'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Meet Boris Mellor – a lifelong Gooner who has supported the club for more than 50 years and has seen the transformation of the club since the Wenger era. He is also the Editor of Arsenal Times website which carries reports by him and other terrace fans every week. So, by mere luck, I had a chance to interview him and this is how it went:
When did you decide to become a Gooner? How much does Arsenal FC mean to you?
Trending
It wasn’t a decision. I was born into it. My Father took me to home games as a young child and I just loved watching the men in red and white as he told me about Alex James, Lawton etc. I didn’t even notice that I had turned into a fervent Gunner. Arsenal is the most important hobby in my life, and I talk to fellow fans and friends about them every day.
What would be your preferred formation and line up? (Combination of both past and present)
Jack Kelsey (Goalkeeper), Dixon, Simpson Mclintock, McNab, Armstrong, Vieira, Brady, Pires Bergkamp, Henry. Subs: Seaman, George, Radford, Adams, Bould, Ljungberg
What was your personal experience of 26th May, 1989 like? Any other personal experience that you would like to share?
I became so frustrated I couldn’t watch and went out to a pub with no TV, didn’t find out until the next day we had won. A friend who was a Man Utd fan congratulated me on winning the league the next morning and I thought he was joking.
Being present when Charlie scored that goal at Wembley to clinch the double in 1971, and being at Highbury for the last game of the invincible season. The celebrations in the pubs after both events was spectacular.
How much difference is there between Highbury and Emirates in terms of atmosphere, infrastructure and the surroundings?
Highbury had a great atmosphere, and many a time I sat right next to the pitch with players towering over me. You could hear everything, and the crowd interacted as they could hear each other, so the North Bank would sing to the Clock End who would sing back. That doesn’t happen now. But the atmosphere was much better last year at the Emirates. The fans are great for big games, but can be out sung by second division teams.
Sadly we had to leave Highbury. On a cold day, you had to fight to get to the toilets or get a cup of tea. The Emirates is beautiful and so comfortable. I went to Wembly and thought how cheap and tacky.
What are the most common chants which the fans sing at the Emirates? Which is your favourite chant of all time?
My favourite of all time is split between the Petit and Vieira songs. He’s big, he’s quick, he is named after a porno flick was hilarious, and He came from Senegal summed up how international we had become.
Is there any other place where you like to go and watch some football apart from the Emirates?
I quite like going to the Cottage (Fulham), it has old fashioned charm and being next to the river is wonderful on a warm day.
Are you happy with the summer signings and the balance of the team? Any player you think Arsene missed out on?
I am never happy to see star players leave but Cazorla looks very good, Podolski looks like he has great potential. For me, the jury is still out on Giroud. I have my doubts that Diaby and Arteta can last a full season, so would like to have seen another Defensive Midfielder come in. We also appear to be a striker short, but I have no idea who the extra one should be.
How much effect have the departures of RVP and Song made on Arsenal? Who do you think will step up to the plate?
Song we haven’t missed yet, but we will have to see. RvP was fantastic, the first 30 goal striker we had in a long time. He can’t be replaced, unless Messi or Ronaldo want to join. The answer is to get over it and to spread the goals around the team.
How do you think Arsenal will perform in all competitions this season?
Top 3 or 4 in the league, and perhaps a lesser trophy. There have been so many changes in one season so it will take time to gel.
How much has the club transformed after the arrival of Wenger? How highly do you rate Arsene Wenger? If Arsenal fails to qualify for the Champions’ League this season, do you think Wenger should be fired? Who will be your replacement for him?
Arsene has been fantastic for Arsenal, but unfortunately his best days are behind him not ahead of him. Maybe it is because other clubs copied his methods, including training and scouting. I expect the club to qualify for the CL full stop. Rather than worry only about Wenger, I think it is better to hope that Bould can help freshen things up. If that fails, then it could be time for a re-think. I think Bould could prove to be Arsenal’s best signing this year.
Do you have any suggestions that you think will benefit the club ?
Yes get rid of 10,000 seats and replace with 20,000 standing. Get rid of the music and MC once team is on the pitch
Any academy prospect that is worth keeping an eye on?
I haven’t a clue, I have seen them come and go, most don’t stick, Jack is the main success, and Gibbs a possibility. Maybe Coquelin and Frimpong can make it but my expectations are not high and I don’t blame anyone for that, its how it has always been. Just don’t spend so much on it.
What is your take on players like Arshavin, Chamakh, Djourou and Squillaci?
Arshavin is an enigma who shouldn’t be in the above company, he was amazing at Liverpool when he scored 4 goals. Why did it all go wrong? Djourou is decent back up, the quicker the other two leave the better, two of Wenger’s worst signings ever.
Who is your favourite and least favourite arsenal player of all time and also in the current team?
My most favourite of all time was George Eastham, such a wonderful ball player, least favourite Adebayor. In the current team Arteta because he works hard every game. I wouldn’t want to undermine the current team at this stage by saying who I didn’t like.
Also, the most overrated and underrated player according to you?
The most overrated player in recent times has been Theo, the most underrated Koscienly.
What are your predictions for the top four and bottom three this season?
Man City, Chelsea, and third and fourth between us and Man Utd. Apart from Spurs going down, I am not sure about the other two. Thanks Mr. Levy for appointing AVB.
Which player will be your dream signing?
Messi.
If you could exchange a first team player with any Spurs player, who would be the two that would be swapped?
Squillaci for one of their programme sellers.
What is your proudest and the saddest Gooner moment ever?
Reaching the final of the Champions League. And losing in the final of the Champions League.
Any message for the fellow Indian Gooners?
Players come and go but the mighty Arsenal have remained at the top longer than any other club in English History.
