Peter Drury is an ITV sports commentator. The words ‘ITV’ and ‘sport’ go together like violin and custard in most people’s minds, so to be an ITV sports commentator is not necessarily something to be proud of. Nevertheless, if I were also an ITV sports commentator who had gone into the occupation with eyes wide…

I wrote this for The Gooner issue 215 in 2011. As we’re back in the transfer window and spending money is once again at the top of the agenda, I was reminded of it. I think it’s time Peter Hill-Wood retired. What do you think? Another Successful Year! I would like to open by saying…

In celebration of the unveiling of TA’s statue outside Arsenal Stadium on 9 December 2011, here’s my tribute to him at the time of his retirement in 2002, printed in The Gooner issue 124. If I’d been writing about the career of Tony Adams at the time of his first testimonial in 1994 the article…

I was tempted to call this piece “Moneyball: moneybollocks!” I haven’t seen the film starring Brad Pitt, who I only mention for the purpose of search engines, but the concept is simple enough: beat your richer opposition by being smarter with your resources. Well I think we all agree that Arsène Wenger does that –…

I was inspired by a picture of Arsenal’s 1975 squad, featuring Brian Kidd. He had a lot of hair. Far more than was sensible. So I had a look to see who should join him in a Bad Hair team. 1 David SeamanWho else could it be in goal? Honourable mention to the wavy 1970s…

Stan Kroenke spoke to both the players and the press last week (31 October). I don’t know what he said to the players, but I’ve seen the full transcript of the press chat. As a week has gone by, the value of this ‘news’ has dissipated, so I will quote some of what Stan said…

When Tottenham played their first league match of the season against Man Utd it wasn’t a surprise they lost – Man Utd have finished above Tottenham in the league every year since . . . I dunno, the last Ice Age, probably. But the Spuds were forced to play without one of their best players,…

This letter was written by Gooner ex-pat Clive Hill, former season ticket holder, and sent to the AFC Board in the aftermath of the 8-2 defeat at Manchester United. One month on, Clive has not had any reply. With the club’s AGM imminent, it is perhaps a timely reminder of the feelings of many fans…

On Friday, Evening Standard readers were treated to an exclusive column by Fat Sam Allardyce – oh what joy! What have we done to deserve such favour? Regular readers of The Gooner will know my opinion of Fat Sam is so low it’s barely measurable. Fat Sam professes West Ham to be ‘lucky’ that they…

In 2006 a few Gooner writers and the Editor got together to bounce ideas around for the magazine, and I suggested “101 Reasons Why Arsenal Are Better Than Spurs”. Brian Dawes (@Gooner48) immediately said, “No – 1,961 reasons!” So that’s what we did. The feature ran for a couple of seasons on the Gooner’s inside…