Listening to TalkSport or Sky in the aftermath of 'Survival Sunday' last weekend you would think we had just witnessed the greatest season in Premier League history. But does an exciting relegation battle really equate to a good season?
I have to say I was as enthralled as anyone by the final day drama. The bottom three seemed to change by the minute as the goals went in all over the country but don't kid yourself it meant the league was better as a result. In fact I would argue quiet the opposite is in fact true.
In a 'normal' season the relegation battle will come down to two teams fighting over one place in the last week. The fact that this year saw five teams challenging to avoid two places on the final day simply means there were more poor teams in the league than usual.
The pundits would have you believe that the gap from top to bottom has shrunk - as Wolves could beat Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion could beat Arsenal for example - but in truth it merely meant the top teams were not as strong.
Take the previous years' Champions Chelsea. They scored over 100 Premier League goals in the 2009-10 season as they won the double. Were they as strong this season? No. An average Manchester United side, certainly in terms of their great sides of the recent past, won the title by nine points and lost just four games yet they looked far from inspiring for much of the campaign. In the end they were able to win games when it mattered but do not kid yourself they are a great side, as we found out when Barcelona taught them a lesson at Wembley this weekend.
Manchester City won the FA Cup and finished 3rd, but with their squad and resources you have to say they under-achieved, while Arsenal and Spurs both dropped down a place to fourth and fifth respectively. Hardly an improvement.
Further down the table sides like Everton and Aston Villa were nowhere near as strong as in the past while Liverpool needed a strong finish to end up in the top six, having been in the bottom three at one stage. So no, the gap is not closing, the top sides have just got worse.
Meanwhile, at the bottom, any one of eight or nine teams could have gone down the standard was so poor. West Ham United ended with the stigma of finishing bottom of a bad bunch while the likes of Wigan Athletic, Blackburn Rovers, Wolves and Stoke City all survived despite being no better than average Championship sides at best.
But while the quality was certainly lacking it did lead to one of the most exciting seasons for many a year. Mistakes led to more goals, there seemed to be a thrilling late comeback almost every week, while 4-4 and 3-3 draws were not out of place. Similar to most local pub leagues then...
But what makes a for strong league anyway? The fact we had three teams in the last 8 of the Champions League and one in the final for the fifth year out of the last six? Possibly, but I would argue the strength of the bottom sides determines how good a league is, and when the likes of Stoke and Sunderland finish in mid-table it can only mean one thing. The league is nowhere near good as Sky and TalkSport think it is. Exciting? Yes. Competitive? Certainly. But until we can produce sides capable of playing the type of football we saw from Barcelona at Wembley on Saturday evening we can forget all about being the best in the world.
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Monday, 23 May 2011
2010-2011, the good, the bad and the ugly!
So, a season that began with a last minute equaliser in the sunshine at Liverpool back in August ended with a last minute equaliser in the sunshine at Fulham in May. And boy oh boy what a ride inbetween!
Despite some strange results, like home defeats to newly-promoted West Brom and Newcastle, and worst of all to Spurs after leading 2-0, we somehow managed to be in the race for all four trophies heading into February. We were playing some good football and looked virtually unbeatable at that time but then came the fall. And what a fall it was.
It all began at Newcastle in mid-February. Leading 4-0 at half time we somehow managed to cling on for a draw after Abou Diaby was sent off, and our quadruple dreams disappeared within weeks. The Carling Cup Final will go down as one of the most frustrating days in our history. Once again we capitulated to inferior opposition on the big stage, and as much as I love Wenger I have to say this has happened far too often during his reign. Galatasary 2000, Liverpool 2001, Chelsea in the Champions League quarter final 2004 all spring to mind and there have been many others as well.
That last minute defeat finally killed what little confidence we had left. Okay, the defeat away at Barcelona in the Champions League was unlucky in as much as the sending off of Robin van Persie, with us ahead on aggregate, was a complete joke, but the fact we managed not a single shot on target over the entire 90 minutes perhaps suggests it was the right result in the end.
Our FA Cup dreams again suffered an unlucky defeat at Old Trafford in a tie we dominated for long spells, but there can be no such excuses for our Premier League capitulation. The writing was on the wall with consecutive goalless home draws with Sunderland and Blackburn, sandwiched inbetween a 2-2 draw at West Brom - where we had found ourselves 2-0 down. A 3-1 win at Blackpool briefly raised our hopes but the Liverpool match summed it all up. Only this Arsenal side could go 1-0 up in the 96th minute and still not win!
Then, after throwing away a two goal lead against Spurs for the second time this season, it was all over when Tamir Cohen headed a last minute winner for Bolton. The last few games did not really matter, hense how we managed to beat Manchester United one week but then lose at Stoke and at home to Aston Villa, to not only miss the chance of finshing second but to end up 4th in what had, for so long, been a two horse race...
But it is easy to let the last couple of months cloud your judgement on the whole season. The period between November and February increased expectation and had us all believing but did this group of players over-achieve then or under-achieve in the run-in? Possibly a bit of both.
Overall it was a strange season. Manchester United were far from convincing in the early months yet looked set to go unbeaten until defeat at Wolves on the day of our Newcastle capitulation. Cheslea set of like a train only to suffer an horrendous winter before finishing strongly to take the runners-up spot. Liverpool spent some time in the bottom three, Blackpool some time in the top six. Meanwhile we often looked good but flattered to decieve and possibly paid the price for going for all four trophies with a squad not capable of winning one.
But this summer could be the watershed for Wenger. The chants of 'Where's the f**king money?' at Fulham show exactly how the fans feel and unless he spends big in the close season the pressure will really be on. However I believe this squad are very close to greatness. The return of Thomas Vermaelen will help shore up the defence next season, as will the emergence of Wjoceck Szczesney in goal. Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere will only improve while there was no better forward in the second half of the season then Robin van Persie. With the addition of a centre back (Gary Cahill or Chris Samba perhaps??) a holding midfielder (Scott Parker??) and a naturally wide player (Stewart Downing or Adam Johnson??) we could have the resourses to really push for honours next season. But it seems more likely we will sign some unknown young foreign players who may or may not be good enough but will no doubt be much cheaper.
So that was 2010-11. The good (Chelsea and Barca at home), the bad (the Carling Cup Final and almost everything that followed) and the downright ugly (Newcastle away). Not the greatest season, granted, but not the disaster many fans would have you believe either. It saw our first major cup final at the New Wembley, a great win over Barcelona and lots of wonderful, wonderful football. Yes, that elusive trophy once again eluded us but things could have been a whole lot worse. Couldn't they??
Despite some strange results, like home defeats to newly-promoted West Brom and Newcastle, and worst of all to Spurs after leading 2-0, we somehow managed to be in the race for all four trophies heading into February. We were playing some good football and looked virtually unbeatable at that time but then came the fall. And what a fall it was.
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| Tiote makes it 4-4, the moment it all went wrong |
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| Defeat at Wembley hurts |
Our FA Cup dreams again suffered an unlucky defeat at Old Trafford in a tie we dominated for long spells, but there can be no such excuses for our Premier League capitulation. The writing was on the wall with consecutive goalless home draws with Sunderland and Blackburn, sandwiched inbetween a 2-2 draw at West Brom - where we had found ourselves 2-0 down. A 3-1 win at Blackpool briefly raised our hopes but the Liverpool match summed it all up. Only this Arsenal side could go 1-0 up in the 96th minute and still not win!
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| Kuyt scores the 100th minute equaliser |
But it is easy to let the last couple of months cloud your judgement on the whole season. The period between November and February increased expectation and had us all believing but did this group of players over-achieve then or under-achieve in the run-in? Possibly a bit of both.
Overall it was a strange season. Manchester United were far from convincing in the early months yet looked set to go unbeaten until defeat at Wolves on the day of our Newcastle capitulation. Cheslea set of like a train only to suffer an horrendous winter before finishing strongly to take the runners-up spot. Liverpool spent some time in the bottom three, Blackpool some time in the top six. Meanwhile we often looked good but flattered to decieve and possibly paid the price for going for all four trophies with a squad not capable of winning one.
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| The surprise package of the season? |
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| Beating Barca, the highlight of the season |
Monday, 16 May 2011
Bent double adds to the Gunners gloom
Arsenal 1 Aston Villa 2
by Ricky Butler at The Emirates
If ever a match summed up a season it was this performance from Arsenal as they concluded their home fixtures with a whimper on Sunday afternoon.
Having seen all four trophies slip away in recent weeks, Arsene Wenger's side looked a pale shadow of the team that had thrilled us through the autumn and winter in an opening 20 minutes as poor as anything they have produced in 15 years under the Frenchman.
With the fans staging a pre-match demonstration over price increases and lack of investment in the team, it was exactly the start they could have done without as Darren Bent, the finisher who many feel Arsenal lack, showed exactly what he could bring to The Emirates with two cool finishes in the opening quarter of an hour.
Yes, the defending for both goals was nothing short of shocking, but it should not take anything away from Bent who took his goals with the confidence of a striker who passed the 20-goal mark once again.
But after such a poor start Arsenal rallied and went on to dominate the next 70 minutes without ever really looking like getting back in it. Robin van Persie, who has been in sensational goalscoring himself, struck the post while Aaron Ramsey, in for injured skipper Cesc Fabregas again, felt he should have been awarded a penalty after a firm challenge from Richard Dunne left referee Michael Oliver unimpressed.
As the team went off to a chorus of boos at the interval, Wenger changed his system, bringing on Marouane Chamakh for Sebastian Squillaci, and threw everything forward. The bold move almost back-fired within five minutes of the resumption when Bent made use of the extra space at the back but he showed the other side to his game with a weak finish that presented keeper Wojceich Sczesney with very few problems when he really ought to have completed his hat-trick.
That was a rare foray forward from Villa in a second half totally dominated by the hosts but in a now all-to familiar tale, Arsenal passed and passed their way to nowhere in particular.
Van Persie almost created a goal for Kieran Gibbs, who was denied by veteran keeper Brad Freidel, when he could have taken the chance himself, while Ramsey and Theo Walcott also came close to giving them a lifeline.
Wenger threw on Nicklas Bendtner for the once again disappointing Andrey Arshavin and Arsenal did finally get the ball in the net with fifteen minutes left - Chamakh heading home a cross from Backary Sagna - but Oliver upset the home fans again by disallowed it for a pushing offence that only he spotted.
But in a grandstand finale, van Persie forced the ball home from close range after Bendtner had burst into the area, his 21st goal of the season and his 20th since January 1st, but it proved no more than a consolation as Villa held out for a rare away win.
The lap of appreciation at the end took place in a half empty stadium as the Arsenal fans had long since had enough and you feel this summer could be the most important of Wenger's reign. His side are close to giving the fans the trophies they crave and with a little tweaking here and there they could do it next year. But with Manchester City, Liverpool and Spurs all ready to challenge it could be a difficult time ahead for Arsenal.
Wenger, however, was only looking to next weeks final match at Fulham. he said: "We want to do well next Sunday. I want to finish on a better game than that.
''For the first 20 minutes here we were non-existent. We were not focused enough. Were we a bit scared after recent bad results? I don't know.
"We want to give the fans what they expect and when you don't do that they are entitled to be unhappy. But let's not go overboard, we are not fighting relegation.''
Maybe not but a seventh season without a trophy may well be one too many.
Arsenal - Szczesny 6, Sagna 7, Vermaelan 6, Squillaci 5 (Chamakh 45 7), Gibbs 7, Ramsey 7, Song 7, Walcott 6, van Persie 8, Arshavin 5 (Bentdner 62 7).
Aston Villa - Friedal 8, Young(L) 7, Dunne 8, Collins 8, Walker 8, Downing 7, Delph 6 (Heskey 90 5), Petrov 7 (Bradley 80 6), Young(A) 6, Reo Coker 6, Bent 7.
Man of the match - Van Persie. Did everything possible to lift his team.
Referee - Oliver 5. Failed to give Arsenal a blatant penalty and disallowed the Chamakh header for reasons known only to himself. The youngest referee in the Premier League and it showed.
Attendance - 60,023
by Ricky Butler at The Emirates
If ever a match summed up a season it was this performance from Arsenal as they concluded their home fixtures with a whimper on Sunday afternoon.
Having seen all four trophies slip away in recent weeks, Arsene Wenger's side looked a pale shadow of the team that had thrilled us through the autumn and winter in an opening 20 minutes as poor as anything they have produced in 15 years under the Frenchman.
With the fans staging a pre-match demonstration over price increases and lack of investment in the team, it was exactly the start they could have done without as Darren Bent, the finisher who many feel Arsenal lack, showed exactly what he could bring to The Emirates with two cool finishes in the opening quarter of an hour.
Yes, the defending for both goals was nothing short of shocking, but it should not take anything away from Bent who took his goals with the confidence of a striker who passed the 20-goal mark once again.
As the team went off to a chorus of boos at the interval, Wenger changed his system, bringing on Marouane Chamakh for Sebastian Squillaci, and threw everything forward. The bold move almost back-fired within five minutes of the resumption when Bent made use of the extra space at the back but he showed the other side to his game with a weak finish that presented keeper Wojceich Sczesney with very few problems when he really ought to have completed his hat-trick.
That was a rare foray forward from Villa in a second half totally dominated by the hosts but in a now all-to familiar tale, Arsenal passed and passed their way to nowhere in particular.
Van Persie almost created a goal for Kieran Gibbs, who was denied by veteran keeper Brad Freidel, when he could have taken the chance himself, while Ramsey and Theo Walcott also came close to giving them a lifeline.
Wenger threw on Nicklas Bendtner for the once again disappointing Andrey Arshavin and Arsenal did finally get the ball in the net with fifteen minutes left - Chamakh heading home a cross from Backary Sagna - but Oliver upset the home fans again by disallowed it for a pushing offence that only he spotted.
But in a grandstand finale, van Persie forced the ball home from close range after Bendtner had burst into the area, his 21st goal of the season and his 20th since January 1st, but it proved no more than a consolation as Villa held out for a rare away win.
The lap of appreciation at the end took place in a half empty stadium as the Arsenal fans had long since had enough and you feel this summer could be the most important of Wenger's reign. His side are close to giving the fans the trophies they crave and with a little tweaking here and there they could do it next year. But with Manchester City, Liverpool and Spurs all ready to challenge it could be a difficult time ahead for Arsenal.
Wenger, however, was only looking to next weeks final match at Fulham. he said: "We want to do well next Sunday. I want to finish on a better game than that.
''For the first 20 minutes here we were non-existent. We were not focused enough. Were we a bit scared after recent bad results? I don't know.
"We want to give the fans what they expect and when you don't do that they are entitled to be unhappy. But let's not go overboard, we are not fighting relegation.''
Maybe not but a seventh season without a trophy may well be one too many.
Arsenal - Szczesny 6, Sagna 7, Vermaelan 6, Squillaci 5 (Chamakh 45 7), Gibbs 7, Ramsey 7, Song 7, Walcott 6, van Persie 8, Arshavin 5 (Bentdner 62 7).
Aston Villa - Friedal 8, Young(L) 7, Dunne 8, Collins 8, Walker 8, Downing 7, Delph 6 (Heskey 90 5), Petrov 7 (Bradley 80 6), Young(A) 6, Reo Coker 6, Bent 7.
Man of the match - Van Persie. Did everything possible to lift his team.
Referee - Oliver 5. Failed to give Arsenal a blatant penalty and disallowed the Chamakh header for reasons known only to himself. The youngest referee in the Premier League and it showed.
Attendance - 60,023
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
League One, thank you and goodnight...
The biggest game in our history. How many times have we heard that over the last few years? Well they say the most important game is always the next one, so after beating Carlisle this final day trip to Peterborough was the biggest game of our season at least.
I had spent the week in a state of flux. One minute I was convinced we would get the required result and stay up, the next I was convinced that Walsall and Notts. County would both win, against Southamton and Brighton respectively, thus sending us down. Then, all of a sudden, it was Saturday morning...
The trip was a fairly straightforward one for me, just 165 miles south down the A1, so after setting off at half-past-ten, Emerson and I arrived in Peterborough just after 2pm. After parking up we made our way to the ground to collect my press pass. I had been in two minds all week whether to sit in the press box and 'work' or stand with the fans in what was sure to be a great atmosphere. In the end the press box won, mainly because I was unsure if I would doing this again next season so I wanted to make the most of it in case it was the last time.
We collected the pass from the club shop and were then admitted to the Main Stand via a side entrance. The press box was, as is usually the case, situated at the back of the stand on the half-way line and this one was enclosed in what appeared to be a polyester box. With ten people in there it was like a sauna with hardly any air to breath and was not the most comfortable place to be in on a warm May afternoon.
Now I am not one who is against women being involved in football, and I have met some very knowledgeable and intelligent woman in the press box before (particularly the one working for Rueters at Oldham - smart and fit, the perfect combination!!) but the two in here put the argument for woman in football back 20 years.
One was working for a local radio station and every so often she would shout updates into her microphone with the most inane nonsense you have ever heard. She clearly had no understanding of the game or any of the players, and while I would never question her knowledge of the offside law, she was the biggest argument against women ever being given jobs in football.
Coming a close second however was the other woman, who I later found out was working for the Football League Show. Strange then that she kept shouting out updates from the Premier League games. 'Everton are winning! she screamed. We don't care love, we are only interested in Walsall and Notts. County.
Anyway back to more important matters, and by now the players were out warming up. However, after consulting my team sheet I realised Abu Ogogo was not playing. Thankfully the guy from the Barking and Dagenham Post was sitting next to me and informed me he had been injured in training earlier in the week, but with Greeny suspended it meant we had a new-look right side - Phil Ifil and Darren Currie.
More bad news followed when Femi limped out of the warm up and suddenly it seemed everything was going wrong. Damian McCrory, who had not been named in the squad, was asked if he was fit but he clearly did not fancy it so it seemed Doey, who had also been out injured, was being prepared. However Femi emerged a little later, walking slightly gingerly, but we were told he was fit to start. Maybe things were going to be okay after all...
The atmosphere in the away end was building up nicely now and it seemed the rumours of us bringing 1,000 were not going to be far off the mark. With kick off less then ten minutes away we were entertained by a mascot race and with the Daggers fans going mad behind the goal, Digger won by a mile. Yes, it really was looking like being our day!
With my laptop wired up to the BBC Sport website for news of any goals from Southampton and Notts. County the game kicked off and we were immediately under pressure. With Ifil looking off the pace and slightly (??) overweight it was no surprise when their opening goal came from down our right. The tricky Mendez-Laing outpaced both Ifil and Arbs before firing under Robbo, who appeared to slip as he came off his line.
But we responded with one of the best performances I have ever seen from a Daggers side. We simply ripped them apart and created six, yes six, clear-cut opportunities to score before the break. Currie hit the post twice, Akinde missed two one-on-ones while Romain and then Akinde fired wide as we dominated the team who had finished 4th.
Yes we missed the chances but it was exciting stuff and had all on the edge of our seats. Plus Walsall were 2-0 down, no thanks to the Football League Show woman who seemed totally uninterested in the Football League.
Half time saw a Peterborough steward pass around a plate of sandwiches, which Emerson and I were only to happy to accept, but Emerson was now wanting to sit with the fans for the second half so he could 'sing the songs.' With his older brother Rees standing behind the goal I said he would not see anything if he moved, so after a short debate he decided he would stay in the sauna with me for the second half.
As you all know things did not quiet go to plan after that. Peterborough played much better and we could easily have been 3 or 4 down before they inevitably scored a second. CMS looked as though he did not want to score as he missed a couple of easy chances but it was a shame he hadn't told McCann to miss too as he didn't think twice about smashing home from the edge of the area.
We brought on Bas and DJ Green and really went for it, and had we scored at this point I really think we could have done it. Romain saw one effort cleared off the line while Nursey then missed a gilt-edged chance with a close range header ten minutes from time. That proved to be the turning point as they finished us off with two goals in two minutes, CMS finally doing the wrong thing to make it 4-0. The good thing was it gave us all ten minutes to accept our fate and at least it meant I could stop looking at the Southampton score.
The final whistle brought the inevitable tears both on the pitch and in the stand, although not in the press box where Emerson was surprisingly chirpy. 'We played well though didn't we, Dad?' he said and I had to agree. It was hard to feel upset when the lads had given everything.
So while the players and management team went over to applaud the fans away to our left, and throw various bits of kit into the stand, we went down to pitch-side to try to grab an interview or two. We were told to wait as the players wanted time to recover their composure but within ten minutes Arbs had emerged looking totally devastated. He said how disappointing it was but he was proud of the performance and said it was never a 5-0 game. He also said that he loved all the lads but if we had a player like CMS we would have been safe. Finishing on a slightly brighter note he said he was now going home to his wife and two boys who would try to bring a smile to his face. He looked at Emerson and smiled at him as he said it and I have to say that brought a lump to my throat. The lads had given everything all season but it wasn't quiet enough in the end.
I then saw Darren Ferguson emerge from the tunnel and gatecrashed his interview with the local press. He mentioned something about getting Scott Griffiths back on-loan from Chesterfield for the play offs after an injury to all the other left backs at the club and he said that he knew he could come in and do a job for him, but the arrival of John Still soon cut short my encounter with Fergie's son.
No doubt you will have heard the interview he gave on the BBC but the one thing that stuck me was how proud he was. We had been relegated but he wasn't feeling sorry for himself or the team, he was just immensely proud of what we have achieved. After shaking hands and having his usual little chat with Emerson, the great man disappeared back down the tunnel and we prepared to make our way out.
By now the ground was empty so the only way out was through the players entrance and we could see a few Peterborough fans waiting behind the barriers to get autographs of their heroes. In front of us was the Daggers kit man who was getting ready to load the stuff onto the coach, and as he emerged through the doors the Peterborough fans gave him a loud round of applause. Next through were Emerson and I, both in our Daggers shirts and me with my bag over my shoulder. I'm not sure if the Peterborough lot thought I was someone far more important but as we went out we also got a round of applause! Emerson of course loved it and was grinning madly but I felt slightly embarrassed, although I politely smiled as we walked past them. But it was a wonderful end to what has been a wonderful season...although there was more to come.
We then met my older son Rees and his mates in the car park but they wanted to wait for John Still to come out. Eventually he did and was only too happy to stop for a chat and have his picture taken with Emerson and Rees, which of course made their day! And with that we left for McDonalds where the five of us had kick about in the car park with a football we had found, before leaving Peterborough and League One behind....hopefully not for long!
I had spent the week in a state of flux. One minute I was convinced we would get the required result and stay up, the next I was convinced that Walsall and Notts. County would both win, against Southamton and Brighton respectively, thus sending us down. Then, all of a sudden, it was Saturday morning...
The trip was a fairly straightforward one for me, just 165 miles south down the A1, so after setting off at half-past-ten, Emerson and I arrived in Peterborough just after 2pm. After parking up we made our way to the ground to collect my press pass. I had been in two minds all week whether to sit in the press box and 'work' or stand with the fans in what was sure to be a great atmosphere. In the end the press box won, mainly because I was unsure if I would doing this again next season so I wanted to make the most of it in case it was the last time.
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| London Road, the venue where our fate would be decided. |
Now I am not one who is against women being involved in football, and I have met some very knowledgeable and intelligent woman in the press box before (particularly the one working for Rueters at Oldham - smart and fit, the perfect combination!!) but the two in here put the argument for woman in football back 20 years.
One was working for a local radio station and every so often she would shout updates into her microphone with the most inane nonsense you have ever heard. She clearly had no understanding of the game or any of the players, and while I would never question her knowledge of the offside law, she was the biggest argument against women ever being given jobs in football.
Coming a close second however was the other woman, who I later found out was working for the Football League Show. Strange then that she kept shouting out updates from the Premier League games. 'Everton are winning! she screamed. We don't care love, we are only interested in Walsall and Notts. County.
Anyway back to more important matters, and by now the players were out warming up. However, after consulting my team sheet I realised Abu Ogogo was not playing. Thankfully the guy from the Barking and Dagenham Post was sitting next to me and informed me he had been injured in training earlier in the week, but with Greeny suspended it meant we had a new-look right side - Phil Ifil and Darren Currie.
More bad news followed when Femi limped out of the warm up and suddenly it seemed everything was going wrong. Damian McCrory, who had not been named in the squad, was asked if he was fit but he clearly did not fancy it so it seemed Doey, who had also been out injured, was being prepared. However Femi emerged a little later, walking slightly gingerly, but we were told he was fit to start. Maybe things were going to be okay after all...
 |
| Danny Green, a big miss. |
With my laptop wired up to the BBC Sport website for news of any goals from Southampton and Notts. County the game kicked off and we were immediately under pressure. With Ifil looking off the pace and slightly (??) overweight it was no surprise when their opening goal came from down our right. The tricky Mendez-Laing outpaced both Ifil and Arbs before firing under Robbo, who appeared to slip as he came off his line.
But we responded with one of the best performances I have ever seen from a Daggers side. We simply ripped them apart and created six, yes six, clear-cut opportunities to score before the break. Currie hit the post twice, Akinde missed two one-on-ones while Romain and then Akinde fired wide as we dominated the team who had finished 4th.
Yes we missed the chances but it was exciting stuff and had all on the edge of our seats. Plus Walsall were 2-0 down, no thanks to the Football League Show woman who seemed totally uninterested in the Football League.
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| John Akinde, had the chances to save us. |
As you all know things did not quiet go to plan after that. Peterborough played much better and we could easily have been 3 or 4 down before they inevitably scored a second. CMS looked as though he did not want to score as he missed a couple of easy chances but it was a shame he hadn't told McCann to miss too as he didn't think twice about smashing home from the edge of the area.
We brought on Bas and DJ Green and really went for it, and had we scored at this point I really think we could have done it. Romain saw one effort cleared off the line while Nursey then missed a gilt-edged chance with a close range header ten minutes from time. That proved to be the turning point as they finished us off with two goals in two minutes, CMS finally doing the wrong thing to make it 4-0. The good thing was it gave us all ten minutes to accept our fate and at least it meant I could stop looking at the Southampton score.
The final whistle brought the inevitable tears both on the pitch and in the stand, although not in the press box where Emerson was surprisingly chirpy. 'We played well though didn't we, Dad?' he said and I had to agree. It was hard to feel upset when the lads had given everything.
So while the players and management team went over to applaud the fans away to our left, and throw various bits of kit into the stand, we went down to pitch-side to try to grab an interview or two. We were told to wait as the players wanted time to recover their composure but within ten minutes Arbs had emerged looking totally devastated. He said how disappointing it was but he was proud of the performance and said it was never a 5-0 game. He also said that he loved all the lads but if we had a player like CMS we would have been safe. Finishing on a slightly brighter note he said he was now going home to his wife and two boys who would try to bring a smile to his face. He looked at Emerson and smiled at him as he said it and I have to say that brought a lump to my throat. The lads had given everything all season but it wasn't quiet enough in the end.
I then saw Darren Ferguson emerge from the tunnel and gatecrashed his interview with the local press. He mentioned something about getting Scott Griffiths back on-loan from Chesterfield for the play offs after an injury to all the other left backs at the club and he said that he knew he could come in and do a job for him, but the arrival of John Still soon cut short my encounter with Fergie's son.
No doubt you will have heard the interview he gave on the BBC but the one thing that stuck me was how proud he was. We had been relegated but he wasn't feeling sorry for himself or the team, he was just immensely proud of what we have achieved. After shaking hands and having his usual little chat with Emerson, the great man disappeared back down the tunnel and we prepared to make our way out.
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| My new mate Fergie Junior! |
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| The great John Still with my lads Emerson and Rees. |
Friday, 29 April 2011
Why I hate Manchester United part 1...1979-1991
Most Arsenal fans hate Tottenham but not me. I just feel sorry for them. In over 30 years I have never seen them as a serious threat to us and unless I hadn't had it programmed into me from an early age I don't think I would even care much that about them either way now.
No, my hatred has always been reserved for Manchester United. It all started on Cup Final day in May 1979. My mum had been visiting friends in Cornwall and was travelling home on the day of the Arsenal v Manchester United FA Cup final. Apparently a group of drunken United fans had got on the train somewhere between Exeter and London (so not a recent phenomenon that United fans come from the South-East then??) and proceeded to terrorise the passengers with their aggressive behaviour. As a 9 year old, seeing my mum so upset really got to me and watching the final that day was the first time I was aware of wanting one team to really beat another. Alan Sunderland's last minute winner therefore not only made me very happy but also cemented my support for Arsenal and began my long anti-relationship with United.
My next encounter with them was four years later. The 1982-83 season was my first as a season ticket holder at Highbury and we reached the League Cup semi final where we would meet United. The first leg at Highbury was one of my worst experiences watching football. The London-based United fans, known as the Cockney Reds, smashed up the Underground on the way to the match and that was the first time I had really been aware of violence at football matches. Things did not improve once inside the ground and amid all the fighting United scored four times to all but end our Wembley dreams. I did not go to the second leg at Old Trafford a week later but I heard it had all kicked off again as they completed a 6-3 aggregate success.
As fete would have it we were drawn to face United in the FA Cup semi final later that same season. The match, at Villa park, was my first big away trip outside of London or Ipswich and it was meant to be a day to remember. Well I would certainly remember it but not for all the right reasons. It had started well enough as a goal from Tony Woodcock, my idol at the time, gave us a half time lead and I can still recall the feeling of elation I felt when that goal went in. But it did not last. Second half efforts from Norman Whiteside and Bryan 'man of the match' Robson killed my Wembley dreams once again although it was events after the match that will live with me forever. My friend and I, both 14 the time, were with a group of Arsenal fans making our way back to the station when we were chased by a gang of United nutters in Birmingham City Centre. We somehow found ourselves in a multi-story car park where it all kicked off and me and my companion were forced to hide behind parked cars as blood was being spilt all around us. Imagine the scene at the beginning of The Football Factory when it all kicks off outside the pub, well it was almost exactly like that. Scary stuff for a 14 year old. I'm still not sure exactly how we got home that day in one piece but once again United fans had ruined my big day.
Two years later I was at an Arsenal v United game at Highbury in February 1985 when news came through that the Cockney Reds were in the Clock End and trouble was imminent. I had grown up a lot in the period since that semi final in Birmingham so when a big surge occurred mid-way through the first half and I saw United fans punching out at everyone around them, I took great satisfaction in extracting a little revenge of my own. 'That's for Villa Park,' I said as my fist connected with one of the United fans and while I am not proud of it now it certainly felt good at the time! During this little scuffle United apparently scored a goal but none of us were aware of it and in the days before mobile phones and scoreboards we left thinking the game had ended goalless. In fact when I was asked by a West Ham fan on the Underground on the way home how we had got on I told him we had drawn 0-0, so imagine my surprise then when I watched the game on Match Of The Day that evening to see Gordon Strachen had scored to give United a 1-0 win...
The FA Cup threw us together again in February 1988 and again there was plenty of trouble on the Underground before the game. United fans are easily the worst I have ever encountered as they were always so random with their attacks, picking on innocent people as their violence seemed to be unconnected with football at all. Anyway, on this day we would come out on top both on and off the pitch. The Arsenal boys were in no mood to take it anymore and then on the pitch things got even better. A crowd of over 50,000 saw an own goal from Mike Duxberry and a great header from Alan Smith give us a 2-0 half time lead but Brian McClair pulled one back for United early in the second half. We looked set to hold on until the final minute when United won a penalty but McClair blasted the kick high into the North Bank and I have never celebrated a non-goal as much before or since. Again the phrase 'Thats for Villa Park' was rolling around in my head as I jumped around like a nutter!
The following April I made my first trip to Old Trafford for a vital league encounter. We were top of the table but had Liverpool breathing down our necks and the papers that morning were full of pictures depicting Tony Adams as a donkey. In those days the away end at Old Trafford was a terrace behind the goal with United fans in the seats above and we spent much of the match trying to avoid stuff being thrown down at us. Classy...However it all appeared worth it when Adams headed home right in front of us and the celebrations were amazing with us all going absolutely mental. Watching the video back now is still a joy to behold as the Arsenal fans dance about behind the goal. Unfortunately Adams then scored an own goal to make it 1-1 which led to the inevitable 'Eee Orr' chants from the United fans above us, and there was a rather tricky trip back to the station to negotiate as we again encountered the neanderthal element of the United support.
The ill-feeling that seemed to exist between the fans had begun to spread to the players as my next trip to Old Trafford in October 1991 saw it all kick off on the pitch. The controversial nature of our goal, where Andres Limpar's shot may or may not have crossed the line, probably didn't help but midway through the second half the United players started acting like their fans. McClair was definitely getting revenge on Nigel Winterburn for his mocking of him when he missed that late penalty three years before as he kicked him several times in back, and it all kicked off from there. It led to a mad atmosphere in the ground and an even madder trip back to the station but the repercussions saw us deducted two points and United one, although it didn't stop us winning the title again.
So there you have it, part one of the reasons why I hate Manchester United. Coming up in part two will be United's first Premier League win at Highbury, Charity Shield fun in 1993, United fans in the Clock End in 1994, Overmars wins the league 1998 and another FA Cup semi classic in 1999 including the Ryan Giggs chest wig in all its glory! Not to be missed I'm sure you'll agree...
No, my hatred has always been reserved for Manchester United. It all started on Cup Final day in May 1979. My mum had been visiting friends in Cornwall and was travelling home on the day of the Arsenal v Manchester United FA Cup final. Apparently a group of drunken United fans had got on the train somewhere between Exeter and London (so not a recent phenomenon that United fans come from the South-East then??) and proceeded to terrorise the passengers with their aggressive behaviour. As a 9 year old, seeing my mum so upset really got to me and watching the final that day was the first time I was aware of wanting one team to really beat another. Alan Sunderland's last minute winner therefore not only made me very happy but also cemented my support for Arsenal and began my long anti-relationship with United.
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| The goal where it all began |
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| The League Cup semi final programme from the night I'd rather forget |
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| United ruined another big day |
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| Gordon Strachen - scored the goal that no one saw! |
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| Brian McClair - his misery brought so much joy |
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| Tony Adams - Scored at both ends |
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| It all kicked off on the pitch |
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Huddersfield, Iain Dowie and my new best friend!
For me following the Daggers away this season has been all about work but it has been an incredible experience. So while the travelling fans are stood/sat in the stands singing and shouting for me it has been all about the press box, my laptop and the after-match interviews.
My latest assignment was a trip to Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium on Easter Monday, and I have to say it was one of the best trips of the season. Of course it is a 'local' game for me, just 70 miles down the A1/M1/M62, so my trusty companion Emerson and me set off just after lunch on a warm, sunny Bank Holiday. With our recent run of seven defeats from our last eight games I was not expecting much but the Daggers have a habit of producing something special when its least expected so we both predicted a 1-1 draw.
Thanks to the extra traffic and the horrendous roadworks on the A1 we arrived at the ground just before kick off but what a fine ground it is. I had been here once before, for a pre-season friendly against Arsenal three years ago, but that was as a fan. This was something else.
We were greeted in reception and handed our press pass, complimentary match programme and teamsheet. We were then led into the press room and given a cup of tea before being shown to our seats by a friendly old steward. The view, Main Stand behind the dug-outs, was incredible and we had our own little desk and power-point, far more civilised then the trips to Hartlepool, Carlisle and Tranmere to name but a few!
The first half was an exciting affair which could have ended 4-3. We scored a superb equaliser from Romain Vincelot but almost immediately threw away all that hard work by conceding a soft goal to go in 2-1 down.
Half time meant a trip back down to the press room for another cup of tea where we discovered that Bristol Rovers were 1-0 up and Walsall 0-0. If things stayed like this we would be in the bottom four by 5pm...
The second half saw an incredible performance from our boys, one of the best of the season. We created several good chances to equalise and how we didn't convert at least one of them I still don't know, John Akinde's effort from about six inches being the biggest culprit!
The final whistle brought disappointment, although it was eased by late goals conceded by both Walsall and Rovers to mean we were in the bottom four but only one point from safety. However we couldn't help but feel a massive sense of pride in the performance, second only to Carlisle away in Emerson's opinion, and we were really looking forward to hearing what John Still thought of it all.
We made our way down to pitch-side where Stilly approached us deep in conversation with Iain Dowie. Not sure what he was doing there but as he was all suited and booted I assumed he was doing some media work. Despite us dropping back into the relegation zone John was very upbeat and proud of the boys display but he was convinced we should have had two penalties. Apparently Dowie had seen replays on Sky and told him they both stone-wallers! After the interview John said hello to Emerson, as he always does, and had a little laugh and a joke with him. Emerson, as he does, just took it in his stride. Yeah its only the manager of Daggers, the man who has got us where we are and Emerson just treats him like they are long lost buddies!
Me and Emerson then wandered onto the pitch where the players were still warming down. Danny Green was doing an interview with Stu for Radio Essex so we gate-crashed and he said he had definitely been caught and it was definitely a penalty, although the ref had thought he'd dived! I then told him we were back in the drop zone and would probably need 4 points from our last two games but he seemed convinced one win will do it. 'Carlisle next week then?' I asked but he said we were playing better away from home and I had to agree.
Then came the moment that made my day. Arbs walked past, nodded and said 'Alright Rick?' Yes our captain had acknowledged my presence...Wow! I guess I should not have been totally surprised as I had spoken to him after several of our away matches recently and we have had the odd conversation with him on Twitter but for him to acknowledge me was a great moment! He came over and asked me what the other results were so I said Walsall had drawn and Rovers lost having earlier been 1-0 up. 'What about Plymouth and Swindon?' he asked. Shit, I had completely forgotten about them so I was a bit stuck. 'Er...Swindon lost I think, not sure about Plymouth...' Yeah my big moment and I blew it! Arbs was unconcerned and seemed convinced we will survive anyway. Well if its good enough for him then its good enough for me!
We hung about for a bit longer and overheard an interesting conversation between Marvin Morgan, Bas Savage and Jon Nurse, who were all in the dug-out, talking about our attacking play but if you think I am going to leak the details of it then you are very much mistaken! See some journos do have integrity...
With that we went back to the press room for a final cuppa and to finish my notes before we made our way back to the car for the journey home.
The one thing I have noticed from watching matches in the press box is how differently you see the game. As a fan you are singing, shouting, talking to your mates etc and so get a very different view of the action. Up in the press box you are watching the game from a totally different perspective. So when fans complain that Akinde is 'shit' or Femi 'not good enough' I have to disagree. From what I have seen both have done really well.
Akinde is a powerful player who must be terrible to play against. He is strong and direct, holds the ball up well and if he can add goals he will be the perfect centre forward for us. Yes after his misses here you have to wonder if he will ever score but I seem to recall Benno struggled in his first season and look where he ended up? However unless we stay up we have no chance of keeping big John so we should perhaps reserve judgement until after the Peterborough match.
As for Femi, well I have been very impressed with him. I admit that he has performed far better away from home on the bigger pitches, but the boy has got talent. His is cool in possession, has a good touch and gets forward to great effect. Yes he can be found wanting positionally at times but then he is only young and has been thrown straight into League One. Plus this is a boy who gets the tube to home games so you've got to give him respect for that!
So in summary Huddersfield away will go down on my list as one of the greats. Yes we lost and survival is out of our hands but what a performance, what a game, what a ground and to cap it all our great captain is now my best mate! Bring on Carlisle and Peterborough!
My latest assignment was a trip to Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium on Easter Monday, and I have to say it was one of the best trips of the season. Of course it is a 'local' game for me, just 70 miles down the A1/M1/M62, so my trusty companion Emerson and me set off just after lunch on a warm, sunny Bank Holiday. With our recent run of seven defeats from our last eight games I was not expecting much but the Daggers have a habit of producing something special when its least expected so we both predicted a 1-1 draw.
Thanks to the extra traffic and the horrendous roadworks on the A1 we arrived at the ground just before kick off but what a fine ground it is. I had been here once before, for a pre-season friendly against Arsenal three years ago, but that was as a fan. This was something else.
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| Our view from the press box |
The first half was an exciting affair which could have ended 4-3. We scored a superb equaliser from Romain Vincelot but almost immediately threw away all that hard work by conceding a soft goal to go in 2-1 down.
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| The real brains behind the operation! |
The second half saw an incredible performance from our boys, one of the best of the season. We created several good chances to equalise and how we didn't convert at least one of them I still don't know, John Akinde's effort from about six inches being the biggest culprit!
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| The lads show appreciation for the travelling support at the final whistle |
We made our way down to pitch-side where Stilly approached us deep in conversation with Iain Dowie. Not sure what he was doing there but as he was all suited and booted I assumed he was doing some media work. Despite us dropping back into the relegation zone John was very upbeat and proud of the boys display but he was convinced we should have had two penalties. Apparently Dowie had seen replays on Sky and told him they both stone-wallers! After the interview John said hello to Emerson, as he always does, and had a little laugh and a joke with him. Emerson, as he does, just took it in his stride. Yeah its only the manager of Daggers, the man who has got us where we are and Emerson just treats him like they are long lost buddies!
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| What was he doing here?? |
Then came the moment that made my day. Arbs walked past, nodded and said 'Alright Rick?' Yes our captain had acknowledged my presence...Wow! I guess I should not have been totally surprised as I had spoken to him after several of our away matches recently and we have had the odd conversation with him on Twitter but for him to acknowledge me was a great moment! He came over and asked me what the other results were so I said Walsall had drawn and Rovers lost having earlier been 1-0 up. 'What about Plymouth and Swindon?' he asked. Shit, I had completely forgotten about them so I was a bit stuck. 'Er...Swindon lost I think, not sure about Plymouth...' Yeah my big moment and I blew it! Arbs was unconcerned and seemed convinced we will survive anyway. Well if its good enough for him then its good enough for me!
We hung about for a bit longer and overheard an interesting conversation between Marvin Morgan, Bas Savage and Jon Nurse, who were all in the dug-out, talking about our attacking play but if you think I am going to leak the details of it then you are very much mistaken! See some journos do have integrity...
With that we went back to the press room for a final cuppa and to finish my notes before we made our way back to the car for the journey home.
The one thing I have noticed from watching matches in the press box is how differently you see the game. As a fan you are singing, shouting, talking to your mates etc and so get a very different view of the action. Up in the press box you are watching the game from a totally different perspective. So when fans complain that Akinde is 'shit' or Femi 'not good enough' I have to disagree. From what I have seen both have done really well.
Akinde is a powerful player who must be terrible to play against. He is strong and direct, holds the ball up well and if he can add goals he will be the perfect centre forward for us. Yes after his misses here you have to wonder if he will ever score but I seem to recall Benno struggled in his first season and look where he ended up? However unless we stay up we have no chance of keeping big John so we should perhaps reserve judgement until after the Peterborough match.
As for Femi, well I have been very impressed with him. I admit that he has performed far better away from home on the bigger pitches, but the boy has got talent. His is cool in possession, has a good touch and gets forward to great effect. Yes he can be found wanting positionally at times but then he is only young and has been thrown straight into League One. Plus this is a boy who gets the tube to home games so you've got to give him respect for that!
So in summary Huddersfield away will go down on my list as one of the greats. Yes we lost and survival is out of our hands but what a performance, what a game, what a ground and to cap it all our great captain is now my best mate! Bring on Carlisle and Peterborough!
Friday, 22 April 2011
Wenger out?? The alternative view...
Listening to many so-called Arsenal fans recently you would think the club were struggling to qualify for the Champions League or even battling against relegation...but no, we are actually still in the title race going into the final month of the season!
It seems the problems are two-fold - our failure to win a trophy for six years and a lack of big name signings. That, apparently, is enough for Arsene Wenger to be sacked!! Yes, the manager who has transformed the entire club, won us seven major trophies and led us to 14 consecutive Champions League campaigns should now be sacked. Unbelievable!
Okay so it been a while since we last won anything but is that the only way to judge success? Since we last won the Premier League in 2004 the football landscape has changed dramatically. Clubs like Chelsea and Man. City have had massive cash injections while Man. United have continued to spend big. We, on the other hand, have built a shiny new stadium and invested in youth, but despite that we have still maintained our place in the top four and challenged for the major honours.
Since our FA Cup success in 2005 we have reached a Champions League final (06) and semi final (09), two Carling Cup finals (07,11), one FA Cup semi final (09) and challenged for the title on three occasions (08, 10, 11). Not exactly a succession of mediocre seasons is it??
Of course on top of all that we have continued to play the best football this side of Barcelona. Yes we have a weak under-belly, as has been shown in recent matches, but if you seriously think Arsenal have been unsuccessful in recent years then you really need to take a reality check.
The club are in a very stable position. Our financial future has been assured by the prudent management of Wenger and the top four position he has helped us to maintain. Yes he could have splashed out £30m here and £40m there but that would have put the very future of the club at risk and would not have guaranteed trophies anyway. Look at Man. City...
Don't get me wrong, of course I would love to see us lift a big shiny pot or two, just to shut up all the doubters if nothing else, but football is not just about that. Maybe its because I have seen us win everything, with the exception of the Champions League, that it is no longer the be-all-and-end-all for me anymore. I just want to enjoy the football I watch and know that the future of the club is secure. Yes, players like Denilson, Diaby and Squillaci are not good enough and we do need another centre half, a holding midfielder and a 30 goal striker (or give Theo a run up top??) but we are in a far stronger position, both on and off the pitch, then just about everyone else in the Premier League.
But if its just trophies you want then think about this. The new rules coming in over wages and player nationalities will see the Wenger template viewed as the way forward. Clubs from all over Europe will be copying it but we will already be 2-3 years ahead. This should lead us to trophies over the next few years but only if we stick with the current policy and let the squad continue to develop. With players like Wilshere, Nasri, Djourou, Szczsensy, Gibbs, Walcott, Chamakh etc all set to improve even further over the next few years, and other like van Persie and Vermaelen who are already the real deal, the furture is looking very bright. Meanwhile we have the likes of Frimpong, Lansbury, Afobe etc. coming through so we really do have much to look forward to.
But if you still want Wenger out then fine. Just don't complain when we are no longer in the top four and clubs like Spurs and Everton have overtaken us...But hey we might win the odd Carling Cup to satisfy your need for trophies so it will not be all bad eh??
It seems the problems are two-fold - our failure to win a trophy for six years and a lack of big name signings. That, apparently, is enough for Arsene Wenger to be sacked!! Yes, the manager who has transformed the entire club, won us seven major trophies and led us to 14 consecutive Champions League campaigns should now be sacked. Unbelievable!
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| Is his time really up? |
Since our FA Cup success in 2005 we have reached a Champions League final (06) and semi final (09), two Carling Cup finals (07,11), one FA Cup semi final (09) and challenged for the title on three occasions (08, 10, 11). Not exactly a succession of mediocre seasons is it??
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| These three trophies have eluded Arsenal for 6 years |
The club are in a very stable position. Our financial future has been assured by the prudent management of Wenger and the top four position he has helped us to maintain. Yes he could have splashed out £30m here and £40m there but that would have put the very future of the club at risk and would not have guaranteed trophies anyway. Look at Man. City...
Don't get me wrong, of course I would love to see us lift a big shiny pot or two, just to shut up all the doubters if nothing else, but football is not just about that. Maybe its because I have seen us win everything, with the exception of the Champions League, that it is no longer the be-all-and-end-all for me anymore. I just want to enjoy the football I watch and know that the future of the club is secure. Yes, players like Denilson, Diaby and Squillaci are not good enough and we do need another centre half, a holding midfielder and a 30 goal striker (or give Theo a run up top??) but we are in a far stronger position, both on and off the pitch, then just about everyone else in the Premier League.
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| Time to play him up front? |
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| The future |
Friday, 15 April 2011
Hillsborough...the day football died
IT seems hard to believe but it is now 28 years ago that 96 Liverpool fans so tragically lost their lives in the disaster at Hillsborough prior to the FA Cup semi final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
I remember that day as if it were yesterday. I did what I usually did on a Saturday afternoon; I was at Highbury to watch Arsenal play a vital Division One match against Newcastle United. We were going head-to-head with Liverpool for the title and we simply had to beat the relegation-bound Geordies to stay on top of the table.
News began to filter through during the first half that the semi final had been delayed due to crowd trouble, but at half time it became clear that there had been some sort of disaster, although none of us were aware of the full extent of the tragedy at this stage. This, of course, was in the days before internet phones.
In a rather subdued atmosphere Arsenal scored in the second half - a goal from Brian Marwood in case you were interested - to win 1-0, but once news reached us that people had died in Sheffield our win became irrelevant.
Listening to the radio in the car on the way home and then seeing the pictures on the news that evening was simply awful and tears were shed. People should not die going to watch their favourite team.
Of course many reasons have been given as to why it happened, and blame has been laid at many doors, but every single football fan felt the pain of those who suffered that day as we had all been in similar situations before. Yes, it could have happened to any of us.
I remember being at a game at White Hart Lane about four years earlier. Trouble had broken out in the stadium and hundreds of Arsenal fans had climbed from the terracing section of the away end to the seating area above. This meant that far too many people were now in that section and everyone was sitting on everyone else's lap or standing in the aisles, but the real drama happened at the end of the match as we were trying to get out.
The stairwell and aisles were not wide enough for the number of people now in the stand, and I remember being carried along with my feet off the ground, unable to breathe, until we finally managed to squeeze out. It was really scary and any panic would have led to a similar situation to that which we would later witness at Hillsborough.
Much has been written about the disaster since and watching football has now changed forever as a result. Stadiums are far safer and much more comfortable these days, which is surely the best legacy there can be to the 96 who perished so tragically in Sheffield that day.
Of course justice has now been given to the families of those affected. Blame has rightly been passed to those truly responsible. The real tragedy is that it took so long for this to happen.
So on this 28th Anniversary, lets all take time to remember those 96 fans who went to football and never came home. If you are at a match this week take a look around the stadium and appreciate what you have and the fact that it is so much safer now. Be thankful something like Hillsborough can never happen again.
Former Liverpool manager Bill Shankly famously said, 'Football is not a matter of life and death, it is more important than that...' but after the events of Hillsborough I'm sure we all agree he was wrong. Nothing is more precious than life, certainly not a game of football.
RIP the 96.
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| The clock at Hillsborough forever showing 3.06pm |
News began to filter through during the first half that the semi final had been delayed due to crowd trouble, but at half time it became clear that there had been some sort of disaster, although none of us were aware of the full extent of the tragedy at this stage. This, of course, was in the days before internet phones.
In a rather subdued atmosphere Arsenal scored in the second half - a goal from Brian Marwood in case you were interested - to win 1-0, but once news reached us that people had died in Sheffield our win became irrelevant.
Listening to the radio in the car on the way home and then seeing the pictures on the news that evening was simply awful and tears were shed. People should not die going to watch their favourite team.
Of course many reasons have been given as to why it happened, and blame has been laid at many doors, but every single football fan felt the pain of those who suffered that day as we had all been in similar situations before. Yes, it could have happened to any of us.
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| The full horror begins to unfold |
The stairwell and aisles were not wide enough for the number of people now in the stand, and I remember being carried along with my feet off the ground, unable to breathe, until we finally managed to squeeze out. It was really scary and any panic would have led to a similar situation to that which we would later witness at Hillsborough.
Much has been written about the disaster since and watching football has now changed forever as a result. Stadiums are far safer and much more comfortable these days, which is surely the best legacy there can be to the 96 who perished so tragically in Sheffield that day.
Of course justice has now been given to the families of those affected. Blame has rightly been passed to those truly responsible. The real tragedy is that it took so long for this to happen.
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| The Hillsborough Memorial at Anfield |
Former Liverpool manager Bill Shankly famously said, 'Football is not a matter of life and death, it is more important than that...' but after the events of Hillsborough I'm sure we all agree he was wrong. Nothing is more precious than life, certainly not a game of football.
RIP the 96.
Monday, 11 April 2011
Oh I do (not) like to be beside the Seaside
When the fixtures came out last summer the first one I looked for was Blackpool away. This was a ground I had never visited before, although I came close once back in the early 1990's. We had been drawn away to Blackpool in the 5th round of the FA Cup if we could win our 4th round replay at QPR, and the weekend by the seaside had already been planned days before we lost 2-0 at Loftus Road...
So nearly twenty years later I was finally able to make the trip although much has changed in the intervening period, not least the fact that my companion for the day was my 7 year old son Emerson who was not even a twinkle in my eye back in 1990!
Now I have been to Blackpool several times over the years, mainly to visit the Pleasure Beach, and I have to say I have never liked the place. It is a typical, run-down British seaside town that has seen far better days but has somehow still maintained an almost mystical-like quality that makes people want to go. Can't think why. Give me Southend or Margate anyday...
As luck would have it our visit fell on the hottest weekend of the year so far and a Sunday lunchtime kick off meant an early start so Emerson and me set off from Barton at 10.30am. Okay not that early then but it was a Sunday...
The journey across the A66, through Kirkby Steven and down the M6 was pleasant enough with me and Emerson playing our usual prediction game. I, rather optimistically, went for a 4-1 Arsenal win while Emerson, more conservatively, went for his usual 2-1. We were making good time until we reached the end of the M55 just outside Blackpool when it appeared that the world and his mother had decided to visit the place. Eventually we crawled into the town where we discovered that the local council had decided to dig up the main road. Good work guys. Don't think about doing it during the winter when no doubt the place is a ghost town eh?? No, just dig it up as the schools are off for Easter and the sun finally comes out. Genius!!
With the 1.30pm kick off time fast approaching and nowhere to park we were starting to panic, especially as we were picking our tickets up from a guy outside the ground who had already phoned three times to ask where we were. In the end I just left the car on the corner of a side-street about five minutes walk from the ground, not on a yellow line but not exactly well parked either, although time was very much of the essence now. We eventually met our pal Ian outside the away end just five minutes before kick off but with a long queue building up to what was apparently our entrance, although it looked more like a bomb site. Mmm I'm sure it will be okay when it's finished. I mean you have only had since last May...
While queuing we were desperate to find out the starting line-up and I asked a guy in front if Theo Walcott was playing. 'No thank God,' was his reply. Emerson looked shocked. 'But he's our best player...'he protested. 'Yeah,' replied Mr. Happy in front, 'If you forget Fabregas, Nasri, Robin, Jack and Andrey...'
I tried to argue that this was exactly the sort of game that would suit Walcott, and he had of course scored a hat-trick against them in August, but it was no use. It seemed Emerson and me were alone in our praise for the speedy winger.
Anyway by the time we had got into the ground the match had already started and it wasn't the right wing position that was the main talking point anymore, but the goalkeeper. There, before my very eyes, was Jens Lehmann. Wow! After Coco's dreadful recent performances I was actually pleased to see the German playing and happy that Wenger had finally made a stand, but it appeared Coco had been injured in the warm-up so the decision had been somewhat forced on him. Oh well...thank heavens for small mercies
The ground itself was rather nice, well at least 3/4 of it was. Our stand being the obvious exception. Portakabins for toilets, minimal facilities and a floor that shook whenever you jumped up and down on it is not what we are used to in the Premier League. Of course I have seen worse following the Daggers but then they don't charge £40 for a view obscured by supporting pillars. As much as I admire Ian Holloway and they way his team play I really hope they go down as their prices are nothing short of criminal and their ground is Championship standard at best...
But roared on by a passionate crowd behind the goal to our left Blackpool started well and it soon became clear why mad Jens was back at the club. He was shouting at his defence and commanding his area, something we haven't seen from a keeper since he left three years ago. He had a long discussion with Abu Diaby about his marking at a free kick and made it clear exactly was he expected which is just what some of them need back there.
From that solid base we began to get on top and went in front mid-way the first half with a sweeping move that was finished off by Diaby from close range with the home defence nowhere to be seen. Ironically Diaby had lost the ball in the build up to the goal which had led to the Walcott-doubter sitting next to me to call him useless just seconds before he put the ball in the net. Didn't stop him jumping about like a looney though did it. What a hypocite!!
It was 2-0 soon after with a wonderful strike from Eboue, following a lovely 1-2 with Jack, and the new fans favourite ran over the celebrate with us to the strains of 'We love Eboue, boue, we love E-boue' to the tune of 90's dance hit We Like To Move It Move It...
It should have been 4 or 5 by the break as Nasser hit the post, RvP teed up Diaby only for him to dally too long and get tackled (perhaps he is useless after all!), while RvP also had an effort ruled out for offside. As for Blackpool well they worked hard but it seemed their only tactic was to hit long balls into the corners, very Wimbledon circa 1988, a bit like their town then...
Half time 'entertainment' was provided by a fan from each club racing against each other inside a big inflatable ball. The winner was set to land £250 and inevitably it was the Blackpool fan who finished first leading to chants from the home fans of 'You're going to win f**k all.' Yes quiet possibly, although I was confident I would clean up in the penny arcades after the match...
Fired up by a rocket from Holloway, Blackpool came out all guns blazing at the start of the second half and pulled a goal back with a swift break five minutes in. Jack mis-timed a tackle on halfway and DJ Campbell, not the DJ Nicky Campbell from Radio 2 I assume, was upended by Lehmann in the area only for ex-Dagger Gary Taylor-Fletcher to roll the ball in. It was an incident similar to the one that had seen Mad Jens dismissed in the Champions League final in 2006 but thankfully this time the ref, Lee Mason, allowed the goal instead, although he did book Jack for his foul in the build up. With only an injured Almunia on the bench the last thing we needed was to have our new-old keeper sent off!
Now while I was pleased for Taylor-Fletcher to score it did lead to a rather uncomfortable twenty minutes as Blackpool threw everything at us. The guy sitting next to me was not a happy bunny again and kept shouting abuse at everyone wearing yellow and was convinced it would now finish 2-2. Emerson, on the other hand, kept saying he was going to be right with his prediction while I was just praying we wouldn't blow it again...
Then came the moment me and Emerson had been looking forward to, the introduction of Theo. 'He will score,' said Emerson confidently and I have to say I was inclined to agree. He immediately made a difference as the tide of the match swung back in our favour and inevitably he was involved in our clinching third goal. Some lovely play from Diaby in the far right hand corner, a lovely flick by Cesc and Theo was away down the right. I was hoping he would cut inside and go for goal himself but instead he looked up and played the perfect ball for RvP to smash home. Cue delirium in our end and smug looks from Emerson and myself to the guy around us who had been doubting Theo earlier. So that was that. A must win game that we actually won and with the only ex-Dagger on the pitch scoring as well it was almost the perfect away day.
Of course you cannot visit Blackpool without a walk along the seafront and a visit to the arcades but it seemed the Blackpool fans were right after all as I did win f**k all, although the three points and a happy Emerson more then made up for that! Seven cup finals to come then...
So nearly twenty years later I was finally able to make the trip although much has changed in the intervening period, not least the fact that my companion for the day was my 7 year old son Emerson who was not even a twinkle in my eye back in 1990!
Now I have been to Blackpool several times over the years, mainly to visit the Pleasure Beach, and I have to say I have never liked the place. It is a typical, run-down British seaside town that has seen far better days but has somehow still maintained an almost mystical-like quality that makes people want to go. Can't think why. Give me Southend or Margate anyday...
 |
| Emerson enjoying another away day |
The journey across the A66, through Kirkby Steven and down the M6 was pleasant enough with me and Emerson playing our usual prediction game. I, rather optimistically, went for a 4-1 Arsenal win while Emerson, more conservatively, went for his usual 2-1. We were making good time until we reached the end of the M55 just outside Blackpool when it appeared that the world and his mother had decided to visit the place. Eventually we crawled into the town where we discovered that the local council had decided to dig up the main road. Good work guys. Don't think about doing it during the winter when no doubt the place is a ghost town eh?? No, just dig it up as the schools are off for Easter and the sun finally comes out. Genius!!
With the 1.30pm kick off time fast approaching and nowhere to park we were starting to panic, especially as we were picking our tickets up from a guy outside the ground who had already phoned three times to ask where we were. In the end I just left the car on the corner of a side-street about five minutes walk from the ground, not on a yellow line but not exactly well parked either, although time was very much of the essence now. We eventually met our pal Ian outside the away end just five minutes before kick off but with a long queue building up to what was apparently our entrance, although it looked more like a bomb site. Mmm I'm sure it will be okay when it's finished. I mean you have only had since last May...
While queuing we were desperate to find out the starting line-up and I asked a guy in front if Theo Walcott was playing. 'No thank God,' was his reply. Emerson looked shocked. 'But he's our best player...'he protested. 'Yeah,' replied Mr. Happy in front, 'If you forget Fabregas, Nasri, Robin, Jack and Andrey...'
I tried to argue that this was exactly the sort of game that would suit Walcott, and he had of course scored a hat-trick against them in August, but it was no use. It seemed Emerson and me were alone in our praise for the speedy winger.
Anyway by the time we had got into the ground the match had already started and it wasn't the right wing position that was the main talking point anymore, but the goalkeeper. There, before my very eyes, was Jens Lehmann. Wow! After Coco's dreadful recent performances I was actually pleased to see the German playing and happy that Wenger had finally made a stand, but it appeared Coco had been injured in the warm-up so the decision had been somewhat forced on him. Oh well...thank heavens for small mercies
The ground itself was rather nice, well at least 3/4 of it was. Our stand being the obvious exception. Portakabins for toilets, minimal facilities and a floor that shook whenever you jumped up and down on it is not what we are used to in the Premier League. Of course I have seen worse following the Daggers but then they don't charge £40 for a view obscured by supporting pillars. As much as I admire Ian Holloway and they way his team play I really hope they go down as their prices are nothing short of criminal and their ground is Championship standard at best...
 |
| View from our seats...not as good as it looks |
From that solid base we began to get on top and went in front mid-way the first half with a sweeping move that was finished off by Diaby from close range with the home defence nowhere to be seen. Ironically Diaby had lost the ball in the build up to the goal which had led to the Walcott-doubter sitting next to me to call him useless just seconds before he put the ball in the net. Didn't stop him jumping about like a looney though did it. What a hypocite!!
It was 2-0 soon after with a wonderful strike from Eboue, following a lovely 1-2 with Jack, and the new fans favourite ran over the celebrate with us to the strains of 'We love Eboue, boue, we love E-boue' to the tune of 90's dance hit We Like To Move It Move It...
It should have been 4 or 5 by the break as Nasser hit the post, RvP teed up Diaby only for him to dally too long and get tackled (perhaps he is useless after all!), while RvP also had an effort ruled out for offside. As for Blackpool well they worked hard but it seemed their only tactic was to hit long balls into the corners, very Wimbledon circa 1988, a bit like their town then...
Half time 'entertainment' was provided by a fan from each club racing against each other inside a big inflatable ball. The winner was set to land £250 and inevitably it was the Blackpool fan who finished first leading to chants from the home fans of 'You're going to win f**k all.' Yes quiet possibly, although I was confident I would clean up in the penny arcades after the match...
 |
| The half time ball race! |
Fired up by a rocket from Holloway, Blackpool came out all guns blazing at the start of the second half and pulled a goal back with a swift break five minutes in. Jack mis-timed a tackle on halfway and DJ Campbell, not the DJ Nicky Campbell from Radio 2 I assume, was upended by Lehmann in the area only for ex-Dagger Gary Taylor-Fletcher to roll the ball in. It was an incident similar to the one that had seen Mad Jens dismissed in the Champions League final in 2006 but thankfully this time the ref, Lee Mason, allowed the goal instead, although he did book Jack for his foul in the build up. With only an injured Almunia on the bench the last thing we needed was to have our new-old keeper sent off!
Now while I was pleased for Taylor-Fletcher to score it did lead to a rather uncomfortable twenty minutes as Blackpool threw everything at us. The guy sitting next to me was not a happy bunny again and kept shouting abuse at everyone wearing yellow and was convinced it would now finish 2-2. Emerson, on the other hand, kept saying he was going to be right with his prediction while I was just praying we wouldn't blow it again...
Then came the moment me and Emerson had been looking forward to, the introduction of Theo. 'He will score,' said Emerson confidently and I have to say I was inclined to agree. He immediately made a difference as the tide of the match swung back in our favour and inevitably he was involved in our clinching third goal. Some lovely play from Diaby in the far right hand corner, a lovely flick by Cesc and Theo was away down the right. I was hoping he would cut inside and go for goal himself but instead he looked up and played the perfect ball for RvP to smash home. Cue delirium in our end and smug looks from Emerson and myself to the guy around us who had been doubting Theo earlier. So that was that. A must win game that we actually won and with the only ex-Dagger on the pitch scoring as well it was almost the perfect away day.
 |
| Celebrating an away win in the sun, happy days! |
Of course you cannot visit Blackpool without a walk along the seafront and a visit to the arcades but it seemed the Blackpool fans were right after all as I did win f**k all, although the three points and a happy Emerson more then made up for that! Seven cup finals to come then...
Sunday, 3 April 2011
A day of guilt???
Ah Mothers Day, brought to you in connection with Hallmark Cards, Interflora and your local gastro pub...
Maybe I am wrong but I always thought the idea of Mothers Day should be to reflect on what a great role the mother plays in our society? A day to spare a thought for the wonder that is childbirth and the beauty of motherhood.
But no, not anymore. Just like everything else it has been sabotaged by commercialism and is now just about buying cards, flowers and taking your mum out for a meal. Is that really how it should be? Do we really need to be told to spoil our mothers for all they do for us on just one day a year??
If we really think that much of our mums then we should tell them everyday, or at least once a week, not just make up for a year of neglect with a stupid card, some flowers and a Sunday roast. Yes we should celebrate motherhood on this day but lets stop buying into this guilt trip sponsored by the groups mentioned in the opening paragraph.
When my mum was alive I admit that I did not appreciate her enough. Yes, I took her for granted. I thought treating her on Mothers Day somehow made up for it, but it doesn't. I have realised that now. I wish I had told her more often how much she meant to me and the whole family, how much we all appreciated everything she did for us. But I didn't. So out of guilt I rushed around the shops in the lead up to Mothers Day to try to put things right. I have no doubt she liked the cards, the presents and having dinner cooked for her but she should have had that more often. She deserved it.
So as you treat your mum today think about what you do for her on the other 364 days of the year. If you really do enough then there is no need to buy into this commercialism next year. She will know what you think of her. But if you don't do enough then please try to change that this year. Lets make Mothers Day a regular occurrence within our own families. Lets not rely on Clinton Cards to remind us...
As for me well I will spend the day remembering my mum, the greatest woman I ever knew. But then I do that most days anyway...
Maybe I am wrong but I always thought the idea of Mothers Day should be to reflect on what a great role the mother plays in our society? A day to spare a thought for the wonder that is childbirth and the beauty of motherhood.
But no, not anymore. Just like everything else it has been sabotaged by commercialism and is now just about buying cards, flowers and taking your mum out for a meal. Is that really how it should be? Do we really need to be told to spoil our mothers for all they do for us on just one day a year??
If we really think that much of our mums then we should tell them everyday, or at least once a week, not just make up for a year of neglect with a stupid card, some flowers and a Sunday roast. Yes we should celebrate motherhood on this day but lets stop buying into this guilt trip sponsored by the groups mentioned in the opening paragraph.
When my mum was alive I admit that I did not appreciate her enough. Yes, I took her for granted. I thought treating her on Mothers Day somehow made up for it, but it doesn't. I have realised that now. I wish I had told her more often how much she meant to me and the whole family, how much we all appreciated everything she did for us. But I didn't. So out of guilt I rushed around the shops in the lead up to Mothers Day to try to put things right. I have no doubt she liked the cards, the presents and having dinner cooked for her but she should have had that more often. She deserved it.
So as you treat your mum today think about what you do for her on the other 364 days of the year. If you really do enough then there is no need to buy into this commercialism next year. She will know what you think of her. But if you don't do enough then please try to change that this year. Lets make Mothers Day a regular occurrence within our own families. Lets not rely on Clinton Cards to remind us...
As for me well I will spend the day remembering my mum, the greatest woman I ever knew. But then I do that most days anyway...
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