Just a quick post to say how much I enjoyed reading Mike Hennessy's article on the club's fixture cards in issue 199 (which is now sold out, but there’s a pdf of the article here - takes about a minute to download, so please be patient - Ed)

It prompted me to find my collection. After a three day search I was surprised to find my earliest card was from the 1969-1970 season where not only the first team’s fixtures were featured but the full Combination fixtures were printed on the reverse.

In total I have 36 consecutive fixture cards until they stop in 2004-2005. Not bad considering I wasn't a season ticket holder until 1984! When membership packs were sent out to season ticket holders, presumably my fixture cards are with them. So now I'll be hunting for those to complete my missing years!

Items Mike didn't cover: The cards followed a similar pattern of all red cover and black printed fixtures until 1974-75 when they were printed in all black for two seasons before going all red from 1976/7! Season 1980-1981 started featuring separate sections for the FA and League Cups with a blank section devoted to filling in cup replays and re-arranged fixtures. It also gave details of advance bookings with prices ranging from £3.00 Lower Tier to £5.50 Centre Block. No telephone contact number though, just a postal address.

Season 1981-1982 was the last season to feature the Combination fixtures. From season 1987-1988 the first sponsor's name (JVC) was featured. The fixture card for season 1982-83 was the first to feature the Match and Ticket Information number 01-359 0131 with Dial-a-seat appearing for the 1985-86 season. The website address began appearing from season 1997-1998.

I must admit with the advent of Internet and fixtures at the touch of a button taking the gloss away I still find a little bit of nostalgia keeping the cards as a keepsake to remind me of Arsenal's past.

Although issue 199 has sold out, issues 200 (an 80 page anniversary special featuring an A to Z of The Gooner pull-out) and the current issue – 201 (with free 2010 Gooner calendar) are available to buy online here, along with many older issues.