Meet the Gooner Family [Barry, Dallas TX]

Meet Barry, host for the Dallas segment of the Gooner On The Road trip. Once again, I was welcomed by another member of the Arsenal family with open arms. I stayed with Barry, his wife and his two young kids and it was a privilege to be in the company of these genuine, warm-hearted people. My trip, or more importantly the cause behind it, was particularly close to Barry's heart and that made it more of an incentive for him to help out any way he could.

Aside from making me feel at home and being a great host, he also treated me to my first college football (handball) game. Having studied in Oklahoma, Barry drove us up to Norman, some two and a half hours drive from Dallas, to enjoy the festivities (such as a tailgate party) associated with this hugely popular American sport. It was a great experience.

Finally, as is the case with most of my hosts, Barry really went out of his way to make sure that there was money donated to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation on the day of the match, which was done in the form of a raffle. Barry helped to raise over $300 for the cause, which is another great dent out of my $15,000 target.

GOTR and Barry (did I tell you he's an Oklahoma fan?)

Barry Randle

Q. Why Arsenal?

Arsenal is the first team I remember seeing. When I learned more about them everything, their culture, their method of operating, their transfer policy was something I appreciated. I think if I saw Chelsea or Barca as a first team, I don't think I would like football today, I don't like the thought of winning championships through money. Everything about our culture, the 'Arsenal way', I could relate to.

Q. Started Supporting Arsenal?

I started following Arsenal in 2006 through the Champions League run. My friend Trevor, a Liverpool fan, took me to the pub for a lot of Champions League games. I enjoyed the run and although Trevor was a fan of Liverpool, I proudly made my own choice. I realised I was a fan when Arsenal lost in the final and I was gutted for a week afterwards; I had my first heartache as a Gunner. 

Q. Favourite Player?

Cesc Fabregas. In his most passionate moments, they brought me deeper into Arsenal. The goal against Spurs after Van Persie scored and the San Siro goal against AC Milan were highlights for me. His passion made me crazy. It didn't hurt me that he went to Barca because he went back 'home'.

Q. Favourite current Player?

Bacary Sagna! I love him, he's a workhorse, he's consistent, he's passionate, he's versatile (plays out of position at center back and doesn't just 'do the job', he dominates there). He seems so Arsenal and sets a good example, not in the spotlight, doesn't cause issues.

Q. Favourite Arsenal moment?

My favourite Arsenal moment is actually the Champions League quarter final against Liverpool in 2008. Never celebrated a goal that much just because of that run that Walcott did. That 10 seconds was the most insane thing I remember. It won't be remembered to most fans because we lost the game, but to me it was a great sign of things to come. Of course, the rest of that game is history and [pointing to a window in lounge] I kicked that window so hard, I'm surprised I didn't break the glass. My wife was not impressed...

Q.Where do you watch Arsenal in Dallas?

At the Londoner Greenville if I don't watch it at home. Unfortunately I don't get to the official pub that often because of family commitments. It makes it more special when I do manage to watch with the Dallas Gooner Society though.

Q. Emirates or Highbury?

Well, I never got to go to Highbury. Emirates can be a bit quiet but is a wonderful palace of football and I have a tile there (along with my wife's name and my two children). For me it's got to be Emirates.

Q. League Prediction?

I think we'll get 2^nd. It's difficult for me to ignore the danger that Mourinho and Chelsea present, and on that basis I think they'll finish top. I don't think United will get in the top 4!

Q. Who will be Arsenal's player to watch this season?

Jack Wilshere – even though he's so young he seems to me to be a guy that will emerge as Arsenal's player of the season, but at the same time with his questionable performances of recent, he might get pushed down the pecking order, so it will be interesting to see how that turns out over the course of the season.

So, it's now the international break, the interlull, the stop gap. More importantly for me, I can RELAX without having to cram myself into buses and flying tin cans to get from one place to the next.

So, until next time!

COYG

West Brom 1-1 Arsenal [Londoner, Dallas]

The Gooner On The Road winning streak has come to an abrupt end, but thankfully the unbeaten run continues.

Dallas - probably twinned with Glasgow

For those that have no idea what I'm talking about; I was at the Emirates to kick off the new season. You know, the one where we lost 3-1 to Aston Villa. After that miserable game I had set off on my travels and, up until yesterday at least, our boys in red & white had won every game. With the draw at the Hawthorns, the winning streak has been downgraded to an unbeaten run, a run which I'm not terribly confident will last much longer once the season resumes in a few weeks. But more on that later.

So, for all those that have been following my progress across the US, you will know I'm now in Dallas, the second Texan city to host me on my travels. The Dallas/Fort Worth area is absolutely huge, a radical departure from the 'small' college town of Austin.

Before having a chance to experience Dallas though, I was driven up to the city of Norman in Oklahoma to watch my first College Football match (or 'American Handball' as I like to call it) - and it really was a great experience. Some of you will remember I was fortunate enough to watch my first Baseball match at Fenway park, home to the Red Sox, last month. Whilst I enjoyed the atmosphere there (think Highbury with baseball bats), the game itself felt slow and I sometimes struggled to appreciate the rawness of the sport with all the statistics flying around the place.

Oklahoma Sooners American Handball stadium

American Football is different though, I felt it was more intense as a spectator sport and, despite the typical commercial-break overload you associate with American sports, it flowed better than baseball and had my attention for longer (it still lasted over 3 hours). And of course, to know that the sportsmen involved were giving it their all and NOT getting paid for it made me understand why the college sports scene in North America has such a huge following. There is nothing comparable back in the UK at all - is there an opportunity there that we're missing? I suppose the alcohol-ban in college stadiums might be a stumbling block for us...

The Dallas Gooner Society. Disappointingly only one cowboy hat.

The members of the local Dallas Arsenal supporters group, called The Dallas Gooner Society, watch their games at The Londoner pub in Addison. Barry, my host in Dallas, rushed us back from Oklahoma on the Saturday morning and we arrived at The Londoner with 20 minutes to spare to catch kickoff. There were probably around 40 Arsenal fans watching the WBA match and we were easily the majority in the pub. Most of us were happy with a point, given the possibility of our second loss of the season. Of course, a big bonus for us was seeing a poor Sp*rs supporter crying into his Guinness in the corner whilst he watched his team ship 3 goals (at home) to the Hammers. Good times.

Our display on Sunday was a bit lacklustre, and you could tell that we had an intense game mid-week. Yes it was a good test, we're still unbeaten and it was a good point away from home, but regardless we looked lethargic and, at times, out of options (Özil or not). The squad depth issue still needs to be addressed, because we are Arsenal FC, and Arsenal FC always has influential players on the treatment table. Yes, I know we bought the most versatile player in the universe in Flamini, but we need another defensive midfielder to take the strain off him and we could really do with a proven backup striker that doesn't look like a cross between a samurai and a hobo.

Still, why complain? It's good to be a Gooner - we're top of the league and will stay there over the international break. We're also on a good unbeaten run and we just picked up a double award for Player Of The Month and Manager Of The Month. When was the last time that happened?

Come On You Gunners!!!

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.

Arsenal 2-0 Napoli [The Tavern, Austin TX]

Austin, Texas - another city, another fixture, another win, another hangover. Good times!

Once again I'm in another of the country's best cities for food, drink, culture and good weather. Whilst I've been here the temperature has consistently been in the low 30s (90s for you farenheiters). Austin is a city that I could quite happily live in, it has everything for everybody; loads of culture, great festivals, favourable living costs, low crime rates and some of the best urban parks in the country.

Greenery and Skyscrapers - Austin.

The Austin Gooners have made my stay here really enjoyable, to the point where I've decided to come back to the city next week (after Dallas/West Brom) to relax for the international break! This city (and the people living in it) really is that good.

The Austin Gooners watch their games at the Tavern, having switched from Cuatros in order to provide a better experience for the supporters club members. The turnout for this mid-week UCL match was in the thirties, once again an impressive number given that these games kick off at 1:45pm local time, when most people are still 'working'.

Austin Gooners pre-match. Good bunch, can't sing though. They need some help.

Of course, with Arsenal going on a shoot-to-kill rampage in all competitions, people are coming up with all kinds of excuses to take a few hours out from the office to watch the team tear apart our opposition, and once again the fans weren't disappointed. We got to see Melvin Orwell bag his first goal for the club, a goal that no matter how many times you watch it, you still ask yourself "how did he do that?". It ain't easy, that's for sure! He later went on to assist the Good Looking French Guy. Suffice to say, he's only been here for a month and already he's playing like a fan.

If you want to donate, please do so here. And remember, it's for a good cause; if you read this blog and you enjoy doing so, you can donate as little or as much as you like. Something is always better than nothing!

Thanks for reading and COYG!

Meet the Gooner Family [Colin, New Orleans]

Meet Colin Ash, an Arsenal fan living in New Orleans, and another host for the Gooner On The Road. Colin showed me around New Orleans and took me to some great bars, restaurants and jazz clubs. 

Another City another Gooner.

Colin Ash

Q. Why Arsenal?

I love the way that the club is run and I love how we play on the pitch, aesthetically we're still one of the best teams to watch, and we're always getting better.

Q. Started Supporting Arsenal?

2002. The World Cup in South Korea & Japan was what really got me into watching football. Because it was in the summer (when I wasn't at school) I just watched every game. Then I had to pick a team, and I chose Arsenal. My earliest Arsenal memory was beating Spurs 5-4 at White Hart Lane in 2004, with that remarkable fifth goal from Pires.

Q. Favourite Player?

Henry. He played a big part in me being an Arsenal fan in the first place. How easy he made everything look, his demeanour, he's a legend.

Q. Favourite current Player?

Aaron Ramsey. He seems like he loves the club as much as I do and always gives his all. It's great to see him come back from what he's gone through and that incident over time has made him much stronger.

Q. Favourite Arsenal moment?

Fabregas scoring in the San Siro against AC Milan in the Champions League. I was at the Student Union at Louisiana State University and when he scored I stood on top of a table as people were eating lunch, just screaming in ecstasy. With AC Milan having never been beaten by an English team, it was especially gratifying.

Q.Where do you watch Arsenal in 'New Orleans'.

Watch it at Finn McCool's Irish Pub in the Mid-City district. I've been going there regularly for the past few months, although I've known the place for the last few years. The NOLA Gooners have literally only been an official Arsenal America branch for a few weeks. We're young but we're growing fast and we're proud of our group.

Q. Emirates or Highbury?

One of my biggest regrets is not making it to Highbury, I would have loved to have seen it in person. Highbury sticks out in my mind for better memories, and I'd pick this place over Emirates for that reason alone.

Q. League Prediction?

We're going to finish top. I don't see why we can't at this point.

Q. Who will be Arsenal's player to watch this season?

At the moment Ramsey is the man to watch. At the same time I'm excited to see how Gnabry will progress this season as he gets more playing time with Theo being out.  

So, next stop is Austin Texas for some Tacos and Rodeo (maybe!) Remember, if you enjoy reading the blog please help out by donating to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.

COYG

Swansea 1-2 Arsenal [Finn McCool's, New Orleans]

The winning streak continues! For every game I've been 'on the road', Arsenal have won in all competitions. It feels good to be a Gooner right now, and what a better place to celebrate yet another win (and another Ramsey goal) than in the wonderful city of New Orleans, Louisiana.

M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I. One of the world's great rivers. Smells a bit.

New Orleans is one of the most characterful cities in the United States. The mix of French, Spanish and American influence has given the place an unbelievable feel. Being situated in the Deep South, in-between a river (the Mississippi), a lake and the Gulf of Mexico, it gets extremely humid from Spring to Fall. This heat is one of many incentives to drink yourself under the table in one of New Orlean's countless bars and pubs, many of which have their own unique offerings, and of course many of which serve alcohol 24 hours a day. With this in mind, you can understand why New Orleans is the party capital of the country along with Las Vegas.

The infamous Bourbon Street, or as I like to call it,  'The Street Of Shame'

The local Arsenal fans, known collectively as the NOLA Gooners, meet up at Finn McCool's Irish Pub in the Mid-City district of the city for every match. The supporters club itself has only recently gained status as an officially recognised branch of Arsenal America, but, by the atmosphere I experienced, it looks like they've been going since the beginning of time. Of course, as is typical with the Gooner Family, I was welcomed with open arms, had several pints of New Orlean's finest ale bought for me, and raised $120 for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.

As you can see from the video above, The NOLA Gooners were out in full force and were understandably elated when Aaron Ramsey scored his eighth goal of the season. The celebrations went long into the day and night, as we once again claimed top spot in the Premier League.

Typically happy Arsenal fans in New Orleans

Talking of the Flying Welshman, Ramsey has quite simply become Arsenal's main man and every time he has the ball he does something productive. It's not like he has the technical ability of the Premier League's greatest, but he has the engine and the determination to become Arsenal's own Lampard or Gerrard and, much like they did ten years ago, score 20 or 30 goals a season.

Gnabry also grabbed his first Premier League goal on Saturday and his performance is going to really give Walcott something to worry about. It's definitely some much-needed competition for the right wing, especially when we consider Walcott's performance has been slack of recent weeks prior to his abdominal procedure.

The next stop on my itinerary is Austin, Texas! For now though I'm enjoying my last day in New Orleans. Please look out for the Meet The Gooner Family link on Colin Ash, my host here.

COYG

Meet the Gooner Family [Brett, Durham NC]

Brett Stein was my host for the North Carolina leg of Gooner On The Road, and what a fantastic host he was! Brett drove me around everywhere, bought me beers and food all the time I was there and was generally an extremely hospitable guy, making me feel right at home. He was also instrumental in raising money with the Triple Negative Breast Cancer/Gooner On The Road raffle and really went out of his way to make it a memorable place.

Brett with his son, Jack (a little Gooner) and the GOTR.

Q. Why Arsenal?

I watched a lot of champs league in college, I wasn't die hard until 2007. I was living in New York City and I watched with Arsenal with friends, the carmarderie, the culture and the friendliness of other gooners made it a no-brainer for me. Obviously their style of play doesn't hurt either!

Q. Started Supporting Arsenal?

Around 2007 was when I became a proper fan, as described above.

Q. Favourite Player?

Thierry Henry, didn't get to see him play live but I'd watch old matches and the quality he had was crazy.

Q. Favourite current Player?

Jack Wilshere. he bleeds the club. Pictures of him being a bulldog to players two feet taller than him, he's a fierce competitor. Actually my Son is also called Jack, some might say we named him after JW10!

Q. Favourite Arsenal moment?

On October 29^th 2011, my good friend Bolt Flakson got married in NYC. The morning of the wedding, Arsenal were at Stamford Bridge away, 730am kickoff. Bearing in mind we were out for rehearsals til late the night before, the whole wedding party went to the Blind Pig to watch the match. Obviously we won 5-3 and the Blind Pig was mental. Then he had to get married after! I'm sure if we asked Bolt this question he'd come up with a similar answer.

Q.Where do you watch Arsenal in 'the Triangle'.

Bull McCabes in North Carolina with the Triangle Gooners. It's growing, 25 people to 85 people in less than a year. Everybody's really passionate, they pull together when they need to as well. The food and beer selection is really good and the staff are very attentive and friendly.

Q. Emirates or Highbury?

Emirates for me! Never been to Highbury, being a more recent supporter. I had a tour of the Emirates with Perry Groves, went in the dressing room, around the pitch. It was a dream come true.

Q. League Prediction?

Top of the table! We have great fighting spirit right now, with people coming back from injury we've got a real shot. It's not a guarantee we won't have more injuries but it's possible we can have a great squad and a great season.

Q. Who will be Arsenal's player to watch this season?

Ozil. You can't turn your back or you'll regret missing seeing him do something. He's like a magician.

Thanks for reading! Next stop, New Orleans.

COYG