94: LU Arsenal Brigade

[Dragooner]

Henry actually recently publicly stated that Cesc was right and he was wrong. Cesc was convinced that Henry's departure wouldn't cause any commotion within the team. Henry thought otherwise but recently admitted to being wrong...

 

[Macca_]

Henry actually recently publicly stated that Cesc was right and he was wrong. Cesc was convinced that Henry's departure wouldn't cause any commotion within the team. Henry thought otherwise but recently admitted to being wrong...

Yeah I read a few of those articles.

Found it amusing as I thought about those that laughed at me when I said Arsenal would be a better team (from last season) without Henry. And haven't I been letting a few mates know about it

 

[Macca_]

Re those articles above, I have no doubt Wenger will one day be on the back room staff.

And the Cesc to 'insert Spainish team here' rumours will never go away. They will be about until he eventually, one day does head off to Spain. Assuming he does of course, but it will be no surprise if he does as he has stated he would like to play there again in his career. I don't believe it will be in the near future though.

 

[Macca_]

Take over not likely now... Not that it really was.

http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?...+board+announce+revised+'lock-down'+agreement

Annual General Meeting 2007

Arsenal board announce revised 'lock-down' agreement
By Richard Clarke

The Board of Arsenal Holdings plc have agreed a revision of the ‘lock-down agreement’ over any potential sale of their shares.

At Thursday’s AGM, chairman Peter Hill-Wood announced that Club directors would only sell their stake to “permitted persons” before April 2009 and had to give fellow board members ‘first-option’ until October 2012. However, there was a termination clause in the agreement in October 2010.

This replaces the existing deal which was due to expire in April 2008 and will be seen as another safe-guard against the possibility of a takeover.

Mr Hill-Wood said: “Members of the Board are committed long-term shareholders and to strengthen the current position they have entered into a new agreement which replaces the existing lock-down agreement which expires next April.

“Under the new agreement, the Board members have agreed not to dispose of any of their interests in the Club before 18 April 2009, other than to certain permitted persons such as close family. After that date, for the remainder of the term of the agreement, they can only sell their shares to another person if the other parties to the agreement do not wish to buy them. The agreement is for five years (until 18 October 2012), although it can be terminated early by the parties on its third anniversary (18 October 2010).”

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting held today at Emirates Stadium Peter Hill-Wood, Chairman of Arsenal said:

“We had a very successful financial performance over the past year. Together with our very promising start to the season, in which Arsène Wenger’s team has won 12 of our first 13 matches, we are all very encouraged with the current performances of our Club both on and off the field.

“There has been much recent media coverage surrounding the share ownership of the Group, following the arrival of two new major shareholders in the past year. I would like to take this opportunity to emphasise to all Shareholders that the Arsenal Board is committed to the principle of developing the long-term stability of the Club through maintaining a business that pays its own way. Members of the Board are committed long-term shareholders and to strengthen the current position they have entered into a new agreement which replaces the existing lock-down agreement which expires next April. Under the new agreement, the Board members have agreed not to dispose of any of their interests in the Club before 18 April 2009, other than to certain permitted persons such as close family. After that date, for the remainder of the term of the agreement, they can only sell their shares to another person if the other parties to the agreement do not wish to buy them. The agreement is for five years (until 18 October 2012), although it can be terminated early by the parties on its third anniversary (18 October 2010).

“We have reviewed our policy towards Shareholder benefits and we are delighted to announce the introduction of the following four Shareholder benefits:

* A question and answer session with Arsène Wenger at Emirates Stadium. This event, in which free refreshments will be on offer, will be limited to the first 600 shareholders to confirm their interest.

* A 10% discount to all Shareholders purchasing Club Level tickets at next season’s Emirates Cup.

* A 25% discount to all Shareholders signing up for Arsenal TV online.

* A priority booking system for all Shareholders for Members’ Day in July.
We are delighted to be able to offer our Shareholders these benefits and thank everyone for your continued support.

We will be writing to all Shareholders soon to explain these benefits in more detail.

[ Thursday, October 18, 2007]

How good is it to have a back room staff who not only know what they are doing, but love the club!

 

[Macca_]

http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?...e=Toure+and+Eboue+could+miss+10+Arsenal+games

Toure and Eboue could miss 10 Arsenal games
Arsenal could be without Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue for up to six weeks after Ivory Coast qualified for next year's African Cup of Nations.

The biennial competition will take place in Ghana from January 20 to February 10, 2008. The Elephants, beaten finalists in 2006, will be among the favourites to lift the trophy and are expected to include Toure and Eboue in their squad for the tournament.

The duo could miss as many as 10 Arsenal fixtures, depending on how early they join up with their national squad, how far Ivory Coast advance in Ghana and how well the Gunners fare in domestic cup competitions.

The absence of Toure and Eboue will be a blow to Arsène Wenger but the Frenchman can now call upon Emmanuel Adebayor during the tournament. Adebayor was expected to lead Togo's attack in Ghana but his country failed to qualify after losing their final group game in Mali.

Alex Song is also eligible for the tournament but has yet to break into the Cameroon national side.

The draw for the 2008 African Cup of Nations will take place on Friday, October 19. We will bring you all the Arsenal-related news from the tournament when it kicks off in January.

Out in Africa - the Arsenal games they could miss

January 1: Premier League - West Ham United (h)
January 5/6: FA Cup Third Round
January 9: Carling Cup Semi-Final first leg *
January 12: Premier League - Birmingham (h)
January 19: Premier League - Fulham (a)
January 23: Carling Cup Semi-Final second leg *
January 26/27: FA Cup Fourth Round *
January 29: Premier League - Newcastle (h)
February 2: Premier League - Manchester City (a)
February 9: Premier League - Blackburn (h)

* If Arsenal remain in the competition

[ Thursday, October 18, 2007]

Toure the issue. We'll be sweet as long as Gallas stays fit imo. Eboue not overly missed.

 

[Macca_]

How the lads went. Fingers crossed there's no niggling injuries and that RVP is ok.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Eduardo partner Adebayor vs Bolton even if RVP is ok. Extra few days off...

http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?...tle=Internationals:+Gallas+returns+for+France

Internationals: Gallas returns for France
Arsenal.com's International Watch reports back to base on those who have temporarily swapped the red of Arsenal for the colours of their national sides. Read on for the latest news on how they all got on...

William Gallas, Bacary Sagna, Lasanna Diarra
Faroe Islands 0-6 France, October 13, France 2-0 Lithuania, October 17
William Gallas made his return to competitive football since injuring his groin in August as France laboured to a 2-0 win over minnows Lithuania. Arsenal captain Gallas was joined in the team by summer signing Lassana Diarra (who was replaced after 69 minutes) while Bacary Sagna watched from the bench. Both goals came from Thierry Henry who is now Les Bleus’ all-time record goalscorer, having eclipsed Michel Platini’s record of 41. Only Sagna featured in France's game in the Faroe Islands.

Robin van Persie
Romania 1-0 Holland, October 13, Holland 2-0 Slovenia, October 17
Robin van Persie left the field injured on the hour mark as the Netherlands virtually ensured qualification to Euro 2008 with a 2-0 win over Slovenia. A Wesley Sneijder goal on 14 minutes settled any Dutch nerves after their defeat to Romania on the weekend, before Klaas Jan Huntelaar completed the scoring with two minutes remaining. The result means that Marco van Basten’s men need only to win in Luxembourg if they are to qualify for next year’s tournament. The striker had sat out as Holland lost on Saturday.

Lukasz Fabianski
Poland 3-1 Kazakhstan, October 13, Poland 0-1 Hungary, October 17
Lukasz Fabianski was handed a starting berth for Poland in their friendly with Hungary in Warsaw on Wednesday night. The stopper played well throughout but could do little to prevent Tamas Hajnal scoring the only goal of the game from the penalty spot on 80 minutes. The keeper watched from the bench on Saturday.

Cesc Fabregas
Denmark 1-3 Spain, October 13, Finland 0-0 Spain, October 17
Cesc Fabregas played for the final 17 minutes of Spain’s goaless draw with Finland on Wednesday night. The game was a celebration of 100 years of the Finnish Football Association but neither side could find a goal, thanks largely to the returning Antti Niemi. The Finnish stopper was playing for his country for the first time after a three-year absence. He was also a part of the team that won 3-1 in Denmark.

Nicklas Bendtner
Denmark 1-3 Spain, October 13, Denmark 3-1 Latvia, Ocotber 17
Nicklas Bendtner played from start to finish as Denmark put three past Latvia to keep their Euro 2008 hopes alive. The Danes got off to the perfect start when on seven minutes Jon Dahl Tomasson scored from the spot. Ulrik Laursen registered a second shortly before the half-hour mark before former Charlton winger Dennis Rommedahl completed a 3-1 victory in stoppage time. Kaspars Gorkss had scored with 10 minutes to go for the visitors. He had come on for the second-half against Spain on Saturday.

Alex Hleb
Belarus 0-1 Luxemburg, October 13, Israel 2-1 Berlarus, October 17
Belarus were beaten again on Wednesday as Israel warmed up for their crucial qualifiers next month with a hard-fought 2-1 victory. First international goals for Aviram Baruchyan and Gal Alberman secured victory for the Israelis. Maksim Romashchenko had replied for the visitors in the second-half. Hleb had been awarded the Man of the Match accolade against Luxemburg on the weekend.

Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue
Austria 3-2 Ivory Coast October 17
Both Emmanuel Eboue and Kolo Toure started their nation’s 3-2 friendly defeat against Austria. Toure was replaced at half-time and Eboue with a little over 15 minutes remaining after Steve Gohouri had been red carded for the Elephants. A brace from Didier Drogba couldn’t rescue the Africans as goals from Sanel Kuljic, Andreas Ivanschitz and Joachim Standfest secured victory for the Euro 2008 co-hosts.

Gilberto
Columbia 0-0 Brazil, October 14, Brazil 5-0 Ecuador, October 17
Gilberto was in typically solid form as Brazil thumped five past a hapless Ecuador. Four goals in 11 devastating second-half minutes did the damage after Vagner Love had opened the scoring inside 20 minutes. Ronaldinho, Kaka (2) and Blumer were the other scorers. He had played throughout the game with Columbia on Friday.

Tomas Rosicky
Germany 0-3 Czech Republic, October 17
Tomas Rosicky did not feature for the Czech Republic as they inflicted a first defeat of the campaign on the already-qualified Germans. It had been nine years since Germany lost at this stage, but goals from Libor Sionko, Marek Matejovsky and Jaroslav Plasil secured a memorable 3-0 win in Munich.

Jens Lehmann
Republic of Ireland 0-0 Germany, October 13, Germany 0-3 Czech Republic, Oct 17
Jens Lehmann was one of many first-team regulars left out by Joachim Low as the Germans, who had qualified for Euro 2008 with a draw in Ireland at the weekend, were beaten 3-0 by the Czech Republic in Munich. Lehmann’s replacement Timo Hildebrand was made to pick the ball out of the back of the net as early as two minutes, Libor Sionko scoring from close range. Further goals either side of half-time from Marek Matejovsky and Jaroslav Plasil condemned the Germans to their first defeat at this stage of the tournament in 24 games — a run stretching back nine years. The keeper had kept a clean sheet against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

Philippe Senderos
Switzerland 3-1 Austria, October 13, Switzerland 0-1 USA, October 17
Michael Bradley scored in the 86th minute as the USA beat Switzerland 1-0 in Basel on Wednesday night. Philippe Senderos did not feature in the game. As co-hosts with Austria the Swiss qualify by right and have embarked on a series of friendlies. Senderos played 45 minutes against Austria on Saturday.

Theo Walcott
England Under-21 1-0 Montenegro Under-21, October 12, Republic of Ireland Under-21 0-3 England Under-21, October 16
Theo Walcott played for 90 minutes as England Under-21s eased past the Republic of Ireland in Cork on Tuesday. Two goals from Mark Noble and a deflected James Milner drive sealed the victory for Stuart Pearce’s team inside 26 minutes. The youngster also played throughout the 1-0 win against Montenegro on Friday.

Eduardo
Croatia 1-0 Israel, October 13, Croatia 3-0 Slovakia, Oct 16
Eduardo played in his country’s friendly win against Slovakia on Tuesday. A brace from Ivica Olic and a further strike from Ognjen Vukojevic sealed a 3-0 win for Croatia. Olic nabbed his first on the stroke of half-time after Eduardo had seen his shot parried. Debutant Vukojevic added to the tally three minutes after the break before the scoring was completed by Olic on 69 minutes. He had, earlier in the week, scored in Croatia's 1-0 win over Israel.

Emmanuel Adebayor
Togo 0-2 Mali, October 12
Emmanuel Adebayor’s hopes of qualifying for January’s African Cup of Nations were dashed on Friday. Sevilla striker Freddi Kanoute and Mamadou Diallo scored in either half for Mali as they ran out 2-0 winners in Lome. The result is good news for Arsenal fans as it means Adebayor will not miss a large chunk of early 2008 as expected.

[ Wednesday, October 17, 2007]

 

[NK Arsenal]

At least we still have Adebayor.

 

[Macca_]

After having a look about it appears that Senderos and RVP are the only two that have come back with an injury. Will know more when all have returned and the medical team give them the once over.

Knee problem for RVP apparently. Waasn't stretched off, but hobbled off. Hope he's not out for long (if at all). As above, I'd leave him out even if he's ok. Few more days won't hurt. Ade and Ed can handle Bolton.

 

[RedVGooner]

By Richard Clrake

Early estimates suggest Robin van Persie will be sidelined for four weeks after picking up a knee injury on international duty.
When Arsène Wenger spoke to Arsenal TV Online on Thursday afternoon he had not seen his Dutch striker since he’d picked up the problem in the Euro 2008 qualifier against Slovenia the previous night. But the initial guidance led him to believe the 24-year-old could be out for a month. “It looks like a knee injury,” said the manager. “We will know later today how bad it is but the early signs are that he will not be able to perform for us in the next four weeks.

“It is a big blow. Robin is a striker, a supportive striker and important on set-pieces as well. I hope he will be back soon and we’ll do the maximum to get him back.” Philippe Senderos (back) also collected an injury on international duty and will be out for two weeks. However on the positive side William Gallas, Jens Lehmann and Tomas Rosicky are all now available for the visit of Bolton on Saturday.

this is a huge blow for us, since we have got bolton, liverpool and manchester united in the up comin weeks!

http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=news&article=483064&cpid=703&title=Van+Persie+could+be+sidelined+for+a+month

 

[RedVGooner]

Arsene Wenger looks set to welcome back Mexican wonder-kid Carlos Vela to the Arsenal team in January.

The 18-year-old striker, already a full international, caught the eye of the Gunners boss two years ago when he led his country's Under-17 side to World Cup glory.

He went on to sign a five-year deal for Arsenal but work permit restrictions prevented him from playing so he was loaned out to Spanish side Celta Vigo, then to Salamanca where he scored eight and created 53 goals.

Following that spree a whole host of other clubs clamoured for Vela's services going into this season but the youngster opted for a year-long move to Osasuna.

A year-long loan was agreed with the option of a second year.

But Vela is expected to qualify for a Spanish passport in January, at which point he will no longer need a work permit in England.

its about time they got him a passport, arsenal's future is lookin bright, cnt really wait to see this guy play.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2007/10/18/wenger-set-to-call-on-carlos-89520-19969938/[/LEFT]

 

[RedVGooner]

By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger believes Denilson is underrated.

The Arsenal manager is highly-delighted to have secured the 19-year-old Brazilian midfielder on a new long-term deal with the Club. For Wenger, it demonstrates the giant strides he has made since signing from Sao Paulo on transfer-deadline day last August.

“I am pleased, very pleased,” he said. “Denilson is a great player. For me, he is underrated. He does not get all the praise his performances suggest but that will come very quickly.

“He is the youngest player of our squad along with Armand Traore. He has played big games but he has shown he can cope with the pressure and produce quality performances. I expect him to make a big impact

http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=news&article=483066&cpid=703&title=%27Underrated%27+Denilson+signs+new+contract

 

[CC_Eagle]

Great news about Vela.

Would he get a start above Theo?

 

[Kiwishark]

I can't wait to see Vela play either. I'd go out on a limb to say that, for me, he is our most exciting prospect that we have. Big call I know. I've seen him play a little, he can shoot, but he also sets up the players around him very well. Great awareness.

I don't think he'll play first team this year. Maybe Carling Cup, but I wouldn't be surprised if he went on loan in England, or play reserves for the rest of the season, to get used to England and its football.

 

[RedVGooner]

i think he wouldnt get a start over walcott but when he gets use to the style of the premier league then i think he will start ahead of walcott when he gets goin

 

[CC_Eagle]

Very excited about Vela.

I'd rate him alongside Denilson and Theo. Looks to have a better eye for a goal than Theo.

 

[Dragooner]

I really hope RVP isnt out. Was just hitting form!

Excited about Vela, agree on Denilson!

Toure will be a big blow! Is Djourou's loan a 6 month or season long loan? Can he be recalled?

 

[ParraDude_Jay]

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/773...4AD9FDB9CF1938DCDF9EF37AEBD731E1BD0556DF12C16

Looks very nasty, lucky that it's only a month IMO. Quality player though, you'll miss him.

 

[Macca_]

Yeah I saw that pic too. Very nasty looking and 4 weeks would be an escape! It will give Eduardo his chance though and if needed Bendtner who is most certainly keen to impress. We'll miss RVP but giving Eduardo a chance now he'll make up for what we lose I believe. He's had a little settling period, blooded into the team now.

Re Djourou SD he can be recalled I believe. But I doubt we will unless there is some long term injuries in place. Sendo and Gallas there then cover from the likes of Gilberto and Song as well as the likes of Sagna and Hoyte who can play central. I think if it's only Toure unavailabble come ANC we won't recall. Not fussed either way for mine as I'm happy with Gilberto in there if needed.

Plenty of time for Vela imo. No point recalling him as he won't be ready to get a run yet and the Carling Cup will nearly be over by then if we're still going. Leave him in Spain for now.

Great news re Denilson signing for longer. Whilst these days it doesn't mean a lot with regards to a player being able to leave still, it does ensure we get a nice transfer sum should a player move on who has plenty left on his contract...

Bring on Bolton! Hate international breaks, more so this time round re RVP.

 

[Phillips]

I really hope RVP isnt out. Was just hitting form!

Excited about Vela, agree on Denilson!

Toure will be a big blow! Is Djourou's loan a 6 month or season long loan? Can he be recalled?

Djourou will be back while toure is on international duty

 

[Macca_]

Well deserved.

http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?...senal+commission+bust+of+Arsène+Wenger

Arsenal commission bust of Arsène Wenger
Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that it has commissioned a bust of Arsène Wenger, which will take place of honour at Emirates Stadium.

An exact replica of the bust was unveiled by Arsenal Chairman Peter Hill-Wood at the Club’s AGM at Emirates Stadium on Thursday in front of hundreds of Shareholders.

The final version of the bust, which will be cast in bronze and completed by the end of the year, has been created by figurative sculptor Etienne Millner, who has been painstakingly working on the piece for the past eight months.

After unveiling the bust, which the Club kept a secret from Wenger until the AGM, Arsenal Chairman Peter Hill-Wood said: “We are delighted to have commissioned a bust of Arsène Wenger, which will be located in an appropriate place of honour at Emirates Stadium.

“The bust is in recognition of the truly fantastic job which Arsène has done at Arsenal Football Club. Since joining us in 1996, Arsène has guided Arsenal teams to seven major trophies and has revolutionised the Club, not only through the brand of stylish and successful football which his teams play, but through his detailed and insightful input into the development of Emirates Stadium and our Training Centre at London Colney.

“Only recently, we were delighted to announce that Arsène signed an extension to his contract, keeping him at the Club until 2011. He will, as a result of this contract extension, become the longest serving manager in the history of the Club.”

The bust of Arsène Wenger will join three other famous busts to be associated with Arsenal Football Club and particularly Highbury Stadium, where a bust of legendary manager Herbert Chapman greeted visitors to the famous Marble Halls in the East Stand of the Gunners’ old stadium.

The other two busts at Highbury were of former Chairman Denis Hill-Wood (Peter’s late father), which took pride of place in the Directors’ Landing in the East Stand, while the West Stand was home to a bust of Claude Waterlow Ferrier, the designer of that stand at Highbury.

Since the move from Highbury, all three of these busts have been in safe storage, pending a decision on their final appropriate locations at Emirates Stadium.

Etienne Millner’s previous commissions are wide ranging and have included monumental portraiture, figure groups, busts of politicians, writers and musicians. Among them are Sir Lennox Berkeley, Lord and Lady Harris of Peckham, Toyah Willcox, Adrian Daintrey, Viscount Whitelaw, Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck, Lord Thurlow, Rumer Godden, Sir Derek Alun-Jones, Lord Allenby, Lord Balfour of Inchrye, Count Jules Dembinski and Alexander Wyndham.

Further details on the final location of the Arsène Wenger bust at Emirates Stadium, together with the three other famous busts, will feature on Arsenal.com in the near future.

[ Thursday, October 18, 2007]