[Stiles]

As this is my first article ever I thought why not do it about something I care deeply about.


Therefore I will be talking about Arsenal the present and the future. I know every Spurs fan has just clicked the big cross in the top right hand corner on hearing that. But to those other fans out there I ask you read on and hopefully you will see how us Gooners are feeling at this present moment in time. With the 2005/2006 premiership season almost over these is troubling times for all Arsenal fans out there.


Our star striker, no strike that, our star player is in the midst of uncertainty. Over his contract and the future of Arsenal. Our inspirational midfielder of over five years now applying his trade with Juventus things look pleak for Arsenal Football Club. But there is always hope in the darkest places. (Yes I know that is a quote from Lord of the Rings, but hey im cooler then Frodo and that giant spider) We now have a financial balance that many teams would kill for. We have the ability to buy multi millionaire players such as Jose Reyes and Theo Walcott. Yet still being able to not get into a financial trouble like many teams have beforehand. We have young players coming through the ranks at a amazing rate. Guys like Sebastian Larsson, Arturo Lupoli, Gael Clichy and Quincy Owusu Abeyie have all looked impressive whenever they have played in the Carling Cup or in the Premiership.


Thierry Henry. Whenever you have this man in your side all things are possible. (Yes I know I stole that from Nike, but hey im cooler then that company. Besides what they going to do. Sue me, Although if im away for a few days you know Nike representatives have taken me) Anyway back on subject. This man can get any team out of trouble with a pass, a trick or as is often the case a goal. With Henry still a Arsenal player then Arsenal will be a top team in England. Arsene Wenger this man has came under criticism this year from fans of other clubs to fans of Arsenal. There is a word I would use to describe these people. But that’s best to be left for another day. I would like to make this statement perfectly clear. I have full faith in Arsene ability. Infact as well as Henry I would say is the most important person at Highbury. I don’t think he has missed a beat, this year or at any other time.


We will as of next season be moving into our new 50,000 seater stadium The Emirates Stadium. I will be obviously sad and moved to see us move anyway from Highbury because it was the first stadium I ever visited as a wee 6 year old. And despite the form of the team this season I expect a huge celebration on the 7th of May with Wigan being the final visitors to Highbury. But with the Emirates Stadium taking shape we have new motivation to play new season with the same sparks we have had in pervious campaigns. The Emirates Stadium could also become motivation for Henry to stay. He has always stated that he wanted to lead Arsenal out of the tunnel at the beginning of next season.


hese are a few of many things that give me hope that Arsenal can bounce back. In order to keep the faith at Arsenal there are a few things that we must achieve. 1, We must gain one of the four Champions League spots. I cannot stress the importance in this. The simple fact of the matter is, we are going to have to go to Eastern Europe to a team that we have never heard of before, In order to qualify. But Champions League football is a must for the superstars of Henry, Cole and Campbell. All of which have stressed that Champions League football is a must. 2, Finish this season with a bang. Yes it seems stupid but lets give the fans something to have hope for. Were not use to playing for 4th spot. To be frank we don’t want to be playing for 4th spot, but this is one of the things we must do to grow as a team. Its not always going to be F.A Cups wins and Premiership Titles. All great teams go through spaces without trophies. Only recently have Barcelona regained their stranglehold over Spain, Bayern Leverkson who were in the Champions league not to long ago are now fighting relegation in the Bundersliga.


These next two years will be key for the future of Arsenal. And finally 3, Keep our key players. Both Thierry Henry and Ashley Cole have come under the microscope lately with reports of their futures lying abroad at either Barca, Madrid or in Turin with Viera. The important thing is Wenger must work his magic and convince these stars to stay at Arsenal and convince them that this is just a year to be left behind. I thank you all for reading this and I welcome criticism of both good and bad nature.


Although be warn if your too nasty I will take you off my Christmas list. But seriously I hope you had as much fun reading this as I did writing this. (Yes look once again I have quoted Mr Burns from The Simpsons. But look get off my back ok.) I thank you all. Yours truly Liam Stiles.