Bergkamp - One More Season

[Bigpapa42]

So it sounds as if Bergkamp is going to hang them up if he doesn't get another one-year deal from Arsenal. He seems to have no interest in playing elsewhere. And Wenger said recently that he won't offer Bergie a new deal until sometime this summer - he said its not a question of money, but of DB being willing to take a reduced role in which he will play even fewer games. So, simple question - should Bergkamp get one more year as a Gunner, or is it time to just move on?

[Przybylinski]

He has had some great games this year, not many but a few great ones. I'd like to see him stick around for one more even if he doesn't get the playing time. I have a feeling he will have a great career beyond playing. He may not be a head coach because of traveling, but he can develop young players into greatness like himself.

One more Please.

[jwaldman11]

I would like to see him hang around, just because, after next year, he can get a testimonial match. Talk about closing out Highbury the right way!

[michaec]

Yes a final game at Highbury or a first game at Ashburton Grove as a testimonial for the great man would be a fitting end to his time at Highbury. Apart from that, if Wenger is looking at Van Persie to be Henry's first-choice strike partner next season then Bergkamp could be a leader on the pitch in the games where Wenger rests the first team, namely domestic cup games. His passing and know-how could knit them together as an attacking unit. He would be some backup to have to cover for injuries in the front line too. Also, the young players must look at him and see how a professional footballer should behave, a great role model for the youngsters at the club.

And Bigpapa, this should have been a public poll so anyone voting no could have been summarily tried and punished by the kangaroo court ;)

[Gunners11]

I don't think there is a question about it, there is no downside to keeping Lord Dennis around for one more year, I hope he's still around next year.

[Bigpapa42]

Well, I'm glad everyone else thinks its good for him to stick around one more year. For some reason, I expected there would be a few bitter, "why bother" types. Perhaps there still will be. I've just got the impression that DB would make a pretty good coach, and I think he could be a great influence on the likes of RVP and even Reyes.

[Flash2]

I think he should stick around for another year, there is still space for dennis at arsenal no doubt.

[Rima067]

I would say keep him also.

i have a slight doubt about him staying for another year, but then I think, if it's in a reduced role, just like someone said above, what is the downside?

[Bighorn]

Anyone who votes no...just remember that the mods can probably track you by IP address. We WILL find you and you WILL be subjected to the kangaroo court.

[Val1]

And Bigpapa, this should have been a public poll so anyone voting no could have been summarily tried and punished by the kangaroo court ;)
Well, I'll go public, since I've said this all year long, but no, it is time for Bergkamp to go. At least as long winning the CL is a goal. We can't compete as long as our best striker doesn't suit up for half the games.

[ibreak4coffee]

Even if Bergie was on one leg I'd demand he remain on the squad as long as he wants. Bergkamp is Arsenal, and while not as explosive or dominant as before, still can produce magic... plus frankly he's still better than anything else we have on the bench.

[GriffinGunner]

Well, I'll go public, since I've said this all year long, but no, it is time for Bergkamp to go. At least as long winning the CL is a goal. We can't compete as long as our best striker doesn't suit up for half the games.
I understand your sentiment Val, but will disagree on a few points.

1) Chelsea won the league this year due primarily to their depth, and part of Arsenal's struggles have been due to the lack thereof. If Bergy were considered the #3 of the 2-man striker set, wouldn't that be an ideal, high quality back-up?

2) RvP has been coming into form, and without other options off the top of my head I see him starting next to Henry next season. But I don't have faith he'll be in top form for 40+ games. Nor are we certain of his ability to maintain this stretch or avoid suspension. Hopeful, but not certain.

3) Who are the other alternatives? Part of Arsenal's success is the chemistry and the passing, of which DB is a crucial part and understands the team. I'd be wary of how smooth a transition in bringing in a new person, and haven't been sold on too many others who could a) do the job and b) are affordable and willing to come here.

I'm not saying DB should be the solid #2 for every game for the next five years, but I think his assets are too valuable to simply dismiss. If he accepts the right price and role, it'd be foolish, IMO, to let him go without having a viable alternative already in the dressing room.

[Cannon]

Well, I'll go public, since I've said this all year long, but no, it is time for Bergkamp to go. At least as long winning the CL is a goal. We can't compete as long as our best striker doesn't suit up for half the games.

You're location says MD so I'd like to offer to come to your house so I can shake some sense into your thick head. We skip the whole kangaroo court and proceed to the punishment phase. ;) :D

Seriously, DB still has a great deal to offer and certainly deserves to play out the last season at Highbury. I don't expect him to get as many games. Wenger has made that clear and I think Bergkamp will accept that as the price of sticking around. It would be nice if some of those games were away legs of CL matches but that might not work. However, since we'll be using him less, maybe we can finally start sending him by train to some of those away legs when we know ahead of time that we'll want him to play. Its not like he'll be playing as many EPL games so we can afford to make the number of games he does play in the ones where we need his experience and still amazing passing.

[bergkamp10]

Even in the twilight of his career, the mercurial Dennis Bergkamp has plenty to offer. His through balls, picture perfect crosses, vision and intelligence have turned games on their heads. Henry has said time and time again that he is a better player because of Bergkamp. But Henry is not alone. Freddie has also blossomed alongside of Dennis. I think that Robin could benefit from the influence of another year of Bergkamp. Moreover, I think that the entire squad will benefit from one more year of our talisman.

[michaec]

Well, I'll go public, since I've said this all year long, but no, it is time for Bergkamp to go. At least as long winning the CL is a goal. We can't compete as long as our best striker doesn't suit up for half the games.I did say he should be a backup striker and be primarily used in domestic cup games where the first team are generally rested. Having a player like him around could help the development of the youngsters around him enormously.

[Val1]

I did say he should be a backup striker and be primarily used in domestic cup games where the first team are generally rested. Having a player like him around could help the development of the youngsters around him enormously.

See, I'd agree with that, but we're talking Arsene Wenger here. Do you think he'd make DB his 4th striker? I don't. RVP is starting to blossom, but he's had major minutes lately, and that's what he needs. If we've got Bentley, Quincy, Aliadiere and soon Lupoli, they all need time to develop, and I think we need to grow Henry's next partner soon, so we can take full advantage of the 3-4 years Henry is going to have left as the best striker in England.

[Teso Dos Bichos]

I voted no.

DB10 is past his best. He does not travel away in Europe and that hurts you. You also rely on him a bit too much, particularly when Henry is having a bad day. You need to blood in his replacement just now, for the good of the club. Don't ruin the memory, move forward. ;)

[Cannon]

Val,

You know it is a bad sign when you're on the same side as Teso. :p

Now who was the 3rd traitor...ahem, confused voter? ;)

[topcatcole]

There's really no downside to keeping him. He is a great mentor for the young guys and a great leader. He understands his role and physical limitations. There is still no one who sees the field better and is more capable of making the killer pass. I say keep him!!

[Przybylinski]

Anyone who votes no...just remember that the mods can probably track you by IP address. We WILL find you and you WILL be subjected to the kangaroo court.

I think people are entitled to their own opinion. I don't really like Lauren and want them to buy someone else who can be more consistant. Does that warrent Kangaroo Court?