April 11th
21.49 – The Gooner nation mourns. Gilles Grimandi has announced he’s leaving Arsenal at the end of the season. He says “It is the right decision and the right time for me to leave. There are many good young players and it would be difficult for me to play. I think I have got only two or three more years to play football and that’s what I want to do.”
Arsene Wenger says: “He has been hugely underrated and hugely precious because if you look at the number of games he has played for us it is quite amazing. And the number of games he has won is amazing as well. He has gained a lot of respect here and in France, his career at Arsenal was a big success and we wish him very well”.
A R S E B L O G says – “ALLEZ GILLES”. My personal favourite Grimster memory is right here, although I also remember with fondness his being sent off within minutes of coming on for headbutting Alan Smith of Leeds. That goal against Crystal Palace in the double season will not be forgotten, and I agree with Arsene Wenger, he was much maligned – unfairly in my opinion – found a place in the team and was underrated. People seem to forget, his form was so good the season before last he was on the brink of a call up to the French squad. He was always made the scapegoat when we lost, but got no praise when we won. Au revoir Gilles, merci.
Congratulations to Dennis and Mrs Dennis on the birth of their 3rd child, a baby girl. She’s starting up front for the ladies next weekend….
Got an email or two about the Woodgate picture. I’ll just take this opportunity to reply to Jim from Leeds “No, but I bet yours does” and to Safraz xxxxxx “You’re welcome”.
