So today’s the day. The countdown clock will reach 0. Arsenal will play their final game at the most iconic stadium in English football. Others far better placed than I have provided us with their memories of the old place. All I can say is that that first sight of green as you come into the stadium is a sight I’ll never forget. Goodbye, Highbury. You’ll live on in everyone’s hearts and minds.
It’s goodbye too to Dennis Bergkamp as he plays his final home game for the club. Of course he may be involved in Paris but today is going to be emotional for him, and for us, as well. What can we say about him that hasn’t already been said? There’s no need to go over the old ground about how important he’s been for us, about how nobody could believe we’d signed a player of his quality. It would be a fitting tribute if he could go out with a goal today. Thanks for everything, Dennis. Good luck.
Goodplaya also points out that it could also be the last home game for another half-decent player we have but that really doesn’t bear thinking about.
It’s the final day of the season and there’s still the small matter of fourth place to play for. We all know what needs to be done. Sp*rs must drop points to West Ham and we need to take all three points against Wigan. If that happens we finish in fourth place. A Sp*rs victory means they do. I’m sure West Ham will be up for it but it’s a tall order as they have players injured and players with an eye on the FA Cup final. Perhaps Highbury can provide us with one more piece of magic. Wouldn’t that be sweet?
To those of you lucky enough to be going I hope you enjoy the day, the occasion, the atmosphere and everything else (although I’m sure it will be hard to enjoy Roger Daltrey). I was supposed to be there but circumstances mean I can’t. Soak it up, people. It’s a once in a lifetime day. Here’s hoping it’s a wonderful day for all the right reasons. Have fun.
Sunday round-up:
A quick round-up of the Sunday stories for you. AW tells Sven he should take a big gamble by taking Theo Walcott to the World Cup. Hard to imagine he’ll go to the World Cup if he can’t even get a game for us but there you go.
Gary Lineker on Dennis Bergkamp:
One runs out of superlatives in describing him as a player: he has great vision, awareness, touch, finish, not to mention selflessness, which for a striker almost sounds like a contradiction in terms.
East Lower has some Highbury memories.
Diamond Geezer has a nice Highury piece. Tony Adams won’t be at the Highbury farewell today but he talks of his time there:
All the time, the crowd stayed with me. All through the time when I was having to suffer all those ‘ee-aw’ chants. Whenever they heard it, they would just support me more. Great crowd, the Highbury crowd.
The other tabloids aren’t awake yet so that’s about it. I may add on some bits if there’s anything of interest. Sadly my team lost the 1/4 final against West Ham yesterday. Here’s hoping the real West Ham can emulate them. Finally, if you’re looking for something to wear to Paris check out these t-shirts. Order quick though to make sure they arrive in time.
Till tomorrow, come on Arsenal.
