Saturday 5 October 2013

Meet the Gooner Family [Miles, Austin TX]

Meet Miles Gullette, my host in Austin and one of the guys that keeps the Austin Gooners Supporters Club ticking over. Miles has been really hospitable (as is always the case with the GOTR hosts) and has acted as chauffeur and tour guide, showing me round some great sights in Texas' capital city. I'm happy to say I'll be heading back to Austin to hang out with him during the international break next week.

Miles from Austin. Almost a 'Full kit you-know-what'?
Miles Gullette


Q. Why Arsenal?
I started playing FIFA back in 2004 with my mates who were amazing at it. My best chance at winning was picking the best team in the game, Arsenal. Once I saw the way they played the beautiful game in real life in the following years, I was hooked.

Q. Started Supporting Arsenal?
As I said before, my first exposure to the club was in 2004, but it was in the 05/06 Champions League when I really became a die hard supporter. This was the first time I had access to watching matches live. Once I saw Henry's goal at the Bernabeu I knew Arsenal was the team for me.

Q. Favourite Player?
We have had some amazing players down the years, but I have to say Henry just pips Bergkamp for me. His goal scoring record speaks for itself, not to mention those magical goals when he came back on loan. Recently a few of us Austin Gooners traveled to Houston to see him play. We had front row seats behind the away bench and went mental when he scored and did his famous "Henrying" celebration. After full time he graciously came over to sign autographs for the 30-40 Gooners there.

Q. Favourite current Player?
It's a tough pick for me between Cazorla and Giroud. I'll have to go with Giroud, because he is banging in the goals at the moment, his hold up play is fantastic, he's my man crush and his hashtags on Instagram crack me up.

Q. Favourite Arsenal moment?
It's so hard to pick just one. I'll have to go with the 5-3 win against Chelsea a few seasons ago. We used to share the pub with the Chelsea supporters and they had the upper hand in many of those matches before that one and we had to put up with them. It was amazing to be on the celebrating side.

Q. Where do you watch Arsenal in Austin.
We watch all of our matches at The Tavern on 12th and Lamar. Early games, midweek games, you name it, they are open and we will be there.

Q. Emirates or Highbury?
Sadly, I have not been to either. It's my dream to make the trip one day. Highbury is amazing, but I have to go with The Emirates. It has given us the spending power to add players like Özil a possibility and is a truly stunning facility.

Q. League Prediction?
I think it's too early to be talking of winning the league after only 6 games. However, we are definite title contenders and have a fantastic squad. I'm gonna say top 3 for sure.

Q. Who will be Arsenal's player to watch this season?
For me it's Özil. The lift he has given the club is immense. He got his first goal and has loads of assists after only a few games. I can't wait to see him in action once he has more time to gel with the rest of the squad.