Frank Simek just dropped us a note…
It was cool to meet up with all the Arsenal America people. Danny (Karbassiyoon) and I really enjoyed it. They picked a good reserve game to come and see. I think that was the best crowd for a reserve game I’ve ever played in front of. They even started a few chants. Anyway, thanks for your guys’ support, Danny and I really appreciate it.
About QPR (Ed. Frank did a loan spell at the Div. 1 club), it was a really good experience for me. I played five games for them and it was good to get out and see what the “real world” was like. You’ve got the best of everything at Arsenal (food, facilities, etc.), but it’s a lot different at other clubs, as I found out. Playing in games that really meant something in front of thousands of people was great too. Their manager, Ian Holloway, was terrific and tought me a few things as well.
4 Responses to “A Quick Note From Frank Simek”
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December 11th, 2004 at 10:16 pm
It’s great that he took time to drop us a line and thank everyone for their support.
The two Yanks are 100% class.
December 12th, 2004 at 12:05 am
So proud of Simek! He and Karbassiyoon are true trialblazers!!!
Very interesting the suggestion of differences from QPR. My first match at Highbury was the derby vs. them on New Year’s Eve 94/5 (was on the big screen throwing the ball back on the pitch - a thrill of a lifetime!). Gunners lost that day. Seems so very long ago; can’t believe not quite yet 10, as the clubs have gone such opposite directions. Fascinating a Yank has tasted both worlds.
Saw Arsenal “visit” Fulham over in White City and found the stadium so modest compared to our Home of Football, the thrill - strong as it was - nothing like that at Highbury.
Great Simek can appreciate what he has with the Gunners!!!
Cheers to him!!!!
December 12th, 2004 at 9:11 am
Thanks for the note, Frank!
Curious if anyone knows: how did they get trials with the club? They didn’t play for MLS so I’m wondering how The Arsenal found them or vice versa.
Looking forward to the day that AFC can afford to put a recruiting facility here in the States like Ajax has. Though, it will most likely be in South America.
December 13th, 2004 at 12:09 pm
I don’t know about Danny, but Frank was living in England at the time with his family and playing in some youth leagues. I think one of his coaches set him up with a trial. There’s an interview on Arsenal Plus where he talks about it.