September 16th
A quick one this morning as I’m running a bit late.
Dennis Bergkamp, who may travel to Amsterdam to face Ajax in a couple of weeks, has been speaking about the team and the job the young players have to do to get things going. He’s also convinced this period when things aren’t going as well as they might will be good for them. He says “I think if everything goes very smoothly as a young player you do not learn a lot. It is hard for us but thank God that it is only the beginning of the season, we still have a long season in front of us and we can still get it right. I’m sure we will.”
I know Dennis isn’t the player he once was – how can he be at 36? – but his experience and know-how is going to be vital this year. Not just on the pitch but off it as well. The youngsters can learn a lot from him and I hope they will. The manager will make a decision about him going to Amsterdam after we play Everton and West Ham but in his last season how great would it be to see him lead us out in the Amsterdam Arena and score another last minute winner?
I think Arsenal are appealing against Robin van Persie’s red card even though UEFA rules say they can’t do so but the Independent reports that the standard ban for a straight red is two games meaning Robin would miss the away games at Ajax and Sparta Prague. The Thun defender who got van Persie’s boot in his face has been moaning about the challenge and while nobody would argue with the fact it was a bit reckless there was never any intent to do damage. Hopefully this won’t affect van P too badly, he’s had a difficult summer for obvious reasons but I’m sure he’ll keep his head up and his boots down, in the future.
Of course we don’t play until Monday so news is a bit thin on the ground. We seem to have these terrible gaps between games these days. Pain in the hoop, is what it is.
At least it’s Friday though. – Fri + Beer.
