What influenced you to support Arsenal?
Arsenal were the first real club I paid attention to on TV and magazines etc. And with the likes of Henry and Bergkamp playing in their prime at the time, I was inspired to play like them in the park with my friends. Also, with them situated in London it was an easily accesible ground for my Dad to take me there, even though he was a Leeds fan. The first football game I actually watched on TV was an Arsenal one as well, from the 02-03 sea-son.
Having been the architect of the modern Arsenal and bringing huge success to the club, Arsène Wenger has recently come under serious scrutiny as a result of 8 trophy-less years. As someone who has experienced Arsenal under Wenger for most of their life, how do you view the manager and is he still the right man for the job?
I am a Arséne Wenger man through and through, all my years of being an Arsenal sup-porter, Wenger has been there for each and every one. Every memory of Arsenal suc-cess of mine has him right at the centre of it. Yes the man can be frustrating at times, with stubborness around spending and tactics, but you can tell in recent times he is starting to evolve slightly around the modern game. Spending £42.5m on a player is an incredible feat. A lot of Gooners would have never thought they see the day that Arséne Wenger would spend such a staggering amount of money on a player. To add to that, he seems to be settling for lower wins a lot more now, closing out games rather than leaving ourselves exposed on the counter attack whilst going for an unnecessary extra goal, bringing on the likes of Monreal and Jenkinson in the wide positions, adding extra pro-tecting for the full backs. So all in all, I still believe that Wenger is the right man to guide this club forward to future success, in fact he probably knows this club better than all of us, he’s an Arsenal man and he loves this club as much as we do, not too mention it is very difficult to imagine a different man standing in the Arsenal dugout other than Wenger
As a young fan, what is your view on the Arsenal board (if any) and do you think it would be beneficial for there to be an injection of fresh, young blood?
I would love to see some fresh blood on the board, without being rude I think many of the members sell by date has passed long back. I have no idea who we could bring in, but I think it’s about time there was a fresh and ambitous driving force behind the scenes at Arsenal.
Are you happy with the way Arsenal do things or would you be in favour of a Manchester City-esque takeover if it all but guaranteed success?
I, along with many Arsenal fans, often brand the club Chelski as a club who have bought they’re success in their recent years, with chants such as “Where were you when you were sh*t?” often directed at them. Slagging the club and their fans off in the process. Admittedly, if it were to happen, it would be an extremely exciting time at the club and I’m sure the cash would be splashed about on world class players. But I’m not sure I’d be acceptant to it happening. Arsenal are a club of class who work towards their success rather than buying it, and for that reasoning I would be against it. However, I am all for an injection of new board members to drive the club in a bright direction.
Are you or would you consider becoming a member of a supporters’ group (e.g. AST) and why/why not?
Yes I am planning to become a member of an Arsenal supporters group, possibly the BSM or AST. But not yet, when I am older I will. I think it’s important for fans to express their views about the club as often as possible so that would be why I would join.
Are you generally optimistic or pessimistic when it comes to Arsenal and why?
I’m always optimistic, we’re the Arsenal! The greatest team the world has ever seen. We’re arguably the most exciting team to watch, even when we look like we’re down and out, we somehow manage to claw ourselves back into it!
Do you feel the Emirates Stadium lacks atmosphere? If so, what would you do to change/improve it?
As a ballboy, I seem to be right at the heart of the grounds atmosphere every game and it is clear to see that the atmosphere lacks a bit far too often. A little bit jaded as Arséne would say. Don’t get me wrong, the likes of the Clock End and North Bank, as well as blocks in the East Stand are fantastic, especially as the side are playing well right now. But I feel that a lot of season ticket holders in some blocks of the West Stand and East Stand are just far too lazy to chant and get behind the team. In due respect, it is their money they’ve spent on the ticket and they are allowed to do as they wish, but I really think that some members of the Emirates faithful need to get behind the team a bit more. I’d also like to mention how disgusted I am when I see stewards asking fans to sit down. Sit down! Sit Down! You shouldn’t have to sit down in a football stadium for gods sake. It’s a bloody football match.
What are your views on the season so far and do you think this will be the year Arsenal end the ‘trophy drought’?
This is our best chance we’ve had in a long time at a shot at the title and a shot at silver-ware. With the other top 4 clubs all changing managers in summer, it is crucial we capitalise on their inconsistency and cement a proper title shot. I’ve been rather impressed at our current form this year, we look good on the ball, moving it sweetly with a killer instinct that we’ve missed in recent seasons and more importantly we have been excellent at the back, our defensive record is improving and improving by the game.
If you could change one thing about Arsenal FC, what would it be and why?
As a Junior Gunner, it is nearly impossible for me to get hold of away tickets. So if I was to change one thing about the club it would have to be that a small allocation of away tickets would be available to the younger generation.
Finally, if you had to spend the rest of your life on a remote island with one Arsenal player who graced the red and white shirt in your lifetime, who would it be and why?
Being stuck on a remote island would be a rather depressing experience, being away from my family, my friends and The Arsenal would probably be close to killing me. So I’m going to need someone who can keep me cheerful and upbeat for the rest of my life. Only the king of Arsenal banter could keep me company…. Emmanuel Eboue. Eboue has been well know for being the funniest member in the Arsenal squad during his time at the club. His teammates have all said that Eboue is the heart of the humour in the changing rooms. I’m sure his bubble character and hilarious antics can keep me going during my time on the island.
