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Written by @gooner_in_bcn on Thursday, 30 August 2012 16:48
Hello Gunners. I haven't written in a while, as I've been taking in the news, transfer rumors, etc. I usually do a post match rating and analysis, which I have taken a pass on doing the last couple of weeks because I have seen, read and heard too much to digest and address properly without a bit of perspective.
So after all the Sahin talk, the misinformed comparisons to Mata, the various moves by other clubs, the sales of RvP and Song, the possible departure of Theo, the two draws, no goals scored, etc.; where is Arsenal as a club?
Well, the view and points I am about to make come from a Gooner that supports the club, not the players. I am not an Arsene apologist either, but I do in fact give credit or criticism where it's due. I support our philosophy, but understand that sometimes that must be broken to fix the problem. Sometimes going into some debt is ok. As a self-employed entrepreneur I can tell you, not all debt is bad debt, but we are nowhere close. So let's begin.
Philosophy
Everyone knows Arsenal's philosophy footballing wise. The team plays very attractive football and is always amongst the better teams technically. Since 2005 all that pretty play has led to many disappointments. Was it the philosophy or those implementing it?
Football wise you would have to say that Arsene brought in the right type of talent for the team to succeed, otherwise AFC players would not be coveted by the top teams in Europe. Man management wise you would have to say poor decisions were made as to the type of characters chosen.
A thriving youth set-up, top-notch facilities, amazing stadium, and all the rest of the package make Arsenal one of the top sports franchises in the world. While the #1 goal is to win trophies, we all agree there, how we get there can be just as important. Will the 7 year wait be worth it if when we win, we do it the Arsenal way? In my opinion, it absolutely will. Add all the things that were accomplished internally along the way and Arsenal are sitting pretty to commence the next phase which is to go back to winning trophies.
You only have to look at the top 10 franchises in the world to realize that we are not alone in recent trophy less years...New York Yankees (2000-2009), Dallas Cowboys (1995-Present), Washington Redskins (1991-Present), LA Dodgers (1988-Present), and NE Patriots (2004-Present). So value certainly doesn't guarantee success, but looking at that top 10 it lets you see Arsenal are in some rarefied air and indeed an elite club. AFC has come a long way without winning trophies in the last 7 years, so that begs the question:
Where do we go from here?
Debt
Some say Arsenal need to spend whatever to get the players needed to get ahead and mount an all out assault for trophies. I sometimes land in that camp, but only for the right players.
Others have a view that getting into too much debt and changing Arsenal's philosophy will lead to the club ending up like Malaga, which I also agree with.
It is not an easy issue to overcome and Gunners are split over it. Is Arsenal a selling club, a buying club or as some suggest a trading club? I believe they are a trading club.
That doesn't make AFC more ambitious, less ambitious, frugal or quick to make coin. That makes Arsenal a realistic buyer and seller in the current climate.
Now, all of that said, not all debt is bad debt. Paying 35m + X wages for a player of considerable talent can pay off in a team morale boost, talent and competitiveness. Add too many of those players and you can have too many cooks in the kitchen. The balance is ever so important and I trust Arsene to know what that balance is better than you or I; take a look at 03/04 as an example.
Will Arsenal dip into the deep coffers and overspend to get the players that are perceived as needed or will they continue on the road of buy cheap, sell expensive and constant turnover? The answers to those questions are going to be dictated by the results this year more than any other. When the answer comes, unless it comes with trophies, it won't please 100% of the fan base, some will be happy and others upset, that's the reality of the modern fan as well.
These questions then lead to the ever important personnel issue. Have the additions and departures to AFC this summer thus far been good for the team?
Sales/Purchases
Let's make this simple;
Podolski: Experienced, technically proficient player. He is already making adjustments to his game to suit AFC play.
Giroud: Raw, talented and made for EPL play. Will take time adjust but likely to pay off huge.
Cazorla: Already plays like he was brought up in the system.
RvP: AFC waited patiently for 6 1/2 years for him to be a consistent player. The last 18 months he was made the center of the offensive attack, and whilst finally staying healthy he delivered. Does he repay this patience? Nope. He buggers off at the first opportunity. To me this was a good sale. Better to get 24m now than nothing later.
Song: Good player, never played his position as needed, helped a great deal going forward, hurt a great deal defending, a double-edged sword. Can't say I am sorry to see him go as I have called for it or a defensive replacement to allow him to go forward for quite some time. He’s already keeping the bench warm at FCB already, amazing.
Sahin: The truth? Sahin wanted to stay at RMFC this year. Mou wanted him to get playing time. Sahin chose Arsenal after a Wenger call. AFC then decided to try to make the loan into a permanent deal based on the fees that were to be paid. What was an already agreed upon loan deal was turned sideways. Sahin and Real Madrid decided that going to LFC made more sense as both club and player wanted a reunion at the end of the year. Nothing complicated or sinister, just bad timing and bad information passed on by many parties.
Lansbury: Bad deal for me. He never got a chance to show what he had at AFC. He gets no chance and Ramsey gets a million. Not what many of us expected.
Theo: One has to make a true evaluation; Theo is a work in progress that no one knows will pay off. Does AFC bail now after 5 years or continue the work? We shall see.
Departures: We are all waiting on NB52, Chamakh, Arshavin, Park, Squillaci to be sent packing, looking unlikely with each passing day.
Arrivals: Unless some of these departures happen, arrivals will be tough. But a DM and a DEF player are likely. A ST will come in IF Arsenal can move theirs.
So, AFC rid themselves of players that were unhappy, ungrateful or unwilling to look at the big picture and replaced them with players that WANT to be at AFC...not a bad deal in my view. The fact is the club replaced a squad full of champions and competitors with spoiled kids. The young replacements were not ready and given too much pay and responsibility for it to never end any other way other than how it has. That is Wenger's fault, and it was a direct result of having to pay for the Emirates and changing the spending philosophy to maximize profit, the board's new priority. Enough blame to go around. BUT...
As long as Arsenal continue to bring in a mix of youth and experience and the correct type of characters that want to accomplish something AT the club instead of using the club to transition, the Gunners will be just fine.
Season Results
Given the two results thus far this year and hearing how fans have reacted you would think Arsenal are set for relegation, again. I say again because this sounds so familiar. Remember last year after 7 matches when at 7 points most said AFC were destined for the bottom half of the table and possibly relegation. Oops, that didn't work out for them did it?
Listen, last year at this time the club had departures, a horrible chemistry with attitude issues and a horrific back line. This year AFC dominated the two first matches, the defense has been great and only the lack of play time together has kept AFC from 6 points instead of the current 2. Things are looking bright for the club, a couple more additions and some consistency in the line-ups as we had only once last year (the run of matches where we beat Milan, 5PUR2, Citeh, etc) and our trophy drought is well on its way to being a thing of the past.
I blame the board, Wenger but most of all the players for where AFC are right now. There are no innocent parties in this. It is a team effort when AFC wins and it is a team effort to lose as well. We as fans can't have it both ways. Arsene can't be a genius at spotting talent, then be blameless when that talent goes rogue. We can't love the players then blame Wenger when those players grow to prefer money over the club, no way for him to know that beforehand...as I said before plenty of blame to go around.
We have to go back to basics Gooners. Support and love the CLUB, cheer the players and realize that it is never as bad or as good as the media, AKB, WOB, etc. want you to think it is. The reality is we support an elite club with small club values, embrace it. If you can't, there will be more disappointment coming. If you can embrace it and have done, you know Arsenal are leading a charge to go back top and most certainly not lagging behind.
Good days ahead, you have to believe that, or what's the point of support?
COYG!
Fancy writing your own articles for fellow Gooners to read? Click Your Vision section.
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30-Aug-2012 18:08 | | Ben - Bang OnTotally agree with all said above, however what the hell is with selling song so cheaply?? M'Villa is rated at £17.5 m, and we cant even get him (who i doubt is as good all-round) as Song, for the fee we received. Think we could have got at least £25m for Song, or a player exchange, as well as a future friendly game at the emirates (i.e. extra ticket revenues).
In regards to Landsbury, I believe we have a good buy-back clause in the sale conditions, so that could help, and whilst I believe Ramsey hasnt come back or developed as well as he should have, I doubt Lansbury could have made much of an impact in our midfield (Arteta, the Ox, Cazorla, Diaby, Whilshire, Rosicky, Frinmpong, Cocqueline, Ramsey etc - all fighting for 3 places, other than those who can play on the wings or defence)
Additionally, I think we urgently need a 2nd right back, sagna is reaching 30, and had a double leg-break. Jenkinson is for the future, and is also very versatile, so can play all over the pitch - would love to see a versatile defender brought who could play in all 4 defensive positions (and maybe even as a defensive mid), as it gives us options and flexibility, and cover when injuries/fatigue kick in
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30-Aug-2012 18:56 | | Orphil MandyWhether we like it or not, AFC is becoming an also-ran club. AW and Arsenal Board are fast losing touch with today's reality. Who is a faithful player in today's market? The reason, Messi, Ronaldo, Chelsea, Manu and Mancity players cannot be prized away from their clubs is that they are well paid and there are no many clubs that can pay them such huge salaries. Consequently, they give their best on the pitch. AW buys cheap, haggles a lot and disparages players and when such players face Arsenal, they try to show the club what they miss in him. AW cannot be the only wise or economics-driven manager. His duty is to win laurels and not to economise on players. Would he survive in any top club all these years he hasn't won anything. Arsenal has become too complacent with AW with the result that he is feeling indispensable. He doesn't care a damn about the fans' feelings. He doesn't even care about the players' feelings. Does he think his players are happy to see their mates go to greener pastures? What makes him think that Carzola, Podoski, Giroud, AOC, etc wont be prized away by Man City, ManU or the other ambitious clubs that are ready to pay them more than twice what Arsenal is paying them? In short, both the club and the manager have no ambition beyond gaining a top 4 position that guarantees European championship. AW's managerial style and player approach can be frustrating. To be sure, this year will be another trophyless season. There is no evidence that AW wants to win something. Even his body language lends credence to his lack of ambition.
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30-Aug-2012 19:26 | | HassocksGooner - A nice (and much needed) dollop of realismWell it was worth waiting for your post! A succinct analysis of our current situation. Yes we are an elite club with small club values and I for one applaud that approach. But one area you did not explore in this post was the impending FFP rules which could if they are fully followed through, put AFC in a very strong position in the next few years. I believe that this is possibly the biggest thing is at the front of Wengers (and the boards) minds in developing the club in the long term. I for one would be interested in AVision providing a thorough analysis of this area!
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30-Aug-2012 19:32 | | Fatso"This year AFC dominated the two first matches, the defense has been great and only the lack of play time together has kept AFC from 6 points instead of the current 2."
Why has the defence been great?
"People will point out that we haven't scored yet and I cannot deny that. But we played against two teams who defend very well as a unit and overall I still believe we can be a contender in this championship." - Wenger
Because we played against defensive teams? Let's wait and see until we play against the likes of Man City, Man U, Liverpool, ...
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30-Aug-2012 20:04 | | craig - the dark tunnelfatso, well put my friend. wenger's quote shows how out of touch he really is.
hassocksgooner- yet another AKB who raises FFF as the holy grail. FFF will not make any difference and won't stop Man City and Chelsea and PSG etc spending cos Platini has no balls. He will not enforce action or penalties which will harm the european elite- it's not in his interest to do so. In a few years time, we'll all look back and mock FFF and those who believe it will be Arsene's saviour.
IAWR.
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30-Aug-2012 20:05 | | nattyThe team has been poorly coached for several years now. The way forward; bring in Denis with a young team of coaches, fresh ideas.
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30-Aug-2012 22:58 | | Sambo A M - Wenger & AFC bourd are tradersHow can wenger & bourd sell the presence of fabrigas, nasri, clichy,v/p & song within a year without good replacement. Ordinarily afc suppose 2 add 2 the esisting players for inprovement instead of selling and buying players that are not upto them for them 2 mature in the future for sell. Therefore, base on the above analysis & for afc bag any throphy in the future they have 2 stop commercialisation of players or they will cotinue 2 have arsenal players going 2 club after been improved.
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31-Aug-2012 00:19 | | WellingGoonerCould not have said it better my self. Probably the best blog piece i have read in quite some time. That's saying a lot given the extensive network of AFC bloggers out there. Keep up the good work.
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31-Aug-2012 06:19 | | craig - the dark tunnelDeja vu anyone? Whilst we can only wait to see what happens over the next few hours as far as transfers are concerned, questions need to be asked about another poorly planned summer. All the AKB's got excited by the Podolski signing. They believed the lies and claims that we were to do our business early. We ignore players in their last year of contract and take a massive gamble that they'll want to sign a new contract for less money they can get elsewhere. Theo will bank a free transfer next year.
Talk this morning that the deadwood players stilll can't be sold and more loan deals being mooted.
More talk of last minute panic buys and season long loan deals.
IAWR
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31-Aug-2012 06:31 | | paspartuWe ignore players in their last year of contract
LOL ..i think youll find they are the ones ignoring the manager club and fans who helped them on their way to establish themselves in their fottball careers....
we owe them nothing..they owe us everything theyve got..well not arsenal really..they mostly owe wenger..
talk this morning about you being full of shit again...one of my favourite subjects..lets see you last the distance for once huh....
hahah muppet
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31-Aug-2012 06:32 | | paspartucome on its only been ten minutes ..you cant be that far ...
talk to me... tell me about your arsenal frustrations ..i can help you out
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31-Aug-2012 06:47 | | paspartu - the dark tunnel is how we call your mom down at thwe put it in and we never see it again ...it gets lost in the dark abbyss of that place that spat you out .....
ahahahahahahah you scum troll..... maybe youre one of wenger;s bastards he had in on of them asia tours..that explains things
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31-Aug-2012 06:50 | | craig - the dark tunnelWell put sambo a m. Unfortunately we are suffering from Wengers desire to raise money and lack of ambition.
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31-Aug-2012 06:56 | | craig - the dark tunnel“Getting our injured players back is the best way for us to strengthen the squad"- quote from Wenger. Says it all really.
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31-Aug-2012 10:13 | | Spectrum - What a load of bollocks.From the article above ; "Remember last year after 7 matches when at 7 points most said AFC were destined for the bottom half of the table and possibly relegation. Oops, that didn't work out for them did it? "
"That didn't work out for them did it "? - Ha-ha. You have to admire A.K.B.'s. They habitually attempt to turn a glaring negative into a perceived positive. And they conveniently leave out the context and perspective - always a giveaway. They zoomed in on our "magnificent climb up the table" without ever questioning THE REASON why we had seven points after seven matches to begin with ! Of course the realists know why. The A.K.B.'s still don't grasp it though.
The article boiled down to three things. Basically the things Wenger's mindless followers invariably rely on ; trust, hope, and misplaced optimism. Add a generous dollop of denial, mix in some unrealistic fantasy, and top off nicely with the customary appeal to club patriotism. Stirring stuff.
Did manage to get one aspect right, however ; "The reality is we support an elite club with small club values".....yeah, and that's what's contributed to our woes. Small club values ( i.e. mentality ) are the reason why Van Persie wanted out, and Cesc, Nasri and Clichy before him. And he wants us to "embrace it " ??? l.o.l. "Embrace it.... ....and you know Arsenal are leading a charge to go back top and most certainly not lagging behind." What world do these guys live in ? Disney World most likely.
"Good days ahead, you have to believe that, or what's the point of support? "....There's that hope and misplaced optimism again. Good days ahead will only materialise when the club's ( board's ) policies and priorities CHANGE, not by "supporting" them as they ARE. And when we get a tough, no nonsense tactical coach who can motivate and inspire the team. One for example, who doesn't reward mediocrity with new contracts ( e.g. Walcott ) , whilst selling off our best players to our main rivals, and calling it "good business". Who claims to have learnt his lessons from last year's transfer fiasco, yet procrastinates for so long that we're 24 hours away from the next transfer deadline, and we still need a full back, defensive midfielder, striker, and back up goalkeeper.
You can hear him now on Arsenal.con - "We searched very hard, but couldn't find anyone of the right quality ( meaning a knock down price ), and we ran out of time. But having our injured players back will be like having new signings ". ( And the A.K.B.'s lap it up ).
Well Arsene, we'll remind you of that when we get MORE injuries, and we have to scrape the bottom of the barrel of an understrength squad because you neglected your duty to the team in order to save a few quid.
"IAWR"
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31-Aug-2012 12:12 | | craig - the dark tunnelTRANSFER DEADLINE DAY SHOCKER!!
rumours are emerging that the FA are to charge AFC and AW. They claim that arsenal season tickets holders were mis-sold their tickets on the false assumption that they would a) see entertaining football and b) challenge for trophies.
The FA have cited that AW has mis-led gooners with false promises all summer long. Ivan Gazidis is also charged with charging Champions League prices for a Championship quality team. Watch this space for more news as it happens.......
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31-Aug-2012 12:45 | | Spectrum - That can't be right.....Craig - "AW has mis-led gooners with false promises all summer long". That can't be OUR A.W. Must be an imposter. The REAL A.W. has been misleading gooners for the last eight summers, not just this one. Bloody media. You can't trust 'em to print the truth about our club, can you ?
"IAWR"
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31-Aug-2012 14:43 | | Man United Killer - Big JokeArsene is a Joke!He claims he will only sign when he finds 'quallity quality quality special' players? What the heck?Arsene is the only manager who has trouble finding 'special' players during the transfer season.
Good luck to anyone waiting on Financial Fair Play rules.They really must be taking their dope religiously.
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31-Aug-2012 14:49 | | Spectrum( "Le Grove" )
BREAKING NEWS
At exactly 11pm tonight all Arsenal fans who renewed their season tickets on the back of the Cazorla, Podolski and Giroud signings, will receive a complementary “Arsenal Mug” signed personally by Stan Kroenke.
"IAWR"
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31-Aug-2012 15:08 | | SpectrumKiller - Nice to have your company.
“We’ve been given word that, as things stand, it is unlikely there will be any major arrivals at Arsenal before the transfer deadline” – B.B.C.
Yes, Arsene is so incredibly unlucky in the transfer market. So incredibly difficult for him to find "top, top, top players" or even just top players. The poor dear has only had all summer after all. Just about ALL the names we've been linked with have mysteriously failed to sign for us. Now we're scrambling around on the very last day, desperately trying to sign players on loan. Loan, F.F.S. ? What's happened to the cash we've banked ? Why can't we BUY instead of loan ? I think we know the answer to that.
What an utter farce we are.
"IAWR"
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31-Aug-2012 15:46 | | paspartuwhat is this ? lol ....spectrum looking for reasons why the team had a bad start last season ? you must be really thick or blind .....a team called barcelona came and stole the playmaker that the manager was developing the last 7 years....and there was the small matter of cl qualification and the 30 m jackpot to be addressed ..so yeah i suppose two three fixtures in the epl were sacrificed ...rocket science innit ? huh ....
as for this comment about small club ..when was arsenal big like madrid barca milan and the rest ? oh thats right ..NEVER ...only with wenger has this club reached a level close to theirs
dont slag of your father who built you your home or youll end up an orphan like them tw@ts in whl begging the government to house them in wembley or the olympic venue ...hahahahaha
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31-Aug-2012 15:55 | | paspartuas for turning negatives into positives ..LOL.. you are the ones trying to paint a miserable picture about arsenal.
the club is in a great position ..in fact the best it has ever been in its entire history in terms of structure, organisation, facilities, assets as well as a continuous run in top4 domestically and top16 europe....
such things did not exist at arsenal prior to wenger
trophies with unbeaten records and european finals and players like henry fabregas not to mention wengerball etc are a luxury for what arsenal used to be..........mate
so stick to your fish and chips yeah and put lots of vinegar ....
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31-Aug-2012 21:52 | | Man United Killer - UnbelievableSpectrum,good to see you again.Sadly not under pleasant circumstances-as if that is not the norm.I am not sure what Wenger expects to achieve with a squad like this?Oh!4th place!That is the Arsenal trophy.I will eat my hat if we win that trophy.What a load of nonsense.
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02-Sep-2012 06:40 | | craig - the dark tunnelBeen lots of talk about clean sheets but today is the first time we play a top 8 team with a stronger attacking force.
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02-Sep-2012 08:12 | | Man United KillerHi Craig. I think we have a good chance against the pool. We have a strong team. What do you think?
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02-Sep-2012 09:18 | | craig - the dark tunnelSure, the strongest we've had for many seasons. Joking aside, a 1-1 draw.
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02-Sep-2012 14:25 | | paspartuLOL CRAIG ...nice predictions there ..mug
please give us a prediction before every game
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02-Sep-2012 15:01 | | ChippyPanArsene OUT!!!!!
Only an idiot would keep faith with the likes of Diaby!
And saying things like "Getting our injured players back is the best way for us to strengthen the squad."
Says it all, really.
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03-Sep-2012 22:12 | | REAL Man United Killer - How many people want to be me????"Hi Craig. I think we have a good chance against the pool. We have a strong team. What do you think?" This comment was not mine.This AKB Imposter ought to fess up.
Craig,hind sight is always 20-20.As the REAL MUK, I would have said I didnt expect us to win.I dont think our squad is strong enough to even make 4th.But that was a more than decent performance.The real strength of our squad will be apparent after 10 more games.
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03-Sep-2012 22:59 | | paspartucraig - the dark tunnel
its ok boy the 24 hrs have passed, you can crawl out that dark tunnel of yours...must be a weird sight for your parents wathcing you sticking your head up your @rse for a whole day .....rise my dark knight rise...dont stay too much in the darkness...its shit there...full of fear and weakness...
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04-Sep-2012 16:30 | | jose ntambwe - Arsenal is a selling clubWow let me say well done this article was good but on the point of Lansbury I don't agree with you bcos this guy is just not good enough one things that I AGREE is oh yes it's good to buy make money out of those players. we need to come to term of acepting that AFC ambition is to be in top 4 only,also AFC board know that they are happy with that
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11-Sep-2012 21:33 | | craig - the dark tunnelAnyone else notice that uefa failed to list chelsea or psg or man city in their dreaded FFP list of offending clubs. Thoughts anyone?
Also, I read that the uefa FFP rules allow clubs to spread transfer fees over the course of a players contract. So a player signed for 20 million over 4 years only 'costs' the club 5 million per season/year. Does anyone else know if this is the case???
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12-Sep-2012 10:28 | | paspartuATTENTION , ACHTUNG BITTE ACHTUNG ...
it has come to my attention that none of you fine members of this site is replying to our resident gimp craig....
please have a heart ..... the boy;s cndition is critical....the poor thing is in a dark tunnel his whole life munching on prozak and lexotanyls and comes here to shed some light in his miserable daily routine ...so do him a favour and stop ignoring him please.....dont single him out ....embrace him in the family ...
puahahahhahah i couldnt resist
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12-Sep-2012 14:33 | | Sydney GoonerSettle down now pas you don't want to be inflicting salt to a wound.
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12-Sep-2012 19:35 | | craig - the dark tunnelI find it interesting that the AKB's are unable to comment on UEFA's FFP announcement yesterday.
IAWR
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12-Sep-2012 19:35 | | craig - the dark tunneloh no, Giroud getting booed off by the French. The poor guy's confidence is going to be rock bottom. Drogba rumours also wont help. Sure hope he hits the back of the net soon before he turns into Chamakh part two.
IAWR
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12-Sep-2012 21:46 | | Anonymousbut look sydney he has replied two times already without anyone speaking to him ... lmao.....
you reckon he is a bit fucked in the head ?
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12-Sep-2012 22:07 | | Gooner80Hi everyone, hope you are all doing swell.
I wanted to come and find craig and Speccy as they are probably still feeling a little down about the Liverpool result (hence the reference to Giroud being booed as a pick me up)
I wanted to share the news that Arsene Wenger is being offered a deal to become one of the highest paid managers in the world to stay on even longer at Arsenal.
Hahahaha stick that in your pipe and smoke it. At least you have a reason to exist. You can continue to write daily about how much you hate the Arsenal manager. We all need that get up and go, hopefully you've got that for a number of years yet.
Hahahaha
ONE ARSENE WENGER, THERE'S ONLY ONE ARSENE WENGER!
ONE ARSENE WENGER!
THERE'S ONLY ONE ARSENE WENGER!
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13-Sep-2012 05:35 | | craig - the dark tunnelHi Gooner80, my post about Giroud was not having a go at the fella. Just concerned about his mindset. No point trying to twist it into something else.
IAWR
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13-Sep-2012 05:38 | | craig - the dark tunnelAlso, whether Wenger stays this season or ten more (god help us), I will support Arsenal. Just can't support the man who has no ambition left and is dragging the club down. The silver lining is that there will always be life after Wenger.
IAWR
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13-Sep-2012 05:39 | | craig - the dark tunnelGooner80, as you are one of the few AKB's left who visit this site or bother to post, lets have your thoughts on FFP?
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13-Sep-2012 11:10 | | Sydney Gooner - This is by Ed002 from arsenalrumours.comThe Demystification of the Financial Fair Play Rules (FFPR)
Introduction
I will try and simplify and summarise the FFPR and give examples where I can.
Putting aside all of the "mother country" fluff, the fundamental purpose of the FFPR is to:
(1) Ensure that clubs are operating within their means with transparent financial reporting. Example: Arsenal has debt which they can manage from the money they make as a club (good). Anzhi has a very low turnover given the amount of money they spend on players through donations from wealthy owners (bad).
(2) Protect creditors. Example: When Portsmouth went bust they owed money for players (the extreme case being Glen Johnson who had moved to Liverpool but Portsmouth still owed Chelsea for), money to local businesses (tradesmen who had worked at the ground, newsagents etc.), utility companies, the police et al (bad).
(3) Encourage responsible spending. Example: Liverpool under Hicks and Gillett borrowed money against the value of the club in order to buy players (bad).
(4) Protect the long-term viability of European club football. Example: They want to avoid the scenario of clubs entering administration or going out of business.
The FFPR apply to all UEFA club competitions and will actively come in to force from the end of June 2014 taking account of the financial monitoring period (the season just finished) and the two prior reporting periods (the two seasons before that). So when they first start, the FFPR will look at the 2013/2014 returns, and they will give consideration to the 2011/12 and 2012/13 figures.
I should make clear that it is not the full accounts of a club that are being considered, but just the "relevant" income and the "relevant" expenses. "Excluded" expenses are critical to the FFPR calculations. To this end, all clubs will need to effectively produce two sets of accounts. An audited set which are provided to Companies House and the relevant revenue organisations, and a second audited return laying out the "relevant" income and the "relevant" expenses for the purpose of the FFPR.
Relevant Income
(1) Match day gate receipts. Example: The money made by the club from paying fans attending games. This includes income from cup games when played away from home – where a proportion of the gate money goes to the away side.
(2) Broadcasting rights. Example: Television income for games, money provided for radio broadcasting.
(3) Income from commercial activities. Example: Sales of bobble hats and rattles, club shop income, licensed income (e.g. DVD sales). In the future you can expect to see income from other media (e.g. streaming of games on a pay-per-view basis to the web and phones) increase.
(4) Prize money. Example: income from the Premier League, Champions League etc..
(5) Sponsorship. Example: Shirt sponsors (Standard Chartered, Samsung etc.), shirt manufactures (Adidas, Warrior etc.).
(6) Advertising. Example: Companies who buy time on video screens during games or hoardings at the stadium.
(7) Other operating income. Example: Payments made to a club for playing friendly matches in the Far East.
( Income from transfers: Example: All income from the sale of a player regardless of payment being due to previous clubs, the player himself etc. as they are allowable expenses which will later be deducted.
(9) Excess proceeds on the sale of tangible fixed assets. Example: The money Arsenal from converting part of Highbury in to apartments and selling them.
(10) Other income: Example: Interest on investments.
Relevant Expenses
(1) The costs of running the business (confusingly referred to as "the cost of sales" by accountants etc.). Example: Wages, ground maintenance, lighting, telephones, IT equipment, travel costs, policing costs etc..
(2) Employee related benefits and associated costs. Example: Costs of providing insurance, dental care, medical, employer NI contribution, housing, loyalty bonuses etc..
(3) Other operating expenses. Example: Payments for advertising, legal fees, agent fees, accounting fees, payments to players in relation to transfers, payments to player's previous clubs, etc..
(4) Amortisation or transfer costs. Example: The total amount of money paid to another club to transfer a player or, if a club decides to do so, the amortised cost for that year (where a club is spreading the cost of the transfer out over the length of his contract for accounting purposes).
(5) Finance costs. Example: Bank charges, interest on loans etc..
(6) Dividends. Example: The owners may take a dividend from the profits a club makes as income.
Excluded Expenses
(1) Depreciation of tangible fixed assets. Example: The loss, if any, in value of the stadium, cars, IT equipment etc..
(2) Costs associated with the intangible fixed assets (other than player registrations). Example: goodwill, franchises, trademarks, copyrights etc..
(3) Expenditure on youth development activities. Example: All youth development expenses (housing, schooling, travel, medical etc.) are excluded from the calculations.
(4) Community development activities. Example: Outreach programmes, donations to the local community and charities, provision of equipment etc..
(5) Tax expenses. Example: Monies paid to the Inland Revenue, VAT etc..
(6) Finance costs related to construction of tangible fixed assets. Example: The interest on the £300M loan to build a new stadium.
(7) Interest payments on old loans (pre June 1, 2011). Example: Any interest due on a loan taken out for whatever purpose before June 1, 2011 is excluded from the calculations.
( Certain expenses from non-football operations. Example: This does not really apply to British clubs, but in other European countries clubs are often "sporting clubs" and have basketball, football, hockey team etc. all under one business.
The Calculation
FFPR calculates from a club's "relevant" income and the "relevant" expenses whether the club is running at a surplus (profit) or deficit (loss) within a Monitoring Period (e.g. 2013/14). From this the FFPR decides if a club has met the "break even" requirement or not. This is not met if the "relevant" expenses exceed the "relevant" income by more than 5M euros (an acceptable deviation).
If the club exceeds this acceptable deviation, the owners of a club may contribute toward correcting it to a maximum of 45M euro over a rolling three year period (30M euro from 2015/16 on). Example: If Club X made a loss of 50M euro in 2013/14 due to the purchase of players, the calculation will ignore the first 5M euro and assume an owner contribution of 45M euro and there would not be an issue. However, for the two years following, there would be no allowable owner contribution as the full allocation had been used. If Club Y made a loss of 30M euro in 2013/14 due to the purchase of players, the calculation will ignore the first 5M euro and assume an owner contribution of 25M euro and there would not be an issue. But in this case, for the two years following, there would still be 20M euro allowable as owner contribution to cover further losses.
The Punishment
The Threat: If a club has been determined to have violated the "break even" requirement for a season it may be excluded from the next season's UEFA competitions.
Likely Situation: If a club can show it has been moving in the right direction and doing what it can to overcome financial issues, perhaps brought on by a recession (e.g. in Spain) then I would expect a strongly worded letter as a warning. Perhaps by then end of the 2016/2017 season, If a club has been determined to have violated the "break even" requirement for several seasons then it may be excluded from the next season's UEFA competitions.
UEFA are willing to make some exceptions to the rule and have already said they will consider:
(1) The quantum and trend of the break even result. Example: Chelsea has spent a lot this summer rebuilding an aging squad, so even with considerable additional income from winning the Champions League it could violate the "break even" requirement. However, spending less next season will show the club moving in the right direction. Expect a strongly worded letter in a couple of years time.
(2) Debt situation. Example: A possible "get out" for Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United should they have a bad season and need to violate the "break even" requirement. Consideration will be given to the existing debt and the ability of the clubs to service that debt. The trend of the debt reducing and an excuse of "one bad season" and "need to rebuild the team" would likely result in a slapped wrist.
(3) Fluctuating exchange rates. Example: All non eurozone countries need to report the FFPR figures in euros which could fluctuate due to the exchange rate, whereas a number of the UEFA figures are fixed amounts (e.g. the 5M euro acceptable deviation).
(4) Projected figures. Example: UEFA will allow clubs to show that they are moving in the right direction if they provide projected figures showing that the "break even" requirement will be met in the following season.
(5) Force majeure. Example: Any extraordinary events or situation arising that is beyond the club's control will be taken in to account.
(6) Until then end of 2014/15 only - Ongoing reductions in wage costs. UEFA will be flexible over the "break even" requirement if a club can show that their wage bill has been reducing and with the exclusion of wages of players signed before June 1, 2010 they would have met the "break even" requirement. Example: An escape route for the likes of Chelsea prior to this season with Drogba, Anelka, Bosingwa, Kalou, Cech, Terry, Lampard etc. wages excluded from the calculations. A possible future escape route for the likes of Barcelona.
The Issues
There are a number of matters that UEFA still need to figure out and a number of concerns that certain clubs and certain national associations have. Off the top of my head:
(1) Loopholes: Whilst UEFA has done what it can to block any potential "loopholes" it is well aware that exclusion of wages for players signed before June 2010 is one it has introduced itself, and one that will be popular with the higher paying clubs as a short term escape route through to the summer of 2015. The matters of excessive sponsorship will be addressed via a cap to thwart the concerns over the likes of Manchester City abusing the rules. The cap has yet to be finalised but will require ratification.
(2) Soft Sponsorship: UEFA are concerned at the aggressive approach to obtaining sponsorship some clubs are taking. Questions are being asked about the ethics in clubs having airline travel partners, photocopier partners etc.. The Spanish clubs have raised this as a concern.
(3) National Sponsorship Variations: As we have seen tobacco sponsorship leave Formula 1 UEFA would like to see alcohol sponsorship out of football. We already have a situation where sponsorship by alcohol related businesses are forbidden in certain countries. Wealthy breweries are now focussing their sponsorship in other countries thereby creating a perceived imbalance in what income clubs are able to obtain in sponsorship. The French and Russian clubs have raised this as a concern.
(4) National Financial Distribution Variations: Concerns exist in countries where different models are used for distributing prize money, contributing to the grassroots game and distributing income from television and other media broadcasting. This led to an original request (rejected) from a number of clubs to restrict the FFPR to only the wealthiest of clubs, those with a turnover in excess of xM euros.
(5) National Taxation Variations: There is a considerable difference across UEFA nations in taxation, and this is seen to be reflected in the wages paid to players. The Spanish clubs have raised this as a concern.
(6) Third Party Ownership: Countries that allow third party ownership of players are seen to have a distinct advantage in being able to keep the costs of transfer fees low as they are only paying for a proportion of a player. The English clubs have raised this as a concern.
The Great Fear
Without going in to too much detail: (a) A number of clubs take the opportunity a once or twice a year to discuss various issues including changes in rules, television rights, the power of UEFA, exploitation issues for new technology streams, etc.. These discussions, the last of which were in late August, also always turn to the possibility and structure of a breakaway pan European league. Several are ex-G14 clubs, several are not, and some clubs decline involvement in such discussions. (b) The plan is that at some point a number of clubs would break away from their national leagues and UEFA. They accept that they would be banned from all existing club competition and the players would initially be banned from all FIFA competitions as well, but know that FIFA would be looking to negotiate in any case. It would be the end of UEFA in all probability and UEFA are very aware of this. It would also result in a restructuring of many of the national leagues. (c) The clubs would renegotiate their television rights, rights of distribution via other streams etc.. (d) It remains the greatest fear of UEFA and all major national authorities that one day this will happen.
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13-Sep-2012 11:13 | | Sydney GoonerMake of it what you will craig or is it Anonymous who replied on 12th September 21:46?
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13-Sep-2012 11:47 | | craig - the dark tunnelSydney, thanks for pasting someone else's work. Didn't really answer my question.
Update on Wenger contract talks. He quoted as saying "he's not in the mood" and said he'll renew depending on performance/results. So let's hope he is good for his word and not lying again.
IAWR.
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13-Sep-2012 14:23 | | paspartuput that in your pie and smoke it doom universe
"Arsene Wenger is the best thing that’s ever happened to Arsenal FC. The day he leaves the club will be the saddest day in Arsenal history. The man is a genius and absolute class. And I’m speaking as a supporter since the late 1950′s. Those who blame him for the recent lack of trophies need to wake up and realise we are battling against clubs funded by those with limitless supplies of money. Now that the visionary move to the Emirates is beginning to pay off, we will be better able to compete, and to do so with pride in our self sufficient financial position. How much sweeter will it be to win trophies the proper, decent Arsenal way than to buy them with tainted megabucks as other clubs have done?"
hey you there in the dark tunnel .....you copy ? mayday ..S.O.S ...a kid is lost in a dark tunnel ...acknowledge ...testing 1,2,3...do you copy ? anyone ? ....
haahahaaa..
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13-Sep-2012 15:15 | | Sydney GoonerCraig - What is it in your question doesn't that post from arsenalrumours.com answer exactly? Its probably the best explanation on FFP you can find considering how short it is. If you still don't understand read this http://swissramble.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/uefas-ffp-regulations-play- to-win.html
And unless I'm infringing on the rules of this blog by posting somebody else's post from another website who I clearly acknowledged (in which case I apologise to ML) I don't understand why you have a problem with whose work it is. After all you were the one with a question about FFP.
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13-Sep-2012 19:42 | | craig - the dark tunnelSydney, my point is simple. I just asked for your OWN opinion, not someone else's. If can't provide one of your own, that's fine.
IAWR
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14-Sep-2012 04:34 | | Sydney GoonerLook I honestly don't know if UEFA's FFP rules will work with the likes of Chelski, PSG and Zenit St Petersburg still embarking on spending sprees like there is no tomorrow but I do think we won't know if its a success or failure until 2015 at the earliest. Regardless we should be significantly stronger financially by then with new sponsorship deals coming in which I expect to give us an extra £40 Million+ to spend on transfers.
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14-Sep-2012 20:05 | | craig - the dark tunnelSydney, thanks for that. Interesting you make a lot of us being able to raise big money from new sponsorship deals. Surely a club lacking ambition and struggling as we have to finish anywhere near the title or winning a cup is going to affect our negiotiations?
IAWR
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15-Sep-2012 16:29 | | paspartuoh look 6-1 ..where is that chap hidding in the dark..anyone seen him ?
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15-Sep-2012 18:09 | | Gooner80The golden rule for doomers is, when there is nothing to bash the manager about.. steer clear of Arsenal websites.
Craig and Spectrum are consoling themselves somewhere.
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15-Sep-2012 18:17 | | Gooner80Here is my impersonation of Spectrum...
You AKB ( Arsenal ) fans are doing THAT supporting thing again when your team win. Arsenal SHOULD be expected to beat Southampton so I will no cheer or celebrate because I am a realist so enjoying Arsenal is not important. YOU SHOULD ONLY BE HAPPY WITH TROPHIES AND NOTHING ELSE.
Look at this great website www.ihatearsenalandwenger.com for a ( BALANCED ) view of the manager and all that is wrong with the club. Maybe you AKB's could learn how to hate the club you support.
Look at Mancini. He is a real manager who used his skills to win the PL. The amount spent on players had ABSOUTELY nothing to do with it.
IAWR (I am wanky rabbit)
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16-Sep-2012 03:49 | | Sydney GoonerCraig- If Ivan Gazidis, Tom Fox and the rest of the commercial team is doing its job properly regardless of our recent history of not winning anything we should still expect them to get us £50 Million+ a year from the new kit supplier and shirt sponsor deals. Don't forget we have an advantage in negotiations due to our continued presence in the Champions League as well which should definitely work to our advantage. Also I am quite confident that there are businesses throughout the world who would want to be associated with us because of the small matter of us being Arsenal Football Cub.
P.S Another great win which puts us in good stead for the Shitty game which I think we can get another win.
COYG
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16-Sep-2012 06:27 | | craig - the dark tunnelGreat result but let's remember it was southampton. Bottom of the table. Remember the 7-1 thrashing of Blackburn? That didn'tmean we were title winners and neither does yesterdays result. Perspective folks, perspective.
IAWR
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16-Sep-2012 08:20 | | Shogun - Craig is a funny rabit..lolYeah craig, it was just southampton, the very same suton that gave both the manchester clubs a run for their money -they actually did more than just give them a run for their money, they gave man u a real scare... But of course Arsenal trashing them 6 - 1[could have been more too] doesn't mean anything, does it? If it had been the other way round - arsenal coming from behind to beat them, and man u the ones that did the trashing- you would be in hear telling us how man u proves they genuine title contenders, and how arsenal are so unconvincing and how we would probably be relegated this season.
No body is talking about the title here; all we are saying is enjoy the Arsenal a game at a time, a simple concept, but i understand if you don't get it...you've been in the dark so long, and don't have enough sense to reach/find the light.
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16-Sep-2012 09:46 | | paspartuhahah gooner80 !!!! youve got talent !!!
this vengah chap is so clueless...he dont know shit...we should ve bought mvilla and cahill....arsene out ... podolski? what a waste of money.......and this short spannish guy we got .....such deadwood....
do you like my perspective ?
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16-Sep-2012 10:25 | | SpectrumShogun - A welcome ( though entirely expected ) win, the only surprise being the ease of it and the final scoreline. If we're going to apply the principle of "one game at a time" , then Southampton's performances against the Manchester teams, whist creditable to them at the time, should have no bearing on OUR match with them. It's a separate game, and should therefore be regarded as such. In THIS match they were the architects of their own downfall, as much as we dominated. Three points , but we were not really tested again in a hard fought battle. As Craig said, that is where the perspective came in.
The way the Saints players approached this encounter was not what their manager Nigel Adkins had in mind at the team talk. They didn't follow their game plan. The commentator on my stream informed us that they sat too deep, and allowed us way too much space, leaving Adkins furious. With the result that we ran rampant with all the room they gave us in which to make runs and passes. Consequently they were overwhelmed by us, and couldn't cope with our movement. So much so, that the first half was a one sided stroll in the park and shooting gallery combined, for us.
How different this was to the Sunderland and Stoke matches, ( where we struggled to break them down because they were much better organised and closed us down quicker ). In the second half, Adkins made them stick to the plan, they tightened up, and it became more of a match, rather than a cakewalk. By then it was too late, and the game was long lost for them.
This is not to say we didn't play well, we did - We exploited the space they gifted us to full effect, and the whole team played well except for Chesney. What a blunder that was. Everyone's entitled to a mistake though, as long as he doesn't make many more of them. Hard to pick out individuals for praise, as they all did well, even Gervinho had one of his better games.
The good thing is that Bould's defensive training has resulted in us getting a boost in confidence, and this is showing on the pitch. We are actually competing ( at the moment ) rather than pretending to. Let's hope it can last, because we always manage to sabotage ourselves and self destruct at some stage. Eight years of experience has taught us that *. *Well some of the more mature ones on here, anyway.
"IAWR"
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16-Sep-2012 10:45 | | MeanLean
It's amazing how rational and calm you are in victory yet so utterly irrational in defeat.
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16-Sep-2012 10:57 | | SpectrumAbout the Financial Fair Play rules - Wenger and the board are putting much stock in the hope that this will provide a more level playing field. Apart from the likelihood that clubs will find ways of circumventing them, as Sydney Gooner's article above mentioned - there is the "Great Fear " factor to consider. That is, if the bigger clubs ( and I hesitate to include Arsenal in with these ) don't like the new arrangements, they could simply decide to break away and form their own European Super League. Wouldn't that throw a spanner in the board's plans, A.K.B.'s ?
Arsenal would have the choice of sticking with their self sustaining principles crap, or take an "if you can't beat 'em join 'em" attitude and pull out of the E.P.L. too. Of course, that would make Kroenke, Gazidis & co. hypocrites if they chose that route. But they may HAVE TO, because all the big clubs ( and presumably we are a big club ? ) would attract all the revenue. And the remaining E.P.L. - minus the likes of Chelsea, City, United, and maybe Liverpool - would be of a much inferior standard. These breakaways DO occur. Remember the " World Series Cricket " competition that billionaire Kerry Packer formed in the seventies ? It revolutionised the game. If the European big boys did the same with football - it would be like "moving the goalposts", and Arsenal would be left high and dry, left behind to stay in a much devalued English league, or forced to join an EVEN WEALTHIER one than we have now !
What would you say then, A.K.B.'s ? Me - I'd be in hysterics. Laughing at the knots this pathetic board had tied themselves up in.
"IAWR"
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16-Sep-2012 11:08 | | SpectrumGooner 80 - "The golden rule for doomers is, when there is nothing to bash the manager about....." " WHEN " ? Oh so you're inferring that there actually ARE times when there IS something to bash the manager about ? Care to share with us what you think they are ?
In case your memory's gone mysteriously fuzzy, don't worry - you won't have long to wait to be reminded. Wenger's already working on new material. Watch this space.
"IAWR"
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16-Sep-2012 11:40 | | SpectrumMean Lean - It's amazing how utterly irrational A.K.B.'s are in ANY situation. ( Though you're not quite as bad as many on here ).
"IAWR"
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16-Sep-2012 11:44 | | SpectrumMean - I notice I don't have a "Reply " button or link to use. Just a " Send " . Is this by accident or design ? Just wondering, no big deal.....
"IAWR"
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16-Sep-2012 13:00 | | MeanLean"It's amazing how utterly irrational A.K.B.'s are in ANY situation. "
Do you think that it is unusual for a supporter of a club to be biased about their club? Obviously we are very different in that sense but it strikes me as the norm to be tribal about your club, manager and players.
The reply button was removed a while ago now.
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16-Sep-2012 17:59 | | paspartu"The way the Saints players approached this encounter was not what their manager Nigel Adkins had in mind at the team talk. They didn't follow their game plan."
and why the hell should we care if they implented their manager's approach or not ? what the f*ck do we care if they followed their plan or not? you blaming the soton players for not doing what the manager asked them to do? ...then how come you blame wenger when our players dont follow his plans ? double standards huh you little muppet ? hehe ..
its not like wenger had a game plan to let silly goals in in crucial matches, neither did he have any plans for robin and tomas to miss penalties that would give us points ....more like one of our players doing something totally stupid...yet you were blaming a person who wasnt even on the pitch, but on the bench.
what if...arsenal;s superiority didnt allow adkins players to implement whatever plan they had ? just saying you know .... lol .....you fucking clown coming here with your tiny little b*llocks...and your constant anti-wenger b/s...take 6 in the arse now and shhhh....
as for what has happened in the past 8 years and considering how much it has disappointed you, i would have expected you to look forward with positivity at the possibilities of competing and winning something instead of contantly being afraid that you will fail as you did in the previous 8 .......... but maybe , just maybe you'd prefer arsenal to dissapoint again so that you can attack wenger ..... weird huh ?
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16-Sep-2012 18:10 | | paspartu- Wenger and the board are putting much stock in the hope that this will provide a more level playing field.
riiiiiiiight...i take it you attended the meetings ...send us the memo wont you ?
and then the whole crap about world cricket series ...?...my oh my what has the 6-1 done to you kid ?
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An injury prone free youngster not good enough to be a world class player? The new diaby? 
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