A CONSTANT THREAD

BY JOE MARDON

I don't remember my first Arsenal game. Those that do were probably older than my five or six years when I first attended Highbury, or they may have witnessed a memorable match. Mine was probably a boring draw during the 1987 season. Why Arsenal? Because my Dad is Arsenal. It is probably the most simple explanation for many of us.

Arsenal are the nearest team to where I grew up and still live. Eight minutes on the Piccadilly line. Russell Square to Arsenal. The Arsenal. The club has of course become a massive part of my life since then. Along with friends and family, it's one of the few constants that thread my life from a kid until now.

One of the first games I can remember going to was the Littlewoods Cup Final in 1988, against the unfancied Luton Town. I'll never forget walking into that stadium and seeing the greenest, bold green. Or losing an amazing game that the logical thinking of a six-year-old simply cannot comprehend. A first experience of being let down in life.

There have thankfully been more ups than downs. Joyous moments when you clinch your fists and whole face with so much joy you don't know what to do with yourself.

Anfield 89. Champions again 91. Morrow and Linighan 93. Smith 94. Overmars at Old Trafford and Adams at Highbury 98. Overmars and Anelka for the double. Wiltord and Parlour 2002. Pires 2003. Unbeaten Champions and celebrating at White Hart Lane 2004. Vieira in Cardiff 95. The Bernabeu. Stadio Delli Alpi. Villarreal. San Siro. Roma.

There are so many times when Arsenal have created a moment when nothing else in the world matters and you wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Players created those memories, but my Dad gave me my Arsenal, and the bond created because of such a gift makes following the club even more special.