Right, plug time. I like the Offside Bar in City Road, and I also like the work of Simon Inglis. Jon Spurling’s a regular contributor to the Gooner and I am convinced in such company there’s a fighting chance Tom Watt might speak like a human being rather than the bad Mick Jagger impersonator we see on Arsenal TV. So I’m going along to an evening featuring the three with the possibility of further guests at the Offside Bar and I reckon it will make for an entertaining event. So this here plug is for you to do the same.

Easiest way to get the full picture is to take a look at this flyer

Main thing is that if you are definitely tempted to get along, it’s advisable to email in advance - [email protected] - I’m sure they’ll squeeze everyone in even if you don’t, but it would be good for them to have an idea of numbers ahead of the night. Helps with them organising bar staff and the like.

Details below for anyone who would prefer to read them here as opposed to the flyer…

CHARLIE BUCHAN
Gunner, Grenadier and Gentleman

Played in Britain in association with Philosophy Football invite you to an evening of retrospection, conversation and wit

Hosted by Simon Inglis
football author and editor of The Best of Charles Buchan’s Football Monthly and the Charles Buchan Arsenal Giftbook

with Tom Watt
BBC London presenter and North Bank chronicler

Jon Spurling
the alternative Arsenal historian

plus special Arsenal guests to be announced - see www.playedinbritain.co.uk for updates

Charles Buchan, creator of Football Monthly – ‘the world’s great soccer magazine’ – was some guy. Spurned by Arsenal in 1910 because he demanded they pay his expenses as a youth player, he then signed for Southern Leaguers Leyton, before becoming Sunderland’s all time top scorer. A hero of the First World War trenches, he became Herbert Chapman’s first signing at Highbury and, in later life, a Fleet Street reporter and BBC commentator. Was there ever a fellow more grand than Charlie Buchan?

During the evening there will be an auction and raffle of Arsenal related prints from the Charles Buchan era and from the Offside Photographic Agency, in aid of Bob Wilson’s Willow Foundation. Special price signed copies of the Charles Buchan Arsenal Gift Book and other Charles Buchan titles from Played in Britain, plus a brand new Charlie Buchan T-shirt from Philosophy Football, will also be on sale.

Thursday April 17
Offside Bar & Gallery
271-273 City Road, EC1V 1LA
www.offsidebar.com
7.00 – 9.30pm
Doors open 6.30, meals available
ADMISSION FREE but to guarantee a place email [email protected] with your name and the name of any guests