Tag Archives: Arsenal F.C. supporters

The Arsenal and Me – Danny’s Story

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Writing this as a 15 year old whom has grown up with first memories of watching the invincible’s, to the 07-08 and 10-11 teams (both whom in my opinion should of won the league) I sit here now wondering:

1) What has happened
2) What has caused it to happen
3) Why has it happened? Why our great club, why not that lot up the road, or Chelski?

My first Arsenal game was the final day of the 01-02 season, a 4-3 win v Everton, I remember a party scene and a stadium full of happy people, everybody looked out for each other around where my dad sat, and it was one big family. Now that seems to have disintegrated.

As we left Highbury when I was 7 I don’t have the best of memories of the 10+ games I went to, however I remember going to the final game of the unbeaten run, and going 1-0 down v Villa saw me panic, “dad whys this happening? We’re going to come back right” just the reaction a 6 year old would have, however everybody was calm and knew we’d come back ( we won 3-1) something you don’t get now, people panic at 1-0 up let alone 1-0 down.

I first started going consistently and my first full year was the 07-08 year (the year my dad says everything started going wrong) remembering some of the best football in the country being played, however I agree with my dad, since then, it’s all gone wrong.

I, a 15 year old can see problems that people that people in 5 or so seats around me cannot see, the club are feeding us lies, and I for one can’t see how people can believe it, and be okay with it.

One thing I will give the club credit for is its junior gunners system which keeps the young supporters connected with the players well, and it has introduced me to 4 best mates who I now go home and away week in week out with, as well as giving me the chance to meet the squad.

Writing this 1 day before the football season kicks off, I feel we have once again been lied to and are a laughing stock not buying anybody, but we can only hope we can bring in the signings to do the job.

Up the Arsenal

Danny

(Editors note – This was sent to us before the season kicked off)

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The Arsenal and Me – Lorraine’s Story

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On Friday 6th September I met with fellow Gooners @thearsenalhorse @gooner1947 and @grandpasnail to mark the Arsenals 100 years move from Woolwich to Highbury. We met at Dial Square restaurant in the grounds of the old Woolwich Arsenal and travelled to Highbury where we were lucky to gain access to the old Highbury ground.

It was with very mixed feelings as I walked in to where the old ground stood and I had goose pimples and a little shiver as I looked to where the old North Bank used to be.the memories came flooding back.

“We’re the North Bank we’re the North Bank we’re the North Bank Highbury”
“Good old Arsenal we’re proud to sing your name”
“One nil to the Arsenal”

I could shut my eyes and still hear it feel it and re-live it and it took me back to just over 40 years ago.

I was 15 and still at school when a friend said that she had a friend that also loved Arsenal and if I wanted we could meet and go to matches together. And so began a friendship based on the same passion; our love for the Arsenal. We went to both home and away matches (it was easy then you could just turn up on the day ) and we always went by whatever means we could.

We decided early on Boxing Day to go to Ipswich, however not knowing how to get there I asked my dad what motorway we would need to get to in order to hitch a lift. I can’t remember how we got to said motorway but clearly remember us both standing at the side of the road with our scarves and rattles and both our little thumbs waving hopefully.

It wasn’t too long before a van pulled over and Glory Days! It was a van full of lads going to the game “Get in girls we’ll take you ” and so we got in the back of the van which was loaded with beers and although we were not really drinkers I remember having one or two. They dutifully dropped us at the ground and said “meet us here after the match girls ans we will take you home”.

I can’t remember much about the match (score etc) but do remember a guy being kicked down the stairs by an over zealous steward for chanting something that nowadays no one would bat an eyelid at. Somehow we ended up on the supporters coach for the journey home which ended in a visit to Peter Storey’s pub so a very good day indeed!

Now here’s the thing; “Passion”. We travelled to Birmingham FC and as girls were welcomed with open arms into the Birmingham supporters clubhouse which really resembled little more than a Cub Scout hall just inside the ground. It was here that I met a very good looking boy called Archie never mind that he was a Birmingham supporter at 16 I was sure that it was love.

We kept in touch and he rang me and said that he had never been to London before and would love to see the sights.we agreed to meet at Waterloo station and I made a big effort to look my best.

When I turned up his face dropped as he looked at my attire “I’m Not Going To Arsenal” he said as he saw my red and white clothes and scarf. An hour later as we stood in the North Bank my eyes kept darting to the right of me at the extremely miserable and dejected look on Archie’s face but how could I miss my beloved Arsenal play?

I never saw Archie again. I’m afraid my passion for the Arsenal was greater than any good looking Birmingham fan – even poor Archie.

I have many more memories that I may share but I don’t want this to be too long. Nowadays I can only go to some games due to the exorbitant cost but at 56 years old always sing loud and proud as anyone on the Fulham boat trip with the Away Boys or North London Derby day at the Gunners pub will certainly vouch for!

My passion for The Arsenal has never diminished and I know that it never will.

Lorraine

If you would like to tell your Arsenal story, click here

The Arsenal and Me – Michael’s Story

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Just over a week ago, Arsenal signed Musut Özil and several hours before that ‘we beat the scum 1-0’ (Has a nice ring that, wonder if it can be made into a song?). I’m here at work on a warm Wednesday afternoon, just 48 hours after the signing, still glowing from an Arsenal double joy and reading the She Wore ‘Arsenal & Me’ blogs thinking ”I could have a bit of this blogging malarkey”. So here goes…

Do you really need to hear about my past credentials? I guess not, but it seems the standard. 

I grew in up Islington, born in ’79. My dad was the youngest of 8 children that grew up off Liverpool Road, Islington. He and his brother closest in age (my Uncle) used to frequent Highbury as children during the 1960’s mainly to watch the Liverpool’s, United’s & West Ham’s of the day. The latter my dad went on to later support and became a regular over Upton Park for many years. My uncle on the other hand was taken in by the Arsenal faithful and not looked back since.

So I could have been a Hammer but my dad did not force supporting them onto me…not even subliminally. (I tried to do the same for my children, not influencing them, but I just couldn’t do it. We have 2 more Gunners to the ranks!).

Thankfully I grew up a Gooner like my Uncle & the majority of the family.

An uncle on my mother’s side of the family took me too my first game – Arsenal vs Leicester 20th April 1987. It was towards the end of the season but I remember a lot of hype which centred upon on an Arsenal striker which had been bought earlier in that season but returned back to Leicester on loan. That striker was Alan Smith and it was a chance for us to see him up close. Arsenal won 4-1.

The season after that I slowly started to be a regular on the Clockend, aged 8 propped up against the terrace rails standing on my little red stall allowing me to see the game!
Did I pass the supporters test? Fuck it! Doesn’t matter in any case this will help as a back story to my ‘Me & my Arsenal story’.

“Marwood, Brian Marwood. Brian Marwood on the wing…..and in Goal?!” 

At the start of the famous 1989 season my dad put my name down to be an Arsenal mascot. Luckily my name was picked out of the hat and I was chosen. On the 1st October 1989 Tony Adams & I proudly lead the Arsenal team out onto the pitch. The fixture wasn’t at Highbury but instead at Upon Park against my dad’s West Ham. What mixed emotions my dad must have had.

In the summer before being mascot I got my first (full) kit for my birthday – The 1989 yellow & blue Adidas away top.

My mum did that thing that most mothers which is to write their child’s name on the inside of all their clothes. Fine, except she did it to my Arsenal socks and of course with all football socks you roll the tops down. So there I am at 10 years of age leading out the famous Arsenal Football Club with Big ‘Tone’ holding my hand yet as I look down to my feet staring back at me was my full name written on the outside of my socks! Pillock!

Half an hour or so before my mascot duties really started I was asked if I wanted to join the Junior Hammers boys & Girls out on the pitch. As much as I was bricking at that time it I accepted and shortly stepped out onto the pitch together with these other children in their West Ham tracksuits. We did several laps of the pitch as they advertised their Junior Hammer scheme holding a large ‘Join the Junior Hammers’ banner. As I approached what is now the Bobby Moore Stand, a chant started from the away end. Originally I didn’t catch it. One of the Junior Hammers turned to me and asked.

“Why didn’t you wave?” 
“Why? What did they sing? I didn’t hear it.” I replied

One lap later we got around to the travelling Gooner’s again but this time much louder and clearer to me I heard.

“Mascot! Gis’ a wave! Mascot! Mascot! Gis’ a wave!” Of course I waved which was matched by a gracious cheer. This carried on for each lap.

Forward on and Big Tone & I (with the name on my socks!) emerged from the tunnel & led the Arsenal team out onto the pitch. We applauded the entire crowd in the centre circle as is the Arsenal tradition for thanking the paying fans for attending and off I went to take pot shots at Johnny Lukic. I’d taken a few shots during the warm-up when all of a sudden Lukic disappeared back towards the tunnel. He’d forgotten his kit bag or towel. I’m now left on my own in the penalty area with an open goal but with no-one to kick to or pass with.

In steps my saviour – Mr Brian Marwood! Now sense would prevail as Marwood is a winger that we’d simply pass to each other. Not for the ‘Pro’ that is Marwood. “Right, I’m in goal lad!”

For what seemed to be the next 5 minutes, Arsenal and soon to be capped England international Brian Marwood is in goal saving shots from a 10 year old child at Upton Park.

Marwood in Goal

AMAZING!

Lukic later returned for a few more shots and Arsenal went on to win the match 4-1.
Thank you Brian for making my day magic!

If you’ve read this far thank you and my sincere apologies as you won’t get those 5 minutes back! If you read it and actually enjoyed it…Wow!

I’ve some more Arsenal related stories such as when I later worked in different roles & departments such as an YTS sports coach, turnstile operator, Box Office & Mail Order but I’ll save them for another time….maybe.

Up the Arsenal!

If you would like to tell your Arsenal story, click here