september 21st
So Arsenal confirmed yesterday that Eddie Nickerbockerglory was off to Blackburn to be first team coach for Mark Hughes. He has enjoyed his time at Arsenal though and said “It was a wonderful opportunity which Arsenal gave to me. And I am very grateful to them.”
I suppose we wish him luck at Blackburn. Especially when they’re playing our rivals. But not when they’re playing us. Can’t say fairer that that, can you? Neil Banfield will take over as reserve team coach and for his first game in charge he saw the lads beat Coventry 4-0 last night. Sol Campbell came through 90 minutes unscathed and after his words about the player being a ‘revelation’ last week, Robin van Persie gave Arsene Wenger something to think about with 2 goals.
Meanwhile Edu’s agent has said Arsenal want the player to sign for another 5 years, while offers from elsewhere are also being considered. According to Edu “I can’t forget all the amazing times I’ve had here at Arsenal, the club which moved me into the world football scene and gave me the chance to play for Brazil, but I also can’t deny myself other opportunities.”
His contract expires in January so something’s got to happen quickly and his agent is quoted as saying “We’re looking at every angle in order to make a decision later.”
Maybe the emergence of Cesc and the continued presence of Gilberto in the side is making him consider other options more carefully than he might. To my mind he did enough last season to prove his quality and I really hope he stays.
Sad news yesterday about Brian Clough. He wasn’t always easy to listen to but he was most definitely one of the last great characters in the game and he’ll be remembered fondly for much longer than today’s crop of bland managers. Some Cloughie quotes here on the BBC.
Batman and Blackadder’s sidekicks standing either side of truck
