With plans for the summer now being made, and although Arsenal are heading for Amsterdam, (and for me, a hop across the Channel), yet again, Man. Ure., as well as Celtic, Liverpool, and Chelsea, and heading for Canada and the USA to play against top European opposition in tournaments being staged there. I am sure that Amsterdam was planned some while ago, but what better season, finishing as "Unbeaten Champions" to head 3000+ miles west, and establish our name further amongst the "Unconverted Colonials". Whether AW is considering a lot of the squad being away on "Euro 2004" duties, but, as I, (and many others) have said before, I still feel that they need to make a stronger presence in the "New World". That's even without considering you guys on here getting the chance to see them on "home soil", but I don't want us to be seen as "Johnny come latelys" at some time in the future when all the younger U.S. kids have already started to follow a team that they might have actually seen play. Let's hope at some time, (and I will mention this to D.D. the next time I speak with him), to try and get the team to play in a good quality tournament in the USA. Until then, I presume we just have to "wait and hope".
please, please, please gunners come west!!!! oh what I would do for a real Arsenal game!! ...now once more I'm bouncin' 'round the room...
Didn't I read somewhere a while ago that Wenger was aginst these kinds of tours due to the travelling involved? Going to Austria or Amsterdam is an hour or two's flight, whereas going to the US is about eight hours just to the east coast. If the manager thinks that these journeys hamper his preparation of the team then I hope that the club's ambition to increase revenue takes a back seat to that. Of course, if it makes no difference then fire away! Sorry US fans, but the best preparation for the team must always come first in my book.
I agree with you michaec to some extent. While the performance of the players on the pitch is of the greatest importance, I feel that a trip across the pond is a vital step in Arsenal's plan for greatness. I would think that the best years to do such a trip would be non Euro or WC summers, such as 2005 or 2007. Since ManUre have commited to going to Asia next summer, perhaps Arsenal can come here and receive top-billing.
Although I understand AW's logic in not wanting to make long, exhausting tours just before the season, the mood is right in America for Arsenal to come in and make some inroads into the American fan base. There has never been more positive press exposure for them due to the unbeaten season. The Washington Post, New York Times and the McPaper (USA Today for those of you not familiar with the colloquiallism) have all run feature articles on Arsenal in the past few weeks. Americans love a winner (how else do you explain the Yankees or the Lakers popularity) and this the perfect time for Arsenal to come and show "the beautiful game" instead of the long-ball, slug-it-out stylessness of most clubs.
Sounds good going over on odd numbered years until you realise that half our squad will be required for confederations cup duty in these years. If FIFA were to ditch the competition and AW was cool with it, then fine. But I can't see FIFA giving up their money making opportunity just yet.
I don't really see how a flight to America and back, plus a few flights around the US, would constitute enough travel to be any problem. These players fly around much more than that for national team duties, etc. Sure it's a little extra travel, but it really isn't enough to be that big a deal. I'm guessing there must be a lot more behind the decision than just avoiding travel. Maybe Wenger thinks he will have less control over the preseason activities if the team is traveling around America instead of being somewhere closer to home.
Aside from all the potential revenue... I must be the only one who doesnt give a flip if AFC come to the states for a preseason tour... its a long season, just go to one of the matches then right?
not necessarily... i dont live in london... and I am only in the UK 7-8 months a year.. just sack up, save a little cash and see the real thing, IMO~ the summer's amsterdam tourney should be wicked, but I already had plans to go to 'dam.. what a bonus to find that AFC is playing in the tourney...
Please Lord, allow the Gunners to come west! I'm sick and tired of every American teenager only knowing and supporting Merchandize Utd and Real Madrid! Come on Arsenal....there is HUGE wealty market just BEGGIN to be tapped into!!!!!!!
After coming back from the night out with Michael Thomas and Alan Smith, I spoke with a club official there, and apparently the main reason is why Arsenal won't tour North America, is that Arsene Wenger doesn't like his players doing "long hauls". Probably hence the reason for the Amsterdam Tournament, and the pre-season games in Austria. Allegedly if it's more than a 90 minute flight AW doesn't like it, so guys, don't expect to see them on your side of the pond. Unless someone comes up with a "mega bucks" tour that even AW will be instructed that "you must attend", but I don't actually see that happening. Looks like y'all just have to keep coming on over here!
Im upset I wont get to see Arsenal play but Im excited to see Man. U. vs. AC Milan. Last 'real' football match i was at was during the World Cup here.
I'm completely fine with that. London is my favorite city and if Wenger keeps the boys rested while, to borrow from arseblog, Demento wants to let them come over here and get tuckered out, I'm all for it. Especially if it wins us back-to-back trophies.
I agree. It's a good excuse to go to London every autumn. I will admit though, I am going to see United versus Roma at Giants Stadium. It's really more of an excuse to hang out with my friend in NYC. And, don't worry, I'll be rooting for Roma.