By Ian Grant
PLAYERS
Thierry Henry has made history by becoming the first player to win the Football Writers’ Association’s Footballer of the Year award for the second year running. He swept almost 90 percent of the votes cast in the annual poll.
Arsenal are on the brink of agreeing new contracts with Sol Campbell and Edu.
Nigel Worthington wants to make David Bentley his first signing (loan) of the summer for Norwich. However, Nottingham Forest and Leeds both want Bentley too.
Dennis Bergkmap was 35 and Sylvan Wiltord was 30 this week. Wiltord is talking to Werder Bremen about a summer move to the German League winners.
Pires said:”We have worked very hard to bring young players through as well as building a new training ground, a new stadium and a quality team who, I believe, have a different way of playing.”
David Beckham is one of several England players who have been granted permission to play in Martin Keown’s testimonial at Highbury on Monday, May 17. Sven-Goran Eriksson will be there too.
Also expected to appear at some stage for the England line-up are Wayne Rooney, John Terry, Joe Cole, Scott Parker, Glen Johnson and Andrew Cole, with Ian Wright also promising to show up. Credit card hotline is 0870 3800232.
Ronald de Boer said of Van Persie that he is very young and, if anything, has even greater ability than Robben.
WENGER
Wenger said:”It is good for the game that we have achieved so much this season when faced with two super-rich clubs. We have shown we can stick in there – and that has to provide further incentive to the rest. It shows there’s room for everybody and that a lot of clubs with potential – like Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham – can all get in there too.”
Wenger said: “We hope we can keep our team together. I am confident we will because we are hungry and feel there is more to come from this team.”
Wenger says team spirit is the key as the Gunners bid to go a Premiership season unbeaten.”We have been consistent because we have a great team spirit.”
Wenger, said of Reyes: “He needs to get used to the physical side of the game and he is improving in that way. He is much stronger and is learning to use his body more.” And added that after a run of games he’s getting better and better.
Wenger wants van Bronckhorst to seal a permanent deal to the Nou Camp next season.
Wenger has joined rivals Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Robson to support Cancer Research UK’s Man Alive initiative.
A French horse by the name of Wenger ran at Chepstow last week, but didn’t fininsh.
TRANSFER TALK
According to the Express, Arsenal have been in touch with Christian Abbati, the AC Milan goalkeeper, over a loan move, next season. Abbiati said: “I must admit Arsenal, despite the fact I haven’t been playing regularly, have been in touch with my agent.”
According to This Day, Nigeria, Kanu is seriously considering offers from Charlton Athletic and Manchester City although Charlton look favourites to get his signature because he wants to stay in London.
ARSENAL LADIES
Arsenal Ladies’Jayne Ludlow was named player of the year at the FA Women’s Football Awards in London.
The FA Nationwide Women’s Premier League title decider between Arsenal and Fulham will be played at Highbury after the Leicester City game. The winners of the league’s final fixture will take the championship. The match will kick off at 7pm and entry will be free via the West Upper Stand.
MISCELLANEOUS
One reason why Spurs drew with Arsenal was that David Pleat said the next season’s manager was in the director’s box. It turned about to be a coach driver who looks like a prominent manager, says the Mirror.
George Clooney and Brad Pitt have donned Arsenal tracksuits and baseball caps for the their latest film, Ocean 12, infiltrating the team’s hotel.
Polish PM, Aleksander Kwasniewski stopped off at Highbury during his state visit to Britain. Like several leaders/ex-leaders who stayed in London, he became an Arsenal fan.
Kampala Kids League (KKL) have received an invitation from Arsenal to play against the youth team at Highbury in July. Apparently there are growing links between Ugandan football and Arsenal.
According to ALL AFRICA, a hip-hop release by Ugandan group Sober Royals will spice up Arsenal-Uganda supporters club celebrations in Kampala. It is called “Arsenal are the Champs”.
Uganda based Arsenal fans will march from the City Square to Club Silk where they will have a grand party. There will be presentation of a dummy trophy which will coincide with presentation of the Premiership silverware.
OLD BOYS
Moritz Volz said: “I was disappointed they loaned me out. No one likes being rejected. Yet nothing was too much for them. They treat their staff so well. It’s why I am still a lover of the club and keep in touch with so many players there.”