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* And so it came to pass,
that SoI Campbell decideth to join Arsenal. And great was the wailing and gnashing of
teeth in the tents of the Tottenhamites. Yea, forsooth,even unto threats of fire and
brimstone against the bold Sol. And verily did the blessed Wenger try to soothe the
feelings of the discontented. He pointeth out that Sol had finished his contract with the
tribes of Tottenham. And yea, furthermore that Sol had joined a much better club, with
chance of success in the Champions League. Even the mighty Eriksson suggesteth that Sol
hath a better chance of succeeding as an England player because Arsenal are competitive at
the highest level.Which is more than one can sayeth of the wretched Tottenhamites. (Here
endeth the lesson.)
* The hysteria over Campbell has been whipped up beyond belief - especially by a couple of
red-top papers who would, of course, recoil in horror if someone put a brick through the
window of his house. It was clear from the start that he wanted to stay in the
Premiership. Bayem Munich’s general manager Uli Hoeness, a man more prudent even than
Gordon Brown, clearly wasn’t prepared to get involved in a wages auction for the
England defender. Barcelona showed they didn’t think they’d persuade Campbell by
signing France defender Philippe Christanval from Monaco instead. Inter thought
they’d got him, but then Inter always think that. As Hoeness memorably said: ‘If
titles were won on who spends the most money, Inter would be champions of Europe every
season’.
* The Campbell signing shows that Arsenal are serious about challenging Manchester United
in the Premiership and Europe’s top clubs in the Champions League. As a declaration
of ambition, designed to keep Patrick Vieira at Highbury, it couldn’t have been
better timed. Wenger has played down the quote, criticising the club, attributed to
Vieira. His French colleague Gilles Grimandi said that Vieira had phoned him to
‘explain the truth’ and added that ‘those comments didn’t sound like
the Patrick I know’.
Hopefully by the time you read this, Vieira will have agreed to stay at Highbury. Wenger
certainly seemed confident as the Gunners returned for pre-season training.
* Arsenal have also signed another young Englishman, goalkeeper Richard Wright from
lpswich for £6 million. Meanwhile, Francis Jeffers looks a clever buy - if he stays fit.
He could become the penalty box predator Arsenal have lacked since the halcyon days of Ian
Wright. He has the poacher’s knack that Thierry Henry spoke about and Wenger's
Arsenal have conspicuously lacked. Holland midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst has a
wicked left foot. He may not be the most physical of players - but if Vieira stays, he
won’t need to be. The question mark over the ex-Rangers midfielder is that he has
never played in a competitive league like the Premiership. His ability is unquestioned;
but does he have the physical and mental strength to settle in quickly?
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N16 crossword No.10 Across by Gap
There will be a prize of a meal for two up to the value of £30 at Tin Phat
Vietnamese Restaurant. Entries must be received by 4th August 2001.
Winner of issue 9 crossword:
John Willis, Greenaway Close, London N4 |
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Ten solutions are of a kind, with a London theme. Their
definitions are omitted from their clues. The heading may assist.
ACROSS
1 Accompanied by George, reportedly a paternal acquaintance (5)
4 Damien is found in Epsom area (9)
9 Puts an end to reason for not sending mail? (6,3)
10 Girl takes on popular part of Hungarian dance (5)
11 About to meet John (7)
12 Substance used to test longevity, placed in an opening (7)
13 A variety performer almost in a frenzy (4)
14 Twirl pole and find tadpoles, perhaps (4,4)
18 Slay nine foxes madly (8)
20 Conceal noisily (4)
24 In the direction of Beds? (7)
26 She indicates that nothing has been cancelled (7)
27 Wine from South American city meets approval of German (5)
28 Having considered everything, Oman initially organises ban on weapon
(2,7)
29 A law followed by soldiers (9)
30 Go party! (5)
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DOWN
1 Distinction of extraordinary result (6)
2 Stone drinking vessel is white material (4-5)
3 Sample one drink in party (3,4)
4 Raising weapon, you start to get sleepy (6)
5 Condition of reservoir after drought, apparently (8)
6 Country cloth (7)
7 After lunchtime starter, man presents yarn (5)
8 Occupant without a chair? (8)
15 Basically popular perfume (2,7)
16 Champion gets first-class return (8)
17 Measure ship in chilly surroundings (8)
19 Blissful state of vehicle in pouring rain (7)
21 You will reportedly cut a seasonal cake (4-3)
22 State assassinated general receiving a doctor (6)
23 Trainee involved in winter night school (6)
25 Recorded repetition in speech (5)
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