Gooners Gossip!

Today we bring you all the latest news from Highbury and the managers thoughts on the way his team/season is shaping up, plus much more! This surely is a must read for any Gooners follower.

Q: Lets begin with the RMI Cup, whats your thought after such a tough run in the Cup?

A: Obviously we were delighted with our first round result and beating a very tough opponent in Thunder Cats and i hope we added some romance to what is a fantastic competition! The game was all the more memorable as it was Laurens last in a Gooners shirt and he showed the same level of commitment he has always done and will be missed dearly by the team and supporters. Obviously for the second round we hoped to get a team of a lesser ability and as you know we got Kirkbride Strollers after that it was always going to be tough to make the next round but then thats what a cup is all about and my lads gave it a really good go and i cant fault any of them, I think we proved again this evening that we can compete with the best and we certainly aren't one season wonders. On the other hand we led for sometime and defeat is hard for all of us to swallow, but what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger and this is a team thats based upon the future aswell as the present.

Q: You mentioned Lauren just now and you have sold or retired some players that have served you well espcially last season, can you explain your reasons for this?

A: Admittedly Laren was probably one of our biggest performers last season alongside Adams in a legendary defence and will always be remembered in Gooners history, the reason i decided to change things around was to strengthen the team in the youth department considerably. As can be seen from recent results i think we still have a very strong back line and theres more to come in this department as we have great young players coming through. As for Gilberto he refused to move elsewhere and although we initially agreed a pay as you play contract, i decided in the end that now was the right time to add to the next crop of Midfielders. Lastly i sold Lukic who was by no means a bad player and had a effective role in last seasons success and im sure his future in the RMI will be a successful one but as Seaman approaches the end of an amazing carreer i had to make a decision on wether Lukic was the man to carry us through to the top tier and do a job there and obviously i felt we needed a keeper with more qualities, so the in my mind to make the change now with Seaman still number one was the correct one. At the end of the day its about having the right players ready as a unit when we reach the place we want to be at, the top!

Q: So can you tell us something about your new signing and potential future transfers?

A: Certainly! As mentioned in a previous press release we were lookng to add the qualities missing from midfield as a priority. Bergkamp and Lang are great at what they do and I just wanted to add to what is already an amazing partnership. Cesc is a record signing and states this clubs intentions hes young with a massive margin for improvement, he adds pace, hes not afraid to have a go and above all else handles himself well in the midfield. As you can see today he handled himself well in what was a big game to make your debut, even for a player with alot more experience. For now though we will keep his games to a minimum while he progresses but is definately one to watch for the future. As for future signings we are looking for a keeper and getting the funds together to make a move, we want someone we feel comfortable with investing the money and time involved training and not a gap filler! If by any chance we could find a experienced defender at the right price we may also bring one in or maybe after the season begins, a decision hasn't been made as yet.

Q: You havent mentiond Thomas Cruise why?

A: I know many managers look at this player and think i was silly to keep him and i don't want to put the lad under to much pressure, he is a player i like and am willing to take under my wing and revive his career! I am certain given time that he will prove to be a valueable and committed asset he has much raw talent but needs the guidance he has been missing for sometime now.

Q: Your thoughts on season 6 RMI?

A: I think for Gooners it looks good the team is maintaining the levels we saw last season and is still hungry. I think the teams in division two are at very different levels of ability though and this may help our new younger side acheive its goal of promotion. With that said the managers in this division are alot more wiley and i think you would need more than just strength to finish well. As for the RMI on the whole i think theres a few new managers who i see doing well in division three and im glad we were promoted when we were. There are already a few rivalries i cant wait to get my teeth into and by the end of the season i expect to have gained a few more!