The modern world

Hello again. Following a relaxation of my midweek drinking policy – simply put, never get drunk during the week, the last four hours at work have been a bit of a foggy headed struggle. It is in this context that today’s blog comes to you.

When I got in last night, or more appropriately, in the early hours of this morning, I saw that I had a letter. It was a letter from AISA containing my new membership card and an invitation to the AISA AGM (at least, I think that’s what it is) on the 11th of September. Anyway, what I do remember about this date is that Ivan Gazidis will be joining the meeting for a bit of a Q&A session. So, I think I might pop along.

Speaking of Mr Gazidis, he’s been busy recruiting the staff that he hopes will help him in a new era of world domination for the Arsenal – muhahahahahaaaaarrrgghhh! So; it’s hello to Chief Commercial Officer Tom Fox, General Counsel Svenja Geissmar (Arsenal’s first ever in-house lawyer) and Head of People and Operations Trevor Saving. Colour Gazidis “delighted” as he looks to move Arsenal away from the “Stone Age” described by David Dein and into the modern world.

The first home game of the season beckons and supporters going to the game are being encouraged to show your colours and thereby turn the stadium into a sea of red and white. An Arsenal stadium, rather than a stadium where Arsenal happen to play I think is the idea. Following this theme, the “Arsenalisation” of the stadium appears to be progressing. I love the idea of the murals. When I visited the Nou Camp in 2007, I was impressed by the massive images of Messi, Eto’o and Ronaldinho that adorned the facade. I think the Stadio Olimpico was similar, but – despite the fact I was only there two months back – I couldn’t say for sure.

Anyway, that’s an ongoing process that will take time to complete, unless it turns out to be like the Sagrada Familia and then it will never be completed, more immediately the manager says that Eduardo is likely to be available for tomorrow’s match. The striker was pulled out of the Celtic squad at the last minute due to a “tight groin”, but it sounds like he’s going to be okay. Amazingly, there are no new injuries to report. I say amazing because; a) it’s Arsenal and b) because Celtic were somewhat aggressive on Tuesday night. I wonder if we might see a couple of changes tomorrow afternoon.

I like the fact the boss has wondered aloud about Manchester United and Liverpool and life after Ronaldo and Alonso in a week where they have both suffered defeats. At the end of the first week of the season, Liverpool are halfway to last season’s total of defeats already. It seems certain that this season is going to be a right old rollercoaster, so let’s jump on and enjoy the ride.