Written by Russell Clarke Wednesday, 24 August 2011 09:51

GunnerTalk Blog

By Russell Clarke

I’ve come to the conclusion that early kick offs do not stop you drinking pre-match, but force you to drink the same but quicker.

After a quick brekkie of Greggs sausage rolls I hit the Gunners pub for 11 am.

It was here at the bar where I bumped into Bob Collins from the Away Boyz, who after selling me his latest CD apologized about track 6. After spending what appeared to be an eternity sitting in the garden listening to some twat ramble on to all around him of his new bunny boiling girlfriend he met on a plane from Thailand, my wife, who had been working late arrived. After a few drinks we were joined by Mike, a young lad from Darlington. What us local fans forget is that a lot of people travel from all over the country in support of The Arsenal & our home matches are like away fixtures to them. Respect where its due.

Next on the guest list to arrive was Wendy & her sister (who I am sorry but never got her name). Wendy under her Twitter alias is one of those fans that live & breathe The Arsenal and when she tweets you listen for she talks good sense. After a few goodbyes we all headed for our respected entrances to the ground.

After the match a short 10 min walk saw me & wifey back in the Gunners pub where after getting a triple round in we settled down to listen to Bob & Camp Freddie from the Away Boyz perform their set. After a few tracks the pub was rocking with everyone forgetting the dismal display at the ground. Strangely the last sound I expected to hear in the toilets post Liverpool was a scouse voice, but I did ! Luckily thought the voice came attached to an Everton shirt and it hated Liverpool almost as much as I hate the Spuds.

After the excellent Away Boyz gig we returned to the garden where we met up with my self proclaimed agent Lindsay. Weirdly although knowing Linds for over a year this was only the second time we’ve met and if you know our Linds you will understand that the day was about to become very, very messy.

Lindsay was accompanied by Nate, a man mountain who sits behind her in Club Level (Posh bird). For Lindsay this is lucky because if he sat in front she wouldn’t see a thing thanks to his size.

It was after hitting the JagerBombs that we were joined by the Norwegians who quickly got into the swing knocking back the shots with us. As predicted the afternoon turned very messy from there with people being sick in the toilets, photos on my phone of strange people doing strange things, grazed knuckles & a puffy eye.

I know I spent a good 2 ton but god knows what Nate got through, what with him buying 16 JagerBombs at a time. My last credit card voucher (ouch) said 7pm so we must of headed home shortly after then, saying our goodbyes to Nate & Lindsay at Finsbury Park.

Surprisingly I sobered up quite quickly on the 20 min journey home, enough to be able to go to a neighbour’s house  (who’s a scouser) to finish the night off drinking Buds and listening to how brilliant Liverpool played. To be honest he was providing the beers so I just put up with it.

Next week is Manure, where we are meeting up with the lovely Holly & Scott. We have also arranged to meet up again with Nate and to also to catch up with Alun who I met last week in Toon Town.

For those that read my first blog a quick catch up on those around me at The Emirates. Pat’s grandkids are well and Pat bought them some dressing gowns for a fiver each in the Armoury. Leanne the blind lady got so pissed off on Saturday she switched her radio commentary off, Sally & Steve are nowhere to be seen and the banker has a new girl, slightly older than his usual type but a dead ringer for Nikita.

Keep The Faith.