Written by Red Arse
Have you ever wished you could go back in time to see the Gunners of an earlier era?
Now for those scientifically inclined, I know it is not possible to go back in time, and we could have an interesting chat as to why that is, but let’s just dream that it is possible for a moment!
What would be your choice? Would you go back in a ‘time machine’ to the beginning, in 1886, to see history unfold, to see how the Arsenal got up and running and to witness our founding?
Who were these ordinary/extraordinary working guys from the Woolwich firm, ‘Royal Arsenal’ who founded our club? We were nicknamed: The Gunners: because the firm was an armaments factory. The guns (cannons) that we are associated with since and which are on display outside the Arsenal Museum and the Emirates, were made here, and would have been used on ships of that era.
We were originally called “Dial Square” from the designation of one of the armament workshops. Then at Christmas time in 1886, the name was changed to “Royal Arsenal”. We were also, for a time, known as “Woolwich Reds” and “Woolwich Arsenal” until finally we became Arsenal Football Club, in 1914, and were henceforth always referred to as “The Arsenal”.
Wouldn’t it be great to be a fly on the wall, so as to hear the machinations over the move from Woolwich, in South London, to Highbury, in North London, and our subsequent political elevation to the old First Division, courtesy of Sir Henry Norris, much to the chagrin of the cockerel lovers?
If that is not to your taste, how about the 1930’s which, under Herbert Chapman, began with a famous 2:0 FA Cup Final win over Huddersfield? That was the start of a sublimely successful era with some of the all time great footballers of that or any other era playing for us. Our cup winning team, that day in 1930, included Cliff Bastin, and Joe Hulme, celebrated wingers of contrasting but complementary styles, with both possessing deadly accurate crossing ability and blistering shots.
How about watching the Jack Wilshere/Liam Brady of those years; Alex James was a footballing genius, if there ever was one, despite wearing the longest baggiest shorts ever designed to embarrass mankind? Other names to leap out of that team line up were Lambert Jack, and Hapgood. It would have been a joy to be there and witness the start of one of our most successful periods.
Another FA Cup Final victory came along in 1936 with many of the same names cropping up along with that of one of our all time best forwards, Ted Drake, who scored in the 1:0 Cup Final win over Sheffield United.
The decade was full of League titles too, commencing in 1931 and encompassing 1933, 1935 and 1938. Who would not have wanted to see that period through the eyes of those who lived through it?
Or, perhaps, you would prefer to experience the next key period for trophy success in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s when under manager Tom Whittaker we won titles in 1948 and 1953, together with another FA Cup win in 1950. From what I have heard of this era, following on from WW2, it was still a desolate time for many, and the football must have been a desperately needed opiate to make up for the post war drudgery.
The first Arsenal “Double” year of 1970/71 through to the current season is a period many of you were fortunate enough to witness first hand.
But would you not want to go back and again experience the excitement and euphoria of the trophy winning George Graham era?
In 1987, we won the old League Cup under George, and then in 1989 came that fabulous last minute, Mickey Thomas goal that won us the old First Division title, before we went on to win it again in 1991, followed by the League Cup and FA Cup double in 1993, as well as the UEFA Cup Winners Cup in 1994 with an Alan Smith special.
We all know that George’s teams, though remarkably successful, could not hold a candle to Arsene’s entertainingly skilful little ball players, and their style still leaves many shuddering at the thought of going back to it. But isn’t that what many fans are now calling out for. “Sod the style”, they say, “we want trophies” they yell. Well, first go back and look and remind yourselves what you might be letting us all in for!
Over the 40 years from 1970 until today, it has been possible to bask in the glory of the teams and see the brilliance of wonderful or charismatic players like Charlie George, Frank McLintock, George ‘the Stroller’ Graham, Denis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and all the others, as we won FA Cups, League and Premier League titles and Doubles.
There are so many other times, games and players you might like to go back and experience first hand, not least during the changes that happened in professional football as a result of our own George Eastham’s successful court battle over players’ salaries.
Known for his short arms and deep pockets, how did his team-mates of the time, Joe Baker, Geoff Strong, Geordie Armstrong and Alan Skirton react? Did they play better as a result?
Yes, if a time machine was available, I would simply be unable to resist going back to see the stars and events that surrounded our wonderful club from its foundation in the 19th century.
There is such a wealth of history about Arsenal and you and I are all part of it!
So, how about you? What era would you go back to? What players would you like to see? And why?
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Morning all
What a lovely post Red Arse, thank you so much for that.
There are so many moments I’d like to go back and be a part of. I was just the right age to be in love with Charlie George in the 70’s – although he’s much older than me of course – and would love to have seen him play.
Red Arse – what a great piece of history, thank you so much. We owe so much to those munition factory workers! Those guys used to play on a pitch with sewer running across it; they would chip in from their weekly wages to buy a ball to kick after hard day’s work. They had no idea what they’ve started – the best, biggest club in the whole world!
We must salute them tomorrow
White Hart Lane 1971 Kennedy GOAL! White Hart Lane 1971 Kennedy GOAL! Looks like I will be stuck in 1971 for a while. Kennedy GOAL!
Morning Peeps, 🙂
These are snapshots of history, but within the headlines there must be millions of personal memories; enjoyable, sad, emotional all touched by the common denominator — Arsenal! 🙂
Rasper, what a fabulous photo montage you have put up. The Post is worth it for that alone.
Literally snapshots from history. Well done and thank you! 🙂
Fantastic Red Arse.
I love that bit of Arsenalisation at the Emirates the team photo starting way back when to today, looking at those pictures reminds me of a scene from Dead Poets where Robin Williams whispers from “Carpe Diem” as the boys look at the photos.
Personally I would go back to around 1959-1964 when according to my Great Uncles the Arsenal scouts would come to the house to entice a stopper right back from Holloway, according to family legend that stopper used to hide behind the sofa until they left. My Dad says the story is over exaggerated, but so many family members have told me it that I have to doubt him on this one.
Although I was expecting an April Fools today, i may have spooted one in your post, if not its a new bit of trivia what I learnt….
I cannot resist the comment put up by Sharkey to Evonne, which says it all.
It made me burst out laughing and had nothing to do with apostophes! 🙂
—- “I like causing a bit of trouble sometimes.
In any case I’ve got another one now, (ticket) and I won’t have to sit with 26′s hand on my knee for 90mins either!!” —.
Stunning prose! 🙂
Good stuff RedA – I like a bit of history myself.
For a few years I lived in Plumstead Common quite near to a parade of shops where one of the original squad member of Dial Square FC had a fruit and Veg store and a chemist was also run by someone connected to the club.
Additionally the pub where they used to get changed before games on Plumstead Common Road was just round the corner.
It was great to live in an area so steeped in AFC history and as circumstances would have it I went on to work on Blackstock road for five or six years, strange that it was not these two things that made me a gooner, more so living in Essex in the 70’s where the choice for a eight year old boy was the mighty Arse or the Shammers.
Ah, such reminiscences you’ve kicked off RedA – and looking at the title of the post I thought you were goiing to give us a retrospective on Patrick Swayzee’s seminal work: Dirty Dancing.
Hi GIE, 🙂
This morning I read an extract of an interview by Joh Burridge the nomadic, multi-club goalkeeper.
In it he mentions a scout/manager coming to his house to talk to his dad when he was 15. (Your mention of the stopper hiding from scouts rings true).
“Jim Burridge, my dad, did not like football, which he thought was a poofs’ game. One day Tony Waddington drove all the way from Stoke in his big shiny car.
He came into the house and offered me an apprenticeship. ‘How much?’ my dad asked him. ‘Five pounds, plus accommodation’, said Waddington. ‘Fuck off, and get out of my house’, said my dad. And that was it, I did not get to go!
What extraordinary times, so your great-uncles could well have been right about the way things were done in those days. 🙂
If anyone wants to have a look at my previous stab at a restrospective post it’s here:
https://arsenalarsenal.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/transitions-resolutions-%e2%80%93-from-highbury-to-ashburton-grove/#comment-19164
Hi CharyB, 🙂
Wonderful to think that you are part of the Arsenal support base, and that you lived in an area steeped in Gunner folk lore!
And to think, RedA, I made my choice on the basis of my diet, vegetarian, as a team with a meat product in their name was a no-no, even at 8 years old !
On such small things big choices are made.
Nice post RA and very appropriate for the day before a big game.
If I could go back in time I’d go to the point just before TH should have scored in the CL final and give him a little nudge so the ball flies up into the top corner.
CharyB,
It is amazing how the smallest things can have such a major impact on our lives not only at the macro level, but in the greater scheme of things.
What is that philosophical thought? — ‘a butterfly flaps its wings and thousands of miles away it causes a storm’. (I have got that wrong, but I am sure someone will correct me!!) 🙂
You’re talking about the gaia theory RA – one earth. Everything in the world has an effect on everything else …. don’t get chary and me started on the subject.
Hi Rasper, 🙂
Actually, though I share your thought, it is still a too painfully recent history for me! 😦 And Titi did have 2 one on ones in that game. Oh well!
True Raspers, it’s the area where cosmology and philosophy coalesce and merge.
Anyway, back to reality, does anyone know when we’ll hear if Robin, Bendy and Rambo passed their fitness tests scheduled for today?
Thanks, Rasp. 🙂
Cause and effect, eh? Zen Buddhism here we go!! 🙂
26m and I were discussing the Invincibles yesterday. I still don’t understand why when they were all conquering in the prem, they didn’t have more success in Europe.
I wonder, what was the average age of the invicibles? it would be interesting to compare them to the current guys.
Hi gw unfortunately I can’t answer you question (although I’m sure the average was at least 3 years older), I trust one of the statos on here will give you the figures.
Fridays are a busy day for me as I’m not about much unfortunately – ketchup later.
The thought I leave you with is that you lot are not very observant …. familiarity breeds contempt 😆
Let’s go forward .
I had no idea that you and CharyB had exchanged views on the ‘butterfly effect’ Rasper.
I was hinting at the historical time machine thread in my Post.
It is a much used literary device for authors and is encapsulated in the following.
— The butterfly effect is a common trope used in fiction when readers are presented with scenarios involving time travel or with “what if” cases where one storyline diverges at the moment of a seemingly minor event resulting in two significantly different outcomes –.
In real life CharyB chose to become a Gooner because of a dietary conviction, otherwise he could have missed out on the best club in the world. Minor cause; major effect! 🙂
Found it, but you’re right Rasp I wouldn’t have noticed if you hadn’t pointed it out 😆
Rasper,
I did not like to mention it, as I thought you had become dyslexic!! You naughty boy. 🙂
Morning Mickyk – are you going to the game tomorrow, a few of us are meeting up at the Tavern for pre-match nerve quellers – come and join us and we’ll let you have a good moan 😀
Its interesting that Rasp would want to change history if he could travel back rather than appreciate in person what had gone before. That’s an entirely different subject surely 😉 😀 😛
GW,
That’s an interesting question.
The average age would have been higher, at a guess, and that would have given them a bit more maturity, obviously.
But as Rasper says that did not help much in the CL final, though Campbell’s ‘goal’ would have made all the difference. Back to history, eh?
That’s a very astute observation Peaches.
Applying the butterfly effect (chaos theory) principles, not to mention the resultant paradox that might result if Rasp ‘guided’ TH’s shot into the goal.
Rasp might now be in a loony bin protesting that he was from the future. You guys would not have set up AA and, in China, Arsenal would now have sold 1 billion extra footie shirts — made in China!! 🙂
MickeyK,
Going forward is not an option, it is an inevitability.
We are now creating and being part of history. If Arsenal go on and win the Prem, despite your woeful forecasts, future generations will look back on today’s history and say what wonderful time those were.
And, oh yes, who was that miserable blogger who hated witnessing history being made?
Live it and enjoy it buddy, the river of time is remorselessly sweeping you along!
The Butterfly effect appears to have the new meaning of “if a butterfly flaps its wings in brazil it causes a typhoon in Indonesia”
Hence a tweet I saw soon after the Tsunami/Earthquake which said somewhere in the Amazon a butterfly is looking very sheepish.
I always thought the butterfly effect was time related from a short story (Jules Verne maybe) that I was made to read in school. The basis was hunters were being transported in time to go and shoot Sabre Tooth tigers but were told implicitly to stay on the wooden tracks so as not to disrupt anything. One steps off and kills a butterfly and when they arrive back in their own time the world is a much changed place.
Peachesgooner thanks for the offer.can’t make it tommorow maybe another time thanks.
Mickeyk you are forever looking back telling us that the current squad are not as good as…..make your mind up 😉
GIE,
That’s an excellent image, ‘a butterfy looking sheepish’! Classic. 🙂
My 11:34 relates to your ‘Jules Verne story’, which I have not read, but it fits into what I was hinting at in my “time travel” related history Post.
We are of one mind! 🙂
Red arse what the last five years .we won’t bloody win the league can’t you see you’ve bought into wengers experiment again .Even he don’t believe it no more I feel like I’m being negitive everytime I come on get wenger out .more excuses tommorow wait and see.anfield 89 can not be beaten.A night everyone in islington will never forget.
For a similar plot device look at the episode of the original Star Trek series: “City on the Edge of forever”
That episode starred Joan Collins bizarrely enough.
Ha ha Rasp
Just spotted it, but would never have done so without your nudge…
Redders
Lovely post. My contribution is twofold:
First, using the Redders approach of just going back to re-live a moment it would have to be the 1971 season, because as an 11-year-old I didn’t appreciate it as much as I should have done. I don’t feel the need to go back to the very early days because, having grown up in Woolwich, I was very familiar with the Arsenal munitions plant until it got knocked down some time in the late ’80s or ’90s. I even had mates who worked there: “What do you do for a living?” “I make bombs.”
Second, using the Raspers approach of going back to change a moment in history, it would have to be the FA Cup semi in 1999. As Dennis took the last minute penalty I would throw sand in Schmeichel’s eyes and history would be changed for ever etc etc.
Gie get rid of aleast half this squad .we might have a chance of moving forward and while I’m at it get rid of the medical staff .hillwood can also go with wenger .
Nice one, RA.
I’d like to go back to White Hart Lane in 1971 and actually get to see the game. My old man and older brother took my younger brother and me to see the game that night, but we didn’t get farther than the top of Paxton Road before it became too dangerous. The estimates were that as many were locked out as actually got in that night. They took us home and both missed out on the magnificent denouement to that great season.
We were all stood together on the Park Lane 7 years later though, singing “Silent Spurs” to the tune of Silent Night and watching Brady bend the ball into the top corner. Happy days. 🙂
Hi Rocky, Chas, 🙂
Damn! I have to go out for a while.
I’d like to talk more to you both about your stories, because that is fascinating and personal Arsenal history too!
Hope you are around when I get back. 🙂
For the question about Invincibles Team
Average age at start of season was 27.5 years.
RA- really enjoyed the piece, a lovely highlights package! I would definitely go back to the 30s with the huge standing crowds and the innovations of Herbert Chapman and early trophy winning success. I imagine a magnetic aura around the club and an intense excitement. The Saturday game would have been the weekly highlight for the working man and woman as the depression hit home. I could also have worn a trilby hat and a zoot suit and spats! Yep- would have loved that!:-)
In terms of re-living a moment- the 2001-2002 season when we won the league at Old Trafford. I was living abroad that year and didn’t get to a single game 😦 I was hooked though- and there were so many wonderful Henry and Vieira moments that I would love to have been there for…
Carlito-nothing to stop you wearing a trilby now as a young Islington hipster. You’d also forego wearing a badge tomorrow if you were wearing the zoot suit and spats. 😀
Quality post that Red, and there’s been no sight of Evonne since I mentioned the ‘downside’ of getting a ticket fron 26m. She’s prob off trying to source another ticket !
Back later
Carlito, Edu’s trigonometry masterclass in the FA cup win at OT that same season was a highlight for me. His mastery and manipulation of angles time and space were sublime that afternoon
Watching it live, we were in complete control and it was a joy to watch. The MoTD highlights that night made it look like a flat/poor game with few chances and a deflected goal from us.
Seems like some things haven’t changed, same ol, same ol MOTD manc love in.
Hi Chas
Dandan wrote a post and a half on that game at WHL 71 well worth a look, Peaches should be able to find it fairly easily I would have thought.
True London. I pretty much never watch it now, haven’t done for years in fact. How do you really squeeze 90mins ofcut and thrust into 5mins of highlights which have to include minimium of 3 (slo-mo?) replays of each goal or controversial incident.
I still watch MOTD but normally skip Shearer, Hansens and Linekers analysis. Thank you Sky plus.
Sharkey and Red Arse – damn right I am scared now! You both know 26may and seem to think that sitting next to him is funny….tell me why, he seems such a nice man
Evonne you’ll be telling us why after 90 mins sat beside him.
Its not too bad honestly, just do not use any ‘trigger’ words. I think RedA has a list of them
Evonne,
26 is a nice guy whom I like very much, even tho’ we have never met. In fact there are many others on AA that I like, but I have not yet met.
It is just that Sharkey is incorrigible and has a habit of making me laugh unexpectedly. 🙂
Anyway, Sharkey and I are just jealous 26 did not ask us!! 🙂
(I’m kidding — I could not go!) 🙂
GiE- Hipster! *spits violently* wash your mouth out and check this site as to why http://www.latfh.com
There you are Evonne. He has made me laugh again, and will get me into trouble. Typical flipping accountant!! 🙂
Sharkey said; –“Its not too bad honestly, just do not use any ‘trigger’ words. I think RedA has a list of them!” –.
Now you can see what I mean. I’m off for a coffee and a sandlewhich before he puts me in it again. 🙂
Afternoon all.
I am bloody nice Evonne, just ignore them!
Despite the slurs on my very fine character, congrats on a nice bit of prose there Mr Arse. Am always on for both nostalgia for the times I remember and historical geekiness for the times that predate even me.
For reasons I can’t understand, it’s the Norris era I would be most enthusiastic to have seen. All the skullduggery and the righteous vitriol of the people of Woolwich when their decidedly modest club was yanked out of its modest surrounds and shifted into the far-off virgin territory of what was to become N5. And then to see that “project” (as a late 20th century version of Norris would surely have called it) fail in the 1920s, despite corruptly getting us (with Chelsea) into Div 1 after WWI at Spurs’ expense and despite huge wedges of cash being spent on recruiting players. Only in the 1930s, long after Norris had been banished for some nefarious act or another did the club flourish, including emulating Huddersfield’s deat of getting three titles in a row.
Would have loved to have seen all that.
But equally, to dial back to 1989 and that night at Anfield, or to witness 2004 again, or 1998 vs Everton, or the three FA Cup Finals in a row in 1978-1980 (albeit only one won).
All great stuff.
Evonne….I’d love to be able to say the joke’s over in polish, but I can’t so I’ll say it in English instead.
This whole hand on your knee thingy has been completely made up. Started by me and give legs by Red. I’ve never met 26m either, but will do tomorrow.
I’m sure he’s a thoroughly decent man who would not lay his hands on you without firstly being invited to do so.
Ooops there I go again….
Perhaps I should just explain all in person tomorrow 😉
I’ve got a book on Arsenal villains….
Very good chapter on our ‘Enery in it. If anyone’s interested in a loan I can bring it tomorrow.
Evonne,
Nie znają języka polskiego. Przykro mi, ale były tylko żarty. 🙂
Randomness: Repentance Cleansing Your Generational Bloodline
Explanation?: http://arsenalbooks.com/
What I was actually looking for:
CUe AA readers the globe over wishing for SharkeySyure to return to late nighgt blogging. Some even wonder if SS has forgotten to log in as FIL for his last few posts.
A small group numbering 12 (disciples?) plan to change tomorrows meeting place without telling me.
Sharkey,
Did you or anyone else, in my absence, spot the Rasper’s April Fool on this site? 🙂
26, As you have gone quiet I take it you have accepted an honourable draw, yesterday, on your dastardly oversight of the redundant ‘s’ in SSAPs in exchange for my errant apostrophe?
That looks a good read SS- might I borrow it? Good to have you on during the day in such cracking form! Looking forward to meeting you tomorrow 🙂
Nutters!
Of course not RA – never surrender!!
Carlito, I’ll bring it tomorrow if my alzheimers permits.
Fine post RA.
If I had the opportunity to go back it would have to be to the Invincibles season. I loved every minute but sadly didn’t get to many away fixtures (though attended all the home games). I don’t think I really appreciated that I was witnessing history being made or that I was in the presence of genius. Glory Days
If I could choose to re-live one game of the hundreds I have been fortunate to attend it would be a very difficult choice between Anderlecht at home 1970 and Everton at home May 1998.
Anderlecht because it was my best night ever on the North Bank and it was the one and only time I stepped onto the HIghbury turf (so did Kelsey!)
Everton is self-evident. The weather, TA’s goal, and the Title.
Rasp’s April Fool spotted!
Good choices Raddy, I rememeber seeing that Everton Game on TV in New York. The commentary was Sky’s and the concluding yell ‘ADAMSSSS’ as he crashed his left footer home is indelibly inked into my mind.
I envy you and Kelsey stepping onto that famous turf. Never did it myself, altho’ I was often tempted. I was a good boy you see! 🙂
Linking the past with today’s spat about whether Jack should play in the U21’s this summer, despite fears of burnout or not, can you recall whether or not it is true that an Arsenal player (Jimmy Bloomfield?) played for both England and Arsenal on the same day, or perhaps on consecutive days?
Probably never heard of ‘burn out’ in those days, if true!
Yep, Everton 1998 takes some beating. Wot a day that was.
I can only imagine how crazy Anfield 89 must have been, as MickeyK said earlier (can’t believe I’m quoting him..lol)it was mad enough down in London !!
You drew me out Raddy 😉
Yes it was a fantastic night at Highbury when we beat Anderlecht.So many years of dross football beforehand for years and years and living in the shadow of the Spurs.
We have so much to thank Ray kennedy as he came on as a sub in the first leg and scored our only goal which gave us a lifeline for the return leg, and of course that goal atWHL which clinched us the first part of the double a year later.
I would love to go Back to The Future as i haven’t been to a live game for over 30 years and am extremely envious of so many of you meeting up tomorrow.
Thanks for the memories RA
Hi Kelsey, 🙂
I have seen a video of a very young but big and strong Ray Kennedy scoring that critically important goal at WHL to clinch the First Division title 1:0.
How extraordinary that as a youth he had been told by Sir Stanley Matthews that he was not cut out to be a footballer. Wierd!
How sad to then see him, many years later, in the grip of Parkinson’s disease and physically a shadow of the man he was. 😦
Why did Arsenal let him go to Liverpool? Equally wierd.
kelsey – you’ll be in my pocket xx
This was dandan’s first post on AA. Its about May 1971 and more ……..
Look, i’ve already seen how naughty you’ve all been while I was away, you don’t have to run and hide. I reckon Evonne summed it up best at 4.04 ‘Nutters’
26,
I know you have certain views about Sir Henry Norris, but I would like to go back and see what happened in 1919, when we were promoted to the expanded 22 club first division, at the expense of three other clubs including bottom of the table Spurs who had faced relegation in 1914/15 at the outset of WW1.
I also know that Sir Henry, who was Chairman of both Arsenal and Fulham at the same time, as well as being Mayor of Fulham, was banned by the Football League in 1929 for financial irregularities. Those ‘irregularities’ concerned his club expenses and the lack of clarity over the disposal of the proceeds of sale of the Arsenal club bus. Wow …. heinous! What a load of bollox.
It would make a fine TV drama to see how he ran rings around his opponents to get Arsenal promoted.
Essentially, it seems that Highbury was in London, whereas Spurs, in Tottenham, were in the County of Middlesex and were therefore not elegible to vote on which London club was elected to represent ‘London’ in the restarted First Division. Tough!!
Arsenal did a deal with 2nd bottom Chelsea, also in london, and elegible to vote, and they in turn did a deal with Man Utd and Bolton(?) who were in danger of being thrown out of the first Division for certain irregularities and they all agreed to vote for each other.
It was clever wheeling and dealing, coupled with prosaic self interest, that won the day and not necessarily the underhand methods that he was accused of. A great man and a match for any of the charlatans in the modern era!! 🙂
So there!!
Please Miss Peaches, it weren’t me. It woz that Sharkey and 26!! 🙂
I’ve got so many memories I just don’t no where to begin but if I were to choose it would be my experiences in the late forties early fifties.
You see us kids would pretend to be sick and we would get passed over the crowd down to the ground where the medics would look after us and then sit us down behind the corner flag.
I got to see players like Swindon, Barnes, Mercer, Cox, Logie, Goring, Lewis the Compton brothers up close.
I didn’t get a big thrill from touching the turf because it was usually muddy.
But what a thrill when players like Mercer would pat me on the head and ask how I was doing………..
RA: Norris was also found to be making illegal under the table payments to encourage the better players to join Arsenal.
Hi GN5, 🙂
What a sneaky lot you kids were. That’s a terrific way to get a great view of proceedings. 🙂
Norris’ defence was that he was just passing money over in a brown envelope to pay for his coffee and sandwiches, just like everyone else at the time, including Man Utd, Bolton and Chelsea.
That was not why he got banned tho’. 🙂
A bite late to the party but there are two times I’ve always dreamed of seeing – beating Liverpool at Anfield in 89 (too much Fever Pitch perhaps but what better way to win a championship, except perhaps go unbeaten) and watch Liam Brady play.
I think I’ve had it pretty darn good as a Gooner to be honest.
Irish, quite right re Chippy, he was an absolute artist, am pleased I got to see him play just before he headed off to Serie A.
One of my life’s biggest regrets is not being at Anfield that night. I’m sure I could have got a ticket, and was at university in Leeds, so getting across to scouseland wouldn’t have been hard. But stupidly I thought “We’ll never win, I’ll watch it on telly” and had a leisurely afternoon with my then girlfriend (a Manc from a United family – they do exist). The joy of seeing us manage to win the first title in my sentient existence on TV was mixed with the horror of not being there.
Never again will I assume a negative outcome just because the odds are against it!
26 May – I’d even cherish living in the same era (although I’d old now if that was the case 😛 ) all I have is videos and stories.
Still, I’ll have my Bergkamp, Adams, Henry, Vieira, Keown, Cesc etc., stories and plenty more to come.
I’m deeply indebted to London, peaches and dandan for respectively remembering, searching out and writing such a great post. 🙂
26may
I missed Liverpool ’89 for pretty much the same reasons as you 😦
But I was at Highbury for the last game v Everton in ’98 🙂
And at Old Toilet when we won the league there in 2002 🙂
And at Wembley in 1979 🙂
And many other great moments and trophies 🙂
If I could go back in time it would definitely not be that Friday night in 1989.
Why I hear you ask, because I’d have to watch me smash the light fitting as I jumped off my seat to celebrate that goal, I got off relatively lightly but glass raining down around my head is something I don’t want to repeat.
We were off on holiday the next day and I remember feeling ten feet tall as we stopped in a Little Chef reading the sports pages of nearly every paper.
Rocky, congrats on that lot! I can only match you on the Everton game – sublime day that that was.
Other biggies (good and bad) I made it to: 1987 League Cup Final, 2006 CL Final, the 5-0 defeat at WHL in 1983 (was painfully in the Spurs end), the 4-2 win at WHL the next year (again, in the Spurs end, even more painful but in a good way), the Kanu game at The Bridge, the Michael Knighton 4-1 defeat at Old Trafford in 1989, the FA Cup Semi vs Spurs at Old Trafford, the FA Cup Semis (both) at Villa Park vs United (Giggs’ hairy chest and all).
Ah, the memories!
Top list 26
It must have been great to be at the Chavs when Kanu got that hat trick. I was there when we beat them and Nutty scored a screamer, which was fun.
I’ve also been lucky enough to get to all our cup finals in the Wenger era apart from – and it’s a big omission – the CL final in Paris.
Have to leave the house at 03.30 to get to London tomorrow. A total bastard.
But it won’t be the first sacrifice I have made for my beloved Arsenal and I am sure it will not be the last!
Me too RL. I was at Chelsea for Nutty’s goal and away for the CL Final (in India)
I only went to the first Copenhagen Final, being put off by the fearsome reputation of the Turkish supporters. At the time I was rebuilding a house and had an enormous living room, I painted a wall white, got one of the first TV projectors and invited the lads round, insisting that they spent the money they saved by not going to CPH on booze and “entertainment”. I cannot remember anything of the game or the night that followed!!!
And Cardiff…. We used to book hotel rooms in Cardiff at the beginning of the season ensuring that we could stay in town. Happy Days.
BR
You went to the better Copenhagen final then. I missed that one, but went to the Glatasaray one. It was a damp squib of a game, but we still had a good trip. There was a lot of trouble between Turks and “Arsenal” fans in the city before the game – but the British yobs were actually Leeds fans who had travelled over looking for a fight after those two Leeds supporters were stabbed in Turkey a couple of weeks earlier.
We had predicted something like it, so we found a decent boozer a little way out of town – and out of harm’s way.
BR
I quite enjoyed the Cardiff finals at first (Liverpool was a great outing, despite our unlucky defeat, and Chelsea and Southampton were really fun), but by the end, with awful train problems becoming more frequent, I’d had enough.
Phil Dowd is the ref tomorrow.
May he have a good game.
Maybe he’ll have in the back of his mind that he should even things up for propriety’s sake. :~)
Dowd?
That’s bad. Everyone saw in the Barcodes game how he was completely swayed by the crowd into making terrible decisions. No doubt tomorrow he will be at pains to show that he can resist the crowd’s influence. I fulyl expect some really bad decisions going against us.
He’s also going to get merciless stick from the crowd, which won’t endear us to him.
Irishgunner you’ve had some good times and seen great players.let’s hope there’s many more to come.Rocky ROckyROCkyROCKyROCKYROCKY ROCASTLE .
Gutted, good mood till i Saw Dowds name, we have to win by playing awesome no choice, no 1-0 lucky win blackburn will get all decisions………
Anyway backto post, awesome article Red Arse, probably my favourite yet..,..
Game I wish I was there for: 26may1989…I was on exercise in germany and didnt know the game had been played…… A mate of mine found out and let me know, I ran round my trench (.5 by 2) and went mad and then remembered we were in a tactical phase!!
Player from the old days I would love to have see live, Alex James or Ted Drake when he scored 7 against Villa and hit the bar with the eighth shot! Just to see how good they were in comparison to players today……..
Game I would change: Old trafford 2004/05: When Rooney blantantly dives, he gets red, we win 6-0 and retain the league and remain invincible for 1000games..Reyes stays and ends up better than Ronaldo….
Is it defo the tavern tomorrow……..
Frank stapleton was also a great player.
Strangely, one of my favourite games this season was Everton at home with Lee ‘what offside?’ Mason in charge.
Sometimes a feisty crowd spur the players on to greater efforts (he says hoping).
I worry about Dowd in these games.
He allows team to kick us without punishment normally resulting in Arsenal retaliation and a flourish of yellow and sadly red cards our way. He is one ref who appears to believe we go down easily and who also gives imaginary advantage when an infringement does occur.
Sorry about the Dowd news. It could have waited ’til tomorrow, methinks.
Excelsior
http://yfrog.com/h8hhvfgj
A great game to be at was the semi against tottenham in 87 when we won 2-1 and got a replay a lot of arebplayers were young and arsenal threw and threw we were crammed in like sardines and hadn’t won anything since 79 and during the game we started to believe. We could win and get to wembley it was a great day walking back up the seven sisters road full of arsenal this was the start of something at the club and we had been waiting years.needless to say the second replay was great and we went on to win the cup. Oooh to ooh to be ooh to be a gooner. Ps you can watch it on you tube
See rocky in action in the second leg semi against tottenham in 87 on you tube and watch the fans reaction a great day.a must see
“Sometimes a feisty crowd spur the players on to greater efforts” – can’t argue with that Chas, agree completely.
When we lost at home to Auxerre in CL2002(?) it was one of the best nights ever at Highbury. The atmosphere was electric.
Harry – “Reyes stays and ends up better than Ronaldo….”. Thats the Reyes I knew. Coulda’ been one of the greats.
Harry – yeah, it is the tavern tomorrow as far as I know.
I’m aiming for 3.45pm +/- 10 mins.
See you guys there tomorrow.
Dowd is from Stoke. Need we say more?
Mickeyk: 1-0 down, 2-1 up!
I agree with sentiments Chas that Everton game was a great atmosphere, building until finally we managed to overcome.
Don’t want to have to come back from 1-0 down tomorrow thanks very much. A nice comfortable 3-0 will do nicely.
By the way anyone else see Frimpongs tweet:
“Go and get your frimpong shirts for the 10/11 season
#Realshit”
I read that as he thinks his fit to play, which is a pretty astonishing recovery from knee ligament damage.
See Jose is ruling Robaldo and Benzema out if CL tie, but Harry is saying he has only two fit centre backs for Saturday….he missed Mystic Meg coaching seminar too
Don’t forget with so many at the Tavern tomorrow pre match and very many of us partaking a few bevvies make sure you have your excuses when the inevitable request for a match report is forthcoming 😀
RA,
Sorry to have missed yesterday. Happy and great memories. Aren’t we lucky.
Leaving now.
Carlito/BR. Will text.
See the rest of you Tavern.
Morning to the fine land of Arsenal Arsenal, today we stand on the threshold of supremeness, as we start our mighty charge towards the championship of the premier elite in this fine country.
As we gather our supporting troops at the Tavern for a prematch beverage, we steady ourselves for the battle against the northern tribe that our battle troops will face, outnumbered on the pitch by three, they will need to be sharp and focussed as must we the supporters in the grove, the home of football must rise, Be proud Stand tall, Stand together stand as one and we shall conquer all…..Onto Victory, believe and it shall happen……..
By the way I might have a spare for today…..Any takers, (sitting next to me unluckily!!) Peaches has my phone number…..
GIE – bad memories of an Everton game 3 years ago – a drunk Everton fan sat right behind us in the fans’ section. Everton scored and the drunk would not shut up. Someone pushed him and he tumbled down the concrete stairs, blood everywhere, the drunk not moving just jerking his feet… I couldn’t even see the second half because the cops swamped area around us. Brrrrr …..
Morning all.
i have it on good authority that Wenger is going all out to win our remaining games and has devised a secret plan to bamboozle the opposition.
Jeremy Aliadiere will lead the attack today as he doesn’t want to risk RVP as he reckons we should get at least one more game in him.
Almunia slipped over in his kitchen making a spanish omellette and dropped it on the floor,so jens is back in goal and will captain the side.
The formation will be 1-4-6 as we can’t defend and will go on all out attack.
Height will come from Wilshere,Arshavin,Walcott and Fabregas and Aliadiere so Sagna and Clichy will keep crossing high balls into the box.
The Venky’s won’t be there as they will be glued to the cricket and don’t care a toss about today’s game.
3 points in the bag. simples 🙂
kelsey!!! have you been drinking sangria 🙂
Arsenal have scored first 18 times this season, winning 15, drawing 2 and losing 1. What do the 2 draws and 1 loss have in common? Those are the only Arsenal games this season that’ve had Phil Dowd as a referee.
copyright from 7am kickoff
What makes you think that,Evonne. I like to bring a bit of light heartedness to the blog from time to time and I am a day out with my comment 🙂
Kelsey – I know, I know…just teasing. Just like I was teased yesterday by Sharkey and Red Arse, scaring the living daylights out of me about 26may
We must win today, we must win today, we must win!!!
Come on you Hammers, you have to win too!!
Best comment yesterday was AA= Arsenal Accountants. I always thought accountants actually worked for a living 😉
Morning all, I have long thought that some of the gems on here should be archived on the site. I am considering creating a ‘Classic Comments’ page, but so many brilliant one liners have already been missed that I feel it would be a bit like ‘shutting the stable door’.
Maybe if any of you can remember something that was particularly brilliant and which post it featured on, we can trawl back and find them. chary would have a whole section to himself dedicated to insults for ‘ol bacon face 🙂
Rasp – better late than never, let’s start it now.
Kelsey – I knew that accountants work for a leaving, but I didn’t know that they follow footy. I used to implement CODA and met many accountants, but I was told that they are conservative and often boring lot, so it might be better if I don’t wear my Arsenal cufflinks to meetings 🙂
New post ……..
Can I clarify a little about the names of the club in days gone by? You said mention “Royal Arsenal”, “Woolwich Reds” and “Woolwich Arsenal” and then “Arsenal Football Club, in 1914, and were henceforth always referred to as “The Arsenal”.
I believe this isn’t quite right – the Woolwich Arsenal site has done a number of pieces on this, and we’ve gone back through the club records, and it looks like this.
Royal Arsenal was the club’s amateur name, and we became Woolwich Arsenal FC on turning profession in 1891.
On moving to Highbury we kept that name for most of 1913/14, before becoming The Arsenal – an official name of the club, not a “known” name. This name only lasted a short while and post-first-world-war we were Arsenal – meaning that the oft-told story that Chapman changed the name of the club during his reign, is untrue.
The club’s official business name changed several times in 1910 when Arsenal went bust. In fact there were four attempts to launch a new company to own the club, several of these containing the word “Athletic” in the title!
The story of 1910 is told in “Making the Arsenal” (the book what I wrote – available through Amazon etc) and there’s a blog of Arsenal’s history which teases out all this stuff through the hard work of researchers across the world at http://www.blog.woolwicharsenal.co.uk
Tony Attwood
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