Layth Yousif
On December 11, 1886, a team of munitions workers at the Woolwich Arsenal played their first match as Dial Square.
The club that was to become The Arsenal beat Eastern Wanderers on the Isle of Dogs on this day 134 years ago.
Read on for this piece by Gooner Fanzine editor Layth Yousif to learn about the new Dial Square - and why Gooners should take note of its rebirth.
Buy the Gooner for more on Dial Square
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Dial Square: A grassroots football club run for the fans by the fans - for Gooners everywhere
Manchester United fans disillusioned with the corporate focus of their club have the option of following FC United, writes Layth Yousif.
Now, loyal Arsenal supporters have Dial Square.
If you haven’t heard about this progressive grassroots football club you can read about them here and on their website dialsquarefc.com.
Stay tuned to the Gooner Fanzine in print, online, on social media via our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts, and on our YouTube channel GoonerFanzineTV, for more about Dial Square over the coming months as we’ve got stories, features, interviews and videos in the offing.
Keep an eye out for an official Gooner Fanzine day out to watch a game at Dial Square in the New Year as well.
In the meantime, for starters, here’s what they’re about as they share their mission statement with our fanzine, and many thousands of loyal Gooners everywhere.
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What happens when all you love about a club is no longer the priority?
When the values and traditions of a club are put firmly on the back burner, with income being the firm focus?
And when that focus is at the expense of the fans?
Revival is the answer.
In 1886 the original Dial Square FC was founded by a group of munitions workers in the Dial Square workshop at the Royal Arsenal Armament Factory in Woolwich.
And this incarnation of Dial Square has been set up to bring back the original Arsenal values into its soul.
Whether you fell in love with The Arsenal who won the Double in 71, achieved the Miracle in 89, the 'Almost-Invincibles' of 91, or the Invincibles of Wengers early era – does the club feel the same as the one you remember?
Dial Square has been formed in response to fans that were disillusioned by the business-orientated approach blighting the majority of Premier League clubs.
Dial Square is run by YOU and with YOU in mind.
Dial Square FC is not a replacement for Arsenal FC. Arsenal FC is still beloved by all at DSFC.
This mindset won’t change either. With constant rumblings around a possible European Super League and TV money stretching the chasm between lower league, non-league and the Premiership – it shows that fans are no longer on the radar for clubs.
Dial Square wanted a club run by the fans and for the fans.
A grass-roots club that can offer what a football club should – a connection to the club, a place to meet friends and family and to enjoy a game of football.
Football in its modern form is in direct contrast to the sport we all love.
Dial Square FC is a place you can feel that connection again.
Here, fans are first. Here, football is first. Here, football is revived.
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