Just a quick note re: the new stadium. Any updates are appreciated. I had planned on going back over the Pond next season if it were Highbury's last....but hopefully I'll be able to give my wallet a break !! The real point of my post is to assess the general mood re: the run-in vs ManUtd. I wish I could say I was optimistic, but AFC must win the match in hand, plus at least match MUFC in the other 3 games for points. Then we go to goal differential. Assume AFC is +2 after the match in hand. The part that scares me the most here is the way MUFC are hitting the back of the net. +4 gd vs Newky & L'pool each?!? Heck, I was thinking that ManU wouldn't be able to take 6 points off these matches...let alone go +8 !! On the bright side, Bolton & Sunderland might be ripe for a good tonking. Leeds - which team will show up? As far as AFC are concerned, they've been sputtering it seems over the last month - and I'm curious whether or not they'll be able to find the net enough in the final games to maintain the slim lead.
The new stadium is being postponed. They are having money problems so the construction is being delayed. Search for the article on football365.
The FA are also in financial trouble. The cost of rebuilding Wembley Stadium is up over $1 billion and the next 3 year TV rights contract for England internationals and the FA Cup is only expected to generate bids at about half the level of the last contract. As a result, it is suggested that negotiations could start up again between Arsenal and the FA, for shared Wembley occupation?
That just amazes me. 1 billion for a freaking stadium? What are they trying to do, put in climate controlled genuine italian leather recliners as seats in the stadium? virtual reality goggles in every seat so that you can see what the player with the ball is seeing? WTF!? And I am totally against sharing any reincarnation of Wembley with the FA. I think I'd rather Arsenal play at WHL than play at Wembley.
The Club have stated that they are still committed to moving to the new stadium but that it will not be completed in time for the 2005/6 season. Plenty of time left for trips across "the pond".