer . I bought a season ticket for the first time in 96 (essentially because with the onset of all-seater stadia wandering up on the day was no longer an option) . It cost me Β£380 . By the time we left Highbury 10 years later , the same seat was costing me Β£1100 , almost a 300% increase . Prices were left static at The Ems in part because of the enormous increases we had endured at Highbury .
I agree entirely with Arseblog’s piece .
*puts on trainers and runs for the hills* π
Geoff @231 ,
My conclusion would be , as always , is that football is not a game that lends itself easily to Stats . They can be helpful but nothing more . To reduce the game to merely individual goals and assists is to not even get half the picture .
That’s my two pennyworth anyway . π
Tabs.
Where did you see I wrote we should give him?
I said he’s entitled to ask for it if that’s what others are willing to pay him and it’s up to the manager to decide whether or not letting him leave or signing him for 100 would disrupt the dressing room.
Like I said, nobody here complained about the offer to Nasri despite Nasri being so much more frustrating and undeserving of 115.
tabs, I agree re: stats. I m getting increasingly annoyed with the abuse of statistics, my particular “favourite” is “mistakes that lead to goals” or something similar which is a really stupid stat because quite frankly, any goal must be preceeded by a mistake by the defending team – it’s just a question of how big a mistake and how long before the goal. Losing the ball to your opponent is by definition a mistake no matter how it is done, even shooting and the keeper saving is a mistake on the part of the attacking team (and preceeded by a mistake by the defending team for allowing the shot etc etc etc). It’s just a rubbish, nothing stat in my eyes.
Tabs@233,
Thanks for your input, it’s interesting.
A creative player/forward I believe should be judged on his contribution to a game and this is measured by either goals, assists or chances created.
Is it possible for a creative player to dribble freely past players, cross accurately, make good passes, in general have a fine looking game but not do anything that contributes directly to his teams result?
If so has he had a productive game?
Or a holding midfielder who may take up so many good defensive positions that he doesn’t have to make more than a handful of tackles. He retains posession, makes himself always available to recieve the ball from the defence and passes the ball onto other players who are more creative. How can stats NOT tell us whether he is an effective player or not? We’ll see how careful he has been with the ball, how many interceptions he has made, clearances etc.
I was never a fan of stats, preferring to use my experience and just trust what I saw, if a player was pleasing on the eye I’d say he had a good game. One day i stumbled upon 7am kick off’s stats on Walcotts effectiveness and was shcoked to find he was the leagues 3rd most productive forward player last season in terms of goals/assists created per 90 mins.
Think of all the wonderful forwards/attacking midfielders and imagine there were only two more productive than Walcott.
So, in summarising I am now a fan of stats!
I hate 95% of statistics, Lars.
Snir @204 / Tabs @232 –
firstly, evening fellas.
I was trying to post earlier but t’internet has been down since lunch-time. Think it was @38 Snir you said much the same as at 204.
Well, i’ll tell you why fans care what we pay players. It’s because, like Tabs, I have a season ticket to pay for.
First season at the Ems it cost Β£1725.
This season it cost Β£1955.
Why do you imagine that is Snir?
Clearly, because the club’s costs have to be met from somewhere. There is TV money, sure, but a large chunk comes from ticket revenue, catering, merchandise, programs, on-line subscriptions etc. etc. etc.
All of these costs, even the TV money via Sky subscriptions etc, have ultimately to be met by fans.
I care a great deal that Niklas Bendtner got Β£52,000 per week just because he could, and Denilson (sorry BtM) wasn’t far behind, because I have to help f*cking pay for it!
If I want to take my daughter to a match, sitting next to my season ticket, the cost, with all the match day add-ons is Β£200 !
When your online subscription rises to Β£200 per year in order to pay players, who clearly are not worth it, Β£100,000+ per WEEK, I suspect you will become a little more concerned too.
Sorry, but this “why should the fans care” attitude, smacks of the worst kind of players to me. Just saying.
Clearly I agree with Tabs and Blogs.
What zico said at 237.
FACT
“Statistics is what tells me that if I have one foot in a bucket of ice and the other in boiling water, then on average I am pretty comfortable” π
Haha, never heard that one, excellent, Lars!
Does the bucket of ice have a glass of Rum and Coke in it?
Very comfortable if so. π
Trev, @ 238, now come off that fence. π
BTW, I agree totally.
Trev, is it Β£200 extra for bringing the daughter or is it the total cost? In any case it is ridiculously much.
Geoff , we’ll have to agree to disagree .
To use your examples :-
1. Bale , for example , sprints from the halfway line , beats 3 players , crosses to Adebaywhore , who makes an easy lay off to Defoe who drills it in . Defoe is credited with the goal , Adebayhore with the assist , but who has got the crowd off their seats and actually made the goal ?
(Before people think I’ve gone all Spud-lover , I use the above example only because others were using Stats to question Bale’s effectiveness and his entitlement to Player of the Season – fairly won in my view ) .
2. A midfield players Stats may be unfairly and adversely affected by the difficulty of passes attempted . For example , I believe Denilson’s “stats” were always very good , but can any of us really say that he has been an effective player , offensively or defensively , over the last couple of seasons ?
‘Fraid I’m with Lars and Dr Z on this one .
@ Geoff 231: Conclusions: Bale is a scum monkey?
Ollie@241: in it’s simplicity that scentence describes the danger of trusting stats blindly. I read it in a book on statistics, actually.
Trev, Β£200?
I know all about the frayed nerves associated with bringing up girls, but Β£200?
We know its not all spent on Guinness, so how many overpriced hot dogs does she eat? π
PS – I am assuming and hoping she is well on the mend, mate?
Lars, Β£200 in total mate, and that’s seat cost averaged over a season.
For a Cat A game, as when I took her to the Marseille game this season, it would be costed as an individual match at
Seats Β£100 x 2 = Β£200 (even i can manage that)
Train Β£ 12 inc her concession
Food / Drink Β£ 15
Program Β£ 3
Total Β£230 !!
Please don’t try and convince me that I don’t care Snir, π
his entitlement to Player of the Season β fairly won in my view
I’ll pretend I haven’t read that, tabs π
heh, Lars 247, classic to find it there, I guess. I’ll try to memorise it for next time someone argues about stats. π
I should perhaps clarify my stance on stats: I think they have their use, but you need tons of stats to get something meaningful out of it. Also, no matter how you do it, it comes down to a certain degree of subjectivity on the part of whoever does the collection. Goals, saves and assists are fairly straighforward – either you score or not, either you save or not. But what about that defensive run that Defender A made which caused Attacker B not attempt that pass that he wanted to do and instead tried a hopeless shot? What about when Szczesny comes out and forces Messi to make a much more difficult shot that he wanted, thus missing the entire goal? That comes up as a shot off target, not a save when it was very much down to Szczesny attackin Messi. Etc etc.
Extract of an e-mail received today from the club :
Arsenal v QPR
FA Cup, Monday, January 09
And some wonder how we cannot sort out an insurance deal for Monsieur Henry?
Yes, many thanks, zico, Tabs, Lars, TS, Wind et al –
she is on the mend now, but for three days had a temperature touching 40c, a pulse rate of 140 (now returned to 80) and couldn’t eat to keep the antibiotics down.
That’s why I was a bit preoccupied !
If memory serves me well, i think ‘Holic has yet another testing day tomorrow, so all the very best to you, sir.
Heh Dr Z.
.con-tastic
Trev, and then imagine how expensive if you could manage more than half a Guinness as well π
What Trev said, Holic.
Statistically, the average person in this country – and the world I guess – has less than two legs ! π
That’s exactly why I CAN’T have more than half Lars !
BtW, have we actually signed TH12 yet ?
I heard it was all done, then it was ‘insurance’ delays, and the latest one is ‘failure to agree on a return date’.
Ffs, can anyone make a sodding transfer difficult like we can ? π
Very happy to hear she is getting better, Trev!
Trev: aah, so the headache is just a smoke screen? π
But it seems transfers have to take very long when we’re involved. Bloody hell, I want to see Henry on the pitch on Monday!
Tabs, Lars, You make really valid points.
I guess there is a stat for the kind of run Bale made, pre assist (how many of you say Hleb in your mind’s eye?) but I totally agree with you both.
I guess there’s a marriage between stats and what you both describe which obviously are difficult to measure. That’s probably why two people see the same game and dissagree about a players performance.
If Arsenal on average score 3 goals for every 10 shots on target this season it doesn’t mean that if they have that number (or more as against Wolves) they will score, it just means if they shoot 10 times on target it’s likely they will score 3 times.
Zico@237 π
Are you over for Monday Lars ? I’ve already taken extra time off – should be at The Tollie for 6.15 ish.
Trev @238 – you won’t be surprised to find out that I agree entirely .
Lars @240 and Trev @258 , heh , pretty much sums up my attitude to stats π
Holic , what Trev and Dr Z have already said , hope all goes well .
Snir – my mistake , you didn’t ! Fair enough . π
Ollie @250 – I was feeling brave , having just engaged Snir ! Clearly that bravery led to recklessness . I take it back and apologise unreservedly π
Yay, nice one Trev.
Watch out for mad man on the table π
Tabs, I really enjoy the Nurse Wolfie alter-ego, but isn’t getting engaged to Snir taking things a bit too seriously ? π
Wolfie likes his balls Trev π
Snir seen it coming π
Are you referring to me Dr Z ? π
Yes, Trev, I will be at the Tollie on Monday!
Excellent – so what’s the turnout ? Dr Z , TS , Wolfie , Lars , Trev , Snowy . Anybody else ?
Lars, great stuff.
Can we expect cfpb ?
Trev:
I’m in total greement with you.
Until last season I had two season tickets at the same price as you, had them since ’71. In addition every game I took my youngest two as junior gunners.
Although JG tickets represent great value at Β£15 each, when added to the cost of the season tickets AND FOOD for the four of us you’re looking at around Β£300 per game, minimum.
Seeing undeserving players behaving so appallingly, falling out of nightclubs with trousers around their knees, selective effort during matches etc infuriated me.
Ultimately I no longer go every week, partly due to my reluctance to put myself further into financial hardship but mainly as a direct result of the obscene money these ungrateful players receive, I just can’t ‘buy’ into it anymore.
Geoff. Bale spent all but the last 2 years as a left back. That may explain your stats.
Trev. I am with you. My season ticket is not as much as yours but I agree when it comes to price increases and players contracts.
Snir
Are you still at the Theo 100k per week melachy?
I say AW should tell him show me you’re worth it! At the moment he’s not worht 100k per week, and I agree some better performers could say hold on I want same as Theo therefore disturb the balance in the dressing room and you certainly don’t want that happening.
Theo is an intelligent guy and I hope he has brains not like Nasri who left purely beacuse of the money that was offered to him. Football it’s not what it use to be. Players get greedy too and to some it don’t matter what the club history is or what the fans may think of them when they leave.
I don’t think anyone is having a go at Theo however he hasn’t made any progress from last season, he seems to be going backwards and until fans will see improvements I don’t think they will agree with his pay rise. Players do earn crazy money and us fans are not so fortunate and some do struggle just to be able to afford to go to games.
With his current form he’s not showing any glimpses of becoming what I thought he would be at this point. However paying a player 100k a week who is not showing a great deal needs to be justified and backed by performances on the pitch.
Geoff, Steve T –
evening fellas. Drinks are on the bar. Cheap ones mind – unless of course Lars . . . π
Apologies accepted, tabs.
Let’s all drink on Lars’ tab π
I believe so tabs (@271) – though not sure about Dr Spin.
Changing the subject – if you haven’t followed Holics link above to the Arsenal Collective, there is an excellent new post there, published today. Particularly apt and compulsory reading for Cuntstop when he next wanders in un-invited.
Excellent news re: daughter o’ Trev. Cheers!
Or Theo. He can afford a round.
On the train home after a long busy day. How many 100k a week wannabes can say that?
Maybe daughter ‘o Trev would like a lemonade on Lars’ tab?
Geoff , just horrendous cost when you add it all up . You not about on monday ?
Steve – good point re Bale .
Dr Z – Of 4 recent visits to The Tollie , I have only ended up atop a table once .
Lars has however managed the same conversion rate from 2(?) visits .
“Stats” would therefore suggest that Lars is more likely to be dancing atop a table on monday , but does this stat alone tell the full story ? π
Gareth “minkey” Bale “deserved” to be voted player of the year!!!
So there’s a fine line between fair-mindedness and outright treachery then.
Glad to see normal service was resumed shortly after, tabs
Now orf for a phew!
I don’t know what came over me AL π
tabs 4 visits -> once one a table
Lars 2 visits, same conversion rate?
Shall I assume he only had one leg on the table?
Will you be attempting the ‘liar, liar!’ routine again, tabs? π
tabs – I apologise.
Trev, look out for two mad men on the table. One in fur-lined speedos.
bt8 – she’d love one – but only a half π
Laters fellas – stuff to do for a bit – or to do a bit of stuff – I wish !!
Evening All
final word on Theo v Bale.
I’ve already said it once but i will say it again,
Bale leaves Theo for dead,’ Upstairs ‘ and ‘ Downstairs ‘
There really is no contest.
Bale’s positional sense/direct running/end product/all round effectiveness/,are all the ingredients that a Manager wants from a player.
He is one of the few players from other teams,that i thoroughly enjoy watching.
I don’t give a Fuck whether he is a Spud,a Carrot or a fucking Cucumber,he can play.!!
That’s the bottom line.
As for the Stats quoted above,considering Bale is supposed to be a defender,his Goals scored column is exceptional.
I would have him at the Ems in a heartbeat.
zico –
2 mad men on the table – i should be able to see 3.983761 legs then, statistically π
The “liar liar ” routine didn’t really take off , did it . Oh well π
Time you started saying what you mean,Clive π
Clive
“I donβt give a Fuck whether he is a Spud,a Carrot or a fucking Cucumber”
Left me in stitches π
Trev ,
7.983761, if you include the table legs. π
“I donβt give a Fuck whether he is a Spud,a Carrot or a fucking Cucumber,” π π
The Sweeper in mclintock type mood……
Tabs’s former favourite Gareth “minkey” Bale in action during his Saints days – don’t think he was ever better.
http://youtu.be/mQAMvmi1Zwk
Zico – what all the way from Prince’s (hope i spelt that right – some of my best friend’s are Scottish – but they’re ALL very touchy re spelling and that!!!!!!) Street, impressive!
Ollie: You were there?
That Liar Liar routine Tabs, I still laugh when I picture that giant bouncer as he ultra politely asked you to step down.
Tabs: Now I know there’s a whole ‘gaggle’ of ‘holics going Monday I’m sorely tempted to join you all at The Tollie.
Ah , you got there first Arthur . Had me on the floor as well .
Goes on a mazy run down the right flank and crosses the ball into the box…
You know it makes sense Geoff π
?
Trev
Re Sheff Wed game in 64,
really sorry to hear that that was the only game you got to go to with your Dad.
That must have been a great regret for you.
Did Dad not manage to take you to some mid week games.??
Glad to hear the little one is now nearing full health again
Cheers
Clive
Spelling is correct AL.
Your forte as we all know.
Or are you younger? π
My word , this lad can still finish . He may have lost a yard of pace , but he is still 3 steps ahead upstairs ( and on a table ) .
An omen for returning veterans ? Va va Voom .
“?” was missing from me previous post and didn’t want Zico coming down on me (oops) like a ton of bricks/brick’s/brickes
tabs scores the triple century from my cross, well done tabs!
i fort’e would never ask
Steve @ 295
One of my all time favorite players,
Now there was a real Leader of men.
Arthur/Tabs,
I aim to please.
Since we are on the subject, what exactly is a fucking cucumber?
Is that one of those things Roxette hides in the drawer until the Pirates come round?
Cheers Lars , marvellous assist . Your wing play was positively Bale .. err .. Theo like π
Dr Z @309 – perhaps the following might help
One day a cucumber, pickle and a penis were having a conversation.
The Pickle says, “You know, my life really sucks. Whenever I get big fat and juicy they sprinkle seasonings on me and stick me in a jar.”
The Cucumber says, “Yeah, you think that’s bad? Whenever I get big, fat and juicy, they slice me up and put me in a salad.”
The Penis says, “You think that your lives are tough? Whenever I get big, fat and juicy they throw a plastic bag over my head, shove me in a wet, dark, smelly room, and force me to do push-ups until I puke and pass out!
So, next time I see Chimpo Bale, he will have a plastic bag over his head?
The Skipper and the Sweeper are ensconsed at the Bar.
“If she ever left me i don’t know what I’d do,”said the Skipper.
” I think i would die,i really would.”
The Sweeper nodded his head,but decided to refrain from telling
the Skipper that she had left him several times in the past and he was still alive.
The Skipper had even survived the most recent time,when she left him for a brief affair with a man old enough to be her Father.
The Sweeper had always felt that she was built for trouble,and all of it headed the Skipper’s way.
To be continued.
We can dream Dr Z …
Clive , are you sure you’re not a romantic novelist ? π
Tabs @ 311
Classic.
Zico @312
Even with a Plastic bag over his head he’d still outplay Theo.!!
Heh tabs.
So Clive,
The madness has moved from the english countryside to Mexico?
You’d never catch me at that lark π
Tabs
this Storey could run and run,or is that Skip.??
Zico
They are just on temporary assignment,
Europe beckons.
The man himself is very quiet this evening . .. perhaps he’s out looking for dolls ? π
Can’t believe I hadn’t discovered this Arsenal Collective stuff before – its brilliant.
tabs – given your recent “interview” with big Frank, check this out
http://www.thearsenalcollective.com/the-memory-bank/2011/12/29/me-and-frank.html
Heh, on the day i have my piece complete for them he has tweeted to say they have something of a mountainous backlog of articles to publish.
Oh well…
Heh Dr Z , great read about Frank . The article rang very true , even from my brief meeting with him .
The Frank Sinatra thing I can also attest too . In the same juicer as I met him in a few weeks ago , he sang a load of Sinatra up on stage with a band after the Littlewoods Cup defeat against Luton in’88 .
It didn’t really cheer us up at the time , such was the all-consuming disappointment of the day’s football , but it was a nice moment nonetheless .
Not so sure about the article about the Semi Final win over Spurs . That remains my favourite game ever , so my memories are pretty clear . The ill-judged tannoy announcement was at the 2nd leg and not the replay as the author suggests. He also seems to have Nico Claesen down as the Spurs keeper !! The detestable Clemence was in goal . Claesen was a non-scoring Belgian forward who didn’t last long in English football .
Hey ‘holic, such is an authors lot!
Zico/Tabs
Just had a look myself,not sure how long the site has been active,but looking through previous posts,there doesn’t seem to be much comment about the Stories from fellow Gooners.
So is it a relatively new Site.??
Perhaps Holic can enlighten us.??
Cheeers
Clive
Tabs: I had a Spurs supporting mate who used to refer toClaesen him as ‘The Cheater’….and I was at that replay too. when I heard the announcement I remember thinking ‘wouldn’t it serve those bastards right if……’
π
Tabs
Why on earth did you have to mention Luton.??
I’ll raise you Ten and mention Swindon.!!
I think most are writing articles rather than posting comments Clive π
It is a relatively recent arrival, and a blooming good idea. It should be around a long time.
Oh, and did both debacles. Thanks for mentioning them again π
TaBS, checking TX for Yanited. Nothing yet, but won’t give up.
Holic , that’s great , many thanks .
Apologies Clive – a bad day from start to finish that one .
Froze my nuts off on an open-top bus to and from Wembley , watched in horror in the car park as some Arsenal “hooligans” set about some very ordinary Luton families who weren’t hooligans at all . All that and Gus Caesar π
Thnks for the Head’s up Holic,
Re Debacles,blame Tabs,he started it.!!
Geoff – Why the cheater ? memory letting me down . Was he known as a diver ?
tabs @ 323 – despite the inaccuracies re that Cup game, the over-riding themes (Clive Allen is a cock) and young Gooners on their way to greatness hits the spot, for me.
I can see why you would be irritated by the lack of a sub-editor though.
Gus Caesar. Oh very dear.
Tabs
Yes it was an absolute Bastard of a day,and a stark reminder that we had just as many thugs masquerading as ‘Supporters ‘ as other Clubs.
And dear old Gus to Boot.!!
Trev – First of all, glad to hear about your daughter π
Secondly, the Red Bulls want Henry back after Milan, Arsenal want him to go back after Spurs.
About the “why should fans care,” – Well that’s flawed in itself, because I don’t think that fans need to pay for that, there are a whole lot of other ways to generate revenue (better commercial deals to name one) and not take it out of the fans pockets.
I agree that fans should never ever ever be regarded as money machines or something like that cause they are NOT customers, they are supporters.
All I’m saying is that, as long as it doesn’t affect your pocket (like it shouldn’t and correct me if I’m wrong, cause I might be wrong here, the wages kept going up but the season ticket rise of 6.5% was only this season, right? I might be wrong, but if that’s right well that’s the way it should be).
Like I said, I think we as a club HAVE to raise our wage level to adapt to what’s going on around us. Englishmen will earn 100+ and above even if they aren’t the best players in the world because they have massive leverage – the 25 player rule.
And like I said, I don’t see why people are annoyed that Theo might get 100 and not annoyed that Nasri was offered 115 when he was so much more frustrating.
Maybe I don’t expect too much of Theo and that’s why I’m not as disappointed in him than Steve and Clive.
I had NO expectations of him and everything he does something good I think to myself “oh, well he’s improved” and when he does something horrible I think “well, that’s his ability….”
About TH – I’ve also seen a RUMOR saying that he picked up a thigh strain in training and the club is using the insurance as cover up because they need to see how serious it is.
Don’t know how credible the source is, so take it with a pinch of salt.
The same guy said that we need to sell first before we buy because the squad is too big but that’s rather obvious since we’re already on the limit of the 25 rule.
Well in master tabs for the 300, good to see you’ve still got it π
Lovely assist Lars also, very Theo-esque indeed π
Clive @ 288, same as AtG and tabs at 292 & 294, left in stitches, couldn’t help but laugh at the statement π
TABs @ 311: Oh you’ve gone and done it now – because of you I am in trouble with the Missus. Went out for a while and when I got back I was catching up on a few drinks quietly until I got to first Clive & then you and then I was on the floor. Mrs Terry came to see what had afflicted me and saw your comment:
She: So that’s what you are up to instead of coming to bed at night!!
GoonerTerry (silence) Cause there’s no feasible answer to that..
GT, does the couch await, or the doghouse?
Silence can be deadly…
Wind: May have to go to bed early and take/give one for the boys! (0;
TABs I notice you are a bit nonchalant these days. Scores and don’t celebrate or even acknowledge the cheers of the crowd. Rather Anelka-esque imo..
Life in Suburbia (fleeting vignette)
The wife, looking through a mail order catalogue that arrived in the mail today, says half to herself but audibly out loud, “I don’t look good in these big neck cowls.” Thinking to myself I say, “Maybe you should try one of those snoods like the fucking double-chinned lesbian Nasri.”
Then I think to myself, “Maybe that zicoinexile isn’t as crazy as I’ve been thinking.”
@ 8 Ball: This is good stuff. Got my brain going. What I am asking myself is how would this story end if 8 Ball didn’t have the “handbrake” on…
The scene –
a huge house in Scotland, where a vastly overpaid and under utilised employee of a large financial institution and his wife are getting ready for a night out on the town, as much as anything to escape the presence of said wife’s recently arrived mother.
He, already dressed and waiting for his lady wife, sits at his computer and types furiously at the keyboard. As smoke begins to spiral upwards, the sound of his chuckling interrupts the otherwise quiet upstairs of the house.
The lady wife has been locked in the bathroom making her own preparations for over two and a half hours when the sound of a key turning in the lock rattles the typist to attention.
The lady wife calls out –
L Wife: “Zico, come here a minute . . ”
Zico: “Yes Darling, right there”.
He begins to skip towards the landing but remembers that it is only supposed to be one of his ‘London’ friends who has such an affected gait. He corrects himself and strides slowly and, to be truthful, somewhat nervously, towards the bathroom, trying to give off an air of quiet confidence.
Zico: “Yes Roxette, what can I do ?”
Roxette, who has been trying to pour herself into the new cocktail dress that she bought last week at huge expense, is standing in the bathroom doorway –
Roxette: “Zico, does my bum look big in this ?”
He shifts uncomfortably from foot to foot, trapped in the worst of all marriage dilemmas. Finally he delivers his verdict –
Zico: “Well to be perfectly honest darling, I suppose it does – just a tiny bit . . . . . . but it’s not a very big bathroom.”
Have you ever seen a man with a toilet seat round his neck ?
Roxette has . . . π
GT, a fair enough question. π
Re: Trev @345: Brilliant, but careful careful not to outshine the original. π
…and of course Zico provides a possible answer…but that’s pure fiction. From what I can deduce Zico would never have allowed himself to be nutmeggted like that..(0;
Trev – You know I have a lot of respect for supporters like you who are ST holders and can only wish I would one day be able to be a ST holder but like I wrote @336, I think there are other ways to generate revenue that we shouldn’t care about what our players earn but only that we’re keeping up with whatever is around us to stay competitive.
Cheers bt8 – good stuff up there from Clive and Tabs too π
No work tomorrow but sleep is still long overdue.
Snir –
we have had two price increases since moving to the Ems, not one.
We have not had these giant ‘other’ revenue streams you speak of, so the fans, one way or another, have borne the brunt of increased costs, chief among which has been the steeply rising wage bill.
I work bloody hard for my earnings, and it offends me when some of our players don’t, or are grossly overpaid for what they have to offer – be it in terms of skill or effort.
I have an instinct for what a player is worth to us – albeit not as informed as the manager – and I do care when I consider them to be vastly overpaid in the context of their contribution, and what I pay – yes I/we all pay – to support them.
I’m afraid you can repeat your post as many times as you like, but you are not going to convince me to not care.
Sorry old chap, but there it is, and I am not going to bore everybody by repeating my views again either.
I don’t know what time it is there, but help yourself to a nightcap while I do the same π
Trev – I repeated it, to get a response out of you π
Like I said, I totally agree that fans shouldn’t be the ones facilitating these rises in wages, but surely you do agree that our wage structure needs to be changed.
Be it raising the maximum wage and/or changing the “rewarding squad players with nice wages.”
Something needs to be done, because we have to keep up with both the market and more importantly the 25 rule.
Snir mate,
I think you are flogging a dead horse,
We have covered this Ad Nauseam,
You never know when to quit.
You need to lighten up.
Have you tried Phone Sex.??
I can introduce you to Tiffany October if you are interested.
She comes highly recommended.
Cheers
Satiated,Limp, Sweeper.
Sweeper, did she help you break the record though?!
@ Snir: I have read 6 articles on Arsenal Collective since you started on this argument. Clive is right: Dead Horse. Leave it now before the RSPCA come calling..Besides I thought that your mood would have changed seen as you have been among the goals but…
…plus I have taken my girls to rehearsals, gotten in and out trouble with Mrs T and eaten my supper in between..(0;
Don’t look if you don’t want to retch, and don’t forget I warned you. π
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Robbie-Savage-nude-Stricly-Come-Dancing-star-poses-naked-for-Cosmpolitan-magazine-article849575.html
OK I have had enough: I am reporting both you (Bt8th) and Clive to Holic for introducing fucking obscenities into this bar!
Only one comment about that photo: Large hands or small balls??
… And my sincere apologies for lowering the level of discussion.
Bt8b: oh dear. Oh ver dear.
That would be o very dear. Savage nude? Even the cat has thrown up.
Evening/morning All.
Still swamped and only had time for a quick scan of the previous drinks.
To various;
It was indeed I who warned of the cuntishness of Suarez. This guy was banned in the Lowlands for biting an opponent, he is a good player, no doubt, but also a twat spatular of the highest calibre, expect more fuckwad behaviour in the near future.
===
Theo v Monkey Boy.
I HATE!!! to admit it, but Galen wins hands down, in fact there’s no competition, you can shove the stats, if I had the choice I’d pick the ape man every time.
====
Theo= 100k pw?
I fucking hope not. I like the kid, but there’s no way he’s worth that.
====
Trev.
You got my vote, it’s the supporters who frequentt the stadium week in week out, who ultimetly pay the players wages.I’ll say no more.
=====
To all.
Everybody (well almost) seems to think that the answer to all our problems is the OX, all of a sudden the young man has legendary status and if he was brought on or should fetaure in any given game then he would shine and we would be masters of the universe……..
Based on what??????????????
Three appearances in the CC??? One of which he didn’t do bugger all in?????
Don’t get me wrong, I think the lad has potential, but at this moment, it’s no more then that.
Everyone seems happy to think he is our saviour, heeping (IMHO) way too much responsibility on his young shoulders, this can only lead to disaster.
AW is no fool and histrack record shows that he is more then willing to thro young talent in at the deep end IF, and it’s a big IF he feels that thet ae ready.
So, plaese, let’s chill a bit when it comes to the Ox we’ll see him soon enough.
======
Once again, I wish I could be around a bit more, but my wheelin’ n dealin’ takes precident at the mo’ (it’s going well, cheers TS)
Once again gents, have a round on me.
Cheers.
8ball – I saw that on the mirror’s website and didn’t even try to press on the link.
Why did you bring that filth here ?!?
So H2H, Well it looks like you got your wish. Seems like Park will be starting, not the unflappable OX, in the Leeds game. As for the Theo VS Bale debate, I’d take Nasri back anyday. I’ll say it one more time, this boy was born to play. Beautifully.
Sorry for all the typos in my previous, it’s well late here = too much beer = funny looking smiley face thingymibob.
ABB, not my wish at all, I hope he gets a chance v Leeds, I’m just wary that he’s been overhyped by too many in the fan base.
Theo v Galen v the chinless lesbo.?
I’d still take the monkey boy, but please don’t make me choose again as I feel absolutly filthy and now have to go and scrub all my skin off.
Oh H2H, You see I saw the video of Nasri playing futbol when he was only 6 or 7 years old. The locals were already comparing him to Zadane…he still takes my breath away.
Chinless le$bo back? He can cunt orf!
I haven’t clicked on 8ball’s link coz’ I’m at work. Drinks after that post seem to suggest I better not
Takes my breath away by his anonymity.
He’s the least direct and purposeful player ever.
If he would add that to his game he’d be awesome, but he’s not. He’s a good dribbler. But so is Ben-Arfa.
I can’t believe I’m saying this but Bale is much much better. His style is dare I say it… Breathtaking.
Ok enough with that…
That’s enough for tonight, anymore and we would all be puking.
I’m starting to get a feeling there really is something fishy with the TH transfer…
Nothing concrete, just a gut feeling, a hunch…
>>>>>>> BREAKING NEWS >>>>>>>>>>>>
The Spurs Virus has spread to the respected Goonerholic web site sources close to the organization revealed. It seemed that for days now management and senior subscribers have been attempting to stop the virus’ progress, but late this evening the attempt was abandoned. This reporter saw several members running from the establishment vomiting and uttering expletives under their breath. The area was immediately cordoned off and security personnel were seen locking up doors & windows in an attempt to contain further infections. It is believed that the virus was initially spread by a senior member of the popular online forum who began talking incoherently and making wild statements about Spurs chances of finishing above the Arsenal this season. A spokesperson for Goonerholic was quoted as saying that at first it was thought to be delirium brought on by too much prancing around in ladies under garments, but over the past few hours signs are that the virus has mutated and is now affecting several younger members..This latest development is very dangerous according to the Department of Dangerous Diseases (DDD) and have advised that people showing early signs of the virus must lock themselves in the bathroom and call the emergency numbers listed below:
50-08-19-04-29
Read Alert…
Red Alert!
@ 345
I guess anyone who doesn’t know what I look like should be able to work it out on Monday night. I’ll be the one with the unorthodox scarf.
Nice one Trev π
Nurse ABB
The Nasri that you refer to has not been seen on these shores apart from a brief 3 month spell last season.
After every lacklustre display in which I see him substituted (which is every match he starts for City, pretty much), I am kind of wondering what we were all getting worked up about last summer.
For all you Lee Probert fans
(or whichever incompetent was officiating that day:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/koscielny-attributed-with-vermaelen-yellow )
I have to admit that when I saw the title of this piece, I thought they’d exchanged hotel bookings before i remembered.
8 ball @ 357
Don’t you think I’ve done enough throwing up lately? I didn’t even need to click…..
TH update from Matt Law:
https://twitter.com/mattlawexpress/status/155213913619824640
And TH injury rumor seems to be wrong:
https://twitter.com/mattlawexpress/status/155214313861296128
GT @ 341, heh!
One can only look forward to the shackles of married life π
@ 371, no mon, I got inoculated a loooong time ago. Back in ’01 or so π
bt8b, you should be ashamed for posting that cosmo link π
Snir @ 378, thank God. Or as you fine gentlemen like to say, Dennis π
I don’t say that, Wind. But I get it π
Am I missing something? No comment since ‘9.27am’?
Just as everyone and their dog seems to be commenting about a Henry deal being official now on twatter?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBHD0BHxQPE
Even .con has got the story now π
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/41432/henry-signs-short-term-deal-with-arsenal
Afternoon All ,
Dr Z @334 – Point taken , anything that shows Mr Allen in a bad light is fine by me !
Clive @335 – Too young to remember Swindon , though I do know it gave the old man nightmares for many years !
Snir @336 – The point is , is that fans DO pay for it . I have already demonstrated that we faced a 300% rise in just 10 years at Highbury , which you seem to ignore . We will face more humungous rises in the coming years notwithstanding the better commercial deals that will arrive in 2014 . Anyone who thinks we won’t is living in La La land .
The comparison with Nasri is a red herring . He didn’t sign . Had he signed and underperformed you would have heard plenty about Β£115k a week , a la Adebaywhore in his last year after signing a much improved contract .
Wind @338 Cheers , you never lose it π
GT @339 – Whoops , sorry about that π
GT @342 – just doing my job π
Trev @345 – π π
Clive @353 – π π I can also vouch for Tiffany October .
8Ball @357 – Good Lord ! No cause is worthy enough for that sight over your cornflakes . Savage is clearly not a Speedo man – the c*nt !
H2H – Not sure anyone is proclaiming The Ox as some kind of saviour ( at least on these pages ) , but from where i was sitting It was difficult to understand why he didn’t make at least the bench against Fulham . Good luck with the “bit of business” .
GT @371 – π
Dr Z @373 heh , I look forward to seeing you , scarf an’ all on monday π
Thanks for the link Ollie…looking forward to TH12 in the Leeds game π
Nice links Ollie .
The Return of The King .
Start quaking Dirty Leeds .
COWABUNGA!
The man is back.
Was down the pub, the other night,
My mate said to me we’ve signed the new Ian Wright,
I said to him, who could that be?
He said to me, “Thierry Henry”
Thiery Henry, Thierry Henry, Thiery Henry, Thierry Henry,
Thiery Henry, Thierry Henry, Thiery Henry, Thierry Henry.
Is this the other Andy Goram I know? π
Nice song, me.
Re: Ollie @382: The ‘holics must have spent those three hours in ritual purification ceremonies after I posted that ill-advised link last night. π
The Scene – D L Ltd – Operations Room
Professor Storey is at his desk, assessing the head count for the upcoming journey to North London. Β Some seasoned travellers are known to be missing the trip and Edwin has the task of assessing the beer requirement for the F A Cup. Β His first instinct is to ask the question out loud, but soon realises that the only other occupant in the room is Dr Disorder, passed out (of course) and sprawled across the meeting room table.
The sound of approaching voices is heard and momentarily Dr Feelgood walks through the door followed by Dr T and The Sweeper.
Edwin : “What the fuck have you got round your neck? And what’s with the black eye?”
Feelgood : “Err, Roxette, a cocktail dress and a trick question – a lethal combination.”
Edwin : “Not seen you in these parts lately, Clive, heard you were in Mexico?”
The Sweeper : “Nah, been down the allotment tending to my spuds and carrots….”
Edwin : “And you Dr T – things quiet down in loony central?”
Dr T : “Not much happening now that you ask. Β But my overheads have shot through the roof and therefore I need to do some moonlighting to make ends meet….especially since I have doubled my beer intake…so I thought I would come up here and try and earn some extra cash……..
Edwin, (turning back to Feelgood)
“So, let me get this straight, you drove all the way here with THAT around your neck?”
Feelgood : “Worse. Β I got the tube.”
Edwin : “But why?”
Feelgood : “The car wouldn’t start. Β I even tried asking the neighbour to give me a jump start, and you knew that was never going to work, right?”
Edwin : “Oh, why?”
Feelgood : “Dirty leads.”
Hey 8 Ball, It was a PSA, like when the PETA chicks bare all for their anti-fur campaigns. I applaud both efforts. Teaching men to do a monthly self check will save lives. Banning the use of fur as a fashion statement is the humane way to go.
Abb, Maybe that puts it in a semi-defensible category. π
But here’s a link everybody can love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD1pFArRatk
Afternoon all. Final celebration of the season here – the signing of Jose Antonio for Sevilla. Or something like that.
This afternoon I’ll be mostly drunk. And playing wii.
Drunk and playing wii.
As long as you go to the toilet π
Its already written in the Stars Arsenal v LWCs 1 minute to go Henry glides past Pineapple head and bangs one past Friedel to give us a sneaky 3-2 win !!
Get on before Hills rumble it π
Wouldn’t mind him doing a Ted Drake against Spurs, Chippy.
That’s ‘what Ted Drake did to Aston Villa’ if you doubted what I meant.
Puts the ball in space for …
*chips in for a classic assist before Andy Goram considers self-assisting*
Oh, well, don’t mind if I unintentionally score then.
Cheers, bt8.
Ollie, that classic chip of an assist was magically tranformed into a screaming drive into the top corner, just after it left your boot. π
Andy @ 398 Im with You buddy that would be the Fairytale ending to beat all Fairytale endings !!
Well in, Ollie. Taken with a certain nonchalance.
Oh Bollocks Ollie, I was lurking in the background hoping to notch my 2nd successive 400!
Congratulations *delivered through gritted teeth*
Dirty leads, Mahoosive heh! π
Cheers, you two π
Sometimes I was wonder if there are only two Andy Gorams….
Clive, The Sweeper @ 353 – π
Tabs @ 385 – think if I haven’t got time to back-drink I’ll know where to look in future. More good points on the “do we care” issue – I’m now in hiding on that one π
Zico @ 391 – π π
Which only leaves me to sympsthise with Roberto Mancini who, in today’s Express, is urging Citeh’s owners to spend more money on one or two playerrrr, as he warned them two month’s ago that they would need to do, because – wait for it – he is going to be wizzout YaYa for four games (must have meant in Jan, i think).
FOUR f*cking games !! Don’t come and try to manage The Arsenal pal – our player shortages are measured in months, not games. He has spent cΒ£250,000,000 in two years and does not have a squad capable of missing two players for 6 weeks !!
To make life doubly (or abbly doubly) difficult for him, the owners are apparantly saying that he should sell players before buying new ones, as they want to – just wait again please, while I compose myself – stay within the rules of Financial Fair Play.
Right, just dashing off to get my sides stitched up . . . π
Something sweet for Trev, please Barman.
So are able to field the great TH on Monday night, or what?
Would be worth the drinking on a school night all on its own if yes 8)
Yes we are, Dr Z!
I’ve just realised this makes me even more gutted to not be at the game.
Very very very jealous now (unfortunately there’s still no way I could take even just 2 half-days off with the work I have to do next week).
Ollie, your Leeds is my Man Yoo.
Still, plenty more fixtures to come…..
yep, but Leeds is the ‘Thierry Henry returns’ fixture π
Still, I was there for Reyes’ first game, heh.
Ollie, I feel your pain – I am now more happy than ever that I picked this game to fly over for π
I blame tabs for the silly kick-off time π
And yes, good stuff, Lars. Thierry Henry demands unlimited wallet availability π
Oh the wallet, I forgot about wallet.
I’ll just leave mine at home then π
Yup, the Wallet is coming to town!
Amaury Bischoff PI is a new character on this week’s Arsecast. What’s that all about?
Ooh, forgot Lars was coming.
Sadly/fortunately another wallet is fuelling my entertainment. Sorry I’ll miss you.
396Chippy
“Its already written in the Stars Arsenal v LWCs 1 minute to go Henry glides past Pineapple head and bangs one past Friedel to give us a sneaky 3-2 win !!”
===
That would be the Thiery on top of the icing on the cake.
Coat.
Zico @ 374 Nasri hasn’t had that much play time this year. Now he is out with an ankle injury. Last spring, it was his hamstring. He also missed games last fall due to injury. What I hope for him is that he gets fit, quits Citey, and goes back playing in Ligue 1, where I can finally root for him without all the guilt. And that’s a FACT!
Nurse ABB
Please report to the quackery immediately. You need medicating.
425 MR C I suspect you’re right. But remember I discovered Pele.
Double the usual dose.
abb – you can root for Butchie all you wish.
She is dead to me. π
new character bt8? Where have you been these past years?
Sooo- Na-Na-NaNaaa$ri had a na-nanaaasty fall in the fall how awful for the fool. Shame – so now ‘e can’t sit on the bench and pout for the city oil slickers. Are things starting to look a little sheiky for the sulky lezzer? Lesson don’t leave Arsene ‘less he wants to let you go. Are you listening Theo?
Bitter – you bet – to the pub and beyond!
At the pub, lovely. First proper Guinness of the year.
Time to quench that diabolical thirst then, ‘holic? π
Indeed Ollie π
Should I do a five pinta tonight? But what about? Have we signed anybody today?
A five pinta?
No need to take it easy on account of us mate. π
tabs @ 385, heh, good to know π
Andy Goram/Andy Goram @ 388/389, top tottie.
Zico @ 391, one of the best I’ve read in some time mate π
Andy Goram’s (or is it the other Andy Goram?) 406 says it all π
bt8b @ 393, thanks for the link, wouldn’t mind Thierry doing what he did in the link at 1:27 against Sp*rs:)
or at 3:08, although that might be beyond him now, who knows! It still remains to be seen thankfully.
But I know in my heart he still has in it him to score like he did at 3:41.
Well in Ollie @ 400, I guess you are the king of assists π
Good assist from bt8b as well, nice and direct *thumbs up*
Dr C @ 425, Heh!
Soz abb, I’m with Zico @ 428, all of the others that left towards that Oily rabble up north scored some great goals, even Adebayor with that touch and volley shot against Sp*rs, but he’s the only one that went and verbally slagged off the fans in my memory (apart from Adebayor being cuntish for City, but he physically aggravated our away fans with the dash and slide.)
The King of Highbury has returned!!!
Huzzah! π
From what I’m hearing in the Dutch media, tere may be a little truth to this rumour;
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/886466-arsenal-face-competition-from-everton-for-vvv-venlo-winger-ahmed-musa#ixzz1ibTQSGac
VVV are a relegation zone Ere Divisie club, Musa does well, but it’s a massive step up to the PL for him. If he does come he will be direct competition for Theo.
Best thing about these?
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/henry-in-training-exclusive-pictures
It’s all about Sagna if you ask me.
Ollie, AA looks like some kinda circus freak in # 14.
Cue the anticipated retorts……
Ollie, agreed. Seeing Sagna back in training is a great sight. ManYoo at home might be a bit soon but he should definitely be back after that one. And then, hopefully, Jack isn’t too far off.
On Twitter (I’m gonna make one :)) Matias Suarez is trending in London in a Β£8 to 10 million bid? Daily Mail is also running the piece, can our resident transfer guru Snir verify or shoot down this?
Wind, I read it on the arses too. Although, I have no idea about the player in question
Trev @ 409 Heh! π
Bt8b: Bishoff is an established but rarely appearing character, much as he was for Arsenal, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaury_Bischoff
8 Ball great video I have to say thank you for sharing, hey great day to have him back for two months. I don’t really expect miracles when he takes to the pitch but defenders know what he is capable of and will be shitting it still!
Also I’m sure he will guide Theo a little here and there π
Snir and that is not a hint either……
Drinks all round on my tab, Lars will have save yours for those Swedish blonds! π
*blonds = blondes
Harsha @ 443, the arses are too complex for me, I like the comment system ‘Holic got here far better π
Its just more natural for me.
But anyway, seems like this story has a bit of credibility! π
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Life is so good.
Been nice to people all day long…
Can this day go on forever?
The King is back.