Gooners Gossip

It's that time again when we grab the thoughts of the Gooners boss and get his thoughts on all things Gooners & RMI!

Q: As we enter the last phase of the season and after recent results, how do you see things unfolding in division two?

A: That is a very tricky question; I think there will still be a cruel twist in the tale of this season, previously I have been quoted as saying Dream Team would be in the mix for a top three finish. I still believe this to be true although their next game is very tough, but for them to even be in a position to break the top three is some achievement in itself considering the points deficit the manager had to regain. The other surprise package is Bayern they have been very strong at home and have a real chance if they can find something massive in their last two games of the season and stay consistent. It is an exciting time and everything will be decided in the big fixtures between the top five, every week two teams will be under immense pressure it will be whoever deals with that best, first up is Charming and Dream Team is a very tough one to call.

Q: So you’re saying the current top three will not be the same three promoted at the end of the season?

A: That is correct, I said from the start it will be the teams that can deal with everything a season can throw at you and we are still a long way from the end and cracks are beginning to show. At Gooners for instance we are struggling with experience as we already began preparing for next season. I think the same can be said for all of the current top three, the teams lining up in recent games are not the same dominant forces we saw at the start of the season.

Q: Looking at the remaining fixtures and your current position, after being written off some time ago many now have Gooners down as favourites to win. How would you assess your chances?

A: I would agree the fixture list now favours us, having already played Charming and Bullies... normally I would look down that fixture list and say Dream Team is the only major hurdle to get over. As I said though we are very much an unknown currently, Lipscombe, Anelka and Diaby who has yet to kick a ball will all feature in almost every game. If they can find the kind of performances we need and we manage our form well maybe we can stay with the pack or even challenge for silverware, the best way to explain it is my influence is now limited and it will be down to the eleven on the pitch to be at their best.

Q: Do you consider this season to be a successful one?

A: Very much so yes, we had a fantastic start to the season and got some fantastic results along the way! Obviously we lost the odd point here and there but we are still in the race because of the results in the big fixtures, Bayern away and Bullies away stick out in my mind, this along with our consistent home record has made the difference. Results aside I think Gooners is now in a terrific position, the development of our more experienced players is looking very good! It is important to us to remain one of the strongest teams in the league whilst bringing new talents through and in this aspect I feel we have made big advances this season. Also for the first time since arriving here we have a healthy bank balance and we have done some very good business during the season with regards to transfers. Lastly when you look at the young players we have brought in this season alongside those I kept here, I think it is obvious that we are looking for that something extra special in our players that makes this team so exciting.

Q: Can you talk about any transfers you may be making in the near future?

A: Of course yes, it is no secret we still plan to make some very big changes! As mentioned previously we now have some funds from sales etc and the board has agreed to spend big this summer. As for players leaving, this will be the last season for Ljungberg we are looking to bring in another player very similar to Fabregas ... by that I mean young, highly skilled and with a lot of qualities. We also seek another more experienced midfielder and currently have been enquiring after Borja at Pop Punk, talks are ongoing but those would be the kind of players we are seeking currently. We also have no dead ball specialist currently although Bergkamp can hit them; we are making it a priority that both players have this quality. Obviously some players will need to go to make space and now is the time they need to put in performances if they wish to stay! As for adding more youth to the squad it is not something I’m keen on currently although my hand may be forced to add another defender or two. So as you can see the objective for us is to add more strength while maintaining a good balance of young players, unlike some other teams who seem hell bent on dismantling their teams completely we are only interested in taking steps forwards!

Q: Any other teams or managers or players that have impressed you this season?

A: Where to begin... top of the list has to be Crimson Tigers they have been fantastic to follow this season and I wish them all the best as they attempt to finish on a high. I think Abu Dhabi also deserve a mention although I don’t think they can get amongst the promotion places they have had an excellent season under Talinmer. Dhabi’s future now looks bright under Talinmer and I will certainly be following them next season with great interest. I think the major Kudos has to go to Eagles and the Vikings though that is a very tough division and Vikings are certainly not the strongest team so to have led this long is quite amazing. Whether they can hold on with Total hounding them every step is another matter, but I hope so it would be unexpected and good for the league possibly. As for players, my view maybe be biased but Dennis Bergkamp has somehow found another gear and for me he is the best player in the league by some distance, I sometimes dread to think what he may have been like now had the previous manager taken proper care of him!

Thank you for your thoughts FMR, until next time and good luck with your remaining games.