Dear Mr Wenger,
As a Gooner for over 30years now, I have seen it all. From the less-than-attacking and rather bloody boring yet trophy-filled years under George Graham in the late 80s, to short-term managers Stewart Houston, Bruce Rioch (the one who signed Dennis Bergkamp), then back to Houston for 6 games followed by your loyal assistant Pat Rice for 4 games. Those were good days, in a way. Then this great club I love with everything in me changed big time.
Arsenal signed a new and relatively unknown manager, you, and on the 1st October 1996 you changed Arsenal Football Club’s fortunes forever. Think about that for a minute, Arsene, you changed the club’s culture from the foundations up. It was you who brought classy attacking football loved globally by football purists.
Yes, of course you have had your low points, but who hasn’t? The way you changed the drinking culture around the club instantly was impressive. You brought in new diets and changed experienced players into total followers of the “Wenger way”. Some of the players you signed will be Arsenal legends forever; Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, etc. The young players you pulled from utter obsecurity from all over the globe then making them superstars is what you became well known for. Fabregas, Anelka, and so many more. You really do have a gift.
Of course when one considers your legacy, perhaps the first thing that comes to mind will be that you are still are the only manager in English football to go unbeaten. The sublime Invincibles 2003-2004 season were a club which will never be forgotten, particularly from Gooners around the world. Wow, what a great rollercoaster ride that was! Your team had it all; strong and brave defenders (Lauren, Campbell, Toure, Cole), classy oil-like machine midfield (Gilberto, Pires, Viera, Ljungberg) and a strike force (Henry and Bergkamp) of sheer brilliance. Oh, I thank you for producing and coaching the best side in Arsenal’s History.
So back to now and to the reality of 2013. After eight years of managing the club with yours hands tied behind your back as the club paid for The Emirates, you still somehow (only God knows how) managed to year and year get us in the Champions League. Now, Arsene, after 18 years in charge this could be your biggest summer at the club with fans screaming from the rooftops for the glamour signings. I know, I know, in your intelligent, precise, calming way you will bring in the right players in so the team will rightfully challenge for the title again.
Remember, I am right behind you shouting, “There’s only one Arsene Wenger, one Arsene Wenger”. Good luck, Mr Wenger.
Respectfully,
Tony Chapple
Until next time, Up The Gunners!
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