When I heard the murmurs (or should I say Ian Wright being a typical loudmouth as usual) of Vieira's return, something about it really excited me. Memories of him bossing the midfield in his all-action, blood and thunder manner came rushing back. I can still remember him coming on for Ray Parlour against Sheffield Wednesday and owning the midfield and it was obvious that he'd be starting the next game and so he did for nearly a decade. It's fair to say that Wenger sold him at the right time as by the end it was obvious that he wanted a new challenge.

Four years on and it's fair to say that our trophy record suggests we've missed him, or at least a player of his nature. Being repeatedly kicked around by inferior teams such as Blackburn, Bolton and Stoke suggests we have missed that warrior nature that Vieira had. We have struggled to replace him properly (even with Flamini's one good season he was still no Vieira) and I can't think of anyone now that would have the same impact on the team as he did.

It's also fair to say that we have seriously missed his leadership. Even from his early days it was clear to see that he was Tony Adams' natural successor to the armband but there hasn't been anyone since so suited to the role, although Cesc may change that. Out of the 10 or so captains (some for longer spells than others) we've had since Paddy's departure, none have had the same presence. Cesc can be a great captain but being so young it is fair to say that he will need some guidance himself as Vieira would have had at that age from Big Tone. A legend like Vieira would be a better role model than say, Gallas or Silvestre who have both had their experience of success at clubs where things are obviously done differently.

I know his age is against him and his fitness is not what it was but that didn't stop Wenger signing Silvestre (I have tried to like Silvestre but his decade-long association with United and woeful performances last season didn't do much to win me over) last summer and if he can sign him without any regard for recent form or fitness then he can do the same with Vieira. Like Fishface Bulbhead he will cost next to nothing (just as well in the fishy one's case, can you imagine paying a heavy sum for such ineptitude?) so if it doesn't work out then financially it's no biggie. I'm sure Vieira would be happy sitting back in a more defensive role whilst Cesc gets to strut his stuff and that would suit both of them down to the ground. It's not as if he was ever lightning quick to begin with and at 33 there could be a year or two left in him. Let's hope he gets that at Ashburton Grove...