#bould

The Thankless Task of Colin Pates - just how would Colin Pates force his way past what is considered the greatest backline England has ever seen?

Some things are simply insurmountable. There are positive thinkers who will have you believe that anything is possible. But they’re wrong. And in the case of the lesser-spotted defender, Colin Pates, his task was a mammoth one. Break into the lauded Arsenal back four – and hold down a spot. The finest defenders of this generation would have had similar fates were they presented with this…

Widely considered the finest exponents of the art of defence - why didn't England take full advantage of having this amazing resource?

I had a startling revelation recently. When watching some international football during Euro 2020/21, there was a lot being made by pundits about the clubs the players hailed from and the environment that it might foster. With clubs come rivalries and with rivalries come animosity. And so it does make sense to a degree that there would be a focus on who plays for which club. And it became clear…

Bouldy and Passing the Baton

Another link to our values and the true essence of Arsenal Football Club was severed recently. With the news of Steve Bould being axed from his job as Coach of the U23’s, it reminded many of us the importance of having true luminaries of the club involved behind the scenes. Bould’s last post before he was told to fall on his sword was especially vital. The U23’s are the last step before the…

Loyalty and the offside trap – famous back five an example for players today

Club loyalty is scarce on the ground these days. A player showing how strong the ties that bind him to the club that he plays for, by snubbing lucrative offers. By rolling their sleeves up when the going gets tough. Being the one to rally teammates rather than point the finger or simply think they are better. Or, the ultimate in rarities – the one club man. A player who spends their entire…