It is a really strange phenomena, the "leaving of Arsenal" and it affects players in different ways. but after reading (and considering his indifferent form) Kolo Toure is rumoured to be looking for pastures new. We have all had that moment when we sit bolt upright in bed in the middle of night thinking, "what have I done?" Kolo probably had his moment a few weeks ago when after beating Arsenal in the League Cup he probably did not feel as good as he expected and his ‘agent inspired’ move was not as the brochure had described. I think now he just wants to get as far away as possible from the love of his life and is looking for a move to Spain.

Many ex-Gunners will state that their lives were just not the same after leaving the institution that is Arsenal. I am very one eyed about Arsenal but my father was in a different league, not called ‘Cyclops’ for nothing, he was head honcho of the Polyphemus clan. Once at half time at the Spuds’ ground (circa 1962) and trailing 4-2 at half time Dad started a row with a Spuds’ supporter (a friend I might add). Anyway he told this friend that "being the tea lady at Highbury was more important than being manager of any other club". They ripped into my father and a 15 minute half time p***take took place.

Being only 11 years old, I feared for Dad's health, as he followed it up with, "If you think that just because your shower of sh*t have won a few trophies (the Spuds won things in the early sixties) it makes you an Arsenal you are very much mistaken." Anyway thankfully the game got back underway and the team must have heard dad fighting his corner as we fought back and gained an amazing 4-4 draw. Dad then rambled on about history and everybody’s place in the pecking order and how many rungs below Arsenal the Spuds were.

However what is apparent is that the aura surrounding our club is still a powerful force and poor Kolo has been badly affected by his leaving, (the malaria of course did not help). His form is shot and with the African Cup of Nations due he probably can't wait to get away. It is a real shame as he was one of "The Invincibles" and a player I really liked.

Anyway back to this tea lady at Highbury. And with all due respect to catering staff everywhere, what my father meant was that everyone at the club did their job with the thought always in their mind, "This is Arsenal". This means that everyone does their job to the very best of their ability and that attitude rubs off from the kitchen to the boardroom (taking into account a few misdemeanours) and that is what Kolo is now missing - being part of a family that is very special and a family that looks after its players, past and present better than any other club in football.