Ed. Note - Well the regular season has been over for almost a full 48 hours now. Time to start looking to the future. Here are some comments from one member, I’d love to here from others…
Though I feel it’s still early to talk about next season, yet since you guys have started it, I’m joining in the fun here!
Here are some of my vision of next season:
1. CHELSEA WILL GET STRONGER - this is a no-brainer. They got cash, full of it. So expect a few more big names joining the Chelski bandwagon. The key is their manager situation. Ranierl is in a lose-lose situation. If they sack him and get a good manager, without the will-he-stay-or-gone rumors flying around, they are going to have a more settled squad. That spells - THREAT.
2. THE POST-EURO 2004 FACTOR - some of our key players will be playing at Euro 2004. And the likes Henry, Vieira, Pires we don’t expect them to be heading home early. After a mentally, physically draining season, to go along with another exhausting major tournament, how long it would take the boys to recover, both mentally, and physically? Remember our 98 double season, followed with a World Cup 98. The next season, it took the likes Bergkamp more than half of the season to regain his previous form.
3. MAN U WILL BOUNCE BACK BIG TIME - Let’s don’t forget they are the RICHEST club in the World. Be it what happened to them this season is a crisis or not, they can easily turn things around. And they often did anyway. With a little help of their money power, they will be once again one of the primary contenders of the Premiership and Champions League.
4. THE OPEN UP OF EU - Next season, more Eastern European countries such as Hungary, Poland, Czech Rep., Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and co. will be joining the EU. Expect a new flow of cheaper, good quality Eastern European footballers be joining the Premiership. Good news is with Wenger’s eyes for talent, we may get ourselves a few “steals”. This is crucial given that financially we simply can’t live up with Man U, Chelsea at the moment. Bad news is more and more English footballers would be forced out of scene.
4 Responses to “Vision of Next Season”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
May 17th, 2004 at 10:25 am
A few comments:
On Chelsea: I think it is only a given that Chelsea will spend more money. It is not given, necessarily, that they will get stronger. There is something important to be said about team chemistry. As many high-spending high-profile teams have found out over the years, chemsitry is not purchased. Nevertheless, if you have enough monkeys, enough typewriters, enough paper, and enough time, the entire works of Shakespeare will be made. Chelsea have the wherewithall to spend and spend until the right combo is hit. Whether it is next season or not remains to be seen.
On Euro: Great point about the fatigue factor. However, many of the other EPL top flight teams will also be contributing some of their top line players, too. Hopefully the fatigue will be shared.
On ManU: Agreed. We spend a lot of time talking about Chel$ki spending, ManU have tremendous resources of their own. They will be looking to get back on top big-time. I expect at least one high profile signing from them in the upsoming weeks, and would not be surprised to see two, honestly.
On EU: Hopefully, Wenger will have an opportunity to find some more affordable talent. Let’s also hope that with the new stadium comes more cash to *keep* the players we groom.
May 17th, 2004 at 12:41 pm
TONIGHT we shall see the last game of the season and wishing M. Keown the VERY best of luck for the future. A true Gunner and will be missed but at least I will be there and continue drinking. The past 48 hours had been ***** brilliant and great
Good Luck Monkey Head
Arsenal I?m not going to spoil the party but just to say Well Done.
I have read a couple of times on this site how bad the Tinker man is but he is not. Yes Chelsea had a very bad season with the amount of players they have but remember Chelsea FC is run by a football agent with money from Roman and most of the players don?t even know each other. Ranieri coped with real dignity, despite shameful treatment from the Chelsea hierarchy, who has effectively been seeking his replacement all season. And as most football fans, I was glad to see the Chelsea faithful showing respect after their last game.
Ferguson is on other planet and playing the price of being so soo stupid and full of himself and even an FA Cup final appearance cannot cover up a disappointing season. But as mentioned by Jimmy Hills and the gangs on Sunday, yes he fucked up big time but never count him out. Come on Millwall.
As for you comment on the OPEN UP OF EU that will not make difference since people from those countries are allow to play their trade in England already.
A big thanks to BarnetFCGunner, Mike G, Kelvin and all the guys in NY “Paul” and looking forward to next season. Henry sorry but for the next 6 week I hope you play shit “Euro 04″ Sol will sort you out with the help of Terry.
May 17th, 2004 at 2:37 pm
This is actually an old post of me I think I wrote it two or three weeks ago.
Anyway, about the EU situation is a bit tricky. Previously only big name players or established international-class players are allowed to get a work permit to play at Premiership, but now they don’t need a work permit. It also means the young stars from those countries, who have not played for their countries (or not enough caps) can be playing at the Premiership as well. So i expect, if not the first team, our youth team may have a few promising youngsters from Eastern Europe learning their trades there in the near future.
May 17th, 2004 at 2:57 pm
Henry, Pires, Paddy and the French posse’ are gonna spank England on their way to hoisting the Euro2004 Championship!
You’d better hope the BEST STRIKER IN THE WORLD plays like crap…. but you KNOW its highly unlikely. He’s just too damned good!!!