There has been a lot written recently regarding Arsenal?s season. Ofcourse, I am not happy with the way things have gone. However, my biggest frustration year in year out is not with the team itself but is with being able to watch Arsenal games. Why?
Because here in Canada, the tv networks lean towards Manchester always. A few years ago, only one EPL game was shown on Saturdays. And that game was always a Man U game. When the network moved to showing 2 games, Man U always got the live game, and Arsenal the taped delay. This was despite Arsenal being the top team and Man U struggling (even when Manchester were in 7th place at the start of the 2002 season). The Canadian network?s response was that it was ?beyond their control? ? they got their feed from the American channel. The American channel replied they depended on the UK feed for match of the day. I believed it to begin with. But I found that was a lie ? the UK match of the day was not always a Man U game. Fine. So I figured sooner or later, Arsenal would prevail; their games would be shown.
Then the unbeaten streak started. The networks had to give in, right? Nope. They went as far as to not even show Arsenal games despite the Gunners breaking records on a weekly basis. This season, there are 3 live games on Saturday. But unfortunately, a lot of Gunner games are at the same time as that other team. And that means, there are weeks when no Arsenal games are shown at all. At the start of the season, when Arsenal were flying I wrote to the network again. This time they replied ?they show games which their users want to see?. Funny, I never saw a survey asking us the users which team we want to see? And then I read online that American channels plan to show Man U games on regular cable channels in upcoming years. The article mentioned that ?in North America there are 3 Man U fans for every Liverpool or Arsenal fan?. Yes the hype around Man U has not died down, or maybe in Canada, time is still frozen. When Rooney signed for Man U, my first reaction was that for sure Arsenal won?t get a game because of Rooney?s new found Euro 2004 fame.
Besides going on and on about that other team, I do get annoyed at the negative branding that Arsenal get from the media! I felt maybe this was a part of some grand conspiracy to not show Arsenal games on tv (paranoia galore). First it was the red cards counter that was flashed every time an Arsenal player was sent off. Then when the team didn?t get anyone sent off and were winning games easily, their failure in Europe was brought up. And when Wenger called his team ?Invincibles?, well the knives were out. ?Unless Arsenal win the European Cup, they are nothing. Arsenal have to win back to back titles to show their superiority?. Articles were even written that Arsenal?s 49 game run was not a big deal. Why? Because other EPL teams were not as tough as in the past! You mean the EPL was tougher when Man U was walking over the teams in the 90?s? Ofcourse not! Atleast now you have middle of the table teams who won?t lie down to the big teams.
The European Cup is used as a persistent sword over Arsenal?s head. And so is that talk of the treble. What was so great about Man U?s feat in 1999? Why does no one mention that in those days to win the Euro Cup a team only had to play 11 games! There used to be only 6 groups with the top teams and 2 second best teams advancing to the Quarters. Man U?s group consisted of Bayern, Barcelona and Brondby. Man U duly thrashed Brondby in both games but only tied their games with Bayern and Barcelona. And in the final, they were second best until the last 2 minutes. Arsenal finished in 2nd place in their evenly balanced group of Kiev, Lens and Panathinaikos and failed to advance. With the exception of 1999, Man U have done nothing in the European Cup. So why is that one year used as a measure of greatness? If Arsenal had won the Cup this year, the media would have said that winning one time means nothing, a good team has to win 2 years in a row. And on and on?
So it was with good news to see Rick?s posting that two of Arsenal?s young players were named in a magazine. Good positive news for the team. Arsenal?s logo and exposure in the movie ?Ocean?s Twelve? was not a bad thing either. On a positive note, it is refreshing to know that there are places where Arsenal is appreciated for their gameplay. I was in Morocco a few months ago and was surprised to find that thanks to Henry, Arsenal were the most well liked EPL team. The most popular teams in that country were either Madrid or Barcelona but outside the Spanish teams, Arsenal?s name came up most often.
There I have vented enough of the negativity out. On a positive note, true Arsenal supporters know deep down that we have the best team in England, even if all our players are not fit. But when the team is fit, the results are something like the 4-1 drubbing of Leverkusen (the year Leverkusen finished second), 3-1 win over Juventus, 5-1 win over Inter, 5-1 over Deportivo La Coruna (2000 UEFA Cup) in Europe. Here?s hoping to more such results in the future!!!
35 Responses to “Branding Arsenal”
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March 30th, 2005 at 10:29 am
Well, I would say Arsenal Football Club would be MOSTLY to blame. Over the past few years UNITED, CHELSEA, LIVERPOOL, CELTIC… all have been to the US for pre-season matches. Not even mentioning the other giants of Europe.
The branding (marketing) aspect of Arsenal is pathetic. They don’t get it. The “hot” markets are in Asia and N.America… if you are trying to enlarge your fan base, you have to go. It makes good fiscal sense.
Brit based Arsenal supporters will say… who cares if they don’t go to the US. Its a bit different when you live in the UK, and can go to matches regularly and see them on TV often.
United will be on TV, and Chelsea will likely be shown as well… its because they market themselves well. Arsenal DO NOT.
March 30th, 2005 at 11:09 am
Not entirely true. I read that Arsenal are approaching Pakistan in the same way that teams in the past have tried to market football in Asia and America.
I don’t think you realise that it is quite difficult to break into these markets unless you have had European success. You’re just not taken seriously.
We may think of Arsenal as a big club, but across the World Arsenal are thought of as perennial underachievers by European supporters, and complete non-entities everywhere else. It’s hard to market an unsuccessful brand from any position.
March 30th, 2005 at 11:43 am
Danny, we are very successful.
By your standards, ONLY United are successful. Why? because they won the CL in 1999?
No, because they have travelled to Asia, they have been to the US… they’ve done clinics with the kids.
Alot is based on who people see on TV. Especially in far away places like Africa and Asia. We have had more success than United in the last few years. We went undefeated!
To say we are not taken seriously is ridiculous.
Arsenal don’t take MARKETING seriously enough to the masses.
Are Arsenal planning to play a match in Pakistan? You simply HAVE to bring your team to the people.
March 30th, 2005 at 12:03 pm
Really good post, SachinG. Backed up with some solid stats. Stag has long held the belief that we need to play here to be popular. For fans of the sport, I would agree. But ManU reach more than that, and that’s what I think gives them the edge.
Its hard to comment on ManU’s North American popularity without also commenting on the dominance of celebrity culture. “We” like them pretty and we like them rich. Very rarely will we look into a “soccer” star unless he fits both categories. Add a marriage to an international pop star, and you’ve got a lock on TV rights, magazine covers, and the female contingent. I speak, of course, of David Beckham, and his now waning reign as football’s posterboy with ManUnited.
Beckham put a Hollywood face on the game. Even my older sister knows him, and she’s got as much interest in sports as a submarine has in screen doors. But now she’s heard of ManU, and has undoubtedly passed along the word. And as much as I don’t like to admit it, ManU’s early bird marketing has brought the game into increased popularity over here, mostly for the better. Certainly it’s also bred a very obnoxious and loathable “fan”, but because of their star, Soccer TV became something more than an oxymoron.
ManU had the wealth, the star power, and the string of successes to sew up the commercial market here. Some may accuse me of generalizing when I say that their style of play is more closely akin to what sells here, as well, but just under the radar, Keane is also a big name. While all of the above played a part in my love for AFC, I am not ashamed to say I am in the minority.
In The States, The Arsenal appeal, in my opinion, to a group that celebrate diversity and oppose glamour as paramount in their sport. And believe me when I tell you that it has been off-putting in some conversations I have had that our star is a Frenchman, as are the more supporting cast that surround him. At least during the era of “soccer” in the US. Before Europe came calling, it was Pele and Kyle Rote Jr.. One name was good enough. These days it seems the North American appetite has grown for the game. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time that photo-ops like the Spike Lee/Henry connection will see AFC as the healthy antidote to ManU when the GAME ITSELF becomes more appreciated. That’s when I think our trips over here will be worth our while. For all their effort, besides ManU, no one in those auxilliary markets can tell the difference between Chelsea and Milan. But I’m sure it helped their sports fan base grow a bit.
In the end, extra cash notwithstanding, I like the outsider appeal our club has in the States. I find people that I respect who may support other squads speak with great interest about us, and that’s enough for me for now. However, I’ve seen my first case of a Chelsea bandwagoneer recently (converted Magpie, claims Duff made him do it). But if viewed as a microcosm of what we deal with on this continent, instead of disgust I felt relief about being able to talk to someone else about the greatest game in the world.
I’ll continue to search harder than the majority for my club on the telly. And I’ll be happy as Almunia at Bramall Lane when I’m able to find them and hear a good word. Maybe one day, I’ll meet someone who left ManU because “Cesc made him do it”.
March 30th, 2005 at 12:18 pm
Right on!
Damn I couldn’t help but feel that I wanted to write everything you said myself, as I have felt the same way for sometime. I remember those Saturday ManUre games and struggling to find a Gunner game on TV as I also live in Canada.
Thanks for that.
(I’m in London, Ont. are you near by?)
March 30th, 2005 at 12:24 pm
Excellent critique of our society using soccer as the foil. We’d better be careful here or people might forget we’re talking about sport. You know what kind of YOBO’s worry about stuffing an orb in a onion bagged orifice.
I’m one! Yes the greatest game in the world.
I’d love to read a Jacque Derrida article on the game myself though. If anyone knows him get him to write one - otherwise we’ll all just keep typing away.
March 30th, 2005 at 12:32 pm
Ouch that hurt. A rather sultry little cut with the knife.
Think of it like art my friend - often the greatest get un-noticed until someone else points it out.
So you don’t think much of the Maple Leafs either I guess - lol ;(
March 30th, 2005 at 12:36 pm
Arsenal gets SOME exposure.
I distinctly remember people who do NOT follow the game asking me “what happened to Arsenal” after we lost to Man.U., and it broke our undefeated streak at 49.
Thats because it was on ESPN. They showed the score, the even had a highlight.
Friends who watch soccer, and not necessarily fans of the EPL, KNOW WHO THE ARSENAL ARE!
I have a contingent of Portuguese people at my job, the LOVE the style of play we have. They appreciate how we play the game. They too think Thierry Henry is a footballing Genius.
That is BECAUSE the catch a game or 2 on FOX.
Its about getting on TV…. and coverage. If Arsenal came to the States or went to Asia, we would win ALOT of supporters over.
Freddie… is the face of Calvin Klein. Maybe he’s the next Beckham! Just needs to marry Angelina Jolie?!
March 30th, 2005 at 12:38 pm
Sorry but I am on the other side of the country in Calgary. But this frustration of Arsenal not on tv has been brewing for years. Recently, I found out that on some Saturday’s in Canada when we don’t get any Arsenal games, in the States those games were shown on tape delay later in the day.
At the start of the year I made a list of all the games Arsenal were playing the same time as Man U and knew we won’t get those games at all. And so far, unfortunately, I have been right…Heck for a while Bolton had more games than Arsenal on tv here (because a lot of their games were late evening)
March 30th, 2005 at 12:41 pm
Gerard, being un-successful does NOT always matter. There are Cubs fans all over the country. There are RedSox fans all over the world!
(the drought is over, the reign begins)
I, personally, am not a Leafs fan. Although I love hockey and miss it dearly. Missed the annual trip to Montreal to see the Habs! Alas, I am a Flyers fan. So I know your pain.
March 30th, 2005 at 12:57 pm
I agree, AFC are getting more well-known and televised. Naturally, ManU secured the Fox rights years ago, so they get dibs. My main point is that they don’t have that “glamour” factor that extends their fingers into other markets, which funds trips abroad and makes them extra worthwhile. Chelsea, with their galacticos, could be next in line like Real and, to some extent, Corinthians.
I do like the idea about Freddie (he’d need that workrate with Jolie, I reckon), and its exactly what I thought when I saw his billboard in NYC. Then I realized he’s not as much of a ponce, so it was probably going to end at the skivvies shot. But the fact that someone actually called his agent freaked me out.
Your comment about our streak ending also links us to ManU’s commercial imperialism. We’ve got that unique position of being the foil, as Gerard states. Its a good one, and will transfer the rivalry to The States which could see us develop a stronger cachet like I think you’ve already mentioned. Still, I think, in large part we’re a ManU side note. Not a bad thing when you consider the kind of bread they pull in.
Luckily we’ve seen more AFC games on Fox. The very introduction of that network has and will rise all boats, I think.
March 30th, 2005 at 1:11 pm
Yeah I forgot about that Henry Spike Lee story. or
That was the first time I think I have seen an Arsenal name in a non-sport American Magazine.
even about Freddie flying Arsenal’s flag in the American mags. A few months ago, I stopped at a gas station in a small Canadian town (population less than 10,000). And there on the magazine counters was one with Freddie on the cover. Inside the mag mentioned Arsenal, etc. Was shocked
Even though Arsenal does not get as much exposure as other teams but those who love good football know about Arsenal.
And yes maybe one day, there will be t-shirts in stores with a young bearded Cesc on the front
March 30th, 2005 at 2:10 pm
Flyers, Stag! Nice. Can almost frogive your other American sport allegiances.;^)
For me, straight up Philly teams. Oh, and Metrostars.
March 30th, 2005 at 2:26 pm
My personal experience with ManUre fans is that “they have a friend that got them into the sport”, “my friend loves ManU and would kill me if I supported another team”, “I love David Beckham and have followed them since he left”, or “It’s the only team I know”. Then I get asked why I support Arsenal. Amazingly, when I tell them I love The Arsenal due to the teamwork, commitment, passion and love the guys out there have for each other, the club and the sport, no one ever contests it. It’s like they see it, but they don’t want actually acknowledge it.
I guess I’m lucky since I become aware of Arsenal because of my brother. But he’s a Sheffield Wednesday fan, they had an American player before many other clubs over there did (according to him). I was made aware of the EPL due to someone who had an major distaste for ManU.
I wear my love of The Arsenal proudly and I always will. No matter what, when or where.
March 30th, 2005 at 2:32 pm
Yeah, well… The Broad Street Bullies were my team growing up… with Kate Smith singing … Big Bird, The Hammer… and Bernie!
March 30th, 2005 at 2:35 pm
Ya know… I just have a feeling that when Cesc gets a bit older, or even SOON, he is going to want to ply his trade in Spain as well. I HOPE this isn’t the case… but can’t blame him if he did.
March 30th, 2005 at 4:29 pm
By the way, I see Steve Coates all the time. He lives a few towns over from me and is a really nice guy. I seem to run into Rick MacLeish a lot, too. He still wears THAT ring. Poor guy’s got two fake knees, though, and it kind of shows. Also see Ed Snider at my local bar a lot with his wife.
All hail Lauren Hart!
March 30th, 2005 at 4:32 pm
After being a HUGE Bobby Clarke fan as a youngster, I am not very fond of him as Bob Clarke. I think its time for Bob to go.
I miss the Old Time Hockey!
March 30th, 2005 at 4:36 pm
oh yeah. john harkes was the american playing for sheffield wednesday.
recently ive heard keanu reeves ask an interviewer on british television about arsenal’s “decline”, matt damon stressing the importance of not resting on one’s laurels; “look at arsenal.”
as an english/irish man living an london, i get the impression we are quite well known in america. not forgetting our inclusion in the oceans twelve movie, that would have got a few americans on board.
my american cousins living in florida are now gooners,all girls. one especially who thought i was going into cardiac arrest when ljungberg scored for us against liverpool 2001 f.a cup final.
i don’t know why wenger just won’t go to america. he’s so bloody boring. it parallels his refusal to buy “stars”. he can never do the showbiz thing. even though a game in america would rake in ?500,000 per game.
March 30th, 2005 at 6:47 pm
Big on Bobby, too! Or was, I have to also agree. I hate to pine for the old days but some changes are not for the better for the sport, in my opinion.
My grandson was crushed when Ms. Hart became engaged. He lives in Philadelphia and has had quite a crush on the young lady. I remember her father well.
March 30th, 2005 at 6:54 pm
My grandson in Philly persists in supporting Manchester. He, too was lured into that den of iniquity by friends, and until that lot unducted him into the joys of getting loud and inebriated at pubs/matches, had no interest in football. I’ve tried to make him see the AFC light but he is hooked on the society of it more than the noble sport, I fear. Nothing wrong with a Guinness and a good shout…I indulge in both, come game time. But he is caught up in the glamour and hype, like his friends.
Sad, to be in opposing camps with your relatives!
March 30th, 2005 at 7:20 pm
actually, opposing camps with your relatives is the BEAUTY OF IT ALL!
March 30th, 2005 at 11:49 pm
Well, I agree with SachinG. I live in the US.
I have FSC (Fox Soccer Channel) and they barely showed Arsenal. Maybe lately at 6:00 am they are tending to show some games.
I lived 18 years in Jordan, and I think I was the only Arsenal fan there. Not to mention that I liked Arsenal since 1995.
Lately I hear from some freinds in Jordan that Arsenal is becoming well recognized for the media especially after the 49 Ubeaten run and the good record of playing in the CL. They showed many CL games for the gunner live.
Here in the US they care more about money in sports. This is a huge issue. This is why the MLS is failing to reach.
By the way Arsenal have a great American player “Danny” ! He is a player that I hope to see for the US in the future; young and such a great player.
where in Canada you live ? Try to get FSC. I was able to see many Arsenal games. But they tend to show more for Chelsea and Man u .
-Fares
March 31st, 2005 at 12:32 am
Okay Stag, you’re walking on thin ice. If you talk about Cesc running off to Spain one more time, you’re gonna turn it into a self-fulfilling prophecy. If that happens my friend, I’m gonna drive to Boston and yell “Go Arsenal!!!” in every neighborhood until you poke your head out like a gopher with a big smile on your face - and after I identify you we will have words in the street! So don’t go there!
March 31st, 2005 at 1:55 am
Good to hear that in other parts of the world Arsenal is catching on. I live in Calgary.
In Canada, we get a different version of FSC — It’s Fox Sports World Canada. This channel does not show the same games as the American channel. Because our saturday games are shown on a Canadian channel, Sportsnet, Fox SportsWorld Canada does not show any EPL games on sat. They only show the early Sunday game, which so far has not been any Arsenal game.
This is a shame. Because FSC in America atleast shows some Arsenal games on tape delay on sat.
hence my frustration
Legally, I can’t watch Arsenal games here, no matter how much money I am willing to pay.
March 31st, 2005 at 7:27 am
I believe that the comments about the failure of Arsenal to brand itself are not the full picture. There appears to be a major decision taken to relaunch Arsenal with the new stadium in 2006 on a worldwide basis.
With the new stadium Arsenal will become the 3rd largest club in the world in terms of turnover, and will be looking to generate marketing to match this new image. The experiments that have been undertaken this year with screens inside the old stadium playing Arsenal TV have clearly been set up with a mind on what will happen in 18 months. There is also talk that Arsenal TV will launch on satellite TV in the UK to rival that of Chelsea and Man U. While this won’t be of any comfort to American fans it is indicative of the major launch that is going to take place at that time.
It is also clear that Arsenal cannot simply march in and attempt to rival Man U or Real Madrid on a worldwide basis and so they are picking territories with care. But the new branding image of the new stadium will be at the forefront of the new approach and I anticipate a significant number of new territories opening up.
Tony
March 31st, 2005 at 9:05 am
I get ya Ice…
But its a concern of mine. I imagine its a concern of Arsenal’s as well, with Reyes wanting to run home.
March 31st, 2005 at 9:11 am
Gene Hart will always be the voice of the Flyers for me. Coates is good, too, though as a color guy.
And Lauren Hart is extra cool for beating cancer a bunch of years ago. You used to be able to catch her singing in what was The First Union Center prior to the opening face off. Smoking hot, really, and sweet.
The only thing I appreciate Bobby for was how he didn’t take any sh*t from the cry-baby Lindros and his dad. I do kinda feel bad though that the guy (and his brother who looks JUST like him) have (had?) the softest heads in the NHL. That hit by Stevens? OUCH!
March 31st, 2005 at 9:13 am
One major difference is evident from the get go between Reyes and Cesc…Cesc doesn’t mind mixing it up. Let’s not forget, this is the guy who Wenger has sadly only given one chance to butt heads with Keane and come away with the decision!
March 31st, 2005 at 9:22 am
I’ve been in opposition with just about everyone all my life just for liking the sport to begin with. One gets used to it, and if lucky, cherishes it.
But I must say there’s nothing wrong with a sneaky or two during the match. Only I’m pretty quiet and kind of scary, I’m told. Guinness and/or Boddington, with a shot of Jameson per half. Regardless of kick off time which is often at 7 AM in the States.
But I get your Mancaphobia totally. Shared space with them in FLA at the “49″ game and not only was I disgusted by the tough attitude that many of them projected (while being completely inept at backing it up I might say), but the fella next to me spouted every expletive in the book at each one of our players, and right over his young, young son’s head. Should’ve boxed him for that.
March 31st, 2005 at 9:27 am
“…my american cousins living in florida are now gooners,all girls…”
That statement caused me to tear up with joy ever so slightly in one eye.
And I think Keanu would know a thing or two about declines. Actually, come to think of it, its hard to decline from the bottom. Damon’s class, though. Gotta get him on here so Stag can school him a little, though.
March 31st, 2005 at 11:20 am
2 things to remember about Man U televised matches vs. Arsenal televised matches.
1. Fox Sports World, which is obviously a subsidiary network of Fox Sports & Fox Network which are owned by Rupert Murdoch, the English media magnate. Rupert Murdoch at one time was trying to buy Man U until the club members voted against the sale. Ergo, Fox will lean towards Man U telecasts .
2. Man U signed a merchandising distribution deal with the New York Yankees a few years ago, trying to establish a foothold in American markets. As New York is the financial capital of the world & the teams from there drive finanical sports markets in general, i.e. advertisers want their products on/near New York franchises/teams b/c you simply have the largest market in the country & reach more people b/c the simple fact people pay more attention to New York teams in general. Ergo, a lot of these networks based in & around New York will lean towards Man U b/c of the marketing & profit potential, b/c, however unfortunate, Man U simply generates more revenue than Arsenal. A fact which will soon hopefully be diminished by the new Ashburton Grove Stadium we’ll be moving into for the 2006/2007 season.
March 31st, 2005 at 1:36 pm
When we got Lindros, I wondered how many Cups we’d win with this guy!
ZIP. Still waiting since 1975.
With the talent the Flyers have had, they’ve underacheived by a large margin. Bob’s gotta go.
March 31st, 2005 at 1:40 pm
Well Arsenal should sign a merchandising deal with the Boston Red Sox. Among them, Fever Pitch!, the rival in both sports being “The Evil Empire”, and the home of football (home of baseball)
They could PLAY in Fenway Park if they want to… that’d be a great place for Arsenal to play a friendly!
March 31st, 2005 at 1:54 pm
Wow, Stag. You could have probably just cut and pasted that sentence from any of the last few posts on this site. With a couple of small modifications, of course. Funny.
If and when the league returns, I think he’ll have already moved on to something else with some degree of prodding. One can only operate at a loss for so long without winning anything. A lot of the ex-Flyers own real estate companies down the shore where I’m from. Maybe he’s ventured elsewhere. I agree, though. Outside of JR, who’s really looked like they could play regardless of what’s happening off the ice. Incidentally, when Roenick came back early after getting his jaw wired I thought of Freddie.
Totally ridiculous side-note: My ex-drummer dated Bobby C’s daughter in high school. In the interest of propriety I’ll spare you the details, but suffice it to say he’s a pretty wild dude.