Exclusive interview with Bob Wilson Part 3

Our exclusive interview with Arsenal goalkeeping legend Bob Wilson concludes with this third and final instalment.

In your book you talk about the (seemingly) revolutionary training the Brazilian keepers were getting in 1966. How have things changed for keepers?

There have been too many changes in goalkeeping to mention but keepers have little chance of being consistent because of the ball, which is so light and the back pass rule, which can make a fool of you.

What would you say are the differences (and similarities) between what a keeper needed from your playing days to now?

You still need to be consistent week in week out. I've mentioned the rules and the ball. It's sad that keepers no longer dive at feet in the old way. That's because they'd be sent off nowadays if they mistimed the challenge.

Whilst Arsène Wenger certainly has a Magic Hat some would say it slips down over his eyes when it comes to keepers. You've been known to disagree with him on that score...

Only over the potential of Stuart Taylor. I don't think he was given the chance he deserved. Now he has to prove a thing of two at Aston Villa.

Why do so few Arsenal first team keepers come up through the ranks? After you there's only John Lukic who wasn't brought in as automatic number one who's held the position.

Sad, but the demands on managers are now all about 'instant' success. So managers panic and go for a known name. Not always a good idea.

I'm an unashamed fan of Jens, and personally I think he has taken stick for a lot of things that weren't actually his fault. What do you think of him and are keepers blamed more now than ever?

Keepers are blamed more simply because people don't understand the complexities. Jens is a terrific keeper in the modern game.

Maybe you could explain something that seems strange to me. Jens is a keeper who loves to control his area and go for the ball. So why do we never seem to leave players up when defending corners? Surely leaving a couple of players up field would make it easier for him to claim balls?

You would be taking a risk doing that. You can't afford to leave opponents unmarked at set pieces. They would just obstruct keepers.

In all your time at Highbury which keepers were you most surprised didn't make it?

Paul Barron and Alex Manninger both underachieved. Maybe I let them down but I hope not.

Away from Arsenal which young keepers should we keep an eye on?

I honestly don't know. It's all pretty worrying.

From yours in '71 to now which of our League titles do you think was the biggest achievement?

Going throughout a season unbeaten was amazing. I don't think I'll see that again. Wish it had been me!

Why are players so loyal to Arsenal? At most clubs testimonials are a once decade occasions but for as long as I can remember Arsenal have had trouble fitting in games for all those entitled.

There are maybe a couple of clubs you could go to that match certain aspects at Highbury. When you leave I think you can only go down and not up.

A lot of Arsenal fans feel that we get a very hard time with the press, and that the FA have favoured the Mancs in recent times (often cited is how every indiscretion of ours that the ref has missed gets highlighted and result in charges whereas their centre forward appears to be allowed at least one assault on an Arsenal player in every game). What do you think?

I've only ever had a problem once and that was with the early refereeing decisions in the game at Old Trafford, which ended the unbeaten run. Give players an inch and they'll take a mile.

You told me a story about Abrahamovic being at our training ground for a tour. Care to share it?

I gather he and Chelsea visited London Colney and Abramovic asked 'How much to buy?' This could have been lost in translation, but it seems likely.

On the subject you don't happen to know any Oligarchs who would be interested in sponsoring a website do you?

Sorry.

Oh well, one day... From your playing days to now who would you regard as the best manager and the best coach you've come across?

Arsène Wenger, simply because he's set ideals, standards in all areas which the rest have copied or adopted in their own way.

(There was a follow up question asking the best at Arsenal which seems kind of pointless)

He's been an absolute phenomenon in midfield (even ignoring his age) but how good do you think Fabregas can be?

Very special if he can add more strength to his physique and more goals to his game.

Right back to Tom Whittaker Arsenal has had a reputation for having the best physios around. Gary Lewin obviously follows that tradition but also another for being involved tactically. From Graham to Wenger he's been involved but could he follow Whittaker and Bertie Mee to the managers' chair?

I don't think so simply because he would never want to. He's brilliant at this job.

With us moving 'next door', if you could only keep one memory of Highbury what would it be?

Saying goodbye as a player and knowing all the fans appreciated my efforts and style.

And finally Bob, what does Arsenal mean to you?

My second family. It's helped make me who and what I am.

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