Why did I do it? I wasn’t going to, but then I thought, well Jack and Theo are playing. I had to support them. Silly sod.
It wasn’t always this way though. Apparently I was at Wembley to see England play Russia three months shy of my second birthday. Forgive me if I don’t recall the details. Then from the sixties to some point in the eighties I was quite a regular for home matches, although I kept my trips to foreign shores restricted to Arsenal’s European outings. I think it was watching a string of disappointments in the eighties that drilled it home to me that I just didn’t get the same buzz watching England as I did the Arsenal.
That manifests itself today in a very patchy recall of England performances, although as I have discovered in the drinks I, and a number of ‘holics, have a recall of some pretty obscure Gunners in the sixties. My most vivid England memories don’t actually involve the football at all.
The worst was undoubtedly a game against Scotland in the seventies. It was the first time I had been fortunate enough to get tickets, which were as rare as rocking-horse droppings. None of my Arsenal mates had been as lucky, so on the day I just took up my place at the tunnel end and prayed for deliverance! By the time kick-off came around a few little groups who had tried to sing for the home side had gathered together in my block, and I joined them. Safety in numbers and all that.
The afternoon was relatively good-natured until some brain-donor in our midst decided to set fire to a Lion Rampant flag. This had the not entirely unexpected effect of antagonising the tens of thousands of our friends and neighbours around us. To this day I will never understand quite how I got out of the place in one piece, although I suspect that it was not cider that had rained down on us in a hail of plastic bottles. The fact that the ‘holicmum hailed from Stirling enabled me to steer clear of the worst of the retribution that was dished out as we made our exit. I can do a very passable Scots accent when really needed!
Remarkably my best memory was also of time spent in the company of opposing supporters. I was never going to miss the Republic of Ireland game in 1976, given that David O’Leary and Liam Brady were in the visitors line-up, and Charlie George (although by now a Derby County player) making what was to be his only appearance for England. The match finished 1-1, so those who had come over for the night were in good spirits. I got chatting to some of the Irish on the tube and when we got to Baker Street we agreed to have a little drink together as we talked about the Arsenal lads, and the up-and-coming Frank Stapleton.
That little drink turned into two little drinks, then three. In fact that little drink carried on until the trains started running again the following morning. When people talk about the friendliest and most colourful supporters most allude almost immediately to the Brazilians. Not me. I wish we could play the Irish every year. All that green, and black. Oh yes, the black. That was the night I learned you could drink that stuff all night, and sing like a lark. Well, maybe a big old tone-deaf lark, but a lark nonetheless.
It wouldn’t happen now though. It would take something considerably more powerful than wild horses to drag me anywhere near an England game. Sorry Jack, not even you and Theo, mate.
130 Responses to “I Retired From International Football Long Ago To Prolong My Club Career”
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Cheers, Holic! Being born in the States, nationalist football is far from clear for me. Chile arouses some significant joy and pain, but a far cry from those of you who bleed the colors of your flag.
Guinness, please!
Nice score, takeabowson. While I pondered the subtleties of nationalist action, you completed the job.
One on me.
Great post ‘Holic , pushed for time , but will post my limited Eng-er-land experiences at some point . Hope you’re feeling better .
Actually, in a strange way my love of the Arsenal (which began under Arsene for me) was born in direct relation to the fact that ‘football’ for me was always an alternative language and culture through which to interact with people to nationalism. I learned to play football entirely in the context of the beautiful game being the common denominator amongst many languages, home lands, day jobs, and ages. Arsene, and Arsenal, seemed to embrace football for itself and not strictly as function for national pride, and I loved and understood that.
Long live the Arsenal, and the beautiful game! (Now if someone could just light all those running FIFA on fire….)
Cheers!
You have been missed PIK ! Californian green for me please and one for yourself , and of course for the barman .
I would like it known that I never ever retired from international football. My international career was cut short due to a distinct lack of ability.
Jack looked good today. Theo and JD looked very poor.
Oh man, I got a lot to do today! I will supply sufficient doses for all interested, but must due with a pint of black myself, for now.
Well said Steve T!
Nice job hollic,from holloway rd myself now living in the states.if u or any of your loyal followers venture to the USA be sure to look us up to watch the mighty gooners(Chicago gooners)
Will do Doc. A Bears/Arsenal weekend sounds almost tempting π
Reading so called reports of arsenal signing gervinho next week,any thoughts
Hearing those rumours, but not from anybody close to the club Doc. They can’t officially register overseas players until July 1st anyway, so I would suggest it is unlikely. I also hear he is more strongly linked elsewhere.
‘Holic, after your piece some months ago – during one of the interminable Interlulls – in which you highlighted England games as those that give birth to the dreams of many youngsters, or words to that effect, I honestly tried to view them in a somewhat more positive light.
Like you, I gave today’s game a chance purely because of Jack and Theo. Worse luck.
Although he looked crocked and tired by the end, Jack was a class above anyone else on the pitch.
Theo was misused, as usual, and substituted, as usual.
Ghokan Inler, who I hoped Arsene would sign after the 2008 Euros, looks to have his better days behind him, and Johan Djourou caused himself and fellow Swiss several moments of rather off-key high pitched yodelling. He shows great promise at times but is not ready for a serious assault on the title.
Other than those points of interest (?), there was nothing to recommend this particular international serving. It will be my last, at least until Terry, Ferdinand, Lampard and Cashley have gone.
Not to mention the manic screaming of the indescribably poor Peter Drury.
Like anyone cared . . . . .
Well, watching the game was like watching 15 ml’s of undiluted wombat wank.
Lets face the facts, England are gonna do nothing in Euro 12, if they even qualify. Surely it is time to trash the so called ‘golden generation’ of Ferdinand, Terry, Cole, Lampard, Gerrard et al, and concentrate on maybe getting to the quarters in 14 in Brazil.
There is some solace though. Arsenal are not the only team that cant defend set pieces!
Jack was brill, Theo gets in great positions, but really needs to concentrate on his final decision making.
As for Switzerland, I know nothing about any of their players, but their centre back, Djourou I think his name was, probably plays for some third division team in San Marino, was so fucking bad that he made Senderos look good.
Cant believe Wembley was sold out…..
‘holic I didn’t watch the game and don’t make a habit of watching internationals for the most part, be they England, U.S., or most other places. The only time they are interesting to me is when they are held in small countries where the home crowd is going crazy because their country is doing the business on one of the big countries. When it’s Honduras v. U.S. for instance it is interesting in a big way and being an American those games give me split loyalties because I have a strong tendency to support the underdog. I can’t say that Arsenal are really underdog class but they do get on the telly over here often enough to make following them moderately possible from afar. 7 year old daughter makes international travel more problematic so following the club in person is not really on so the telly is the magic medium.
Djourou was absolutely shocking today which partly answers my question whether our weak defense is due to talent or tactics. He cost the Swiss two points and almost cost them three. I think there were five instances where he had a total cock-up. Holic, get to Chi-town for a Bears/Arsenal weekend!!!!
Re: What I said in #16 I should have added that reading your blog sir is another magic medium for the purpose.
I hope Charlie George was past his perm by the time you saw him play for England. I’ve been to one international match, March’s USA 1-1 Argentina at the Meadowlands. Great experience, 79,000 people going bananas. Or should I say platanos, since our huge Hispanic base was rooting for Argentina; but then, without them, we wouldn’t have enough support for a domestic league.
It was weird watching Djourou hack Wilshere down in the box today. But I loved seeing Wilshere in Rooney’s Number 10 shirt, his Arsenal sweat cleansing the garment. Terry was there, and Ferdinand and Bent, but no Rooney, no Cashley, no Gerrard, no Crouch or any other current Spurs player, plus Jack and Theo, this was an England team I can respect.
Too bad the USA did a neat impression of a sieve against Spain today.
You’re funny Holic :). Cheers
Thanks Trev,
My point then was that although I would no longer choose to spend any money on the national team, lots and lots of kids, including my grandsons, and a lot of my friends are still staunch England supporters.
They would get a big lift from any England success, and so would I, to be fair, but personally I signed up to Arsenal for the ‘for better or worse’ deal. I don’t have any of that left for England.
Play well, or get out of my life!
I’m trying to think of the last time England played really well in a competitive match, and cant remember. Must be years and years ago.
Of course all the usual excuses of tiredness are being wheeled out this morning. It’s funny, all our players seem susceptible to fatigue, whereas the teams we play against are apparently immune.
It would be refreshing if someone would come forward to say that we just are not good enough.
OK – I will.
England are just not good enough.
Hate to think where it leaves our mob though. π
Stone @ 22,
England 4-holland 1 was probably the best I’ve seen,Or the Germany game but they are so few and far between. International football bar the big events is as dead as a dodo, I spent 3 weeks trawling round Germany for the world cup but that was more for a laugh than following the team,
Doc,
Will be flying in on the 2nd sep I will make sure I look you up !!
If only I’d found the Goonerholic earlier. These posts will make the tedious lull of the close season much more manageable. Thanks!
Chippy,
Agree. They were the only two I could think of.
Great Post Holic. I remember going to France v Ireland about 5 years ago in Paris and we absolutley rocked the place. The funniest thing was half way during the match twenty thousand Irish fans realising the beer was non alcoholic, you would swear it was poison we were drinking the way it was spat out. Happy Days.
Is anyone else starting to get a sinking feeling?
I’ve just read the alleged Nasri quotes and, if he really has publicly come out and all but batted his eyelids at Utd (which is, as ever, a big if) then where does that leave us?
Is there any point in trying to hang onto players who aren’t fully committed to the club? I love Cesc, but I can’t help but think that in keeping a skipper who blatantly wanted away, we may have invited the rot to set in.
To watch our form since Feb was painful, but to think that a large number of the players involved in that dismal run of results were already hatching their summer escape plans is just another level of irritation entirely.
Apologies to Sammy if he’s been misquoted, but this really has pissed all over my chips. I didn’t expect miracles in the first week of the transfer window, and I’m glad we’ve not rushed out and bought the likes of Samba and Parker (didn’t look any sort of partner yesterday), but it feels like a really, really long time since we’ve had a bit of good news. I suppose that Barca humping Utd the other week and Rooney’s subsequent hair transplant have each raised a belly laugh, but seriously…. does anyone have any actual, honest to god good news regarding the Gooners?! It’s starting to look like a long summer ahead.
Sunday Drivers! Off the Road!
“any sort of player” that should have been.
Stupid phone.
N7 I must agree and if Nasri’s comments turn out to be true I will have to get serious about a name change. But I hadn’t heard about Rooney’s hair transplant, or seen a picture, so in my mind’s eye have pictured Rooney with the mop of Engelbert Humperdinck and expect to laugh half as hard when I seen the real thing. Cheers!
Personally, I’m hoping Rooney’s got himself a Neymar.
Just read the Nasri comments. My understanding is that they have come from a French tv interview so I think you have to accept there may be a degree of truth in them. If they are truoe I think they are a disgrace. You can possibly understand why some of his French colleagues deemed him to be arrogant? Reminds me so much of the adebayor situation. One good season and then start to prostitute yourself around other clubs when in the middle of contract talks. I do not like it one bit. As much as I love him as a player, if that really is his attitude then there’s the door. I hope it is not.
http://videos.tf1.fr/telefoot/blanc-et-nasri-l-interview-exclusive-partie-2-6518041.html
More than a degree of truth. Here it is Steve.
Let’s never ever forget that his agent is scum though.
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affaire_VA-OM
Very naive and silly from Nasri though.
Drinks for all.
Steve T,
More like one good 6 month spell, Hate to see it but it’s the way football now is the power is wholly with the players, To be honest I’m not overly fussed if he stays or goes like many in our side I’m totally indifferent to him, Hes a good player but goes missing far far to often. I would say tho how the Fuck the clubs managed to increase every tom dick and headless chickens contract whilst 2 of the first team are down to a year is beyond me total mess,
My father once told me that as he took himself off to Wembley to watch the 1966 World Cup Final , ( heβd got a ticket from one of the groundstaff ) , he left strict instructions that his 19 month old first-born be left in the room with the TV on so that I might always be able to say that I was there when England claimed footballβs greatest prize .
My mother has since expressed doubt as to the veracity of this story . Whatever the truth of the matter , there is no question that I remained wholly impervious to Nobbyβs victory jig that afternoon .
England , the football team , did not impinge on my consciousness until 6 years later when the West Germans arrived again in 1972 .
If Arsenal was my wife , then England was a glamourous and exciting lover , a girl who lived in a palace , wore all the latest fashions and only turned up for the most important occasions .
The first rumblings however , that this new lover might be all fur coat and no knickers came when the newly installed colour TV showed Gunther Netzer et al , ( surely only goalkeepers wear green ? ) , romping to a 3-1 win . Not only had they humbled the great Bobby Moore , they had subverted the rules of football itself . Green kit tsh .
In 1974 the Polish clown added to the sense of isolation , and Englandβs matches necessarily became more parochial affairs .
My first visit to see my new girlfriend was in 1975 . My father and I turned up to greet the 99,998 visiting Scots in the 100,000 strong crowd . I loved the bagpipes , the kilts , and ( though sadly too young to join in ) the wanton drunkenness . I liked it even more when England , all done up in her shiny new Admiral kit , won 5-1 , and the chap next to me gave me his Scotland scarf .
Back 2 years later for the same fixture , and the English support had swelled to 3 . I had brought along my Spud school-mate . This time Scotland won 2-1 , and , at the end , the Scottish Hordes invaded the pitch . My father bore the look of a man whose very idea of civilization had ended , whilst the two 12 year olds in our 3-man party could barely contain their glee as the crossbar came crashing down .
When England finally reached the World Cup Finals again in 1982 , I was more concerned with how Arsenalβs new signing , Tony Woodcock , would link up with Graham Rix on Englandβs left , than with the actual fate of the England team .
By 1986 I was at Uni , and Football , far from being the omnipresent must-have in your cultural armoury that it is now , was followed furtively by its disciples ;-
β Yes , Charlotte , I agree , your post-modern evaluation of Pride and Prejudice as a feminist treatise is far more important than Arsenalβs away win at Leicester . Now , please can I take your bra off ? β
And so it was that a select group , β my name is Tabs and Iβm a football fan β , met regularly to follow Englandβs progress through the 1986 World Cup on a small portable black and white TV , and watched Peter Reid chug hopelessly behind Diego as he sent us crashing out of the tournament .
By 1990 football had become more socially acceptable ( they were even showing it in pubs β whatever next ? ) . Indeed , on the night of the semi-final against the Germans , I raced to get to the juicer on time for kick off and for the 4 mile duration of the journey , I didnβt see another car on the normally busy roads . The Country had shut down for football , and I shared in the general desolation at the tragic denoument .
By 1996 , I was ready for another summer romance and had a ticket for the victories over Scotland , Holland and Spain ( Seaman ! Seaman ! ) in the Euro β96 extravaganza . That QF was the last time I saw England in the flesh , and the subsequent SF defeat to the Germans was probably the last time I was really gutted at an England Defeat .
By 1998 , Arsenal , the ever-loyal wife at home , had taken on a sheen and a sophistication that England could never hope to match .
Worn out by the self- interest and corruption of the FA , the BNP agenda of some of its followers , and the puffed-up peacockery of its players , I no longer view England as an exciting romance , but as an ex that I have a duty to support .
So Come on England , Iβll buy you a drink for old times sake , Iβll even laugh at your jokes , just donβt expect me to go home with you at the end of the night .
Drinks for anyone in the Bar .
@Chippy: “I would say tho how the Fuck the clubs managed to increase every tom dick and headless chickens contract whilst 2 of the first team are down to a year is beyond me total mess”
In case you want to understand what’s happening rather than reflexively blame the club:
If Nasri had been offered 90K/week last year you and others would have been hollering at the waste of money on another headless chicken. He wasn’t worth them at the time but now is worth more after his first potential-fulfilling season at the club. As Ollie pointed out his agent is jail-material scum who will go to any length to cash as much as he can on Nasri. Don’t look any further.
As for Clichy I guess the torrent of abuse from so-called fans, the perspective of having to play behind Arshavin one more season with wages half what he will get in another club is not very compelling.
Now let me ask you this: 80K/week for Clichy and 120K/week for Nasri would keep both players at the club. That’s an extra 2 mils/year for Clichy and 3.5M/year for Nasri. Over 4 years that’s 22 millions.
Not sure what our transfer budget is but is it worth it to you spending more than half of it to keep those 2 players at the club?
If you answer no there’s your explanation to the current situation.
@Ollie: Now that you pointed out that Bernes is Nasri’s agent I don’t think “naive” is the right qualifier for Nasri’s interview unless you believe that Flamini was naive too π
Football is a rotten world from top to bottom. Bernes still being allowed to officiate as an agent is just another example of that sad reality.
Steve T – I agree with your comment but what can you do ?
My attitude to it now is “if they want to go, let ’em”.
Even the great Thierry Henry was not even a shadow of his former self in his final season, having been persuaded to stay by his head, and a great deal of money, against his heart.
Just as Nasri appears to have over-estimated his own worth after half a good season, so we should not over-estimate the loss that would be caused by his departure after half a good season.
He is capable of great things at times but, as Chippy says, he also goes missing far too often. He also tends to pick up a lot of injuries, and we already have plenty who can do that.
At the end of the day, (Brian, sniff,) players who are half-hearted are better off out of it.
And what exactly have we won with all these discontented superstars, such as Nasri, Arshavin, Denilson and Bendtner?
Change is due. Lets clear out all those who are “not sure” if they want to be here, and promote and import some who are more committed.
For starters, I cannot forget the display by Henri Lansbury in the Carling Cup at Sh*te Hart Lane. Would a hungry, aggressive and not a little skilful Lansbury be that much worse than an up-himself, half-arsed Nasri ?
Let ’em all go and find out how much better life is away from the Arsenal. First port of call would be Alex Hleb, I suggest.
There you go – feeling better N7 Gooner ?!
Im personally not too keen on keeping Samir. As often we have seen in the past, giving bigger paychecks doesnt necessarily mean that we are going to get better seasons out of them. 90k is more than enough for being good for half a season.
Keeping the likes of Samir will only worsen the morale of the other players.
Cash in, and invest in some English players FFS
Keeping Adebayor for one more season did fuck all for us. As did keeping Henry.. When the sun shines, we jsut got to make the best of it.
Would any of you take Hleb back? Personally I woudl in a heartbeat. Perfect replacement for Nasri – knows Arsenal side and looks honestly sorry for having made a mistake.
Our player of the season 2007/08 mind you.
John Djourou’s interview after the England game signifies that all is wrong in the minds of Arsenal defenders. He says even when the Swiss were 2-0 up they were wary of England coming back. That seemed to be the typical Arsenal mindset this past season.
The number of Arsenal players being linked with moves away seems to be growing like mad.
. Nasri
. Cesc
. Arshavin
. Denilson
. Bendtner
. Rosicky
. Eboue
. Clichy
I have left out Squillachi and Diaby(disappointed to do so). But Wenger recruiting 8 new players would surely be a global event. Then this Arsenal team would not be in transition but completely overhauled.
Morning All,
Nice one Trev @ #39, totally agree. It’s looking like this is going to be a summer of some big changes and if players want out, if we can get the right price for such players and it makes sense for the club to let them go then so be it. No one person is bigger than our club.
On the flip side, if we let Nasri and Cesc go, it puts enormous pressure on Le Boss to re-build and re-organise in time for our CL qualifier.
Squeaky trousers times maybe. Personally, I embrace any changes that we make now.
Morning coffees/teas/whatevers all reound please Mr. Barman.
Cheers all!
Hi ‘holics,
Nasri situation makes me sad. I wonder why most footballers are so driven by money. I mean what difference would it make if they earned a few thousand quid less?
But then I realise, most people are driven by money alone.
Sell him if you have to Arsenal.
Cheers
No player is bigger than the club.
Let Nasri refuse to sign a contract extension and stick him in the stiffs for the next 12 months. Expensive maybe, but it will send a message to any other potential refuseniks.
I was going to say that Ferguson would never put up with this, but then I guess even he capitulated with Rooney.
Players and agents are far too powerful these days.
Trev @ 39 – interesting that you left Fabregas out of this list of disaffected players.
Now of course I know I don’t know for sure – but as a supporter who watches this lot closely over and over I’m entitled to speculate – and I would only put my money on a handful of this squad really caring/being proud of/being committed to playing for our club/manager above and beyond the regular professional pride in being a top class professional footballer.
For me they are Chesney, Jack, and RVP (hopefully I’ve missed a few out) . I haven’t seen/heard enough from Rambo, and Walcott – I dunno. I get the feeling that most of the rest would piss off elsewhere if a more ‘interesting project’ offered them a bit more money and a better chance of winning trophies at the drop of an under 21 cap.I know it’s the way of the football world these days, and a lot people would say a professional footballer shouldn’t have to love a club or respect its history to perform well for them (Arsene maybe?). But many of the players at Manu or Barcelona seem to – or at least act as if they do – then of course Rooney did what he did. But ferguson came out and explicitly stated that senior pros at the club made sure Rooney understood what he might be losing if he left them. And again for me that’s the kind of thing the senior players should be there for – to educate and mentor the younger players, not just in the purely football side of things, be they English, Brazilian or Armenian – but we get rid of ours when their prozone stats start to slip.
Apologies I’m starting to ramble – but been away the weekend and come back to this Nasri bollocks. Whether him and his agent are playing hardball over a new contract or what, it still smacks of a massive lack of respect to Gooners to go public with it – then again Arsene seemed to start it. Monday morning blues, come on Arsenal g’is some good news – large black coffee please.
@pires is king -: Reading your post in 5, almost reminded me of myself, for me football when i started to follow football i was only introduced to one team which was utd, and was just happy when they won never bothered of the quality or even the other scores, then came along a friend and who told me just once for my sake watch arsenal play, and thats when i saw one of the most beautiful games of football, which has changed my life, its something i always look forward to on my weekends, and always tried to emulate them with passing the ball on the ground although i am still learning it .. π
The trouble i am having with the Nasri situation is that he has basically played well for 4 months in all the time he has been with us, and therefore, according to him and his agent, he is worth Β£110k a week.
If we are to assume a continued policy of self-sufficiency, I would suggest he is not worth the money and we better just try to get what we can for him from whomever is prepared to pay the most.
The underlying question though, is why did we let it get this close to the wire? Usually we renegotiate contracts well in advance of them expiring, and last summer, which was before his brief purple patch, we could have tied him in for a more reasonable wage structure.
Stone – you can only negotiate with someone who is prepared to negotiate though – if he said last summer that he wasn’t interested in speaking to the club until this summer, what could they do?
Not saying that is what happened – but it seems easy to say that the club should have sorted it out before now – I think the power that agents and players have means they hold all the aces.
It will be interesting to see what happens.
Yup, I’m with zico on this one.
Can’t believe a contract for a player with the profile of Nasri wouldn’t have been given serious thought or an attempt made to sort it out before getting to this stage. It smells of a deliberate ploy by Nas and/or his agent. Only a very few know for sure. I hope it gets resolved as quickly as these things can.
The more I think about the Nasri situation the more it annoys me. What he has effectively done is issue a come and get me and pay me more money plea. I really dont like that at all.
I agree completely with the comments by and lester at 47. For a few years now I have moaned about letting players go too early. If we had retained certain players then part of their responsibility would be to ensure that those coming through the system are fully aware of their responsibilities when playing for the Arsenal.
I’m sure there was a statement a few weeks ago from the club saying that we were not gonna enter into protracted contract negotiations lasting all summer, and if the issues weren’t resolved quickly, we would sell the player. If my memory serves me right, it will be interesting to see what happens.
‘Holic,
Forgot to say lovely piece, really enjoyed it. You’ve evoked some strong memories as usual.
Ditto tabs @ # 36, magnificent drink.
Who can forget a hoard of rampant Scots marauding onto and ripping up the hallowed Wembley turf and pulling down the goals? I’m sure the director of Braveheart looked at this archived footage before laying down the battle scenes. Dr. z, BtM, et al you have some explaining to do… π
The drinks and GT (courtesy of PIK) are on me.
I was actually at that one TS – my one and only visit to the “old” Wembley.
Not responsible for any vandalism, although I did enjoy the game π
I bet you had a great time zico. I’m guessing you were a little young to cause any serious damage? π
zico @46 – only left Fabregas out for the time being, really because he was in the “want away” situation but still gave his all – when fit.
Also, Fabregas has at least attempted to do his talking honestly and privately, not just tarting for more money when his contract is up for renewal.
He at least has the decency to treat the club that pays him a fortune with some respect.
On the whole, I find the entire thing nauseating when players are demanding thousands of pounds more per week while many true, loyal fans are devastated – yes, devastated, if anyone from the club happens to glance in this direction – at having to give up season tickets they have held for decades because they just cannot afford them any more.
TS – even as a regular I’m beginning to feel a bit lost in here.
Please explain – what is CMC, GT, ?
Cheers
Trev
Many apologies for adding to your angst.
CMC is the Columbian Medicine Cabinet courtesy of tabs
GT is the Green Tin which holds a stash of PIK’s finest Californinan (for medicinal purposes only) courtesy of Dr. C aka Catalan Gunner.
I know, it’s all very silly indeed but what else are we going to do when there’s nay footie for a couple of months? The current transfer gossip makes things even worse i.e. half the first team out and not even a sniff of a quality player on their way in.
Really feel for you re: the season ticket situation. I’m not going to say any more for fear of instigating a moaner’s market place.
Hopefully, there’ll be some good news soon… π
TS @ 56 – not quite legal drinking age – not that I’ve been much of an observer of rules over the years π
Trev – we will publish a glossary at the same as timetable for HT MK2 π
zico @ # 60,
Just thinking the same thing, capital idea. It will while away a few more minutes of the football free period.
List so far for translation:
MC, CMC, HT, ST, SP, GT, TAPS, LS, BB,
What have I missed, surely there are more?
TAPS? Is that similar to TABS, but with one very important change?
Yes
TS, I think you and Ollie slipped in the “SP” without any clear explanation – but maybe I wasn’t paying attention?
Anyway you forget AKB, LWCs and LISB.
Afternoon all ,
If 90k a week isn’t good enough for Nasri , he should be politely shown the door and told to f*ck off . I don’t blame anyone for seeking their market worth , obscene though his market worth is , but what I do object to is using media interviews as a means to holding the club to ransom .
Trev@39 – my thoughts exactly , if you wanna play for the club , great , if you don’t or ” need to be persuaded ” , then f*ck off .
Samir , either sign the contract or book your flight . In the meantime keep your thoughts to yourself .
TS@54 – Thanks for your kind words . I’m with you , I’m sure i saw Dr Z leading the charge in ’77 . π
Blimey , i only know half of those abbreviations . Who is this TAPS fellow and should i be worried ?
zico @ #64
AKB & LWCs have been around well before the HT was invented but OK to include
SP – guilty as charged (what, again!)
OK, you got me with LISB, well done
But, we need to include TBAS and LR (same as LS)
tabs & ‘nasri,
TAPS (& TACS) came up in a frenzied afternoon a couple of months ago. Think back and you might remember.
BTW ‘nasri, will you be changing your moniker if Sami proves to be an Adebaywhore? Just asking…. π
Lars Is Still Buying π
In addition to what TS said at 66, ST may not only be what you think.
Can we be any more cryptic? π
zico: hooray for Lars!
Heh! @ #67
LIAB, even better?
Evenin’ Ollie…
is ST the sleepy train ? wouldn’t want to be the Driver π
tabs, we would then have to code name you “Thrush” π
Cheers TS , lovely moniker π
I assume TACS will be travelling in the rear ?
heh, and you’re even going to blame TS for starting your new name!
Yes, TACS in the rear, TAPS out the window π π
Sorry Dr Z – case of mistaken identity @73
Dr Z@74 – class !
now what’s this LS and LR ?
No worries tabs, btw meant to commend you on your earlier post @ 65 – have a feeling that Monsieur Nasri is gonna do a Cashley on us – if not with the Indebted, then with one of the European CL regulars.
If they don’t wanna be here though, fuck ’em, I say.
Exactly Dr Z , No room on the HT for cashleys !
I for one, do not want to see the likes of Cesc and Nasri leave. Without our best players how are we going to compete in the top four and retain a UCL spot? Maybe that damn Evra was right? Maybe we are becoming nothing but a training ground for clubs with bigger aspirations and willingness to spend the requisite cabbage?
Stingy , take your point , nobody wants to see them leave , but if they don’t want to be here , they should go . Arsenal FC is bigger than any individual
Let me get this right. Nasri has one year left on his contract correct? He is asking for a raise correct? Sounds like his raise request is reasonable. Are we going to let him go on a free next year? Doesn’t sound like very good business to me and we’re being frugal yet again (no offense zico). The guy is France’s best product, other than Remy Martin, at the moment and we’re going to let him go because we can’t reach for our wallets?
Sounds stingy to me.
Stingy, there are ways to go about asking for a raise. Tarting yourself to Man Utd is dis-respectful in the extreme.
We are bigger than Samir Nasri, and you could argue that his performance over one half of this season is not sufficient to justify a significant increase. I don’t know how much he is on, how much he has been offered nor how much he wants. None of us do. One thing is for sure, him (or his agent, or both) have gone about it in such a way as to piss off most Arsenal fans.
And a six year trophy drought, and counting, is no way to attract talent. That Mickey Mouse Cup debacle to a relegated side has become a heavy burden indeed.
I’m gonna need some of the hard stuff tonight barman. Meh …
Zico – from what I’ve read above, if it’s anywhere near reality, sounds reasonable to me (a 20K raise on a 90K base). That’s just me. He made the short list of the best players in the EPL this year and is widely accepted as France’s best player. Doesn’t Rooney and YaYa make more than double what Nasri is asking?
We’ve lost good players recently because of money (Cole and Adebayor spring to mind) or because we cannot satisfy their ambitions (Henry).
I, for one, am getting very dissatisfied. Losing top players and not winning trophies is not a palatable dish. And AFC is regularly a club in the top five for revenue generation from what I’ve seen. The sooner that shiny new stadium gets paid off the sooner we might compete both domestically and in Europe.
Just sayin’. Barman, JDs to those in the bar please.
And all this talk of ManUre could just be bargaining leverage to get a new contract with a raise. Remember the saga the Mancs went through with their hair transplant recipient recently? It’s just business. Nasri is nearing the end of his contract and he is free agent thereafter. Just like the rest of us in this free enterprise economy of ours.
I say fork out the cash and sign him long term. If we continue being cheap, I’m afraid our good run of UCL qualification over the years will come to an abrupt halt. Both Liverfool and Citeh are willing to invest and the league has become more competitive at the top end. A top 4 has become a top 6 now that those LWCs have become competitively respectable.
If we don’t start competing with player retention and acquisitions we will be left behind. And this trophyless rot has got to stop.
Stingy, I’ll get the drinks in as long as you have a credit card. I don’t pay commission on Canadian dollars.
However nervous your chosen ‘nom de plume’ makes me I’ll concede you are concerned about the same things all of us are, but the answer isn’t to cave in.
I will say I think people have been quick to climb on Nasri’s back. As far as I can see he is looking to get the best out of the situation for himself.
There will come a point at which he realises he has not yet earned parity with a World Cup winner and how he reacts to what is sure to be a lower pay offer by June 30th will determine peoples feelings about him.
If he signs a new contract we will know this was posturing to get himself the best deal he could at a club he wants to stay with. No problem for me. I’ll be delighted.
If he chooses to turn down our best offer, and we are not talking the average wage here as we all know, then he will be joining a club that is becoming less exclusive all the time. He will be dead to us.
But seriously, this is bound to run until jun 30th, either way, so let’s not start falling out with each other over stuff we cannot influence.
TS – it actually is not MY season ticket being given up – yet, but belongs to a match-day mate who has had a season ticket for over 45 years. He just can no longer afford these prices, and the current increase (Β£1955 now) has brought matters to a close.
Stingy – there is nothing wrong, in principle, with asking for a pay rise when negotiating a new contract that is set to run for the next, say, 5 years.
There are ways of doing it however.
If we accept your premise that Nasri is currently on 90K a week, in my opinion it is a pretty crass move to publicly “dream” of a move to your biggest rivals in the middle of negotiations, at a time when many fans (see note to TS above) are going into DEBT, just to be able to turn up and watch a bunch of players who aren’t sure if they even fancy playing for us any more.
You will have noted from various comments above that Nasri has not exactly been the best player out of France for us, for most of his time at the club.
He is certainly a gifted player on his day, but if he is only motivated to have his “days” for France or ManUre, then better that he goes.
You may also have noted that your “good player” Adebayor was not thought to be worth his astronomical wages at Man City, that is why he was loaned out to Real Madrid after losing his place – not that he ever really had one – at Middle Eastlands.
As you appear to believe what appears in the press, you will also have noted that Real Madrid currently value Adebayor at about Β£8million. So should we really have paid him on a par with Thierry Henry ? No answer required.
I was typing that ‘Holic, while you were posting – seem to have more or less doubled up on a few points.
Cheers ‘holic and thanks for your insight into this matter. I may disagree with fellow ‘holics but never confuse this for being disagreeable.
The card is by the register unseen to the passers-by and the credit is sound.
Btw, how did you have me pegged for a Canuck? Is your memory that sound?
I am all-seeing π
And as for Adebayor, yes I do think he is a good player. He was a very good striker for us. I do not know all the financial details of his situation, all I know is that we lost a quality striker that was proven in the EPL, strong in the air, and could bag you 20 goals a year in the league. Now, we don’t have him. Period.
I believe Mancini failed to get anything out of him at ManC (for whatever reason). Personally, I believe Mancini is too negative in his tactics and how he cannot find a way to utilize both Tevez and Adebayor in the starting lineups is baffling to me.
Barman, a couple of shots of JD for Trev please.
‘holic,
You’re all seeing? C’mon, you can do better than that. Let us (me) in on your ESP. I don’t recall mentioning I was from Canada, let alone overseas (today).
And I’m not from the French part of said country. Is “nom de plume” the same as username? The username isn’t meant to offend anyone. I’m just a big fan of Special One TV and of AW too … as they say, if you cannot laugh at yourself then all is lost. Or something like that.
Re: TS @66, There are all kinds of possibilities for a new name should bt8bbnn need to change due to the French chipmunk’s behavioral and unfaithfulness issues. One possibility is along the lines of “Now I Know Why They Were Trying To Tell Me 8 Was An Unlucky Number” but I think I have some editing to do.
Bolton announced today that it will not be raising season ticket prices for the sixth consecutive season. Hmmmmmm. How about them apples?
Adebayor was pretty shit in my opinion. Of course, that is just my opinion.
TS@61 what is LS? I think I have missed that one
If Samir does go, just give Freddie’s old shirt to Lansbury – I think Henri has a touch of the Freddie’s about him, and could well play himself into our hearts…. just a hunch, based on nothing in particular!
Morning ‘Holic & ‘Holics
A few replies…..
tabs: ST = Sad Train, Ollie’s ‘favourite’ form of matchday transport. LR = Lady Robbie (yours) & LS = Lady Savage (mine), the same thing really.
harsha @ #95: See previous comment/drivel π
Stingy V @ #79: I don’t think many here would want Cesc or Nasri to leave, so I’m with you on that – they are both wonderful talents that help to make our squad special. The shenanigans that appear to be going on do leave a bitter taste in the mouth esp when you’ve been singing their names out loud and proud on matchdays. It’s possible of course that much of what is reported is media BS whipped up and served fresh and steaming to Gooners across the world who are still sensitive to another end of season collapse in form. Whatever is really happening, I don’t like it but if both players stay I will be delighted and will sing their names out loud and proud again next season. If both leave, Arsenal goes on, we’ll find a way round or through it and I think only Cesc will be welcomed back. I fear Nasri may be remembered in the same affectionate way that we talk of Cashley and his ilk.
Trev @ #87: My mistake, thanks for the correction. Same sentiments go out to your mate and many others facing the same dilema.
‘nasri @ #93: NIKWTWTTTM8WAUN? It’s easier to remember how to speall our GK’s name. You may want to have a re-think on that one or possibly enjoy the acclaim of becoming the longest entry in the up-coming ‘Holics HT Mk II Glossary, Vol. 1. π
I’ll get the kettle on for those that want a steaming cup of something.
Hello all, back at the bar after a long weekend out of town with only a few quick visits here. I see I am still paying for drinks, though!
Samir Nasri, if you’re not happy with Β£90k/week then by all means feel free to go ahead and fuck off to wherever you like but don’t for a second think going to a club that might win more than Arsenal makes you a “winner”.
Catalan@96: agreed, Lansbury has shown Freddie-esque qualities, just look at his goal at WHL in the Carling Cup. Vintage Freddie that was. I really hope he can make the step up next season a la Wilshere.
DR. C @ #96
I’d also like to see Lansbury given a run in the 1st team to test his EPL credentials. I’ll caveat that with the need for some proven experience in the team to supplement the skills of our young guns.
FYI, the GT has been cleaned and re-stocked and remains one our top signings from last season. π
Morning Lars, good to have you back!
LISB & LIAB means you will also be enshrined in our glossary. That must be a proud moment for you. Would you like to thank you parents and your trainer? π
Anyone else get the distinctly filthy feeling that Nasri might go to Man IOU? Ferguson’s talking about needing 3 players (one of whom to replace Giggs) and now Plugg from the Bash Street Kids has come out and “praised” Nasri in the press – basically doing a Xavi. Reports of Nasri’s “ManU DNA” coming in 3…2…1…
Lars,
Think we have to look @ the bigger picture here for Nasri.
All the decent players around would have seen how the Rooney negotiations panned out last year for him, by frightening AF to death he got what he wanted did he not.
You also (I hope) have to agree he has heard it all before (as we all have) with AW promises of grandeur for Arsenal FC, did that materials no of course it did not, so why would he re-sign another long term contract to a club that has NO ambition than to Finnish in the top 4 of the EPL every year.
If I was in his position I’d be doing the exact same thing myself, unless I noticed a distinct change in personnel in the dressing room, & that includes the coaching staff, in fact more so then the playing staff……..
Re: TS @#99 Refreshed GT truly like a new signing. Nothing like a California sea breeze to freshen things up a bit, and I have a feeling PIK may have been hard at work on this one. π
Re: Lars @#98 I’m agreed about giving Lansbury his chance, not to overlook Frimpong. We can’t give up on our young players who can supply a critical positive inspiration throughout the season.
If he stays great.
I am still gutted about Ray Kennedy going to Liverpool, but hey, guess what, the Arsenal have since gone from strength to strength, so if he goes c’est la vie.
Think him flashing his knickers at Man U is pretty nauseating though. I think he realises this and has burnt his bridges but maybe that’s just me.
The only alternative I can see is that we will sell our captain to give in to Nasri’s wage demands and that does not sit well with me.
Prozac, TS, and make it snappy π
Morning All ,
TS@97 – Thanks for the update . Just need the meaning of SP and I think I’m fully up to speed – Sleeping Pill ?
Nasri@93 – Should the worst occur and Monsieur Nasri be tempted away , I respectfully propose that we all submit our suggestions for your new moniker and you then pick your favourite , whereupon you are spectacularly rechristened by being dunked head-first into a barrel of beer .
BTW do you think the Guv’nor is keeping files on us all ? ( see drink @ 90 ) , – nationality , age , amount of visits to the CMC etc , and should we be worried π
bt8bbnn –
you could just change your name to bt8b – it’s where Arsenal are at the moment anyway π
Heh Dr Z , Ray Kennedy my childhood hero too – each goal he scored for Liverpool was like a fresh dagger to my heart !
Tabs,
SP = Sad Plane (as opposed to train) i.e. Sleasyjet – my transport ‘of choice’ for trips into EU.
zico,
I’m still recovering from Stapleton to United…. We’re fresh out of prozac as money for MC stocks has been invested in herbal remedies of choice. Aligator sandwiches are available on request.
SP also means Shit Plane – same company.
Last time I flew home with them from Stansted the buggers turned to us 10 minutes from Edinburgh due to “very windy conditions” and said we would have to divert to Luton! Sure I moaned about them in previous round of drinks.
Anyway, anger managment class has been well attended since.
tabs,
A new ‘daggers to the heart theme’? Here’s few more far too obvious ones in no particular order….
McLintock to QPR
George to Derby C
Brady to Juve
Titi to Farca
Cashley to The Chavs
Vierra to Juve
Ljungberg to The ‘Ammers
Overmars to Farca
Drake to Hendon (one for the StoreyDad RIP)
Would you be able to trundle through those impressive memory banks of yours and come up with some more esp. if they’re obscure like Hornsby to Shrewsbury or Marinello to Portsmouth (both hardly daggers to the heart, I know)?
Will report back later TS , an impressive list , though i have to say i’d long lost patience with Cashley by the time he left , and Freddie’s valedictory comments did him no favours , though he was quickly forgiven by the gooner massive as a result of past exploits and because he was unerringly shit for the Hammers .
The one that made me most sad ( after Brady ) was Rocky to Leeds .
tabs,
Yes, fair points, some may well have been good riddance esp. Cashley.
Thanks also for pointing out the glaring omission, shame on me for forgetting Rocky (RIP).
you forgot zico to Dunfermline
(it’s not just Gervinho who can speak of himself in the 3rd person) π
zico
Yes, another glaring omission.
TS finds your comments amusing and he’s now going to press submit comment π
Apologies all – so bored – these slow news days are taking their toll.
I am going to be an absolute basket case come August.
Here we are then chaps , get your teeth into these ;-
Transfers to make you sad .
1. Chippy to Juve .
2. Rocky7 to Leeds
3. Mclintock to QPR
4. Kennedy to Liverpool .
5. PV4 to Juve
6. TH14 to Barca
7. Charlie Nicholas to Aberdeen
8. Anders Limpar to Everton .
9. Alan Hudson to Seattle Sounders
Transfers to make you Angry .
1. Cashley to Chavski
2. Adebayor to Man City
3. Stapleton to Manure
4. Anelka to Real Madrid
5. Anderson to Manure .
Transfers to make you laugh out loud .
1. Perry Groves to Soton for 900k.
2. Martin Hayes to Celtic for 750k.
3. Jeff Blockley to Leicester for 100K .
4. David Bentley to Blackburn for a Geometry set .
5. Kevin Campbell to Notts Forest for 3m !
6. Lee Chapman to Sunderland for 100k
And the more , to varying degrees , obscure transfers , though still a little dagger to the heart , to varying degrees .
1. Vladimir Petrovic to Antwerp .
2. Stewart Robson to West Ham .
3. Alex Cropley to Villa .
4. Martin Keown to Villa .
5. Andy Cole to Bristol City .
6. Alberto Mendez to AEK Athens .
7. Mark Heeley to Northampton Town
8. Juan to Fluminese .
9. Moritz Volz to Fulham .
10. Jon Sammels to Leicester
Storey@100: have to admit I am at a total loss in regards to what LISB and LIAB is supposed to mean… or hang on, maybe they mean “Lars is supplying beverages” and “Lars is awesomely brilliant”, perhaps? Yeah, that must be it!
Ahhh…… Vladimar Petrovic!! Nostalgia.
Blimey – didn’t last long did he? http://www.arsenal.com/history/profiles/539/vladimir-petrovic
Anyone with better memories than me – how was he?? And why so short?
TABS – can’t be angry about Anelka to Real Madrid – that bought us TH14 + at least 10million to spare…
Lars @ 117 – see 67 π
tabs @ #116,
You out-did yourself again! My personal obscure fave: Alex Cropley to Villa, that was a small dagger at the time. Funniest for me was Hayes to Celtic. Saddest, Rocky. Great work agent tabs! π
Lars @ #117,
LISB = Lars Is Still Buying, penned by Dr.z yesterday evening.
LIAB = Lars is Always Buying whihc is my adaptation of the exiled-one’s original.
So the big question is, are you getting them in? π
zico and Storey: ah, of course! In other words, my guess of “Lars is supplying beverages” wasn’t that far off!
And of course…
Drinks all round, Mr Barman!
TS@122 – yeh i liked Alex Cropley but injuries did for him in the end .
Dr C@118 , 119 – Take your point re Anelka , but at the time , i remember being pretty fed up with brother Claude’s machinations .
As regards Petrovic , he joined in the january of 82-83 , after prolonged problems getting him a visa . I saw his debut at home to , i think , Swansea , and he laid on a couple of goals . Clearly a talented player but was lightweight , struggled with the physicality and was too often peripheral . Was just beginning to get to grips with the english game by the end of the season . Terry Neil was under huge pressure himself however , and wasn’t prepared to be patient – let him go in the close season . Big mistake to let him leave in my view . Petrovic was gutted and wanted to stay .
A modern day comparison would be how Luka Modric looked in his first 3 months at the Marshlands .
tabstatto
Quick question: What else can you get for a geometry set these days?
TS – Arsenal used said geometry set to secure the signature of one Agent Silvestre. Players are so overpriced in England. π
TS@125 – you have a choice ;-
1. A test-tube of Messi’s sperm .
2. A bumper box of felt tips .
3. Three Denilsons .
Dr Z – Arsene still has plenty of Geometry sets left , ( currently kept in The Ken Friar Mathematical Suite ) , as he received duplicate sets for Jeffers , Cygan , Stepanovs , Baptista and Hoyte .
4. Tottenham DNA.
5. White Hart Lane .
6. Ferguson’s soul
If Nasri doesn’t re-sign, I read on a ticker, that we would refuse to sell him to ManUre. If he has to go then, “Anywhere but the Mancs” (ABM) I say. I almost detest those red Manc bastards as much as I love The Arsenal.