The Return Of The Prodigal Son Will Lift The Family
Jan 6th, 2012 by 'holic
I’ve been trying to recall the first time I clapped eyes on Thierry Henry in the flesh. I have had to do some serious thinking, and have settled for his cameo appearance as substitute when we got beaten by Barcelona at Wembley in the Champions League on the 19th October, 1999. It is indicative of the fact that the start of his first association with Arsenal was not anticipated with as much fervour as the start of his second. I’m staggered to recall it was probably that Christmas when I first saw him score, against Leeds United at Highbury. Omen or what?
How strange then that his return, by his own admission as a squad player who is hoping to get an outing or two off the bench, has got so many people so excited. I don’t normally do midweek fixtures because of the tight timescales involved in getting back in time for the last train home, but I am delighted to have accepted an invitation a couple of weeks back to attend Monday’s meeting, ironically with Leeds again, given the certainty of an incredible atmosphere to welcome home one of our favourite sons.
I am duly cautioned by the carefully chosen words of the manager and his ultimate creation. As Arsene said,
“Everybody is happy that he has joined the team. We should not put too much emphasis on that…We have a good spirit in the side and he will add something more, experience-wise, and on the nerves side as well, when we are under pressure.”
I get the message. He is not coming back as the main man. He is giving us valuable and experienced cover while Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh are away at the African Nations Cup. Thierry himself spoke,
βI’m coming here to help…I am not here to be a hero and people do have to understand that. The boss has a team here that are in a good position compared to what happened at the beginning. I’m here to help the boss and the guys that need me.β
I can’t help but feel though that a hero is what some people are expecting the man to be. For me though, I believe his value lies in the impact he will have on the support. When he is warming up the crowd will come to life, when he strips off and makes his way from the bench to the pitch the crowd will come to life, when first he touches the ball, in whatever match he plays, the crowd will come to life. That surely will be a huge lift for all in the red and white.
Thierry, you owe us nothing, but I suspect you will leave us this time around with something. We didn’t get the chance last time to say a proper goodbye. This time around we will. That is weeks away, however. Have fun, and share your experiences with a side that is possibly on the brink of surprising its fiercest critics. Let’s hope so.
And Arsene, lovely though it is to have Thierry back, we could also do with a couple of shrewd trades in order to strengthen our obvious weak spots. Two out, and a defender and goalscorer in would help to get us through squeaky bum time with at very least our Champions League berth intact. This side has persuaded me to hope for more, but they will need help. Let’s go for it.
Have a great weekend, ‘holics.
190 Responses to “The Return Of The Prodigal Son Will Lift The Family”
1st?
Whiskey please ‘holic, as I have a bad back which has put the weekends golfing excursions on hold.
Depending on where you live that may be no bad thing, Big Shooter. I wouldn’t fancy playing in the cold and wet here this weekend. I have officially reached the age where golf is a summer sport π
Does Jenkinson have a twin brother we can sign? Podolski is the man we need up front, at least Snir says so. As far as Henry, whatever magic he has left will be above and beyond what we can realistically expect, i.e., a few decent cameos.
Inside the Top 5, I am satsified π
Now to read the post.
I live in Hastings on the English Riviera and the weather was good enough for me to play 5 rounds over the Christmas holidays.
Perfect post ‘Holic, sentiments combined with brutal honesty, love it π
Good man. I had a few days in Eastbourne, October I think. Did a day at Battle and surrounds. Nice part of the world.
Alright Wind.
Great to have him, but we need more, and we all know it. Just hope a couple can be persuaded to move on so we have space in the squad for them.
An he’s gotta be strong an he’s gotta be fast and he’s gotta be fresh for the fight….for 2 months anyway..
Agree with the Holic@9. But it will be fantastic to see him play on Monday night!
I hope Squillaci to Espanyol is still on, any other good example of players we can move on I can’t think of…
Ooh, Almunia as well!
Get ’em out, get ’em out, get em’ out out out.
Life is so good.
Been nice to people all day longβ¦
Can this day go on forever?
The King is back.
All we need now is Freddie and Bobby… Anybody know where we can contact them?
Eveneing Holic
All this Hoo Ha over TH’s return, reminds me of something similar when i came out of retirement back in the early 70’s for the
Golders Green Ramblers.
Similar to the Arse,they had been struggling to field a full side midway through the season,not due to any injuries,but because 3 of the back 4 were in Jail for Armed Robbery,and our 2 main midfielders were on remand on Aggravated Burglary charges.!!
Anyway they needed an Iconic figure to lift morale and kick a few of the opposition players over the touchline,so of course they got in touch with me.I was only too happy to help out.
It was a real grudge match against our fiercest rivals the Burnt Oak Bombers,and the reception i rec when i ran on to the pitch with the boys on a cold/rainy freezing Sunday morning in January,was muted to say the least.
There wasn’t a single fucking spectator to be seen.!!
I thought at least there would be a Sports reporter there from the Golders Green Post,but obviously they were not aware of my imminent comeback.!!
Even our support staff,wives/girlfriends/boyfriends,had far more sense,and were still tucked up at home in the warm.
There’s loyalty for you.!!
Needless to say the game was a bloodbath,4 players sent off and 2 carried off, and what with the mud and the freezing rain,we didn’t even know who was who by the end.
But it was great fun,and the front and back metal shinpads i wore,came in very handy.
If TH has half as much fun in his comeback as i did in mine,then he will be a Happy boy.
Cheeers
The Sweeper
Sweeper you legend!!! π
He does need a shave though.
What on earth is that awful beard?!
Now now Snir, even though I hardly have one, to each man his own beard π
What a post Holic as usual superb standard!
I’m not expecting miracles as per my previous comment in last drinks, however he can definitely guide the young ones!
Perhaps he will tell Theo to take a deep breath and just look for that gap in the goal. We have never said proper Goodbye as you have written and as you say this time we definitely will……
During that summer when he left I thought to my self there was some unfinished business here.
Two new siignings would be great but somehow I doubt it will happen but then again what do I know did I know Arteta and Yossi was on the cards?
Drinks all around yet again on me card…:)
Enjoy Holics!
Snir
It’s called I’m very Wise now π
Clive
Jesus those were the days you have to say!
Welcome back Thiery, I’m keeping my expectations low, so that way anything he does will be a bonus.
Must admit though, I am pretty excited about him coming onto the field doning the glorious red and white.
Everyone, please stop this Podolski madness! I remember the times when he was at Bayern and could not find the net for neither love nor money (heck, when he went back to cologne he was even worse)! He’s a bit of a ‘character’ aswell and not the ‘Tony Adams’ kind of character. Right now he’s playing for a contract. Which he is doing remarkably well I admit but still. Don’t believe the hype. Let’s leave his big ego and his big demands alone!
…and now I have become so agitated that I forgot to salute the one and only sliding statue in London! Good to have him back, even if it’s only temporarily. It just feels right π cheers
Nice one Holic.
So if I have understood correctly, you are going, but on a corporate jaunt and won’t make the Tollie – that right?
Heh Clive @ 15 – they didn’t stand a chance π
Podolski is a good player funny enough form my next door town called Gliwice…..
He never sings the German national anthem if you look carefully, on a international front I was disappointed but then again not surprised cos Polish footy is a mess.
He is a pacy fella but I don’t think he would suite our dressing room then again I may be wrong!
Even if I would have agreed with all of the complaints about Poldi (and I don’t, but we’ll leave that aside for now) he’s still the best option in January and we need someone NOW.
We can’t wait till the summer. We need someone NOW.
He’s the best available option for this window, we can’t wait till the summer and try for the likes of Benzema, Higuain, Villa et al.
We have to sign someone. Just have to.
But this is a post about Titi.
Holic – Great post – As usual. Unfortunately he won’t be at Anfield. So that’s my second regret after not visiting Highbury – Not seeing TH play for Arsenal :\
Wolke,
A German international with a big ego. We would never sign one of them, would we Jens ? π
Moussa Sow, anyone? Seems like a decent chap.
That name seems to be doing the rounds. I have m own doubts about Lille wanting to do business with us after we stole Park from under their nose.
Dr Z
Podolski is not even German…………….
Fingers and legs crossed for those two adieus and two signings. Really think it’s essential not just for now but for long term re RVP etc etc.
Must go for a wii….
@Arhur, re nationality
Which is quite amazing if you think about the fact that his best games have come in the German team. During the big tournaments no less. A few times against the polish too! π
@Snir
It’s very tough to bring in a good striker from abroad to instantly do the business. I’m happy I’m not the manager because even if you spend 50+mill on a striker (*coughtorrescarrolcough*) it doesn’t guarantee goals. Personally I would have fancied Klose on a free in last years summer window but that’s in the past now.
@Zico
Yes. But Jens was a mad german goalkeeper. The best sort of goalkeeper! π
and Snir is right, let’s not sully Thierrys big day with discussions over a player that may never be!
I know he’s Polish Arthur, but the point was more that we have had players with sizeable egos before…..that doesn’t seem to me to be a reason not to sign him.
I’ve seen him play – the boy has talent.
And the final word on the matter – Alan McInally, wrote him off on Sky a couple of weeks ago. Need I say more?
Zico
From previous drinks.
I am truly honored to make a Cameo apperance in the
Feelgood Diaries,whatever next.!!
Tabs
From previous drinks,
You know Tiffany October.??
What a Small World.!!
Perhaps you also know her Cousin,Ruby Thursday.
Both are very adept at getting the ‘ Maximum’ out of their Clients.!!
Clive,
Feelgood recognises a kindred spirit π
I wish I knew “whatever next” ….
” Do whatever you want” said the Skipper mournfully,
“I know you won’t take my advice,you never have in the past.”
The Sweeper was remembering that he had spent half his life listening to the Skipper handing out advice,and there was long list of times when he had heartily regretted taking it.
But he didn’t say this,
He just said,” It’ll be all right Skipper.”
‘ Will it ” snapped the Skipper.
” You like to make me sound ridiculous,it makes you feel good doesn’t it.?”
” Yes it does,” said the Sweeper,
” And since you like to feel sorry for yourself,we have the perfect symbiotic relationship.”
” I’m simply saying what’s obvious ” said the Skipper,
” You must not think you can continue to live a charmed life,just because you have friends in High Places.”
” Well perhaps this will be a good chance to find out what the Score is,I’ll go out on the Boat with them and see what happens.”
The Skipper gave the Sweeper a long look and said,”I’ll go with you.”
The Sweeper realised this was a Noble concession because the Skipper hated Boats of any shape or size.”
TBC
zico, will be about very early, but off to press flesh at half five π
Here is a treat for you…
I’ll see if I can make it for 5 π
Ah Wilko, misty eyed for another time .
You’re a bad influence Dr z π
Nice post Holic. I don’t have any expectations for the loan spell, I just want us to win, if he can nick a couple while were winning that would be the cherry on top for me.
He is the single reason I became a die-hard Arsenal supporter. I am a late comer to football first watching with interest during the 2006 WC. I wondered who was this guy playing for France with all of this skill, finesse, etc. I was hooked to the game immediately with France’s run to the final and wondered where Henry played his club football. I learned it was a club named Arsenal, who where they?, were they any good?…they only finished fourth in the EPL the previous year?….yeah, yeah, they went to the CL final but I didn’t even know what the competition was.
Admittedly, I saw him during the final stages of his Arsenal career (Part I) and missed all of the great goals and winning teams.
I will never forget the header vs. Manu during my first season as a supporter….certainly not his best goal but the one I play over and over on Youtube….the announcer screamed….
….”Henry, with a minute to go! The great man man produces a great moment for Arsenal at the expense of Manchester United! What a turnaround at the Emirates! The biggest of games, the biggest of names, it’s Henry….to flatten Ferguson…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjB7emazhPk
Needless to say I’ve missed only two games since the draw with Aston Villa at the start of that season following the WC (that goes for this blog too once I found it!!!).
Just want to see him play again in the red and white.
CW@15: π Ah, that was the golden age of the game in the NW postal districts.
‘Holic: perfectly pitched post, as ever. We’ll all be happy with a few gaming wining goals from off the bench.
Evening all.
Great piece holic. I think you hit the nail firmly on the head when you talk about the lift it will give the club in general. This is not just a signing for game time. This will reverberate all around the club. Your comments about the time he warms up, then starts to strip off are spot on. Their will probably the loudest roar the Grove has heard since it has been opened. The feel good factor will be massive. That is worth his wages alone. Anything else is a bonus. God knows what will happen to the place if he actually scores?????
I have been thinking about TH and his first stint at this great club of ours. I reckon that I missed no more than 7/8 of all the games he played at home. I count myself unbelievably lucky for that.
I hope his signing will act as a catalyst. A spark to ignite the second half of the season. He is an Arsenal man, one of us. He will have a massive impact in training and the dressing room. I can’t wait.
We need more than 2 signings in my opinion but 2 of top quality would suit me. On current form we could do a lot worse than put in a bid for Demba Ba.
One final comment. I was watching A League of Their Own this evening, the unseen version. On one of the shows was Gary Neville. The talk centred the infamous tunnel bust up at Highbury between Paddy and Keane. Neville was asked if he started it? He stated that if all centred some rough stuff dished out at Old Trafford to Reyes. We will all remember what a big solid tough nut Jose was, especially away from home????? Apparently it all went off in the tunnel because Paddy turned round to Neville and said “You’re not going to tackle like that out here Neville you fucking wanker.” Apparently Neville shit himself and was grateful when Keane stepped in for his two penneth worth. Paddy Vieira, another Arsenal legend.
Sweeper at 15. Awesome.
Keep the faith.
Holic @ 40
I’m just a squad player, covering for Ollie. π
Just read that Demba Ba has a release clause in his contract of Β£10 million. Surely the way he has played this season that would be money well spent???
Wow. That would be an excellent signing.
Re that Matias Suarez dude.
From what a friend of mine who watches the Belgian league told me, he’s quite a player, but can’t really say too much, haven’t seen him at all.
Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
Weβve got back Thierry, Henry
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will beβ¦
Snir @ 48, thanks for what you can give, better than the relative unknown.
At home with the Missus Part 2:
After reading Clive @ 15 GoonerTerry finds himself on the floor again in hysterics:
She: What you up to now? (looking past me and towards the computer) Oh no! Do you think that its true?
Me: Who care (0;
* who care = who cares
Very wise words ‘Holic –
but hey! The least we all honestly expect is goals, tons of ’em, assists by the dozen, and mazy runs through the entire opposition defence to smash home the winner in the 90th minute.
Might as well be honest . . . π
The scene –
The same huge house in Scotland, late one evening.
Zico arrives home after an exhausting day at the office where he has posted five new episodes of the Feelgood Diaries, taken a three hour “lunch” with a blond check-out girl from Sainsbury’s, cyber chatted with his football mates from across the globe, and managed to squeeze in a two hour meeting, in the local pub, with a mad professor, with whom he runs an imaginary train.
As he tosses – steady! – his briefcase into the corner of the sitting room, he notices his wife, Roxette, watching a cookery program on the television.
Zico: “What the hell are you watching that for? You can’t cook!”
Roxette: (casting him a disdainful sideways glance) “So, you watch porn!”
Have you ever seen a man shuffle into the kitchen and cry?
Roxette has . . . .
‘holic, I love Wilko Johnson!!!!
Must have seen him and his ‘Solid Senders’ at least 50 times in the late 70’s…..
A great post about Thierry and my all time favourite guitarist, perfect!
Whenever you write, it’s special. Can’t wait to watch Titi play again for us, Arsenal’s Prodigal Son
I can’t believe I will never see Thierry play for Arsenal π
Why can’t he stay with us till after Anfield π
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SiWnKPReKw
Enjoy – This is part one… You’ve got links to the rest of them…
Much better than the 14 minute one.
Geez Zico what have you done to Trev?
Spot on holic! Exactly what most fans are thinking
Trev,
I can’t believe that you would publish my guilty secret all over the internet – Roxette watches cookery programmes and now the whole world knows…
As for the rest….. π
Titi’s last goal at home?
21/1/07 against United.
Arsenal – United at the Emirates for the 11-12 season? 22/1/12
I’m loving this.
Surely a mischievious bid for mancu’s number 10 wearing silverback is in order.
i think i’m right in recalling that the purple knight dipped his sword into the $ami ‘the sub’ na$ri furore this summer past – no?
Come on Arsene make that call
Up The Arse!
GT @ 51/52, I laughed far harder at the ‘Who Care’ π
GT – He demoted me back to “Dr” again, it appears π
Nicely summarised as ever, ‘Holic.
Interesting that TH14 commented on DB10’s contribution from the ‘hole’. Hopefully he can make a Bergkampesque contribution or 10 from the bench.
You’re absolutely correct that though we recognise that TH12 is a different animal from TH12 and that we should reign in our expectations, his entry to the game will give everyone on the field and in the ground a very big lift.
Absolutely correct again that a couple will have to leave to allow us to purchase the extra couple of players we need including an essential addition of a reliable goal-scoring back-up/sidekick to RVP10 to take over where TH12 leaves off.
Unsurprised as I am that this squad has turned our terrible start around, I am also convinced that we need to add another goal scorer to ensure that we finish in the top 4 again this season.
More soda water and lime for me as I try to maintain my detox! I’ll buy you a Sauterne barrel matured Glenmorangie though.
Or get Dick to phone
Heh, detox π
When I revise, listening to the Arsecast is my favourite thing π
You know, Internet Joe never fails to make my day π
Steve T @44
He (TH) is an Arsenal man, one of us. He will have a massive impact in training and the dressing room.
How true you are.
Some may say that the team’s defence has improved as they’ve played more together, but I believe that there’s more to it than that. All of Szez, Jenks, Kos, Verm BFG, Gibbs, Djourou and Santos (already) have always had or have developed love for the club, and accordingly they are willing to put more into their play. The same goes for Song, Ramsey, Arteta, vanP, and Jack (hurry back, Jack), and there are others.
I’m not sure about Theo, talk of his holding out for more money during contract talks makes me wonder. Na$ri obviously not, Cesc yes but love overridden by other love, others like Adebayor never.
So talk of signing new strikers/defenders because they play well for their current clubs leaves me worried that we’ll get those that never will love The Arsenal as much as they love themselves. Let’s just hope that in these cases, Arsene will know best.
After all that, any chance of an IPA,’holic (and apologies for past sins).
*echo echo echo*
Hey Catalan,
Didn’t see you amidst all this tumbleweed…..
Evening all: Bit quiet in the bar today…must be the effects of the medication to counteract the Spurs Virus…nasty stuff I am told
Critics?
Or nothing to add?
Forgive my relative youth, where does the phrase ‘Dirty Leeds’ originate from?
I’d like to get an insider view on the hate that certain respected individuals related to Arsenal such as the Arseblogger have for that club.
Wind
Circa 71 – 75.
They were Leeds. They were dirty.
I think that’s it.
Gooneraside. I am your one fan. π
*wanders off to meet the Pale Rider who just rode into town*
Wind.
Relative youth?
I have relative youth compared to TS.
You are just young. You bastard.
Wind.
Download and watch “The Damned United”
You’ll get a feeling of why they’re Dirty Leeds.
This is like an interlull.
Without the madness.
Roll on tomorrow, when I can shout and swear at men in red and blue….and whatever colour of shirt the ref is wearing.
Did someone mention madness, eh eh. Holic, What Wind said @ 7, sums it up for me.
CG @ 77 How true…
@ Wind: Couple of things:
1. If you laughed harder at “who care?” then you must have West Indian heritage..or you are being overly influenced by “Yardies”
2. Leeds: You would have had to have been around during their pomp to understand how vile those bastards were..Under Don Revie they were the most hated set of vermin that you could have imagined. They would use the full array of dirty tricks to win games – even though they had quite a few wonderful players (Johnny Giles comes to mind) but no body but their own rabid fans could stand them. As for the enmity between Arsenal and Leeds the roots are to be found in the fact that they were our ultimate boogey team and always managed to beat us in crucial games. I can think of a couple times when they actually stopped us from winning the league and handed the title to united. There was a time (during my era) when beating Leeds was far sweeter than beating that shower of shite from down the road, united or even Liverpool…if you can imagine that!
@ Wind: Postscript…It finally took a couple of ex-Arsenal (Graham & O’Leary) players to kill the fookers off…Glory be..(0;
GoonerTerry: in 1972 when I was 10 my father came back from a charity evening with a present for me, a signed football by all the Leeds Utd players, at the time they were one of the top teams in England.
lorimar, Charlton, Bremner, Clarke, Giles, et al. Obviously this would have been worth a fair deal today and he must have paid a fair few quid at the time but I did what any true Gooner would do. First thing in the morning I took it into the garden and booted it over the fence, never saw it again.
I was at the 72 Final, no way did I want that ball!
Wind: above post was for you too
Lovely post `Holic, a refreshing voice in the usual concert of laments during transfer windows. I followed TH at Monaco where he came out as a speed demon and then Juve where it became abundantly clear he would never make it as a winger. When Arsene brought him in he was still rough and there were many doubts lingering in those 2 months or so when he could not get one goal in. But Arsene knew, he started scoring and regaining confidence and the rest is history.
Every time I see Theo on the pitch I am reminded of TH. This year he’s started showing glimpses of his skills and his trademark lack of confidence when in goal situations. Every time I see him on the pitch I’m left wondering why he’s still on the right side which makes barely more sense than playing Bendy there last season. Arsene made world-class strikers out of Anelka and Henry. He had Helb blossom by making him play as a second striker for almost a full season. We’ve heard him saying time and time again that Theo was meant to become a striker. There’s not a better opportunity with a tiring skipper, a casting error on his way to Africa and a brilliant young prospect ready to get his chance on the wing.
For all the talks of Poldolski (who seems at best lukewarm to come watch Robin from the bench), Huntelaar (who’s learned his lesson in Spain and Italy), Ba (who would take over Rosicki’s sport in the infirmary before the end of the season) and some other unknowns, I just can’t understand why Theo is not given the chance to shine he and us have been promised for so long.
As for who we should sign I have no idea but I must say the sight of Arshavin really annoys me now. Granted he alone got us in the CL spot in his first half season for us with a memorable display at Anfield but since then he’s been freewheeling. His laziness is not worth his fading skills and his displays are an eyesore considering the new-found work ethics of this team. While everyone hopes for arrivals, his departure is at the top of my list. If we can get the rumored 10 millions from that Caucasian club whose team lives in Moscow I for one will be mightily impressed by the decision-makers at the club.
Anyway can’t wait for Monday to cheer for TH. I’m at an age when I already know I won’t ever get many opportunities to see one of my idols play for us after such a long absence.
Matt? You’re alive???? Welcome back mate!
Theo reminds you of TH? Are you serious??
Theo up front would be so so wrong. So wrong. If only he would know (and get a Cesc like pass from one of his teammates) to utilize his speed like he should (inside cuts) he would wreak havoc.
‘holic I hope you are celebrating Swindon’s FA cup victory over Dirty Wiccan. π
You’re right Geoff…
Holic please edit that… Was merely quoting for effect. Wrong to do so though.
Thanks Snir.
Geoff, I hope you are ok with that.
What a long day.
BCFC v WWFC yawn
STFC v WAFC Yeeeeeessssssssssssssssss! 4th rd please…
BRFC v AVFC yawn
St Etienne v Bordeaux Yeeeeeessssssssss! Gripping finish.
SG@87 you raise a point that I have tried to raise before re Theo getting the right pass, but this could equally apply to TH12 – are the current team able to make the passes that fast runners need ?
Maybe the (I hope glorious) return of TH will train the team to look up and throw the pass forward.
LJW can, we know, and maybe the likes of Arteta and Song will quickly learn
Please let Monday be a good day otherwise my errant Yorkshire born son will never let me forget
COYR
Cognac – I just think that Theo doesn’t have the strength, footwork or movement needed to play upfront.
I would prefer he stayed on the wing and make the inside cuts he used to make last season (his goal against Spurs is a perfect example of that) because that would confuse the LB and the left sided CB and create a chance as opposed to him being upfront and being marked out of the game by one of the CBs who would just play deep.
GoonerTerry takes the ball from the Goal-keeper deep in his own half – the opposition is pressing forwards with a high line. But with a little body swerve he beats their wide man and cuts thee ball inside to Zico..
*Carefully sizes up that high line and makes himself available to receive the ball near midfield. *
Catalan @77 – π
Matt @86 – good stuff.
Wind –
take Catalan’s advice. Leeds were a nightmare in those days.
Charlton – Hunter, Bremner – Giles, made up the central axis of evil.
Even though Giles was regarded as the creative force in midfield, he was more than capable of being a dirty bastard too.
I had the misfortune of being at Wembley for two finals we lost to Leeds, and they really were detested by everyone except their own fans, who also came to be a right little bunch of charmers.
There has only ever, in the history of the game, been one team dirtier than Leeds. That, of course, was the Golders Green Ramblers, complete with Clive “Bites Yer Legs” Waterman. π
Before you ask Wind, that was Hunter’s nickname.
No probs ‘holic, Snir, thanks guys
The ball is pinging around midfield. It requires someone to stop, put his foot on the ball, look up and pick out the run of …
On me head son….
Geoff with a delicately chipped pass..
Great pass GT, if I can only get my head on this i’m in with a chance….
Get in!
Can only touch the ball after it crossed the line!
*mobbed by delirious teammates*
Cheers Snir!
GoonerTerry walks back to the halfway line basking in the glory of the assist and the cheers of the crowd..
Well that was undoubtably the Geoffrey Boycott of centuries sculpted over two days!
I have to say I can’t wait for Monday but I am also rather intrigued by the Manchester Derby tomorrow.
So many talking points, should be an entertaining game of football.
Yeah, me too Snir. Seems strange to play 3 matched inside a week and then have the whole weekend free.
I’m going to enjoy watching Manchester disunited tomorrow, I don’t care about who wins so I can just relax and enjoy the game. Excited about Monday, Henry’s return and lots of ‘holics meeting at The Tollie, I’m tempted to buy a ticket but the games on tv and I’ve got my boys coming over so I’ll watch it at home
Catalan @ 76/77, Research will be done in the morning/afternoon & π
Snir @ 78, will do π
abb @ 80, thanks, 1st time anyone ever referred to one of my comments to sum up their feelings on ‘Holic’s post ‘jumps up and punches the air’ π
GT @ 82, no West Indian heritage for me, I’m as African as you can be! (Not really :P) but one of my best friends when I was young was from Barbados and my next door neighbours for 8 going on 9 years are Jamaican + I’ve witnessed some quality hilarious Jamaican humour/insults over 5+ years of Secondary School (Yu’ Auntie for example) and so when I saw your ‘Who Care’ I just pictured one of my school mates saying it in a anyhow manner with the hand gestures and it set the laughter bomb off π
So to find out Leeds’ dirtiness, how many times do you have to multiply Stoke’s dirtiness to even come close to Leeds’ dirtiness?
I know they’re not our bogey team (I fear Fulham are becoming that team) but they’re a pretty dirty set of players if I do say so myself, exculding the cunts in white of course.
And in all honesty GT, I can’t imagine how sweet beating Leeds used to be, I can probably only compare it to beating B*rcelona at home then humilating them away π
@83, killed them off how?
Didn’t their decline start around 1999?
Or did those ex-Arsenal players plant the seeds of destruction?
Geoff @ 84, thanks mate, that actually is a real insight into it, will go a long way towards furthering my understanding ‘thumbs up’
Trev @ 95, I’m beginning to see the whole picture. I took your advice to take Catalan’s advice, his advice was ‘they were leeds, they were dirty, I think that’s it.’ Not the sagest of words, but wise nevertheless.
Combine that with GT explanation of how they were dirty and Geoff’s memories of Wembley in ’72 and the signed ball from his dad (I’d do the same to a Tottenham signed ball, after I’d have recovered from the loss of motor control after handling such a thing ‘shudders’) and your mention of being at 2 finals we lost to leeds and the most important of all, their dirtiness only capable of being compared to the Golders Green Ramblers with Clive ‘The Sweeper that’ll Bite Your Legs’ Waterman as captain :o, the dirtiness of Leeds is finally understood. ‘very grave face as he does the sign of the cross and thanks the Lord he wasn’t even a twinkle in his daddy’s eye when such a team as the Leeds of then were around’
Also, Well in with the header Geoff, lovely touches in the build up and delicate pass for the assist GT, professionals at work.
GT’s comment @ 104 proves it perfectly.
I’m with Snir & Geoff about City vs United completely on all points, it should be a very interesting game of football.
Maybe the longest comment I’ve ever made.
‘dons night-cap’
12:03 am Jamaica Time:
@ Wind: Nice effort. Funny & informative. I think that you are one of my favorites on here (along with young TABs, Snir & the lunatics of the Happy Train Inc. of course) but had I known that you derived such pleasure from a mention I should have said how much I liked your comments more often. Noted and will comply in future..
Well I am just about ready myself to turn in…Into what? I can hear Snir ask (0;…into the bathroom, brush teeth & try to reclaim my pillow from Mrs T and hopefully to sleep…..
But not before this: Stoke? Dirty? In comparison to Leeds? Not even close! Remember those days every team had a “killer” enforcer…ours was Peter Storey…but Leeds had several included the aforementioned Norman Hunter – who makes me shudder even at the mention of his name all these years later. Dirty as they were, however, they could also play a bit too – they never had to be dirty, they were that good. But dirty they were and arrogant & nasty and would goad teams into fouls. They also never hardly seemed to get booked themselves and our players always seemed to get injured in games against the bastards…what else? erm they were dirty!!!.
How did the Arsenal finally destroyed them? Well Agents were sent in deep under cover to exhaust their financial resources (similar to the work that our man Agent Twitchy is now going at the LWC’s) and send them down to the second division bankrupted..
..oooh I hate those bastards…and may find it hard now to sleep after recalling their antics..
Good Night..
Wind@108: Leeds in those days were just as hard as Stoke and just as dirty, but they could play. Top four finish for nine consecutive seasons under Revie. Jones and Clarke up front — strikers hunted in pairs then — were probably the best goal scoring duo in the old First Division. The winger Lorrimer was very good. Bremner and Giles in midfield would have walked into most teams. Cooper and Reaney were top full backs with Charlton, Hunter and the always underrated Madeley a formidable core for the defence. Remember the goalkeeper Sprake scoring an own goal when he tried to throw out the ball, but it shot out behind him into the net.
Trev@95: are we getting old? The young people don’t know of Norm ‘Bites Your Legs’ Hunter?
…and to GT@110’s point, Leeds was no one Shawcross team. They were hard throughout.
Please folks let us get Norm Hunter in perspective – He said years later that the one person he feared was that wonderful gentle man of the soccer field called
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–
–
–
–
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Peter Storey
Who of course played for us at the time
Living in Yorkshire as I did at the time – nothing brought me more pleasure during the suffering against Leeds (sure shot Lorimer, Sniffer Clarke etc) to keep remembering that statement
GT @ 110, I’m one of your favourites? ‘blushes :oops:’
Thanks mate, its a nice feeling to be compared at any level to the real funnymen on here, inculding yourself π
@ 95, Trev said that The Sweeper’s nickname was the Hunter. I didn’t understand it at that point, but your explanation of Norman Hunter has cleared up the fog that was befuddling my sleep-addled brain.
NBN @ 111/112, I think you and Trev are getting old, although I am just young as Catalan would say, the Hunter was many years before my time π
There’s always Youtube to understand his brutality I guess, might turn my stomach though :s
And if their whole team was hard, not even just the core, well… π
Would not have looked forward to that fixture as a fan with that sort of injury risk.
Cognac @ 113, good old Peter Storey eh? π
A warm smile envelops my face at your rememberance of that statement.
Why everybody hated them…
Fucking Leeds.
Painful Holic.
Although somewhat lightened by the pitch side adverts for Shandy!
How retro can you get? π
They were quite saintly that day.
Had a ten-hour pint-sinking session yesterday at a pub in Spitalfields with my mate Martin and a bunch of his friends. Staggered back to the hotel at around half-eleven, drunk as hell. Fell asleep about half a second after I’d laid down on the bed. Well, “passed out” would be more correct, to be honest.
And when I woke up this morning I was not hungover at all!?! Sometimes you feel like you’re about to die after having had four pints the night before but now, after what must have been 10+ pints, I feel better than I have done for weeks? Not that I am complaining, mind!
Trev@54: π
Geoff, nice header for the century!
Have to say I am really starting to be excited about tomorrow. It will be so, so great to see Thierry in the Arsenal colours again! Will go easy on the pre-match pints, I want to take the whole experience in with a clear head.
Now for a quick shower and then watch the Manc derby!
Nice to see you getting some training in for tomorrow Lars π
You know what they say zico, practice makes perfect!
Oh my, that was a ridiculous red card on Kompany.
Maaann, the Hunter was brutal!
Lars: 10 pints and no hangover?
legendary mate!
10 pints over 10 hours?
Lightwight. π
Lightweight even.
Zico: by Scottish standards I’d have to agree!
shiteh!
Holic@118: One interesting historical tidbit in that clip is the lack of a stretcher. If memory serves me, stretchers are a relatively new addition to the game. Think it wasn’t until the late eighties that they were introduced.
zico, I will freely admit that I definitely am a lightweight π
Kompany-man-city-centre-half-baked potato-headed-off
Another 47 minutes of anonymity from Samir Nasri.
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City now without their two best players for this month, Ya ya and kompany, π
samir who?
zico, was just thinking the same. I had even forgotten he was playing.
Having fun Samir?
Twat.
Foy is itchin to send a Utd player off and the crowd will assist him.
that chris foy should stick to riding bikes – just ask cu**stop
This is fun. Could do with some more red cards though.
Ooo.. and a replay. Please.
even Aguero ignored wee $ami “the sub” Na$ as though he were the shit kid in the playground who can’t quite play the game –
sub him robo and go after erm –
psed agree wholeheartedly CG the only thing lacking here is more red-cards – bring ’em on!
oh – and get ’em off!
What really struck me about the vid @ 115 was how both teams’ frist 11 were from 1 to 11!
You really don’t see it anymore… π
Citeh foy oiled again!
80 minutes of nothing and then subbed off. Nasri in yet another smashing success of a game.
Chris Foy truly is a disaster eh?
What a fantastic advert for English football.
Great game
i think they both lost – nearly
Ps: I loathe both teams with equal
Measure!
Great finish to the game, would have been quite spectacular if Pantillimon had scored that header. Entertaining game overall, I have to say.
Well, gotta eat – I’m off to Nandos!
Lovely Lars @ 145, enjoy that 1/2 or Whole Nandos Chicken mate π
They spent a gazillion quid, yet crashed out of the CL and now the FA cup at the first hurdle.
Blue Moon rising my arse.
It’s been a long week without any proper footy, roll on tomorrow evening.
I feel a touch of the Internet Joe’s coming on (sorry blogger)
Silicone implant scores for Manure
Foy brings down Kompany for Manure
Welbeck and Silicone are gifted goals by depleted Citeh defence
Did Nasri touch ball other than 41st and 46th minute of 1st half?
2 well deserved good goals for Citeh (2nd gifted by Paul Skoolboy)
Foy misses 2 chances to red card the red team
Nasri off in 81st – could have been much earlier as useless
Why not a draw
MOTM – 10 man Citeh team
Next match please
Good point H2H, makes it all the more enjoyable.
I didn’t watch the game myself, but I heard that ‘Paul Scholes made FA Cup history by being the first ever player to be stretchered on.
Heh H2H
He certainly doesn’t look like he will make a great deal of difference to their midfield based on that performance.
Lars, Nandos?
Are you an Arsenal Youth player?
Seemed a bit of a wierd decision to bring back the Ginger minge in the first place. I understand not wanting to pay an inflated price for an over rated talent in the January window, however, as far as I know Scholes hasn’t kicked a ball in a competetive match since the end of last season.
To bring him on in an FA cup derby game, to me, was complete madness.
Hello Lars, there have always been stretchers, but basically you had to have a broken leg for it to come out. It was FIFA who started insisting on them for any injury in major championships. Farcical it was.
holic, is this the preiew for the Leeds game (including these two fine videos that you’ve shared with us) or is there more to come before tomorrow night?
Fergie was obviously inspired by our move for TH. It will be interesting to see who gets the best deal – presumably, they will both be on the pitch at some point on the 22nd – my money is on the young French man π
Snir, when you are here the next time you’ve got to try Nando’s, then you’ll understand π
Wind, half is more than enough for me!
Holic@159: ah, thanks for the correction.
zico: I don’t think Scholes will play too much. He was increasingly peripheral even last season, and I seriously doubt he can contribute much more this season.
Lars are you staying in the same hotel as last time?
I disagree Lars, he already has an assist to his name……..
Oh, wait……….. π
Yes I am, zico.
Preview later tonight, BtM.
Watching the games, then the draw, then tucking into a bolognese, having eaten the Sunday roast last night π
Whoever puts ‘health’ in New Year wishes may have played a trick on me.
The draw is today? They don’t even wait for the Might Arsenal’s game? :s
+y
Villa at home it is then.
Unleash the ox!!!
Or untether him, or something.
Let’s beat Leeds first, shall we?
Of course Ollie. I’m just updating.
Some interesting ties.
John Terry back at Loftus Road (if QPR beat MK Dons).
Patrice Evra back at Anfield!
Colin Wanker has been sacked.
How wonderful, I take unimaginable pleasure from that sacking π
Where is this news on CW coming from?
Nothing on BBC Sport website?
If true, was he sacked for whingeing?
Zico – Twitter.
QPR confirmed it.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2083912/QPR-sack-Neil-Warnock.html
Hope he takes Joey with him to whatever dark hole he retreats to
Cognac @ 153, very nice, love listening to Internet Joe’s weekly rant, lessens the hurt of losing π
Ahh Lars @ 162, Whole Chickens are for the youthful! (Extra Hot with Hot and Extra Hot Sauce on the plate)
When I went to see Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows with my mate on the day of the Champions League last 16 draw, we ate an 3/4 Chicken approx before AND after the showing at 2 different Nandos (Queensway and Notting Hill Gate)
What a session, I salivate at the memories π
‘Holic @ 167, very nice my maestro.
I’ve got Battered Haddock and Square Sausages and Chips in the Oven, Lasagne for tomorrow π
My aim is to watch Arsenal play in all competitions this season, it will have to be AC Milan at Home in March and Villa in the 4th round, couldn’t make Leeds as I have exams soon π
We should beat the Dirty Whites and AC Milan so I have the option of another home tie in the Champions League, I’m banking on it π
Get in, Colin Wanker sacked!
‘Ave it you prick! π
Between Colin Wanker and Mark Hughes….actually, I prefer Colin Wanker.
Now if Alex McLeish can do the same and exit Villa Park, the League will be a better place π
I think both of them would have the same outcome Ollie, QPR relegated.
Total indifference on my part.
Wind… Will you be 18 in March?
If so, you got yourself a pint from me at the Milan game.
Thanks for the offer Snir, but it will have to be a Apple Juice or something if I’m able to get a ticket, I’m a summer kid B-)
Wind
Perhaps a “juice” from one of the Holic’s flasks?
Of course we wouldn’t condone anything stronger! π
* Holics’
Sorry – hope I didn’t offend the sub-editor!
Heh Catalan, we’ll just have to see what my level head can take π