I know! I know! Arsene can walk on water….at the moment. One fine run of Premiership wins, allied to a new defensive awareness and an almost fully fit squad has propelled the club to the heady heights of second place in the League and an FA Cup semi-final against Reading.
What’s more Le Professeur has two years left on his current deal and has never reneged on a contract. Meanwhile, the board are no more likely to sack him than voluntarily enter into a ground-share scheme with Totnumb.
Could the current purple patch prove to be Arsene’s Indian summer?
With an outstanding candidate about to become available would it not make sense to at least consider the option provided by the resignation from Borussia Dortmund of Jurgen Klopp?
Described in yesterday’s Daily Telegraph as “one of the World’s most wanted managers” the somewhat eccentric Herr Klopp is open to offers and has previously expressed his desire to manage in the English Premiership.
No doubt various other clubs both inside the EPL and abroad will be salivating at the thought of signing up a manager of his class, chief among them must be Manchester City and perhaps Real Madrid. Would Arsenal be an attractive destination for him? I think yes!
Klopp once set of an alarm clock in the dressing room immediately before a game, the message being “it’s time to wake up” Perhaps it’s time to set of an alarm clock in the Arsenal boardroom.
Written by Norfolk Gooner
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Cheers, NG.
Perhaps if he was willing to do a 2 year apprenticeship maybe.
Then again, maybe not.
Thanks NG
Did his one good Dortmund side play really exciting football?
I do slightly come unstuck when it comes to these Manager type posts, because I simply don’t believe it can be that hard.
The job needs to go to someone who represents The Club well ie good fits, like Fergie at Utd, Maureen at Chelsea, anyone short termist and a bit flash at Spurs and of course, Arsene at Arsenal.
So, on that basis, what are the criteria for an AFC Manager?
Looking good in a suit?
Holding knife and fork properly?
Willingness to spend vulgar amounts on world superstars?
Speak at least three languages (Northern or Scottish don’t count)?
Help me out here 🙂
6′ 2″ at least
No facial hair
Stunning wife
Steeped in The Arsenal tradition.
How about Dennis?
It seemed to me Pep and Klopp were fan favourites for next manager but both are showing signs of weakness.
I still think Owen Coyle could do a job.
How about a managerial partnership like Clough and Taylor but chosen from our own ranks on AA?
Micky and Raddy – The yin and the yang, perfectly complementing each other. Hard-hitting, bottomless wallet meets naked meditation with lofty European ambitions of a good night abroad.
Rasp and GoonerB – Guaranteed to still be striving for solutions even after doing the quadruple.
Cockie and Terry – Pie-salesman to the stokies meets Bounds Green Travolta look-alike. The Chuckle Brothers on acid do football management.
Peaches and Eddie – Doesn’t matter what a player costs as long as he looks good in Speedos, has a square jaw and isn’t a lesbian’s husband.
Hahaha Chas. I already have solutions, you know that. Whether they are the right solutions is a matter for debate.
Chas has predicted the quadruple…. yeeeheee.
Great post Norfolk. In a bit of a hurry so will comment more later if you don’t mind. Too many solutions to put up now 🙂
‘morning all,
I thought the post would stir a bit of a reaction, but it seems the groundswell of discontent has died down recently. That’s not surprising really as things are going well at the moment and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Klopp could do the job but you have others as well…
I think we may want someone that can bring something new to the team really while keeping our traditional play…I am not sure Klopp would be that man…
In my eyes, the best manager to replace AW would be CARLO ANCELOTTI
Interesting Post, Enn Gee, (Mr President),
Actually, you clearly live a sheltered life on AA if you imagine Mr Wenger is getting a free ride regarding Klip Klop.
Many other blogs are sticking pins in AW and wanting him to clear off so that the eccentric Herman the German can be anointed his successor. Others are demanding he do the decent thing and hand in his resignation, or to declare a promise that he will retire at the end of his current contract – and not extend it. [See – decent people, just asking decent things – my ass].
And all this for someone who is aiming at a top 10 place in the Bundesliga [would that be a trophy?]
Anyhoo, the most damning thing that debars Klippety Klop from ever being the Arsenal manager is his appalling resemblance to that clown Adrian ‘Prat’ Durham. Next! 🙂
Apart from all that — I agree with you!
Not so fast, NG.
Who said anything about the groundswell of discontent dying down?
I have been sending off numerous letters of complaint – signed ‘Anxious of Norfuk’ – so if you get any relies please forward them on to me.
The gist of my complaints are that AW seems determined to keep every player currently on Arsenal’s books – with the exception of Szczeny, one of my current favourites – no matter that they get overtaken by elderly Norfolkians on coastal walks, or have chocolate legs that melt whenever the body temperature rises above the ambient temperature at ground level – I am, of course, referring to Messrs ‘Haircream Slowcoach’ Arrrrteta, and ‘Speedo Wilting’ Rosicky.
If he does not relent and put these venerable and deserving critters out to pasture – war will be declared!!
Finally,
Will anyone meeting up with that gorgeously handsome Mr Northbank please express to him my apologies, as I am unable to attend the get-together, tomorrow.
This morning my knee was put in a ridiculous brace, [I will never work out the complicated sequence of attaching/detaching the strapping], and I have been further instructed that it has to be ‘rested’ for about 3 weeks – and a train journey from Manchester to London has not met with approval and, indeed, been frowned upon.
Thank you. 🙂
RA – hope the knew will get better…Agree with you that we can get rid of Arteta and Rosicky and I would even add Flamini and Diaby to the list…
That would leave us with:
Coquelin – Ramsey – Wilshere – Cazorla – Ox
and would make space for:
1 other DM
1 other winger
and woud allow to finally place Ox as a box-to-box
We could have Ramsey, Coquelin, Ox plus: Cazorla, ?, Wilshere
and still give some time (if we do well in Cups) to Beilik and/or Zelalem…
a player that could fit the bill would be…Bender (of course) but you could also do the cheap option with Milner who can actually play DM as well…
– News: Cech to PSG apparently…as Douchez could be sold…
RC78 @ 2:08
That is spot on and I think it is the sensible way forward.
Alors, malheureusement Monsieur Wenger ne le fera pas!
Apologies for the inadequate French effort. 🙂
No, no — Je me trompe – I missed the Milner bit in your last paragraph @ 2:08 – I cannot agree with him coming to Arsenal – you may be familiar with the English expression – “neither fish nor fowl” – and that sums up Milner for me. 🙂
RA – how s the knee (not knew)…
French efforts are always welcome 🙂
Now – we may diverge on Milner 🙂
If we lose Rosicky, Arteta – we lose experience and Milner could be good in brining this experience to the squad as well as his energy and skills…
In any case, in my books:
PiG, Jenkinson, BFG, Flamini, Diaby, Arteta, Rosicky, Podolski, Miyachi and Campbell can go….
and if we get a sizeable offer for Wilshere, we should listen to it – I would say in excess of 30 Mln pds…
Well done RA, you’ve kept the blog going almost single-handedly.
For someone who professes ignorance on so many football related subjects you talk a lot of sense, it’s a pity it does not always come over in your on-line comments. 😀
So the groundswell of discontent is not dying down eh?
Well, as is the current fashion I shall express myself a la Francais…Apres moi le deluge! So there! 😀
Sorry NG, I’m a knot ear today but wanted to know if anyone is going to Wembley tomorrow but not going to the Green man (I don’t have a ticket to get in that pub).
Was thinking of drinking in Mannions tomorrow, anyone else ?
same old, same old, nothing ever changes at Arsenal
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CCzpViqWMAAgBET.jpg:large
That advert is from the 1930s – originally placed by Sir Henry Norris prior to the appointment of Herbert Chapman.
Speaking of which, I really miss Herb on here – disappointed he wanted to leave AA. 😦
thanks NG for the post! you are right, we can just salivate and watch Klopp going to Shitty. Personally I am as bad as Steve Palmer and thing it is too much of a coincidence that Pelligrini lost the plot and Klopp resigns stating clearly he won’t be taking time off. Bloody right he won’t, he is learning mancunian as we speak.
Personally I would like to see a manager that can master 2 good halves of any given season. Wenger can do it either early in the season and we are first in the table at Christmas, or he choses the second part of the marathon and we finish nearly 1st. It would be nice to do both halves for ones, no?
Hi CharyB,
There was some talk of a meet-up with Northbank and some AAers – I cannot go because of a problem with my knee continually swelling up to the size of a football, so I do not know the details where, when etc.
Maybe Cockie and Terry might be going, and they hang out on Bergkampesque with Total – they might know. 🙂
no RA, for once you are wrong 🙂 1925 it was!
Klopp? Not yet. though I like the cut of his jib.
RC’s suggestion if Ancelotti is very good. We need someone to steer the ship until one of the players can take over. I have often said PV4 will be a future AFC manager – no-one believes me 😦
Eddie,
I think that was not a bad effort off the top of my head. 🙂
Anyway, NG thinks I am a thicko — just shows you what respect two degrees and two professional qualifications gets you these days.
Oh, well, with so many clever guys on here I am lucky any of the ‘Brain of Britain’ types talk to someone as dozy as me. 🙂
Hippy,
Just because you had half a mind to go North, [what the other half thought is shrouded in gloop] does not excuse you from reading a beautifully written comment by ‘you know who’ where I said just that.
The only problem with the above statement is that as AA goes so quiet these days – I might have typed that elsewhere! 🙂
Anyhoo, I agree with you — PV4 will make a great manager for someone.
RA. Sorry. Just came in, read the post and commented without reading through the comments. Bad form I know.
Hi Redders, thanks for the response but it looks like I’ll be drinking alone………….again !
Never mind, it’ll be like last seasons FA Cup semi where I made new friends in the pub.
CharyB,
I am still determined to meet you and others for a drink (non-alcoholic for me 😦 )- it is a bugger that my body is causing me so much inconvenience.
That’d be cool Redders, I’m sure it’ll happen at some point.
Will be alcoholic for me though, match day custom !
Radster,
Don’t be sorry – I was only teasing – and we agree, so where is the problem? 🙂
PV4, Dennis, Overmars, Thierry (not totally sure about him) and others, but what a super bunch of ex-players we have – but Arsenal should be making overtures to one or more of them now!
CharyB,
I would expect nothing less!! 🙂
Enjoy the game tomorrow.
Will do, UTA !
Evening all. A worthwhile consideration NG.
As I said the other night I don’t think Klopp is a good fit for say City or Chelsea, some thing about his approach and his building of a side.
There are explanatory factors for the poor return for Dortmund this season, but would he be excused of the same reasons for a poor season were experienced at Arsenal? Well Arsene certainly isn’t afforded any understanding or allowance for things like injuries or World Cup fatigue etc so why would Klopp?
The problem is that he could be very good for the teams that want our CL spot, Spuds and Liverpool would both benefit with a manager of his qualities, I think United possibly would as well. His reputation hangs in the balance his next job will define the overall opinion on his ability, if his next job is judged to be a failure then he will too, so would he want a job where failure is highly marked (ie must win silverware, must qualify for CL) instead I think he will take a job which means he can show what he can do but without the high pressure, so Spuds or Liverpool where CL is not an expectation more a hope would probably be a better job for him.
In terms of his fit for us, I think he might be a bit of a hipster so would fit in in North London but I’m not sure he carries off a suit well enough to be our manager, and if there’s one thing an Arsenal manager should do well it’s wear a suit 😀
Cracking interview with Brian McDermott on TS earlier talking about his current role as scout at Arsenal, he was asked about the role, and whether he was looking for another management job, he replied he wouldn’t be doing his current job anywhere else other than Arsenal, the reason being the class of the club (by that he probably means they look after him). It was also interesting when they asked him about his role apparently he isnGermany tomorrow to watch a couple of games, he said that the local scouts would shout up a player having watched them a number of times and then he would go over to give a second opinion, he also said there probably wasn’t a player over 13 anywhere in the world at a pro club that Arsenal didn’t know, suck is the extent of the scouting efforts.
knot ear, still knot ear. 😦
still, matchday beckons, so I am around! COYG. 🙂
Morning All.
Following my research into N. Denmark I can tell you that like England, it’s grim
Morning Arnie. Hope is is well with you and yours.
I am OK, Raddy, just some rough edges to smooth out. of course, I would not take it any other way. 😛
There’s nowt wrong with the North of England.
nice teaser, Norfolk. 🙂 Chas’ opening comment @9:33 is the one for me. 🙂
I’d take it any other way rather than rough.
Chary
How come you didn’t get a ticket for the Green Man?
Ok, let’s begin with one for our own away boyz
Morning Gents
Thanks, arnie.
If people keep saying they think my comments are ok, I might start believing I know more than jack shit about the whole shooting match (which, of course, I don’t) 🙂
Good God
Arnold and Big at this hour
Chas. Nowt wrong with rough
Chas. 🙂
Micky. 🙂
I have never liked rough. More of a smooth man.
Stupid kick-off time.
Some good photos in this AFCGuildford version
kick-off time works well for me. 😛
chas. Name three good things that have come out of the North (apart from Steve Bould, Dixon and Welbz)
Go on then, one more
What next? The Undertones 😦
If you carry on with that nonsense I will educate you into the ways of the Grateful Dead – a lifelong sentence.
chas. Still waiting …..
ha ha ha. nice batner. 🙂
A sneak preview of Jon’s banner. 🙂
BR
The scenery up North is far superior.
The Peak District, Northumberland and North Yorkshire piss all over the Chilterns, the Cotswolds and the South Downs.
Raddy
“more of a smooth man”
Life is so straight forward for you and your type of women
White robe, some sensitivity and snap goes the elastic
wow. very nice, Chas. good work, Jon. 🙂
GIE is coming with us today as it’s far too long a day for JC to cope with.
He was a lucky charm last year, too, with our resounding win on penalties over Wigan.
There is even a rumour that the Peach might make an appearance.
Is Exile wearing the shorts and boots, or what we shall call The Norfolk Look 🙂
Superb work from Jon.
chas. No it isn’t. The gentle, aristocratic hills of the Cotswolds and the Downs are much more beautiful than the rugged, working-class crags of the Pennines. And compare the delights of Cornwall’s coast to Blackpool or Whitby.
You know I am right.
Hopefully
Micky. It’s not just the robe, it is what is in it 🙂
Looks like shorts weather (or longs)
https://twitter.com/fumbucker/status/589309649511415808
As if Arsene Wenger will stop being Arsenal’s manager ever. I don’t know, when will people learn.
Occasionally I write a match report, I just want to say early that I will not be able to do so today.
COYRRG
Morning all. The shorts and boots option serves two purposes……
Boots mean I can walk and stand for more than half hour in a day without needing to lay up the whole of the next day with stiff ankles and painful knees.
Shorts I need room to carry “stuff” (not least cigarettes) a dive yet to find a decent man bag 😀
I’ve had four hours sleep, thankfully the trains are quite comfy.
You are disgusting
You’re also a crap leftie 🙂
ha ha Exile
But please, please, please add a man bag to the Look. Chas may have one you can borrow, possible in purple 🙂
ps references to fags are cruel. I miss smoking
Cornwall is Northern coastline down south. I give you that.
But Whitby compared to Clacton, you gotta be kidding me.
As for the aristocratic Cotswolds, you have to be a damn aristocrat to be able to afford to live there.
LB
Are you coming to the Green Man?
I can feel an epic Wem ber lee away day and night of mirth, Guinness, cider, a monumental pack up, an original banner, nice early start, buses, trains, the Away Boyz, Green Man, Spoons, balloons, moaning, goals, Peaches, GIE, and Chas talking indecipherable drivel after pints approaching double figures.
Shame Micky’s incontinent friend won’t be there.
There really is nothing better in the world.. Other than doing it again hopefully very soon.
8.40am departure wahay!
Right, must shower and choose which replica shirt to wear. 🙂
You told me 8.45!
Wemberley Wemberley we’re the famous Arsenal and we’re going to Wemberley …….
Morning everyone 🙂
And don’t forget the hair gel 🙂
Right, I think that’s everyone suitably insulted 🙂
Was that hair gel comment for me?
I’ve never insulted you Peaches, and I’m not about to start now 🙂
Morning 🙂
No Peaches but Micky’s friend might be!
…… only I was thinking of the red gel a la Freddie for today 🙂
Morning micky
Are you making a surprise appearance in NL today oh mighty M?
Oh blimey, Chas told me 2 o’clock at the Greenman, they’re going to be senseless by then aren’t they if they’re leaving at 8.45!!!!!!!
Maybe they’re going to Brent X first or IKEA 😉
Ant – Brent X for lunch?
Beauty Salon first
Then stop to buy some delicately feminine drinks for the train 🙂
Sounds like you’re all on for a great day
Ant’s driving.
We are stopping the night in Beaconsfield.
Once you’ve been to Beaconsfield, you never want to go anywhere else!
We shouldn’t be in the Wembley area until gone 12.30, so don’t worry, Peaches. We are taking it easy today.
Brent Cross and IKEA are my idea of a living hell.
Brent X or Ikea 😀 😀
Morning all. Jurgen Klopp, A perfect fit for Arsenal, Well Well Well, I think not. Klopp feels he is good enough to leave a successful job and feels that English football clubs will welcome him with open arms.
City look likely to sack Pellagrini, how can they keep him as he has gone a season without winning anything. City owners demand success, if Pellagrini losses today he will get his marching orders. Probably the preying Mantis in Jurgen Klopp will be the man to take his place. He will probably be offered a massive salary and a vast fortune to freshen up a jaded team.
Oil men are used to buying anything they want, they expect the best quality, as in their eyes money can buy anything.What these people do not realise is that Loyalty means so much more than money.
Jurgen Klopp may be a fine Manager, looks a little Mad but his record doesn’t look to bad , He looks mad but he must realise that the wages he could get and then the big pay off he gets, should he fail is well worth a couple of years, if he should last that long .Arsene Wenger, looks to be coming to the end of his working life, but i did read that he would like to manage his country before he retires, now i don’t know if that is true, but if i owned Arsenal i would press Wenger to stay.
Many believe Wenger’s Wages are far to high, The amount of success he has had in recent years is pretty grim when you think about it, but having said that, getting us European football for 16 years on the trott at 30 mill a time makes his wage seem very worth it.
Wenger hasn’t spent fortunes on building teams, his demands have been very moderate compared to many others. Klopp maybe without a job, he could probably step into any club and do a fine Job, but for me i am happy with Wenger. Only the FA cup this season to win as the league is only pie in the sky but even if we don’t retain The cup its still Wenger for me
Sorry NG nice one mate..
Must be breakfast time.
We might need to club together to get LB a life-size cardboard cut out of Arsene at some point …………… I had to get one for my daughter when Thierry left.
We’ll be in one (or all) of these Peachy. IKEA and Brent X not on the liost
Arsenal – west side
The Green Man, Dagmar Avenue, Wembley, HA9 8DF
Blue Room, 53 Wembley Hill Road, Wembley, HA9 8BE
Liquor Station, 379 High Road, Wembley, HA9 6AA
JJ Moons, 397 High Road, Wembley, HA9 7DT
Thirsty Eddie’s, 412 High Road, Wembley, HA9 6AH
Masti, 576 – 582 High Road, Wembley, HA0 2AA
Flannery’s, 610 High Road, Wembley, HA0 2AF
Station 31 (Speakeasy), 299 -303 Harrow Road, Wembley, HA9 6BD
The Corner House (Mannions), 313 Harrow Road, Wembley, HA9 6BA
Fusilier, 652 Harrow Road, Wembley, HA0 2HA
The Copper Jug, 10 The Broadway, Wembley, HA9 8JU
Powerleague, Olympic Way, Wembley
– See more at: http://www.fsf.org.uk/latest-news/view/wembley-pub-split-2015-fa-cup-semi-finals#sthash.j6pzH2qq.dpuf
One in each?
You could be a bit wobbly by the time you get to The Copper Jug!
that 8:25 poster is soooo beautiful!! Are they really our boys? Gorgeous!
Have a lovely day Ant and Monster!
Great post yesterday NG. Not had time to readall other comments but my feeling is Klopp would only manage us if he waits till Arsene’s contract finishes. Will he take that amount of time out of Management? Probably not so expect to see him at Citeh and possibly even Liverpool.
Catch you all later
Ok so it’s either Anfield89 kit or couple of seasons back home kit. What colour do we think we are wearing?
Raddy
Or “The Jopper Cug” as Chas will call it 🙂
Exile
re todays colours
If sides’ home colours don’t clash, can’t they automatically wear their No 1’s?
Full Kit Exile?
Please 🙂
By the way I was with Reading fans yesterday, they are taking the coach, and about 30000 fans, as her other half said “they only get 14k each week, do not sure where rest are coming from.
But they did tell me that the club or maybe the fans are putting t-shirts out around Wembley either blue or white so that their end will look like the shirt in hoops.
GIE. Tough decision.
I bought a pair of red Pantarella socks in the January sales for match days. We have won every game since.
Hi Ant, 🙂
CharyB said he would be at Mannions, (which is on your list to visit) 🙂 so if you and Chas can still see straight by then you might see him there.
Morning all, OK, OK, give it a rest 😕 I’m deeply envious of all you lucky folks going to the game, I guess I’ll clear out my garage and listen to the game on the radio 🙂
Exile,
I agree with your 7:11 – shorts and boots are the thing — knees can be a bugger if you have the wrong footwear – as I am finding out. 🙂
Rasp. I will put up the
New Post
Thanks Raddy
Easier decision
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