Vital Arsenal Interviews ...... BigDanny

1) Have long have you been an Arsenal fan?

I have been an Arsenal fan since the 1980 cup final. It was the first game I ever watched, aged 5...and although I went and played footie on the green after Brooking scored, I still remember the excitement.

2) What (or who) made you start supporting our glorious club?

There was a guy living in our block of flats, a huge Arsenal fan. On the day of the 1980 cup final he asked me who I supported. Being 5 I didn't know really, so he hung me over the 3rd floor balcony by one leg until I shouted 'Come on you Arsenal!'

After that whenever he saw me he asked me who I supported. Out of both fear and common-sense I always said Arsenal and he always gave me 10p (which bought me like 40 sweets!).

Looking back on it now, he was obviously a nut-case, but I owe him a debt of gratitude.

3) What was the first live game you attended?

My first game was Arsenal Vs QPR in 1988...which turned out to be a great year. I don't remember much about that particular game, except we won 2-1....but I do remember the last game of the season rather better!! :-)

4) What has been the greatest moment of your Arsenal supporting life?

For me it would be attending the Michael Watson testimonial match. Not a footballing occasion I know, although there was an Arsenal Vs Sp*rs game and an Arsenal Legends Vs Sp*rs Has beens game (which Steve Williams and Paul Davis were the best players on the pitch).

On top of that you got to look at Sinita in a mini-skirt (whilst holding hands over your ears as she sang) and listen to Chrissy Hinds and the Pretenders sing (whilst holding hands over eyes as she gyrated in front of you) and lastly after a long wait, to cheer on such a great boxer and man. A very emotional day and one that Arsenal FC should be very proud of.


5) And the worst?

Hmmmm, the George Graham bung fiasco. I was gutted that a man I trusted with my team would do that. However, he had not long since signed Helder, McGoldrick, and Jensen, so his talent spotting had obviously gone, so I suppose he would have got the sack anyway.

6) Who, in your opinion, is the best player to pull on the famous red and white strip?

Dennis Bergkamp for me, every time. I doubt if there is a player out there today who could match his skill, guile and footballing brain. Just thrilling to watch every time he got the ball.
The goal against Newcastle where he let the ball run one way and span the other was just magnificent and unlikely to be bettered. Pele would have been proud of it himself and I believe Denis is the closest we will ever some to Pele in Red and White.

7) If you could go back in time and go to any Arsenal match in history, which would it be?

Oh the 1989 game against Liverpool, without a doubt. The most thrilling end to a season possible...and again the club showed its class as our players ran out with flowers for the sadly depleted Anfield crowd. A great day for the club and fans, and what a great ending!

8) Whats the funniest thing you've ever seen or heard concerning Arsenal?

I would say the Grimsters left hook onto the nose of Simeone. Class.

9) What are your realistic hopes for the coming season?

I am as worried now as I was this time last year. No real experience being brought in, too many players will be relied on to play out of the comfort position and several key players leaving/talking of leaving. Flamini HAS to be replaced with experienced quality in my opinion or we will end up with a bare trophy cabinet.
The Toure/Gallas partnership will still be in place and I worry also about the weaknesses in that pairing.

For me, we will be lucky to win a cup and come 3rd again, unless we sign at least 2 top quality players AND keep Hleb and Ade.

10) And finally, if you could invite 4 people connected to Arsenal, living or dead, to a dinner party, who would they be?

Easy.

Ian Wright Wright Wright - good for a giggle I would say.

Arsene himself to get all the good inside gossip.

Lou the Gunneress - She is PERFECT for me

Usmanov (guess who is getting the Stroganoff with Rat Poisin in it?)
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