All posts by z3u9t.icu

Written by: @Mike_Mmcdonald for gunnerstown.com, 13th Oct 2021.

When I was asked to review ‘Arsenal for Everyone’ I was a little nervous as it’s probably the 7th book I’ve ever read and I’m not 6 years old. I read articles, tweets and such all the time but even after reading The Miracle of Castel Di Sangro (brilliant), I always find myself too energized to sit and read books. I didn’t know how I was going to do this and do it justice.

I opened ‘Arsenal for Everyone’ and sat there for 3 hours getting through 2/3rds before my daughter’s constant text request for Dunkin Donuts got the best of me. I’m not sure you understand the achievement that I feel in sitting still for 3 hours. The book was gripping.

On my way to Dunkin Donuts, I listened to the author, Dave Seager, talking to Arseblog about the book. I couldn’t stop thinking about the contrast to my life problems and those I’d read about and was now hearing Dave and Andrew chat about.

I had an overwhelming feeling of gratefulness. 

This aligns with how I’ve been feeling lately. My family and I talk about what we are grateful for on a daily basis around the supper table. I recommend this as it adds true perspective.

So, my first thought about ‘Arsenal for Everyone’ is that it’s not really just a book about Arsenal or football. You could comfortably glean a life changing perspective from it even if you’d never watched football. Although ‘Arsenal for Everyone’ is a book about the stories of multiple disabled Arsenal fans and their ‘Arsenal story,’ it truly is more. So much more. There are so many highlights.

My first observation was that those in the book have similar experiences to me, but their memory is often more vivid as their senses are heightened by their unfortunate lack of having all the senses that I’m blessed with.

I loved the story of Redmond tiptoeing downstairs and checking Ceefax and swapping stickers in the playground. I resonated with Thomas Clements and how he felt when he entered the stadium for the first time yet was taken with how again, his senses are more alert than mine, therefore his memory is more intense. I can still smell the hamburgers on Avenell Rd if I close my eyes and let my mind wander but I’m jealous that Thomas has a keener sense for those onions, but probably also for the police horse deposits too!

At the same time that I could relate to much I read in this book I was captivated by many stories that I can’t relate to.

One in particular where Michael Watkinson describes what it’s like being a deaf fan at the Emirates. “During the game, it gives me goosebumps as there is no sound, yet I feel the vibrations in the stadium from the fans singing, the chanting, the jumping up and down. It is an amazing feeling which is so difficult to understand and is perhaps unexplainable.” Wrap your head around that!

There are so, so many great stories like…

How Wayne Busbridge became addicted to Arsenal, as he was treated like everyone else for one of the first times in his life. He talked about Arsenal fans on the train arguing with him and saying, “Well you wouldn’t know anyway, you’re blind!” That was refreshing to hear that type of banter as 2021 gets too offended as it tiptoes around not hurting feelings. The banter made him feel part of something and we all have similar stories.

Personally, I loved the story of Danny from ‘A Bergkamp Wonderland.’ I enjoyed finding out more about his disability as I have much admiration for what he’s achieved for the fan base.

I was fascinated at how Lyn Clarke grew up as a Spurs fan in a Spurs family but switched to Arsenal talking about the class of ‘The Arsenal.’ Such admiration too for a lady with no balance, diabetes, fibromyalgia, neuropathy and terminal cancer and living in a world where catching Covid would kill her. Puts whatever we deal with into sharp perspective, right? The class that attracted Lyn you will find in so many stories in this book. That Arsenal choose to go above and beyond the Premier League requirements for disabled fans. It made me feel so proud to know that we are still this club.

This is epitomized by the Arsenal Sensory Room which is designed for our autistic fans. A room that makes the game day experience manageable for them as much of it is too overwhelming otherwise. We are a club that spends considerably more money than they will ever take in, inviting only five or six families per game into the sensory room, shows that class and desire to care for a group that others largely ignore. To add to this, I learned that we are the first club to partner with SignVideo to enhance experience for the deaf. All these ‘above and beyond’ features are embodied by this quote….

“Market forces may prevent us always having the best team, but I am in no doubt that we are a club with the best values traditions and class in the country”

There is so much more from the story of kissing Vieira to the rage I felt from the stories of bullying disabled fans. I loved finding out how blind soccer actually works too. Not what I thought.

If you simply want to love your club with a fresh love then you need to buy this book for no other reason than to understand the role of Alun Francis, Arsenal’s Disability Access Officer and the quite unbelievable story of Allan and his personal commentator. We use the word ‘inspiring’ to describe a performance in a game, the time we met a famous person or a movie. It’s not that these moments aren’t inspiring it’s when you stumble across an entire life that inspires, how can you use the same word to describe meeting Emile Smith Rowe after a game as you would use to describe Nicole Evans-Dear and her drive to complete the London Marathon even though it took her 4 days. Would you do that? If you started and were in the level of pain, she was in then realized that the Marathon was officially over, would you continue?  Meeting Smith Rowe is exciting. Nicole Evans-Dear is inspiring.

This book is inspiring because the stories are inspiring. Truly inspiring. The real thing. Dave Seager needs huge credit for this being so well laid out. He also needs credit for taking the time to do this in the first place. A few minutes of spotlight for a group that often get treated as ‘the least of us’ shows his goodness. Liam would be proud because his Dad is a difference maker.

The star however is the people in the stories. This is Dave’s wish. We get one shot at life and spend too much of it complaining about whatever has rubbed us the wrong way. Read ‘Arsenal for Everyone.’ You might be changed. Even for just 30 minutes as you ponder and compare your Arsenal experience to theirs. My guess is you will have a fresh admiration for disabled people and a fresh appreciation for your own life too. How can you not reflect with great admiration at Keryn Seal having accepted being blind yet playing for England 120 times. How can you not be inspired by Nicole Evans Dear whose husband Phil states,” We don’t need easy, just possible, and together we make everything possible “

This book will humble you.

To quote Dave Seager, “In all honesty, at times, it made me feel quite inadequate.”

That’s enough from me. I could honestly wax longer but this is a flavour of an important book. I loved it and feel it is a book that every Arsenal fan can enjoy and any non-Arsenal fan struggling with gratefulness would find inspiration from.

West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is attracting a significant amount of interest ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that sources have revealed that Tottenham Hotspur sent scouts to watch the 28-year-old in action for West Brom against Preston North End earlier this month.

The report continues to state that Spurs are compiling a dossier on the England international ahead of a potential move for the shot-stopper, as the Premier League side are beginning to up their search to replace Hugo Lloris, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Ismael will be gutted

Considering just how important a part of Valerien Ismael’s side Johnstone is, in addition to the fact that Albion are currently attempting to convince the goalkeeper to extend his stay at The Hawthorns beyond the end of his current deal – which expires next summer – the news of Tottenham’s interest is sure to have left the Frenchman gutted.

Indeed, while the £7.2m-rated man has not exactly been in the best form of his career over his nine Championship appearances so far this season, the ‘keeper has nevertheless been a steady hand between the Baggies sticks, keeping four clean sheets, as well as conceding just 0.7 goals and making 1.3 saves per game.

These returns have seen the ‘keeper who Ismael claimed is “committed” to the West Brom cause earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.80, ranking him as the club’s joint 12th-best performer in the second tier this term.

As such, losing the £28k-per-week goalkeeper, either in January or next summer, would undoubtedly come as a major blow to Valerien Ismael and his side, as Johnstone clearly has the ability to play a huge role in Albion’s promotion push this season, as well as helping them retain their place in the Premier League next season – should the club indeed go on to secure a return to the top flight in the current campaign.

In other news: Ismael may be set for disaster over “powerful” West Brom beast, fans would be fuming

Leuven striker Thomas Henry reportedly wants to join Celtic over interest from arch-rivals Rangers and Belgian side Gent [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Celtic eye Henry as uncertainty over Edouard’s future grows

As the transfer window enters its latter stages, Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou will be keen to strengthen his forward line sooner rather than later, amid continued speculation over Odsonne Edouard’s future.

One man who the Hoops have allegedly been looking to acquire recently has been 26-year-old Henry, with a £7 million swoop being mooted for his services [The Scotsman].

Could Celtic now have gained a sizeable advantage in their pursuit of the 6ft 4in ace owing to recent reports?

The Latest: Henry prefers Celtic move over Gent or Rangers

Making a surprise revelation to well known publication Football Insider, Henry’s UK representative, Paul Tait, said: “Thomas’ preference is to join Celtic if they can agree a fee with Leuven.”

However, he also added: “Gent have agreed a fee with Leuven and they are in pole position to land Thomas”.

Gent are said to be looking for a suitable replacement for departed forward Roman Yaremchuk and have identified Henry, however this news may well put the ball firmly back in Celtic’s court.

The Scottish Sun claimed that the Celts were on the brink of winning the race for the Frenchman earlier this week, while Crystal Palace, Roma and Newcastle United have also been keeping an eye on his situation.

The Verdict: Henry would give Celtic an alternative outlet in attack

Celtic could certainly benefit from having another striking option amongst their ranks. Possessing the ability to get on the end of crosses and bring others into play, Henry would represent a type of frontman that the Celts may have lacked in recent seasons.

In 2020/21, he produced some excellent numbers for his current employers, registering 28 goal contributions in 33 appearances; 21 goals and seven assists [Transfermarkt].

Netting three in three outings in the new campaign, his ability to constantly provide a focal point in attack has seen him record an average of 4.3 attempts at goal per fixture in 2021/22, which would only add to an already impressive Celtic offense [WhoScored].

Needing to recruit correctly to reclaim the Scottish Premiership title, Henry would be a step in the right direction who could contribute significantly domestically and in Europe for Celtic.

In other news, Celtic have been linked with a move for a Republic of Ireland star.

Wolves are the ‘first suitor’ to sign former West Ham forward Enner Valencia, according to a fresh transfer rumour that has emerged.

The Lowdown: Valencia linked with Wolves move

Bruno Lage’s side have jumped to eighth in the Premier League after a strong run of form and they host in-form West Ham on Saturday afternoon.

Despite Wolves thriving at the moment, there may still be the need for new signings to improve the depth and quality in the squad and one player who has been linked with a move to Molineux is Valencia.

The 32-year-old is currently plying his trade at Fenerbahce, where he has scored twice and registered three assists in the Turkish Super Lig this season.

The Latest: New update emerges

It is a rumour that is refusing to go away, with Fotomac [via Sport Witness] claiming that Wolves are at the front of the queue to sign him.

It is also stated that ‘negotiations with Fenerbahce will begin’ in the January transfer window, as he eyes up a fresh challenge.

The Verdict: Is he worth it?

This is a rumour that doesn’t make a huge amount of sense, with Valencia not someone who set the world alight during his time in England, despite being described as ‘dangerous’ by Ronald Koeman during a loan spell at Everton.

The Ecuadorian has scored a superb 34 goals in 67 caps for his country, in fairness, but he only managed 10 in 68 games for West Ham, suggesting he struggled in the Premier League. A 23-game stint at Goodison was also forgettable, with only three goals scored.

Valencia is also 32 and doesn’t represent the long-term future, so it feels like more of a quick fix that suggests Adama Traore could possibly be moving on and Lage wants a short-term replacement.

In other news, some Wolves fans have gushed over a club social media post. Read more here.

Former Southampton midfielder Carlton Palmer has told The Transfer Tavern that he would be “totally against” Graziano Pelle returning to the Saints.

Pelle enjoyed a successful spell down on the south coast between 2014 and 2016, scoring 30 goals in 80 appearances before going on to join Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng.

The 36-year-old striker is now a free agent following his exit from Parma, prompting some Southampton fans to call for him to be re-signed.

It is something that Palmer, though, would be against, with the ex-Saint suggesting it would be a backward step for the club.

“I’m totally against it,” Palmer said when asked if the Premier League outfit should bring the Italian back to St. Mary’s.

“Fans, you know, will always put their hands up for a former favourite of theirs to return to the club, but it’s not always a wise move for him to come back. I think that would be a backward step for them.”

Nostalgia aside, there is little reason to re-sign Pelle this summer, with the 6 ft 4 former Southampton striker not having the best of times at Parma. In 13 games, he scored just once before leaving the Serie A outfit at the end of his contract.

Quoted by LaRoma24, translated by Sport Witness, Italian journalist Massimiliano Magni has been left stunned by a development at Tottenham Hotspur involving Paulo Fonseca.

The Lowdown: Spurs and Fonseca…

As widely reported, it looks like Fonseca is now the overwhelming favourite to become Tottenham’s new manager.

Talks had been held with elite candidates like Mauricio Pochettino and Antonio Conte, but moves for both men eventually fell through.

Paris-Saint Germain stood firm and refused to grant a Pochettino return to north London, meanwhile talks with Conte broke down due to an alleged difference in plans for Spurs.

Now, Fonseca has reportedly emerged as the prime candidate thanks to incoming sporting director Fabio Paratici.

The Latest: Magni left stunned…

Indeed, talks are apparently at a very advanced stage over the 48-year-old’s appointment and Italian reporter Magni just can’t quite believe the development.

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“Tottenham fire Mourinho and take Fonseca, it’s a surreal thing,” he explained (via Sport Witness).

“They went from Conte to Fonseca. There are things that can’t be understood at Tottenham.”

The Verdict: Right to be bemused…

Swapping Mourinho for Fonseca is, on paper at least, a pretty bizarre move by the club – even if he wasn’t the prime candidate to begin with.

Compared to Roma’s 2020/2021 season under the Portuguese, Tottenham’s league record from last campaign is practically identical.

As per Sky Sports (via Football Daily), both teams carried the exact same number of games won (18), games drew (8), games lost (12), league points (62) and even goals scored (68).

The only difference between both sides is Roma managed to concede more goals in the league (58).

Therefore, it’s little wonder those in the media are feeling a little bemused.

In other news: ‘Sources close…’ – Journalist shares exciting transfer development at Spurs, find out more here.

Celtic head into the international break with positivity and negativity engulfing Ange Postecoglou’s team.

Of course, the Hoops lost the Old Firm derby, but then ended the transfer window by signing three players on deadline day.

On the chalkboard

How Postecoglou begins to fit all of these new signings into the squad will be interesting to witness.

Of course, the Bhoys lost the likes of Odsonne Edouard, Kristoffer Ajer and Ryan Christie, but they ended up securing the additions of 12 new first-team faces.

Celtic’s defence has been mediocre again at times this term, but after Anthony Ralston’s flying start to the campaign, his role seems to be one of the few positions that are actually nailed-on.

Greg Taylor missed the clash with Rangers last weekend through injury but it wasn’t Boli Bolingoli who was entrusted at left-back. Instead, it was new signing Josip Juranovic who was playing out of position.

It’s perhaps surprising that Bolingoli is still at the club, but in the words of The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin, it would be a surprise if he got any regular football.

Writing in his post-deadline day column, he said: “Boli Bolingoli will remain at Celtic despite no intention to use him in the first team.”

Fans buzzing

On that evidence, it looks as though the Ivorian full-back will never be seen in a Bhoys shirt ever again.

Postecoglou is yet to hand Bolingoli a single minute in competitive action since he became the manager and it would be a huge surprise if that changes.

Foreign transfer markets are still open but despite that, the defender seemingly has no interest in departing Parkhead.

Although that will frustrate Celtic supporters, news that he’s set to just sit on the sidelines for the season should delight them. After all, this is a player who has let them down on countless occasions.

He’s also a man who Neil Lennon was forced to call “stupid” last season. Bolingoli went on an unsanctioned trip to Spain during the height of the pandemic and hasn’t stepped foot in a Celtic shirt since.

Unaware of the events which had taken place, he continued to train upon his return and even featured from the bench against Kilmarnock days after coming back. He not only put his teammates and coaching staff at risk, but also everyone at Killie.

It caused uproar throughout the Premiership and the £1.9m-rated dud was subsequently sent on loan to Turkey.

After that, it looked unlikely that Bolingoli would ever play for Celtic again, and the player’s worst fears appear to have been confirmed this summer.

Postecoglou isn’t a fan of him and has turned to Adam Montgomery instead as a late substitute and backup to Taylor.

Considering that he’s a homegrown talent, supporters should be delighted with how this is playing out. He certainly deserves a role in the side over someone like Bolingoli who has disrespected the club so significantly.

AND in other news, “Being monitored”: Journo makes Celtic transfer claim, their next Ajer may arrive soon…

When Wolves hired Bruno Lage, there were eyebrows raised about his capabilities in English football.

Indeed, those who were sceptical are arguably being proven right after consecutive defeats for the Old Gold. Yet, that doesn’t tell the entire story.

What’s the word?

Despite not scoring a goal in the Premier League yet, Wolves have been one of the most free-flowing sides in the top-flight this season.

They’ve accumulated 42 shots in their opening two matches before the floodgates opened in the Carabao Cup, beating Nottingham Forest 4-0.

With that in mind, they should focus their efforts on more defensive recruits in the remaining weeks of the window.

They are interested in signing Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car but another centre-half based in France is catching their eye.

That happens to be Lille’s Sven Botman. Fabrizio Romano revealed the news on Wednesday evening before Tim Spiers delivered the following three-word claim on Thursday.

Responding to a fan, he said: “Definite interest there.”

Brilliant signing

At just 21 years of age, Botman fits the profile of Wolves signing perfectly.

Under the stewardship of Nuno Santo and Fosun, they’ve made direct attempts to sign players who they can develop and make a potential profit on.

Diogo Jota is the prime example of a player they crafted before making big money on, while the same eventuality could befall Adama Traore and Pedro Neto.

However, we want to focus on what Botman would bring to Wolves now, rather than in the future.

A gifted ball-playing centre-half, the young Dutchman is also supreme when the ball is off the air. As Lille beat PSG to the Ligue 1 crown last season, he won 3.2 aerial duels per match which was more than anyone else at Wolves.

Furthermore, he completed 86.5% of his passes, remaining calm and composed at the back.

At 6 foot 3, he is cut from a similar cloth as Willy Boly, a player who has used his big frame to a great deal of success at Molineux. Once described as a “leader” by former head coach Christophe Galtier, he looks like he has all of the attributes to thrive in the Premier League.

Wolves don’t have too many leaders beyond Ruben Neves and Conor Coady so that’s another plus point for Lage.

With all of that in mind, supporters should be excited about their hopes for the remaining weeks of the window.

AND in other news, Wolves make offer to sign £17m “phenomenon” before deadline day, Lage needs him…

Speaking to the press, Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Jonny Evans ‘will miss’ their clash with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this afternoon through injury.

The Lowdown: Evans sidelined…

The Northern Ireland defender was substituted half an hour into the Foxes’ historic FA Cup final victory against Chelsea and subsequently missed their league encounter with the west Londoners (Leicestershire Live).

Evans, currently suffering from a heel issue, was in too much pain to take part in the defeat at Stamford Bridge, with Rodgers now providing an update on Evans going into the all-important clash with Spurs today.

The Latest: Evans ‘will miss’ Spurs clash

Speaking to the press (via Leicestershire Live), Rodgers has now confirmed that the 33-year-old will still be out of action this afternoon as Leicester gear up for a crucial match.

When asked who would be unavailable, the manager explained: “Jonny Evans will miss out. Everyone else who was available the other night will be available.”

Along with Evans, Harvey Barnes (knee), James Justin (knee), and Cengiz Under (hip) will also be unavailable through injury.

The Verdict: Blow for Leicester

A first team regular with 28 Premier League starts this season, Leicester being without Evans for the clash against Spurs comes as a hammer blow.

Foxes supporters could have felt more assured by his presence and experience as part of the back four, especially considering he has averaged the joint-most clearances per match out of Leicester’s entire squad (WhoScored). Alas, they will have to secure a result without Evans in what is set to be a nail-biting final day.

Champions League qualification is still a possibility for Leicester if they can rack up a big score against Spurs whilst hoping Crystal Palace can do them a mighty favour against Liverpool at Anfield. Unfortunately, they will have to try and get over the line without one of their defensive leaders to call upon.

In other news: talkSPORT journalist shares exciting Leicester City transfer development, find out more here.

Newcastle United are reportedly now ‘interested’ in signing Taiwo Awoniyi in the summer.

The Lowdown: Standout season

Awoniyi is enjoying a standout season for Union Berlin, where he has scored 18 goals and made a further four assists in 39 games in total over all competitions so far (Transfermarkt).

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He became a record-breaker earlier this week when he became the first Union Berlin player to score 13 times in a single Bundesliga campaign, and football journalist Kevin Hatchard even went as far as to call him ‘outstanding’ after recently netting against Frankfurt.

The Latest: Newcastle interest

As per transfer expert Christian Falk, the St. James’ Park faithful are now ‘interested’ in bringing Awoniyi to the North East, but face competition from fellow Premier League rivals West Ham United and Southampton for his signature.

The striker has a release clause of €20m (£16.7m), which if activated means that the Tynesiders can then talk about a potential move.

The Verdict: Do it

Awoniyi’s market value is on the rise, and so being able to sign him for a mere £16.7m would seem to be a real bargain.

The Nigeria international is just 24 years of age, and so will only get better as he enters his prime.

Nonetheless, given the season that he has had, the competition for his signature is likely to increase in the summer, and so the Magpies need to act fast if they are to bring him to the Toon.

In other news, find out which ‘phenomenal’ speedster NUFC are now eyeing here!