Abou Diaby – A Career That Promised But Never Delivered

Posted on 15 December, 2014 by Blog Admin

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When Abou Diaby arrived at Arsenal in 2006, there was a murmur of excitement surrounding the tall and powerful midfielder.

For one thing, Arsène Wenger had dipped into the market during the January transfer window – an occurrence rarely seen around north London at the time. What is more, Diaby had reportedly turned down the Premier League champions to join the Gunners. Wenger’s charm had worked once again.

I can remember watching Diaby’s unveiling on the television. Tall, gangly and fresh faced, he looked incredibly young next to Wenger. But the French manager’s brimming grin said it all – in his eyes, he had signed another bargain for £2m.

Since then, it would be an understatement to say Diaby’s career in north London has not panned out as anyone planned. The past five seasons have yielded just 42 appearances.

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085 – The Hillier & Carter Show (11th December 2014)

Posted on 11 December, 2014 by A Bergkamp Wonderland

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Gimli (@GoonerGimli) has just finished touching himself whilst watching the Ramsey goal again and is joined by :

Dave Hillier (@davehillierr) 143 Games & 2 Goals.

Jimmy Carter (@JimmyCarter777) 29 Games & 2 Goals.

Geoff (@GeoffArsenal).

Danny (@The_GFP).

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Oddly with 2 ex pro’s swearing was quite minimal.

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Arsène Wenger

Posted on 8 December, 2014 by Blog Admin

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By ‘ABW Guest Blogger’ Dean (@DeanLDN22)

Let’s make one thing clear – Arsène Wenger is arguably the greatest manager in our history who has given me and many other Arsenal fans memories we will take to our graves. He’s a guy who has been managing at the top level for 30 years and has won titles in numerous countries. He doesn’t need anybody to tell him how to do his job. His ability as a manager is not where the problem lies and you can’t question his intelligence. He is a football genius and a great man. But with geniuses come flaws.

Many make a lot out of the money he earns – I have done in the past. But the fact is he probably does more than any other manager to earn his money – commitment wise. He is first into the training ground and last out of it. He puts out the cones for each session. He carries the bibs and assigns them to players for the typical 10v10 session that finishes of each session. He doesn’t delegate like many modern managers, sitting in an office whilst their first team coaches take the sessions in the freezing rain. You cannot question his commitment – but it’s also a snippet of the issue (he does everything – too much control?).

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084 – Camel Toes & Banners (4th December 2014)

Posted on 4 December, 2014 by A Bergkamp Wonderland

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Gimli (@GoonerGimli) has had his monthly wash in the garden with the dogs and is joined by :

Jason (@ColonialCannon).

Kate (@GoonerGirlKate).

Geoff (@GeoffArsenal).

Danny (@The_GFP).

& Mikey (Banner maker & holder at WBA game)

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There is plenty of swearing, like 5 grumpy sailors.

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My Two Dads

Posted on 4 December, 2014 by Blog Admin

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Remember what it was like to be a teenager?

For some of you it may not be that long ago, for others – well you might have teenagers yourself. If you’re in the latter group like me, that time of your life might only be remembered vicariously through your kids.

Myself? I’ve managed to block out most of the uncomfortable memories and replace them with common pubescent stereotypes. What’s left has been revised with corrective hindsight and the type of wisdom only indicated by grey hair sprouting from my temples.

Here’s the gist: attraction to the opposite sex, mood swings, general angst, a lot of food, a lot of sleep, beer, puberty, something about High School, and attraction to the opposite sex – not necessarily in that order.

If I were to put on my Other Geoff blogger’s hat I’d rewrite that something like this:

It was a period of change – both physically and mentally. I knew being a teenager wasn’t a destination, but rather a mode of transportation from one stage of life to the next – like an uncomfortable late night train ride home when you’re drunk. I was angry and frustrated at the best of times – I wanted to be an adult already but couldn’t help but reminisce about those joyful days of childhood.

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083 – Hash Tag Klopp Out (27th November 2014)

Posted on 28 November, 2014 by A Bergkamp Wonderland

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Gimli (@GoonerGimli) has found been found under the sofa after being chased and cornered by a mouse and is joined by :

Jason (@jasondavies71).

Kris (@AFCfreddie8).

Danny (@The_GFP).

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With us 4 fools not only is the language quite cheeky but the intelligence levels are like that of naughty school kids.

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Making the Case for… Part 4: Carlo Ancelotti

Posted on 26 November, 2014 by Blog Admin

By the ‘#ABW XI’s’ Kris Carpenter (@AFCfreddie8)

Almost immediately after coming up with the concept for this series, I knew I wanted Kris to get a kick at this subject.  We’re delighted anytime we can get one of the ABW XI to blog and Kris’ knowledge of European football is superb.  

We’ve had to wait for this 4th and final part to our “Making the Case” series because Kris is a busy man with his ABW appearances, appearances on other pods, managing the world famous Barbican Pirates, etc, etc…but I think it has been worth the wait.  His choice of Ancelotti has been a constant request from you the readers since we started the series a couple weeks ago.

We’ve had a lot of great feedback and working collaboratively is something we’ll look at doing again in the future.  You can check out Part 1 on Frank de Boer here, Part 2 on Roberto Martínez here, and Part 3 on keeping it in house here.

Other Geoff

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Making the Case for Carlo Ancelotti

As a staunch ‘Wenger In’ man myself, even the thought of picking the next manager for The Arsenal feels somewhat troubling, but even people like me have to accept that someday, likely in the not too distant future, Arsène’s reign will come to an end and that next man will need to be put in place.

Here is my view on why Carlo Ancelotti should be that man.

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082 – #ABWBookReview “Arsène & Arsenal” (25th November 2014)

Posted on 25 November, 2014 by A Bergkamp Wonderland

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Raj (@rajpatel1809) is the host for this third ‘Book Review’ and is joined by :

Alex Fynn (@AlexFynn1).

Geoff (@GeoffArsenal).

Danny (@The_GFP).


(£6.49 £5.45 with discount code + £2.90 delivery).


(£8.99 £7.55 with discount code + £2.90 delivery).

Click on the book to buy the book from the publishers and use the promo code BERGKAMP to get a discount.

If you want to support the authors of the book’s they get more money if you buy the book’s from their publishers rather than Amazon as Amazon take a bigger cut of any sales.

If you buy both books I think that the postage will still only be £2.90 rather than £2.90 per book as they charge by weight but do ask them first.

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There is not a single rude word, no even the slightest hint of a rude word, its a fucking miracle i tells ya

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081 – #ABWBookReview “Geordie Armstrong: On the Wing” (21st November 2014)

Posted on 20 November, 2014 by A Bergkamp Wonderland

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Jason (@jasondavies71) is the host for this second ‘Book Review’ and is joined by :

Dave Seager (@goonerdave66).

Geordie Armstrong’s daughter is Jill Armstrong (@touchofpowder).

Click on the book to buy the book from the publishers

Amazon

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There was I think only 1 swear word by Dave but he was quoting a player

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080 – #ABWBookReview “The Arsenal Shirt” (17th November 2014)

Posted on 17 November, 2014 by A Bergkamp Wonderland

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Kris (@AFCfreddie8) is the host for this first ‘Book Review’ and is joined by :

Simon Shakeshaft (@ShakeyMatchWorn).

James Elkin (@Arsenalmwshirts).

TheArsenalShirt (@TheArsenalShirt).

Amazon

Problems using either of the two media players, try these :

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There might be the odd rude word

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