United, Chelsea, Spurs Relegated And No Web. OMG LOL
Sep 5th, 2010 by 'holic
Saturday night, international break, the very situation that YouTube was invented for. Actually I suspect that will apply equally tonight as well. Type in Arsenal 1971 and you are soon on a magical journey. Clicking on links right left and centre I navigate my way through the decade when I was most in attendance, home and away.
The memories of great players, great goals, wins and and losses on and off the pitch. It was part of growing up. It was why I left a bloody good school at sixteen to earn money to watch the Arsenal. Not all, however, was great or good although you wouldn’t appreciate that watching the mid-seventies side scoring a hatful of goals in carefully selected clips.
Reminders of the precocious talent of Brady, Stapleton, and O’Leary tends to hide the fact that we were a side in decline when they appeared as the first double team was broken up somewhat prematurely. It was a strange, almost unique, era in English football. Look at the relegated clubs in the middle of the decade.
1974 Manchester United
1975 Chelsea
1977 Tottenham Hotspur
We survived by four points in 1975, and six a year later. If there was an internet in those days it would have melted. Look at some of the champions and reflect on where they are today if you want a lesson in what financial mismanagement brings with it.
1974 Leeds United
1975 Derby County
1976 and 1977 Liverpool
At a time when we are talking about goalkeepers being good enough (or not as the case may be) to win us titles, I am reminded of one who was a significant chunk of the reason for keeping us up. Following Bob Wilson into the Arsenal goal would not be an easy task. We picked up Manchester United’s second choice, Jimmy Rimmer, who won the first of his two European Cup winners medals as an unused substitute against Benfica in 1968.
For three seasons Jimmy was virtually ever-present. Commanding and consistent, he was a big favourite particularly because he found himself playing behind some central defenders of dubious quality. When Terry Neill arrived and signed Pat Jennings from shh, you know who, Jimmy moved on to Aston Villa where he would win the League Championship and a second European Cup.
At the other end of the pitch we also benefited from United’s demise as Brian Kidd moved south and scored thirty goals in two seasons. Now he is the assistant-manager at Manchester City it is probably hard for younger supporters to understand for two years his was the first name to be chanted on the North Bank every other week.
Better times were just around the corner as Neill added some shrewd signings to our outstanding young talents, but for a while there the older Gooners got to understand what it would be like to follow one of the lesser lights these days.
You know what though? It was still Arsenal, and for the most part it was still fun!
69 Responses to “United, Chelsea, Spurs Relegated And No Web. OMG LOL”
Oh dear, there you go again Holic, being all intelligent and having some perspcetice. Tut tut, that will never do son!
I found John Lukic’s comments a hoot today, considering he was a world class keeper, wasnt he?
Hah sp!rs relegated in 77′ big club my Arsenal… When the going gets tough the ‘holic gets the right spin.
Cheers and make mine a tall whisky and ginge please
Memories, memories.Used to love jennings keepers top with the big cannon on.
Mount gay rum,ginger beer and lime please barman
Thanks for the memories ‘holic, which I barely shared in at the time as a youngster in California watching the packaged weekly highlights. We got to see all the goals and a 30 minute excerpt of a selected match. Other than that program, which came into existence in my early teenage years, the only exposure was a tiny list of the English soccer scores in the back of the newspaper sports section which of course was dominated by local high school football and basketball exploits. The Liverpool of Dalglish and the Nottingham Forest of Viv Anderson are the teams I got to see the most, but I was captivated by the few times I got to see Liam Brady’s Arsenal. Even today I follow Arsenal from afar but something about it captivates me. The web and satellite TV make it easier to find out what’s happening and feel a part of it all. What a great era it was, and I certainly haven’t given up hope of another era of relegation for our chief rivals. Things do seem a lot more set in stone these days though.
My first glimpse of Arsenal in the flesh had Rix, Brady, Stapleton and erm…. Willie Young.
But how I loved those first few games at Highbury – a starry eyed young Scotsman seeing the borough of Islington for the first time…..
A Glenlivet, neat, barman, and thanks for the memories:)
First game in the flesh. Arsenal 2 (Brady 2) – Everton 2. I think about 1979. I might be wrong. Maybe Sunderland scored at some point. Doesn’t matter – it was magical.
Went with my Dad and his Spud best mate who had sorted us out with tickets. Not sure he was happy, but he understood the importance of introducing me to my club. Good man, and still is.
Limoncella disgestiv please..
sigh ….
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Glad you brought up Jimmy Rimmer. ‘holic.
He certainly was a very major influence in keeping us up. Very popular too, I seem to remember him collecting, what I assume to be chewing gum, from a couple of Clock End fans, every single match. Don’t remember if he did the same at the North Bank.
Don’t suppose you have a chunky St Joseph at a reasonable price? Need a bit of spoiling on these drab interlull days, with all the turgid stories that abound around them.
Another great trip down memory lane, luvly jubly.
Rimmer was the first ‘keeper I saw in the flesh, (not including the late great Jack Kelsey, friends of the couple who used to take me to Highbury and whom we’d always visit in the gunners shop before we went into the stadium) I was just a wee lad and only went occasionly to Highbury then, I started attending almost all home matches in the 77-78 season, come to think of it, I was pretty young then too.
One Rimmer moment that is forever burnt into my memory, although I can’t tell you exactly which season it was, was when Rimmer returned to Highbury with Aston Villa. I was standing on the clockend and Jimmy got a rousing reception from the whole end as he took his place between the sticks. At some point in the game when, Aston Villa were on the attack, some guy with glasses (those old black rimmed NHS jobs) and a red and white Arsenal shirt run on to the field. Under his arm he had a ball which he placed on the turf and proceeded to dribble towards Rimmer, shooting and scoring by placing the ball in the corner of the net, the Clockend let out a mighty roar, half laughing at, half cheering the intruders feat.
Unfortunatly at almost the exact same moment that the old bill were rushing onto the field to bundle the guy, Villa scored at the North Bank.
The cheers turned to boo’s as the guy was draged away many in the section I was in were under the impression that it was his fault that AV had scored because his action had destracted our defence. I remember looking at him thinking, I hope it was worth it for ya mate.
I wonder if he ever was allowed in to the ground again and would his mates of blamed him for the conceeded goal?
Funny the things you remember, eh?
If anyone else has recollection of that incident, I’d love to hear it.
Pint of Cider for me please and one for your goodself.
Cheers.
Nice point Hollic. Nothing is forever is it, especially in football? Well, maybe one or two exceptions, but you’re right.
The reserve goalies thing has me reminiscing on this boring interlull Sunday. When Willow retired, I wonder if Arsene Wenger would have signed Jimmy Rimmer, a keeper of decent quality and experienced… or would he have persisted with Geoff Barnett? 🙂 GB played a lot more games for Arsenal in the ‘Bob Wilson era’ than some might presume, including saving a penalty in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup while Willow was recovering from his broken arm, and a longish stint including the 1972 FA Cup Final and the start of the following season. GB stayed on at Arsenal as understudy to Jimmy Rimmer. I remember his last game just before Christmas 75, when the following summer he joined the steady procession of English pros making a last payday out in the States.
Then in 1978 we had Paul Barron, not the first and not the last reserve Arsenal keeper to look outstanding when coming into the team for a short spell when the main man was out injured. No pressure when you’re just the stunt man. Pat wasn’t injured that often, but when he was unvailable, Barron certainly looked the part – too good to be a reserve keeper for very long, or so Palace thought. Next up as PJ’s standby was George Wood. I still blame him for that 5-0 result down the road BTW. Thank God that Palace were like Barcelona in those days, snapping up our cast-offs and wondering why they weren’t as good in real life. Then there was Rhys Wilmott, who was kind of Stuart Taylor version 0.1. The less he played the better people thought he might turn out.
Go on then, I’ll have a drop of that red wine while I reminisce. Lee Harper, Vince Bartram… neither was an Alex Manninger, that’s for sure. Richard Wright, Rami Shaaban, Guillaume Warmuz, all come and gone. Fabian Carini… now there’s a non-story for another day, but pre-season friendlies don’t count really, do they? As Clive Allen discovered. 🙂
Did my Duke of Edinburgh’s bronze project on Arsenal 70-71. How could I have known we’d do the double? I’d lived in Cyprus in 68 (67?) and got sick when Arsenal came for their off-season tour. But the team visited the hospital as part of their PR stuff, and when they heard there was a 10-year-old Arse fan in the surgery ward they all trooped in for a photo shoot. I have pix of me in bed, grinning like a Cheshire cat, surrounded by Armstrong, Graham, Mee, Howe, Wilson, McLintock, Sammels and loads of others – who then kindly did the double for my DoE!
Thanks for dredging up the memories, Holic. Mine’s a mojito with a sprig of basil.
I recall the late 30’s when we won the top Division AND HELD ON TO IT………something, unfortunately, we have failed to do since. In those days we
1. Had a tube station named after us
2. Had a murder mystery film made about us
3. Paid a world record price of £14,500 for a player.
4. England played Italy with 7 Arsenal players in the team.
What memories!!
From 76-77 I started doing every home game, a few semi finals, and the cup finals. What a time that was, we weren’t the best, but we had Chippy, Rixy and Stapleton and were a great cup side.
After 1980, I started doing all home and away and we were pretty poor really, but it is still probably my most enjoyable time of following the Goons. The craic was great and the away trips were quite an adventure.
Graduating from the NB to the CE Highbury, with the Jumbo pints on a freezing cold day in November, trying to maintain as much liquid in the drinking vessel when we scored.
Going to the Lane every year and always seeing us win. Charlie and Raphael ticket with two each on boxing day in a 4-2 win. Hark now hear………
Fortunately, I missed the 5-0 defeat there in ’83, but soon returned the year after.
Makes you really appreciate and enjoy the successes, which followed in the GG and AW days. Certainly nothing taken for granted.
A pint of Guinness Extra Cold please.
CoYRRR’s
I cant imagine how some of the fans would react if they were following the Arsenal of the 70s and 80s?
I swear some of them genuinely want the team to fuck up, so they can gloat and tell all how they knew we’d fuck up!
We all have a good moan now and again, during and after games, if we havent played well, or not won and the transfer window countdown must have seen many on the edge of a nervous breakdown as they frantically refreshed the BBC football website and newsnow for the latest on our attempt to sign an over the hill Aussie keeper!
The window is shut, so now all we should be concentrating on is supporting the team and getting behind the players, all of them!
Seems I missed a right piss-up after the previous post. Serves me right for going on holiday and not visiting the bar for a few days!
Anyway, another great visit down Memory Lane. There is no better way to learn about the past than to hear it from those who were there, so keep these posts coming! Big thanks to all of you who have added you own memories in the drinks as well.
A John Smith Extra Smooth (and extra cold if you have), please. It is very, very hot here today, I am completely soaked in sweat as we sit here waiting for the bus to take us to the airport.
Great post holic!!!
1973-1977 were my entry years as a kid…and no we weren’t great but I just fell in love with it. My older brother would complain about Blockley and Ross, Sammy Nelson being out of position or Kidd missing a sitter but I was just happy to be in the West Upper every other weekend. As a nine year seeing Supermac arrive I thought we’d beat the world, when the true highlight was often a half time sausage roll and watching fights on the North Bank.
Fantastic memories, and with my Shoot ladder if our little piece of cardboard was in the top 8 I’d start getting dizzy. Everyone in school liked West Ham or Spurs and the clever money was on Derby and Forest….
Great times and the perfect foundation for what followed…perhaps its how I accept finishing 4th not being a disaster? Not that I don’t think that’s acceptable this season.
A Tizer with a Humphrey straw please….
Super post as always ‘holic. I too remember the ever popular Jimmy Rimmer, although sadly, never had opportunity to see him in the flesh. What is still fresh in my mind is the tingle of excitement ~ would he be as great as Big Bad Bob, as you allude…..big boots to fill!
The great thing about nostalgic postings like this is that it reminds Gooners of times in the history of Arsenal Football Club when trophies were not to be *expected*….handed on a plate as it were. Too, as far back as I can remember, we’ve always been a bunch of tight wads….never willing to part with whatever the disposal income.
Dare I suggest, and without necessarily hinting at any kind of fan apartheid (which personally I detest), a sage lesson for some of the new[er] breed of fans!?
Jimmy Rimmer was voted player of the season 74-75.
I think you should ban everyone who doesn’t order a drink, ‘holic. The facilities are for customers only, surely
Tim @ 17. The “shoot ladder”. That brought the memories flooding back!
On a similar note I remember being chuffed to bits when we signed Clive Allen, because he was given his own weekly column for Shoot. Finally I’d hear all about Arsenal every week. Didn’t last long!
A pint for you, for stirring the memories! Cheers.
Great piece ‘holic. From a time when I wasn’t born so all the more interesting.
KTbird, being guilty of said offence several times myself but not wanting to suffer the ban, may I put in a standing order of ‘holic’s finest red and a request for pardon of past sins?
As we loll in a historical mood, What, I hear you not ask, were Bolton Wanderers up to at this time. The answer comes from their very own website: “1970/1971 season was to prove one of the most traumatic seasons in the club’s history both on and off the field, yet the first month gave little indication of what was to follow, which culminated in relegation to the Third Division for the first time.”
Great reminiscing Tim, bring the Shoot ladders back!
Only problem was losing one (usually Norwich) and having to try and make one yourself out of yellow and green felts. Looked totally spacky and messed up the whole look of Division one!
Highland Park with a dash of water please Barman.
Great stuff Holic.
Tonight I was at the North American Finals for Gaelic Games which was held in Chicago, and I was wearing my Track Jacket representing Arsenal when a gooner from philadelphia approached me ( everyone there was from Ireland so most support some football club). Turns out he is a full time member with the club with season tickets which he gives away to his mates in Ireland and England during the year . We exchanged Emails and he told me whenever I want to go to a match let him know and he’ll set me up no problem , any match. Class act. another reason why Arsenal fans are the greatest!
Guiness please barman
I feel kind of unneeded in this post since I wasn’t even born at the time but it’s nice to know I support a club with a rich history as opposed to some other clubs from Russia/Abu Dhabi.
A much more relaxed atmosphere in the bar tonight. Nostalgia nights are my favourites (other than nights after beating the spuds!).
As an aussie not familiar with your local brews, could you suggest a lager and serve me a cold pint please? And I’d like to shout those still here.
@23 bt8bbnn
I too am often guilty of that offence. Not intended, just more focused on tapping out my point.
So I’ll start as I mean to go on, an early morning Balvenie with a dash of water pls. Drinks for those who wish to partake off course.
Morning all,
GAwmi69, Staropramen appears to be the lager of the moment here. Virtual pint poured.
[…] Goonerholic, who’s blog is nearly always thoughtful and always a well written read pointed out the following in a recent blog: […]
[…] Goonerholic, who’s blog is nearly always thoughtful and always a well written read pointed out the following in a recent blog: […]
[…] Goonerholic reflects on the 1970s, when football was different and clubs like Manchester United could still get relegated. […]
Thanks, ‘holic for giving us some Arsenal history to tide us over during this interminable interlull. Like behind the eightball but not Nasri, grew up in California during the 1970’s which meant going to see the San Jose Earthquakes of NASL and having very little chance to see even highlights of first division English football. So it was a different age not only because of expectations and the instantaneous clamoring and commenting on the internet but also because the explosion of television coverage with cable and satellite television and specialty sport packages has made it possible for gooners worldwide to be more connected to Arsenal.
The question is: can we reproduce something of the culture of support a more intimate setting and earlier time allowed, or will the frenzy of anonymous commenting polarize into hostile camps dividing gooners? I hope not.
Although I comment here infrequently, I do want to lift a glass (cranberry and seltzer) to celebrate this site as a haven of thoughtful perspective and reasoned discussion by its author and regular contributors. Cheers!
I really need to broaden my horizons when it comes to drinks – I’ve never heard of half of what are ordered at the bar 🙁
Nice post, Id just like to add as he was mentioned- Sympathy out to the Wilson household and of course the family of Bobs son in law, Such a shame such bad things happen to such a good man life certainly isn’t fair at times, Especially when you consider recent headlines.
Tim @17 – lucky old you! Being in no financial position to sit in the stands every week, I was trying to dodge the half-time fights on the North Bank. Now you can text a steward if you hear someone swear!
Nice history post as usual ‘Holic. I’m in the french bit of Catalonia this week and have had no access to the ether for a few days. I must say I’ve really missed the daily read and debate (punch-up, Thursday night). Made me all the more appreciative of the opportunity to keep in touch with all the other ‘Holics during the close season especially.
Snir @ yesterday – you and Matt are not alone in your optimism, but there is a level of irrational criticism that it is just not worth responding to.
See, I was there in the 70’s too, and whatever else we got from that decade, we did get a bit of perspective.
To those who fret about Cesc leaving, (me too, btw), I apply my 70’s earned perspective to the situation and remember the devastation felt when Liam Brady departed.
But it wasn’t all bad – we got George Johnston (whooo?) and beat Leeds 7 – 0 !
Right, I’m off for a sit in the corner.
Senor ‘Holic.
Serve up a plate of Pimientos Padron for Trev, and he can wash them down with a few Estrellas or Van Damm’s.
Muchas gracias…
Hey Chippy – was that you over on Untold? Looked like Tony had opened up a real can of worms with that post. Shame the posts were invaded by knobs from Le Groan. Just makes me appreciate what we have here at ‘Hols bar – A friendly keep and a well stocked bar. Mines a Titanic Stout (well it is a nostalgic post) and whatever Chips is having.
I love a bit of nostalgia, and it disproves the mythg on so many blogs that the Internet is only for the under 40’s 🙂
I was just thinking about this England squad:
Rio – drug test ban.
Terry – make your own headline up 😉
Cashley – still in denial (you know the old ‘i’m a player smoke screen’).
Glen – B&Q anyone?
Lamps – cheats on missus.
Gerrard – thug and see above.
Rooney – *puts hand to forehead and shakes head.
Crouch – some of the above and the robot was criminal.
Defoe – points make prizes.
Basically we have an English team that make me wince.
@AFC1974 – exactly!
We did this one day in the summer, but roll on Jack, Kieron, Theo et al. We might actually have something we can stand to turn on in the Interlulls then.
Ale please. Cracking nostalgia trip.
Cheers.
Was at the Stoke semi final at villa park when Wilson was injured. Think we were 1-0 up ( Geordie Armstrong goal ) when John Radford went in goal. We were battered for the last 30 minutes but hung on for 1-1.
There was a great picture in circulation of Radford saving at someone’s feet.
As a ten year old wasn’t allowed to got to the replay at Goodison where we won 2-0 with Barnett in goal. Listened on the old gramophone before being sent to bed !
Great times – my formative years ! I think those 2 semi final wins are where’s Stoke’s hatred for us now stems – they had a good team but two years blew it. 2-0 up one year , 30 mins against a team with no goalie the next.
Loved Jimmy Rimmer and the gloves that always looked as if soaking wet.
He and Kiddo kept up in the mid 70s.
Holic , your sense of perspective is always appreciated. We simply don’t realise how lucky we are now.
A pint of fizzy imported lager please.
I’ll have a prosecco and a kitkat please, ‘holic
AFC1974, I agree with you that almost the entire England team are a bunch of losers who should be on their way to reform school but do have to say I found the robot amusing. Now you can start abusing me for my bad taste.
Theo better stay away from Crouch though.
8 ball – talking of taste, at least Shrek isn’t getting ‘bitty’ anymore with grannies. His radar is finally working.
Yes, now that I think of it the robot did tickle me 😉
Aghh, maybe we are too hard on these fellows (glass houses an all that?). All that time on your hands? Women throwing themselves at you? Would you keep your powder dry? Better not answer that – the management might look in 😉
AFC1974,
Morning Mate cheers for the early morning hair of the Dog !!
Yep that was me, Le Groves alright- like most places theres some complete idiots but theres also a few knowlegable ones that are a good laugh which help to make the working day go quicker, It seems that article was published to breathe life into a pretty poor comments section and it seemed to work 🙂 They just have complete opposite ideals – As you say this is by far and away the best bar in town!!
I can’t believe TV5 just said that Cesc has Barca DNA!!!! AAAaahhhhhhh!
Catalan – its bad enough when the Barca mob persist with it, but our OWN players. Fine the sod a weeks wages ! 🙁
Oh for pete’s sake! it’s ground hog day. Engage brain TV5 (yes I know you are just telling the truth). But, ever heard of need to know basis? How the fuck is spurting this out going to help Arsene? How the fuck is this going to help the fans and supporters? How is it going to help Cesc? Who lets face it was building a few bridges eh?
It’s a good job you are one hellava defender.
*sighs and shakes head*
Just when I was beginning to think you were captain material!
Let’s not live in la-la-land. Cesc wants to go to Barca, there is no denying it at this point. Barca did not need him straight away and did not have the funds but next summer he will be gone we all know it, winning the PL and/or the CL will not make a difference.
What Vermy is saying is that despite his disappointment Cesc will fight tooth and nails for the team and not only because he is a professional. I’m sure he is but I think he finds it hard at the beginning of the season to motivate himself for games against the likes of Bolton after winning the WC.
I’m more worried by Van Persie’s injury frankly. We’ll have to rely on Chamakh for a long time before he can take a break. He was almost never injured at Bordeaux, let’s keep our fingers crossed for him to dodge the Arsenal curse.
Good evening Holic & Holic`s
Let me start by saying WTF ! If it wasn’t for bad luck RVP would have no luck at all. Reports now say he will be out for 6 weeks with his ankle injury.
Why must he get injured all the time ? I am sure we all agree he is a fantastic player with huge talent, but is the poor bastard made of glass. I will openly admit he is my current favourite player at Arsenal at the moment. The ball control the def touches, he is a joy to behold when the ball is at his feet.
If we could get a full season out of him you could guarantee a golden boot or very very close to it. But a golden boot won with sheer class.
So footballing gods please leave the man the fuck alone PLEASE !
Arsenal 1971, the optimist in me says it’s better for RVP to have a 6 week injury now than at any other time during the season, but after that we’ll just have to see. With Bendtner and RVP coming back at somewhere near the same time at least Chamakh will get some rest. But I also think Wenger needs to experiment with playing Walcott and Vela more centrally.
Any of you holics watching Ingerlund’s match now?
Rooney scores..and Theo gets injured? wtf?
For Fucks sake I turn the England game on to see Walcott getting stretchered off just minutes after Reading Van Persies out for 4-6 weeks We are fucking cursed 🙁
Sorry Holic I haven’t been around earlier to give you the praise you deserve for your post.
Now I just need to say FUCKING CUNTING HELL.
And I usually don’t say that, at least not here.
RvP injury worse than feared and Walcott stretchered off.
Just can’t take this any more. And you all know me, I’m one of the almost too positive ones.
You miss my point Matt – agreed Cesc wants to fly. Agreed that winning anything for Arsenal will not alter his flight. Agreed Barca could not pay for his travel. Don’t care for ‘Vermy’s’ comments – not helpful to Le Boss. Not good for morale. TV5 is an ambassador for the club (on and off) as I say ‘engage brain’.
I think its a fuckin retarded situation. Theo’s does some good work to lay the ball off to toiletbowl johnson to create a scoring situation. Tries his lot to get into the game and get himself injured? Its revolting.
Will the refs notice if we send out a squadron of injury proof robots?
It’s not good at all – if Chamakh heaven forbid gets injured we are back to the Russian up top on his own and we are not even halfway through September!! Hopefully it’s not as bad as it looked because to me that looked like it could be ligament damage,Poor sod!!
AFC: As I read it, TV meant that it does not matter that Cesc wanted to go since he will give it all again this season. It’s just a matter of interpretation.
Totally gutted by Theo’s injury. We’re cursed. it’s been a long time I wanted to see more of Vela but not in these conditions.
That said we have so many good players, we “need” injuries to ensure some rotation and keep everyone happy playing their part. Just trying to be positive…
How fucking many times can it happen?!
This does not look good –
http://desigunner.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/walcott-injury.jpg?w=450&h=600
And of course, if it is as bad as it looks, I feel a lot more for Theo than I do for myself. I really hope for his sake that the picture is exaggerating.
People, if you have any young’uns near, cover their ears. I am about to express my emotions regarding Theo’s injury.
Ok, ready?
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!!!!
A shot of something very strong, please. And give it to whomever at the bar looks like he/she needs it the most.
That would be me Lars.
Another shot of the strong stuff for Lars from me as well, ‘Holic.
Now I’m off to read your new post.
Matt – yes, that’s why we have a squad. Sonebody’s misfortune, anothers opportunity. And Arsene’s Magic Hat!