South Africa without Theo- and my Club Fitness Results!

Theo, Theo, Theo. He didn't make the cut and won't be playing in the World Cup. And being the true sportsman that he is, he wished the English team well and was respectful of Capello's decision. I have to say I'm not totally surprised. I actually am a Theo fan. I, unlike many of my fellow Gooner club members, never tire of seeing him outsprint all on the pitch even if there is not the end result we look for. He causes defenses problems which is good for us. However, he does seem to draw much ire from many fans. John Cross, columnist from the Mirror, has a nice article about why Theo's hat-trick against Croatia in 2008 set him up for unrealistic expectations. It's a nice read. The reason I'm not surprised that he did not make the final 23 is that he had a very inconsistent season this year due to his injuries. Actually, since his signing, the poor kid has had surgery, after shoulder surgery, after back problems, after whatever problems a young player can have. And it all probably came (other than the shoulders which were a genetic defect or something) from - I believe- overplaying. Last year, Theo played U-21's and World Cup Squad, obtained some mysterious back injury that no one seemed to be able to diagnose or treat properly, and that pushed back his progress for months. To me, he seemed to just be getting his confidence and form back the last three or four games of the season. Personally, I think the type of man that Theo now is will result in him working harder. I don't think he'll cave into the disappointment. Keep working with Becks, Theo!!


Now I know you've all been anxiously awaiting the results of my Club Fitness Test. What? You don't even know what it is? Well, let me explain. Last week, the UEFA powers that be set up new Financial Fariplay Guidelines. In summary:


Uefa have approved plans to force clubs in European competition to only spend what they earn. The financial fair play rules will require clubs to break even over a rolling three-year period if they want to play in the Champions League or Europa League, with Uefa president Michel Platini insisting he wants to 'protect clubs not punish them'. Clubs will also be assessed on a risk basis, taking into account 'debts and salary levels'

So, needless to say, many clubs are panicking because they are woefully out of shape financially and in debt up to their eyeballs. Crystal Palace, once in the Premier League, is going into liquidation as we speak (whoops, no, it just got "Saved from Extinction"), Portmouth has been relegated and still owes, I believe, some salary monies. So where does Arsenal stand amidst this lowering of the financial boom? How healthy are we monetarily speaking? And how do the other top clubs stand? Let's see.

Manchester United - Middle of takeover battle between Glazer Family and the Red Knights, have tales and rumors abounding of financial woes. Their true financial outlook should be reflected in the type of buying they conduct during this transfer window.
Silverware? Carling Cup. Qualified for Champions League 2010-2011 season.
Final Assessment: Flabby

Liverpool - Looking to sell their top player to have some moolah in the bank as their American owners have shamefully dropped the financial ball.

Silverware? None this year. Did Not Qualify for Champions League for the 2010-2011 season.

Final Assessment: Risk of Immediate Stroke and Cardiac Arrest

Chelsea - well...ermm..they're owned by an alleged criminal. What can I say? Their lates financial report puts them almost debt-free. But let's remember that they did have to be bailed out in the first place.


"With the club facing an apparent financial crisis, Bates unexpectedly sold Chelsea F.C. in June 2003 for £60 million. In so doing, he reportedly recognised a personal profit of £17 million on the club he had bought for £1 in 1982 (his stake had been diluted to just below 30% over the years). The club's new owner was Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, who also took on responsibility for the club's £80 million of debt, quickly paying most of it. He then went on a £100 million spending spree before the start of the season and landed players like Claude Makélélé, Geremi, Glen Johnson, Joe Cole and Damien Duff."

Silverware: FA Cup, EPL Title
Final Assessment: Panting, gasping, hand-clutching-heart posers cause I just don't like 'em.

Arsenal - Moved into new Emirates Stadium capacity 60,000. Has stayed in Champions League contention the last four years while developing youth policy and avoiding buying big name/costly players. And, our debt, due to the stadium, has decreased dramatically. Add to that a state-of-the art training ground and youth development system that rivals Barfalona, we are in good shape. Except for:

Silverware: None but...Qualified for Champions League...again!!
Final Assessment: In fine half-marathon shape but aspiring for the real thing.

There. Hope that puts things in perspective for those who would rather us have bought big the last four years...we would have paid down the road perhaps in the same manner as the Potters and the Palace. As Wenger once explained:


“When we decided to build the stadium, I wanted to anticipate the possibility of financial restrictions, so I concentrated on youth. I felt the best way to get players integrated into our culture, with our beliefs, our values, was to get them as young as possible and to develop them together. I felt it would be an interesting experiment to see players grow together with these qualities and with a love for the club. It was an idealistic vision of the world of football.”

The youth project has not brought us trophies, but it did buy us time. Time to attain all that I have just listed. Now - this upcoming season- is the time to attain that missing piece. Let's go shopping!