Memories from a Kiwi Gooner

Hi Bill.     

 

I was just doodling through the Arsenal website and I got on to “Fanzone” and then you.     I have been an Arsenal supporter since 1932 when my Dad took me to Highbury for my 5th birthday.   From then on there was only one team for me.   My regular spot was under the clock.         1964 was the year we decided to come to New Zealand and settled in Blenheim, had 5 kids and decided to stay.       

I really missed following the Gunners, but we have had Sky since it started up and have never missed a match if it was on the box.       

The game last night at Bolton was good, especially the first half.  I’ve seen a lot of Arsenal teams over the years, but since Arsene has been in charge, he has produced magic. The teams in recent years are head and shoulders better than the so called great teams of yesterday.

Its funny ,  I was watching the sports news the other night and the item was about Newcastle’s manager troubles and in the background was the ex Arsenal half back McDonald of 1960 s.    I got to know him pretty well, because when he retired he bought a little Cafe on the north side of Blackfriars Bridge.   I was working on the newspapers at the time so I spent plenty time ear bashing the guy.   So he must have moved back to the Toon , where Arsenal bought him from.

In 1932 we Lived at the Elephant & Castle so really and truly my team should have been Millwall.  GOD!.   I did go there once or twice to see the Gunners play in a cup match.    I don’t think there was a blade of grass on the pitch.

I remember when the turnstile prices at Highbury went up from 3 pence to 4 pence, was there a stink.  We stood outside the main entrance with billboards hoping this would make them change their minds.  Not a hope.   My son was in the UK for a good few years doing the European Golf Tour.  Of course I had brainwashed him over the years to follow THE TEAM.  When he told me that he paid 35 Quid to see one of the last games at Highbury, I nearly shot over there with a billboard again.  How can the ordinary supporter afford those prices?.  I would probably have ended up at the Den!!!!.

 

Well Bill I had better sign off,  good luck with membership up there.     All the very best.  Happy days!.   Bob Boult