Arsenal America

Remembering our friend, Bob Hobbs

Apr 5, 2013 by HomeatHighbury

By Nick Lellenberg (@HomeatHighbury)

While we all prepare to watch this season’s crucial run in, we need to take a moment to remember someone who would have been supporting Arsenal the loudest of us all. About one month ago, the Arsenal America family lost a close friend and founding member. Bob Hobbs, of Toronto, Canada, was the third person to ever join Arsenal America’s membership back at a time when Arsenal Canada did not exist; he is the sole reason for the Canadian flag on our banner. And we should all be so thankful that he did, because those who had the opportunity to meet him and experience the Arsenal with him will be forever touched by those experiences. A few of us sat down to remember what was so special about Bob.

Arsenal and Theo: A risk worth taking?

Jan 5, 2013 by HomeatHighbury

By Chris Jenkins (@ByChrisJenkins)

It’s the kind of thing that keeps front-office types across all professional sports leagues awake at night: A high-profile athlete approaching the end of his current contract suddenly, miraculously, starts delivering like he never has before.

For some players, a stellar performance in a contract year is simply a sign that they’re coming into their prime; they earn the big-money deal they deserve, and keep getting better.

But others get paid and quickly fade into obscurity; remember when Dallas Cowboys cornerback Larry Brown turned his Super Bowl MVP award into a big free agent deal with the Oakland Raiders?

So … which category will Theo Walcott fall into? That’s the critical assessment Arsene Wenger has to make right now.

Off to See the Queen

Jan 3, 2013 by HomeatHighbury

By Chris Morris (@USAGooner13)

From club captain to trusted managerial assistant and now Member of the Order of the British Empire. On New Year’s Day, Pat Rice was honored by Queen Elizabeth for his service in sport, namely his 44 years at Arsenal. It was a proud day for the humble Northern Irishman, one in which he is no doubt deserving. From his arrival at the club to his retirement, Rice gave his all.

Indeed, it was his hard work and determination that saw him become the first choice right back and eventually captain. Over the course of fourteen years in the senior squad, he amassed 528 appearances including a club record 5 FA Cup finals. He was part of the first double winning squad in 1970-71 and lead Arsenal to FA Cup glory in 1979. Rice would leave the North London club after the 1980 season, joining Watford until he hung up his boots in 1984. But he wouldn’t leave football completely.