Gf60 concludes his series of Arsenal League triumphs with a look at the 26th May 1989;
When the South African Broadcasting Corporation decided to suspend normal Friday night TV programming to bring us the match live, some magic just had to be afoot. Football in the then rugby dominated, white supremacist South Africa? Take off Afrikaans programmes for Pommy football? Pull the other leg!
But the rumour was true. My friend Mike and I made up one of the smallest contingents of Gooners watching the game. We were, still are fanatics. Moving to South Africa had never dimmed the anticipation of reading a favourable match report, or watching an occasional pirated copy of Match of the Day and, total bliss, a full showing of Cup Finals. (OK so we forgot Ipswich and West Ham)
Our wives were banished to the kitchen to natter. This was serious men’s business. We settled back, six packs of Castle lager, crisps and biltong ready at our sides. And the game started.
I can remember but one Liverpool shot in the first half, from Rush, which had it been a foot either side of John Lukic would have taken the net with it. Suffice to say it was a mean enough shot to empty the fifth of the Castles and open the last. Our normal intake was four for the whole game.
Replenishments were hastily summoned; the wives poor Annie and Sheila were still discussing knitting or whatever women talk about at times of great husbandly stress. We weren’t very communicative. 2 goals in less than an hour? Our external composure was brave. Internally we were cotton wool and Castle.
We looked at each other and smiled. What else but faith kept Arsenal supporters supporting through the barren years? And, prior to both the double in 1971 and today, there had been many years of despondency and unrewarded faith.
Why were the beers having so little effect? A sympathetic comment or an involuntary movement of the feet accompanied every pass. McMahon was roundly cursed on many an occasion. He was covering every blade of grass and putting in crucial tackles, single handedly taking away OUR League title.
And then Nigel swings in a left footed free kick from the right. Tony goes sprawling. Smudger gets the faintest touch with his head. Pandemonium. We didn’t quite kiss and cuddle but it must have been close. But, what’s this? The ref is chatting to the linesman, both looking very serious. They chat forever. What did they say to each other? I’ve watched a replay many times and the only thing I know for certain is that lip reading ain’t my forte.
The finger points to the centre circle. 1-0 to the Arsenal. And the time ticks on. One not enough but sufficient for some silly sod on the commentary to mutter words to the effect that Arsenal may take some consolation from the win but they won’t win the league. Kevin Richardson goes down injured. We go past 90 minutes. Rueful looks at each other.
And then…Lee to Smudge to Micky….
Collectively the two of us have covered more grass and kicked more balls and made more tackles and drunk more Castle than any player on the pitch. We try to stand but someone or something had cut our legs off at the knee. We just collapse and cry. We’d done it.
(This was originally published in an anthology of Arsenal supporters and players/officials thoughts “It’s up for grabs now”, compiler Greg Mitchell 2005)
And on behalf of all PA posters, commenters and the hundreds of daily lurkers out there I wish you a very happy 75th birthday for June 29th – have a virtual cake on us –
Positively Arsenal 
Wonderful musings. Thanks and happy birthday.
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It’s tomorrow actually…the 28th. Happy, happy to the 75th! Miracles will never cease.
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It was quite a night at Anfield, by no stretch of the footballing hyperbole the most exciting finish ever to a League season in my lifetime. Lovely evening in London. All the windows open. Streets quiet.
Coming just a few weeks after the Hillsborough disaster a game submerged in all sorts of emotions for both clubs. Had Liverpool managed to hold on they would have won the Double, at a time when winning the domestic Double was regarded as the pinnacle of footballing excellence. But no, and a new page was written in our club’s history.
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The Final was later so had they won the league they may not off been so up for the “friendly cup final” ( also Everton let them win)
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I seen an Arsenal supporters bio yesterday on twitter, it went something like this
Arsenal supporter since 2000, through thick and thin
it really made me laugh, anyone supporting since 2000 does not know what thin times are,
so it is fitting that this article is about 1989, which came 2 years after the initial signs that truly thin times were behind us, one FA Cup our only trophy since 1971, then in 87 we won the Littleswood cup, we had faltered to deceive in title challenges for a couple of seasons too, and even in 89, it had looked like we had blew it, with 3 games to go we sat clear at the top of the table, after hammering second placed Norwich 5-0 and then beating Middlesbrough who would be relegated, then we had an all mighty wobble, we lost 2-1 at home to Derby county and with Liverpool the day before our last home game of the season, going top for the first time in the season with a win over QPR we then drew that game 2-2 with Wimbledon. 5pts dropped and liverpool steam roll west ham 5-1 to go 3pts clear with only that last game to play. All hope was lost, written off by every corner of the media, thankfully we did not have Arsenal web land or twitter world or the uber bloggers to deal with back then.
I can only imagine how tense or nervous the Arsenal players were in that final game, as I know I was a complete bag of nerves. I remember at the time we were doing some building work at home, and I made it clear that building or no building I was not to be disturbed for the duration of the game. I plopped myself down in front of the TV, and lived every kick of the game, at times I was speechless, feck that, I was breathless, the desire to see us win the league was all consuming, I was only young when we had won the title in 71, so had not really lived it, if you know what I mean. But 89 I was a seasoned supporter, I knew relegation battles, I knew seeing our best players leave, I knew the heartache of seeing us lose cup finals and semi finals. It was now or never.
When Smith scored the opener, I had a muted celebration, not sure why, maybe it was that there was an instant doubt over it, the ref and linesman having a conflab over it sort of strangled the moment, the knowledge that this could make or break our team was in my mind, then it was given, and my thoughts were not of celebration, but of what we now needed to do. It was on, it was doable, we were on the up, Liverpool retreated a little.
then that moment of Michael Thomas’s arrived, in on goal, time, space, right in middle of the goal, oh Mickey what have you done, how could you miss it, how could you blow our title, you fucking knob.
little did I know that Michael Thomas would get another chance, but one that will live with me for ever, the Brian Moore commentary – “its up for grabs now” – still brings me back to that very moment everytime I hear it, and I only realized recently that I get the same goosebumps from replays of Ramsey’s FA Cup winner over CFC. I digress, Mickey T had scored, I had gone crazy roaring and shouting, everyone in ear shot must have thought I had gone mad, after all they thought it was only a game of football, the fools.
Mickey scored, but despite what many seem to remember, the final whistle did not blow there and then, no, a couple of the most nervous minutes any supported has had to endure was to follow, Liverpool all of a sudden changed game plan and finally attacked, and came very close, too close in fact, to scoring.
Final Whistle, again I went crazy. Oddly one of my lasting memories of the after game scenes was John Aldridge sitting on the pitch refusing his international team mate David O’Leary’s handshake of condolence, and in fact telling big Dave to fuck off, nice lad that John.
I have little or no memory of the trophy being handed over, maybe ITV were on an add break and missed it, maybe I was on a pit stop and missed it, or maybe my old brain has only space for a certain amount of brilliant memories and picking up a trophy is only secondary to the actual incidents that lead to the trophy.
through thick and thin, ha ha ha, if only they knew.
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ian you are wrong, the cup final was the week before, the 20th, the final game was on the 26th
the FA and League had tried to force Liverpool and Arsenal to have all there games played before the cup final, but both clubs stuck together and demanded Liverpool be given extra time to play their games, with AFC only looking for that last game to be the final league game
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In my time, probably the top AFC experience, beating 79, even the doubles that came later where pale compared to that experience.
I was at the Arsenal game (v Newcastle?) when Hillsborough happend.At first the North Bank was pretty derogatory towards the LFC fans,until slowly it all came out. Peter Jones described that awful day,and its been said he never got over it.
I can recall clearly going back to college and watching our season slowly fade away, and remember listening to the LFC v West Ham game and thinking thats it, its over as LFC smashed them 5-1(?).
Of course many now dont realise how good LFC were and we hadnt won up there since 1975, plus Hillsborough was hanging over everything.
I watched the game with a mate who was a Charlton fan, but who had a soft spot for the Gunners. I can recall being so nervous it was horrible. Beer didnt seem to really get rid of it! All week that all everyone had talked about and true, there wasnt much football about in those days. Strange isnt it that the game was rearranged for the greatest finale until the Citeh/QPR game. Luck(banned smiley)?
One lad who supported Chester in the house was quite convinced that the Arsenal would do it as the score line was such and odd one to get and was pretty smug post match. I wasnt, but I still hoped. After all up till that point that was Arsenal for me-keep on hoping.
What an atmosphere, as soon as the teams came out there was a magic in the air. The flowers were a nice touch.
Once we got the first I still thought we could do it, but that clock just ticked down. Then it happend– I chucked my beer can in the air and it left a stain all over the ceiling and literally we went beserk. Then came those final moments, I was standing up, shaking,praying, hoping, and then it happened! What a moment. I ran out into the street and was the only twat on it except for a few bemused people going off to clubs and pubs. My mate rang his Dad who was a big AFC fan, only to be told he hadnt watched the end for fear of his heart.
My mate then got his shaving foam and sprayed Gonners on the wall and I had to explain that it was Gooners! Charlton fans eh?
Then later another lad we knew who lived at ours who was a Liverpool fan ( who we inventively called Scally-he wasnt) and was at the game came home. He was a good bloke about it and shook my hand. He was gutted but knew he had still witnessed an amazing moment! Boring boring Arsenal!
Someone had bought one of the tabloids the next day and I put the pics from the back page on the window of the house “the miracle workers” I think one of them said.
But we had to take them down as people were chucking coins at the pics.
“its up for grabs now…”
What a moment, whenever I watch it I still get goose bumps. And may people always remember the Hillsborough victims.
Cheers Ian and all the best for this and future birthdays!
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Forgotten key man in the game? Got to be Kevin Richardson? Something I had totally forgotten was that he went down with cramp or injured in the 88th min or so and the game went into injury time. Somehow that took the sting out of Liverpool at the end? Game started agan roughly at 90.37 enough to take their eye of the prize for a second.Then Richardson made the tackle on Barnes, and passes back to Lukic and then…
So hes’s the neglected hero of that game for me.
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Ed, my memory failed me again
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Kev was brilliant all season another bargain buy and of course although many thought he was an GG signing it was in fact Arsene who advised the ARSENAL board to get the deal done.
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I remember the train on the way home from the Newcastle game and everyone was still thinking then the game had been cancelled because the scousers had kicked off as at that point not much news was coming through. It wasn’t until I got home and watched the telly and realised the tragedy that had happened.
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Club extend stay at Boreham Wood
We have agreed a new 10-year deal with Boreham Wood Football Club to stage our Academy and Ladies home matches at Meadow Park until the end of the 2026/27 season.
The agreement is tied in with a summer of improvements to Meadow Park, following a large investment from Arsenal, Boreham Wood and the Premier League, through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund – the sister organisation of the Football Foundation.
Since 2003, the Football Foundation Funding Partners’ investment has provided over £1.1m to redevelop Meadow Park, including the installation of a new all-weather playing surface, a 720-seater spectator stand, and a state-of-the-art changing pavilion.
The matchday experience of players and supporters alike will improve with a brand-new floodlight system, a Premier League quality Desso pitch and new home and away team dugouts.
Boreham Wood chairman Danny Hunter said: “We’ve worked very closely with our partners at Arsenal, their matchday staff and their coaches for many years now. In my opinion, our partnership has gone to a completely new level and each year gets stronger and stronger.
“This 10-year staging agreement will represent real progress for our football club, progress for our community and progress for our town. It’s progress with a vision both on and off the pitch and will also promote third party spend within the town and lead to further job creation locally.
“This long-term partnership and a grant from the Premier League, through the FSIF, have helped us to undertake an incredible range of Premier League type ground improvements and the new Desso pitch, floodlights and dugouts really are large steps forward to where we want to take the club. Work is already well underway, with our contractors working tirelessly to ensure everything is ready for the pre-season visits of Luton Town, Arsenal and of course the new season.”
Arsenal club secretary David Miles added: “We’re delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with Boreham Wood and are pleased to be able to contribute to these improvements. The facilities at Meadow Park have always been good, and with the major refurbishment of the facility now taking place, they will soon be even better.”
Peter McCormick OBE, Chairman of the Football Stadia Improvement Fund, said: “It’s fantastic to see Boreham Wood awarded another grant from the Premier League, which has provided significant investment into Meadow Park for nearly 15 years to ensure the club continues to go from strength to strength.
“These types of stadia improvement projects are so crucial to the development of the grassroots game, as they enable clubs at the lower levels to match their ambitions of success and promotion with the necessary physical infrastructure. I’m excited to see the works completed and wish the club all the best ahead of the new season.”
Copyright 2017 The Arsenal Football Club plc. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to http://www.arsenal.com as the source
Read more at http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20170627/club-extend-stay-at-boreham-wood#dPqsjAoR5T4JXyif.99
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Thats true, the middle section of the nb started shouting out ” you dirty f#ckin scousers” but they didnt know what was going on at the time and just thought it was LFC aggro,and was giving it the usual banter.
When I went back up to college, the lad in the room next to me I mentioned before “scally” (Mark was his name), he went to that game at Hillsborough, I knew that on the day versus Newcastle. Arriving back he wasnt there and didnt come back for nearly a week at the start of the term. everyone was kacking it. I got hold of his number somehow, and spoke to his Mum who was really distressed by the events, and I can recall thinking ” oh no hes dead or something”, but he was Ok and came back that day. He said he got to the ground early, looked at the spot where later those poor people would die, and thought ” thats a chrap schpot” and went more over to one side.
Saved his life!
I did know some southern LFC fans who went to the game and they ended up with broken arms and legs and were really badly scratched up. Later a guy I worked with knew the bloke who lost his daughters and was a force for the justice campaigns pretry well. Really terrible.
I had a partner from Liverpool for a long time and her brother was at the game v Boring Arsenal. He was pretty uncharitable. I thought it was pretty amusing, the old schadenfreude! You can imagine how I felt, and how he looked at me.
COYG!
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It was a good idea at the time for the ARSENAL players to run out carrying bunches of flowers and run to all sections of the anfield giving them to the crowd, typical ARSENAL class, a small gesture but class.
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Thanks and happy bday in advance from me too!
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Anyone catch the u21 match? Wondering how Chambers and Gnabry squared off against each other.
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I so love these stories from the past I had to make an exception and post during my vacation. They are a way for us “furriners” and 13 yr-old Wenger-era fans to connect with the traditions of this great club. On becoming an old fart traditions mean a lot; I see them as the anchors to our past and future. Thank you so much gf60.
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While we celebrate the club’s great achievements, I commend to you a slice of one of our greatest players, Santi Cazorla, a two-footed genius who is terribly under-appreciated:
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Great video shotts.
What a skilfull and courageous player our Santi is. An eye opener for those who doubt Wengers eye for talent.
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fins
Chambers had a decent game, more good than bad. Apparently at fault for their goal- didn’t see it- and also nowhere to be seen for another header, which was disallowed. Yet, a lot of clearances and some good blocks, solid distribution. He either needs to play in a three or in a team which sits deep by looks of it.
Gnabry cocked up badly for England’s second. Wasn’t his best night but he still looked dangerous at times. He’s a bit Sanchez-like in that he loses the ball quite a lot but plays in bursts where he can leave defenders for dead and make something happen in final 3rd.
Should be directly up against Bellerin in final. Worth tuning in if you can just to see the skills of some of the Spanish lads.
For all the encouraging signs at youth level with England, unless they can start producing midfielders full of technique, intelligence, invention, ability under pressure, the senior team have barely any hope of improving as they need to.
Not to be too much of the dreaded internet expert but watching Spain yesterday I don’t understand why England’s youth and senior coaches don’t prioritize getting the best technical footballers into central midfield at all levels and go from there. It might yield little short term but seeing as the seniors surely can’t win big tournaments as it stands, and all top teams have top central midfielders, why the hell not.
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I enjoyed the Spanish last night Rich, especially Sandro – he is a very good player already. He does not look like any U21 I’ve ever seen but who knows ?
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He has the bald thing going at a really early age Andy.
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anicoll
It was football a world away from Mourinho and his kind for a while there. 100’s of millions to serve up that horrible shit of Europa final.
The run from one player- Ceballos?- was pure magic. That Saul made scoring from edge of box or much further out look like a doddle (it would’ve taken me roughly three seasons, shooting a lot, to get similar strikes. Well, I probably never hit one like his second)
Anyway, elite football as pleasure and a celebration of skill (admittedly while working hard and taking care of the winning part)- I like to savour it when it happens.
Sandro * also had a cracking run at one point and looked good throughout.
The world of pragmatism poked through though when they mentioned Madrid have suddenly decided to buy him, presumably because of the outrageously good value he represents at 5 mill, and not because they have any serious thoughts about him playing regularly for them. Don’t do it, (30 year old looking) lad.
* I reckon Italy’s cf had him beat in the check his passport stakes. Looked like Diego Costa’s burlier far less talented brother.
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Arsenal.com have done an overhaul, not sure if I like the new layout and I might even write a blog about my fake outrage and my disgust that Arsenal FC did not consult the fans about this new layout, we have a right to know what the plan is. Anyway here is an article from Robert Pires about what Arsenal need to do this summer
Pires – What we need to do this summer
With two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and one World Cup to his name, Robert Pires knows exactly what it takes to win trophies for club and country.
The former France forward was a key figure in our Invincibles campaign and says our success next year could hinge on the work we do behind the scenes in pre-season.
“This summer for Arsene Wenger is very important,” Pires told Arsenal Player. “In my opinion, he needs to try to extend the contracts of Alexis and Mesut Ozil. This is the first thing, and after of course you need to sign new players.
“Everything has changed because we’re not playing in the Champions League, but we must focus and look forward to the new season. The most important thing is to win the Premier League, for him, the players and the fans.
“I believe in Arsene Wenger, I believe in this squad, I believe in the young players like Alex Iwobi and Hector Bellerin. When I see the name on the paper or the squad, it’s very good.
“Some players can play at a very high level and play for the national team. Maybe Arsene Wenger [would like] two or three more players but the stability is here because he’s extended his contract.”
Read more at http://www.arsenal.com/news/pires-what-we-need-do-summer#yW2Dpf2FPsPDEKCv.99
Read more at http://www.arsenal.com/news/pires-what-we-need-do-summer#Bq5ATHvLHpj9TFB6.99
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Not sure I like the new design too much either Ed,it slooks a bit confused imo( wheres the harmony through design?).
Right Im off to organise a plane to fly over the stadium with a massive banner and let them know!
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Hillsborough police chief David Duckenfield to be charged with manslaughter of 95 people. Five others face charges
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I watched the 2016 docu on Hillsborough last night. The denial of over Hillsbrough is shocking and the massive cover up and re-appropriation of blame. Here it is if anyone hasnt seen it.
Phil Scraton, what a good bloke to have kept chasing and not giving up.
Terrible,terrible tragedy.
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‘Roy Race’
How do you see football?
We all I am reasonably sure of those who were able to watch the Spain v Italy game, are pretty sure we saw some of the best young talents in Europe.
The two teams both have bright futures, but the outstanding side were the winners midfield.
In Spain,
Xavi Spain Ga133 Go13
Andrés Iniesta Ga119 Go13
Are revered and looked upon as a reference in how to play football
Therefore you produce more cerebral players,younger players grow up wanting to be like them.
England,we want an all action super-hero
Roy Race Ga43 Go52
Kevin Keegan Ga63 Go21
Bryan Robson Ga90 Go26
Frank Lampard Ga106 Go29
Steven Gerrard Ga114 Go21
The goal scoring exploits do not hold a candle to the England heros, but heirability to grab a a game by it’s perverbial neck, improve the whole team, by identifing the problem and the ability to offer a solution, therein improving the team as a whole, is what is more highly prized in Spain.
They keep churning out Dani Cebellos , Saul , Ascensio’s ,England goes mad for Delle Alli.
I like Delle, I think he is a good player,but he is not the player English football should be excited about looking to prototype.
When we see a ~Jack Wilshere English football fans get excited, but he is a rearity in English football, he should be the norm, but he is not.
If how you see football is represented by any of the England players on the list is how your team will perform.
Waiting for set pieces, only on the counter hoping for a mistake, no control of the game.
Technical leadership is the basis of all the great modern teams, it was the basis of all teams since probably the Hungary side of Puskas.
Football formations will change WM was in the 30’s is now back with the ‘Hipsters’ technical leadership does not change.
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Arsenal’s new scholars starting training today
https://www.arsenal.com/news/pictures-new-scholars-first-session-colney
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Thanks Rich
Alas we are plaugued by idiots like Stuart Pearce who thoughtthat the solution to playing opposite Mata was to take mancienne ou of CB and to get him to use his pace power and pashun to ‘do a job’. England lost. I’d thought he was joking about Bergkamp but no, he was deadly serious the clown!
The FA would be improved if they appointed Mike Basset as director of coaching, not to be confused with the temporal reality which saw Biggus Sammus as the actual England Manager, alas he was undone.
And not forgetting the kind of insane hacks that hype a useless clogger like Rose over someone who can actually play football, like Bertrand….
The Carlton Palmer syndrome is still claiming victims.
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Irish striker Jordan McEneff signs Arsenal scholarship – full details of new intake
Talented Republic of Ireland youth international striker Jordan McEneff has signed scholarship terms with Arsenal.
The prospect, who signed from Derry City last year, was amongst the new intake of scholars who participated in their first training session at the Gunners’ London Colney base today.
Winger Trae Coyle is undoubtedly the standout prospect in the group having already played in the UEFA Youth League last season whilst still a schoolboy.
Several members of this intake have played for Arsenal at U18 level, including goalkeeper Daniel Barden, defender Mark McGuinness, midfielders James Olayinka, Xavier Amaechi and Folarin Balogun and striker Tyreece John-Jules.
Other prospects stepping up to become full-time Arsenal players are defenders Bayli Spencer-Adams and Matthew Smith as well as midfielders Harrison Clarke and Zak Swanson.
Arsenal’s scholars have been allocated the following squad numbers for the new season:
72. Xavier Amaechi
73. Daniel Ballard
74. Folarin Balogun
75. Daniel Barden
76. Jay Beckford
77. Josh Benson
78. Robbie Burton
79. Harrison Clarke
80. Trae Coyle
81. Vontae Daley-Campbell
82. Tyreece John-Jules
83. Jordan McEneff
84. Mark McGuinness
85. Zech Medley
86. James Olayinka
87. Joseph Olowu
88. Tobi Omole
89. Matthew Smith
90. Emile Smith-Rowe
91. Bayli Spencer-Adams
92. Zak Swanson
Reiss Nelson, Joao Virginia and Alex Crean, who are on professional terms, are also able to represent the U18s if required next season.
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Guardian Sport ran an Alexis to Man City transfer story today, and of course all the other media outlet picked it up, but does anyone spot the mistake in the guardian article
now if they can’t get the simple matter of Alexis not being married right, how much stock should be placed in the rest of their click bait article.
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I see Tim not so nice but dim Payton saying Ozil only likely to stay at AFC cos no other big club would want him. How thick are the people at AST to have him as one of their leaders.
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I think Ivan Gazidis is doing a Q&A with supporters groups tomorrow evening.
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Poor bastard – what a job
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Chile into confederation cup final, 3-0 on penalites, Bravo saved all 3 Portugal penalties, Ronaldo done his usual waiting to be the hero with the last penalty, but this time it did not get that far. For me he should be stepping up for the first one, not looking for personal glory of the final penalty
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Ivan is doing the Annual end of season event at the Emirates tomorrow. Shareholders, ast, A.I.S.A. and other supporters groups all send members along. It’s normally hosted by Tom Watt and they will have an ex-player there as well.
Ivan always puts up a good display and I have been lucky enough to ask him a question in the past.
Last year Lee Dixion had the right arse because during his section knobheads started to ask questions about the state of the club etc. until he told them to shut up and ask questions about his playing days.
Apart from the knobheads it’s normally a good night with signed player stuff available in the raffle and lots of it prizes galore.
There’s also a free meal and one free beer.
In the past these have always been celebratory events in all thing ARSENAL
it’s only been the last couple of years the knobheads have tried to take it over so far failing miserably.
The F.A. Cup should be there as well although obviously sat won’t be interested in that so the queues for the pics with that will be shorter.
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Test
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Was my above comment harsh? There are good players and a fit Ramsey or Welbeck are top class, fortunately both at AFC. Worth remembering that DW was probably sold as a result of the Rooneh wage burden. Hehe.
then there are players with the technique of Cazorla or a Veratti. Ozil, he’s not bad!
Ramsey can claim to have had the best performance of a British midfielder at an international tournament in twenty years maybe more, Southampton deserve plaudits for developing players at different stages of their careers even if national managers don’t know what to do with them.
Holding (from Bolton?) not starting for the u21s but yes he did ok opposite Aguero and Costa in recent times. Like a young Frank Mclintock hehe!
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Dr. Mohammed Amali @MoAmali 6h6 hours ago
Emre Can has a year left on his deal and refused a renewal. Were he at Arsenal, the press would link him to every team,even teams in the NBA
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When we were Boring- good post.
Gerrard revered here as a sort of midfield ideal, who could do everything, but I’m pretty sure his best years were when he was mainly stationed higher up, with Alonso and, for a while, Mascherano behind him.
Think that- Gerrard as ideal- sort of thinking may well have been behind Wilshere’s idea to pack on muscle, especially on his legs, after the first big injury.
Impossible to say if it is that or the injuries themselves which reduced his mobility and altered his style but it seemed a big mistake to me.
Imagine the Spanish or Portuguese Silva (very close in body type and skill set to 18 year old Wilshere), or Mata…Iniesta, Xavi deciding to bulk up significantly! It wouldn’t occur to them I don’t think.
It was actually quite painful to see Ox get a run in deeper midfield for England the other day. Perhaps, with plenty of games and practice there he could improve a lot, but as it stands there was no way he avoid looking distinctly awkward in there, though of course the players around him in midfield- with their movement, touch,passing,etc- guaranteed it would be very hard for him to shine anyway.
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FC St. Pauli EnglishVerified account @fcstpauli_EN
Bitterly disappointing news. Ryo #Miyaichi tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in training this morning. #fcsp #ynwa
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Rich I think that its the lack of protection of the skilled players in England that was the reason for Jack putting on the muscle,
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reports that young forward Kaylen Hinds is in talks with Wolfsburg over a £2M move. He would join up with his former academy boss Jonker, and of course Freddie Ljunberg is a coach there too.
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for a transfer to happen you need the agreement of at least 3 parties – the two clubs and the player
what do the uber bloggers, ASB, and twitter moaners not understand about that
also a club can not force a player to sign a new contract, nor can they force a player to leave.
on the subject of transfers, many don’t seem to know how the work, well simply put, when a club has interest in a player they usually let his representatives know, and ask them if the player would be interested in joining. No direct contact can be made with the player without his clubs permission, unless the player is either out of contract, or if at a foreign club, has only 6 months left on his contract. Talks with agents is allowed. but no agreements can be signed.
the players club will be contacted to see if they might be willing to sell, and for what kind of fee. Sometimes the players agent will conduct the initial talks with their club over a possible sale – this often sees agents claim the club is willing to sell for x amount, but when buying club make that bid, its turned down. Only a buy out clause can take the decision out of the clubs hands – although we seen with suarez that even then some clubs do not honor contracts.
Often a selling club will suggest a price they would sell at, but if other clubs get involved, or the mood takes them, they can rise that fee over and over, and even in the end decide not to sell.
There is often agreement to sell if selling club can get replacement signed, this leads to a lot of deals falling apart, due to the chain effect.
A players reps will often use an interested club just to get a pay rise for their client, or more commonly it is used to get other clubs interested, maybe a club their client really wants to join. Last summer Vardy’s agents led us to believe that he was keen to join, but when the decision was made he decided he was not as keen on the move as his agents were.
Agents will often put it out in the media that club x is after their client just to hurry up movement from the actual clubs that do want their player – Arsenal in for x, just to get Everton to make a decision on the player.
“If your first offer is accepted then you have bid too much”
on a similar topic, a club can not force a player to sign a new contract, AFC have been trying for over a year to get several players to sign new deals, offering massive wage increases but so far to no avail. Just like with transfers, its not a case of just give them what they want.
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Eduardo
Yes, very fair point. Almost certain that, like virtually every other young English midfielder, he has held up Gerrard as his idol though.
And plays like it in some of the challenges he makes and the player he wants to be, unfortunately without Gerrard’s knack of making sure if anyone gets injured it isn’t him. Jack is largely fair and even trusting (Agger) in the challenge.
In most football cultures it’s accepted that if your skills are high enough, others players in the team will accept the role and responsibility of the rougher stuff. A fair, intelligent way of thinking.
Nature of prem is certainly a gigantic obstacle for producing the type of midfielders the national team is in dire need of.
As for lack of protection few better examples than Mcnair being allowed to wreck his ankle with a very deliberate, shocking challenge once ball released, with no debate afterwards and some shameful shit mocking Wilshere’s ‘weak’ ankles instead.
I had a hope a while back that Wilshere would somehow end up on loan at Juve for a year playing much the same role as Pirlo did, with others doing the work he isn’t that suited to and him being free to work on his great strengths.
England did a sort of budget version of it with Henderson and Delph doing the bulk of the running and closing down and Wilshere having more freedom and providing the class. Was the best the midfield has looked for quite a while.
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McNairs shocking challenge (which had intent written all over it) Was not even called a foul by Dean. As straight a red card challenge as you’ll see yet not a foul. Disgusting
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It was indeed disgusting, indefensible, and unacceptable.
And completely predictable.
I blame Wilshere. he holds on to the ball too long innit? He should “get rid of the ball”
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