Kevin Whitcher
The Gooner fanzine, which began life back in the autumn of 1987 on Mike Francis’ work photocopier has reached its 250th issue some 27 and a half years later, with the release of the new edition on sale at the Liverpool game tomorrow.
Your copy can be bought on your route to the stadium from one of our matchday sellers (although due to Easter Holidays and work commitments, we won’t have anyone covering the Clock End bridge before the game, only after).
So what’s in this issue to tempt you to part with £2.50?
Well, the main feature is a look back at the ten best front and back covers from the fanzine’s lifetime, as voted on by our regular contributors.
There is also part one of an in-depth interview with Alan ‘Smudger’ Smith, in which he talks about his time as an Arsenal player serving out time at Leicester, his friendship with David ‘Rocky’ Rocastle and the glory years under George Graham that led to two league titles, including plenty about a particular game at Anfield in May 1989. Our thanks to Layth Yousif for doing the interview with Alan as well as the man himself for sparing us his time.
Other articles include a recollection of past FA Cup semi-finals in living memory (of a writer who has been following Arsenal since the 1950s), how watching football has changed since issue 1 of The Gooner, and an piece on why Arsene Wenger is still the best man for the manager’s job.
The popular ‘In The Away End’ feature covers the Manchester United forums in the build-up to and aftermath of the recent FA Cup quarter final, whilst another article recalls the Best and Worst Elevens from Arsene Wenger’s signings during his tenure at the club.
There is some tactical advice from Simon Rose, and a look ahead to the summer speculating the comings and goings during the next transfer market. Peter Storey is profiled in our regular page on Arsenal legends who were left off the list of 32 that are portrayed large on the outside of the stadium. Another writer ponders whether Theo Walcott will ever fulfill his potential, and there is an article about collecting Arsenal Fixture Cards over the seasons. There is a trip report from Monaco by the legendary Gooner seller Alex, not forgetting the regulars such as Talking Reds, The Spy, Mickey Cannon, Anger Management, Inbox, North Bank Times and much more.
For those who can’t make the game (or the two subsequent home matches), the issue can be bought through this very website on this page. An e-edition is also available. Details of how to buy that are at the bottom of href=http://www.onlinegooner.com/article.php?section=editorial&id=544 target="_blank">this page.
Finally, just a quick mention for the joint protest between Arsenal and Liverpool fans about the ticket prices. This takes place at 12 noon at what is known at the Bear Roundabout – which is the one where Hornsey Road meets Benwell Road outside the Armoury store, near the two cannons. With TV cameras probably in attendance, there is also the chance to have a say about moving TV matches to Monday nights at short notice.
More details can be found here and also there are a couple of songs that will be getting an airing…
Everywhere fans go
we're paying through the nose
Premier League fat cats
bunch of greedy twats
everywhere fans go
and to the tune of the Mesut Ozil chant…
You don't care about football
You don't care about fans
All you care about
Is money and brand
Money and brand
Money and brand
Get along and add your voice, whether you are going in to the game or have been priced out to let Arsenal know they are not going to get an easy ride.
