Coming Out of the Closet

First, I want to just say that the views expressed on this blog entry do not reflect the views and beliefs of the Hammond family at large. I write only for myself (iulia), and only because I cannot stay silent after the amazing spectacle we all witnessed last Wednesday.

I can no longer hide, I must admit that I am, and always will be, a passionate Gunners fan. From the first time I saw them -almost 3 years ago, I have always admired and enjoyed watching Arsenal at play. There is something in the relationship between the manager and the players - something unique. There is no boot throwing, no angry marches off the field in protest of the manager's decisions- the players always seem to be in agreement (or at least to be willingly subordinate) to their manager. In some amazing way, Arsene Wenger seems to somehow get the absolute best from every player- and the result is a TRULY beautiful game.

Its probably pretty obvious why I would choose this time to 'come out of the closet' after Wednesday's game. Those men, with one man down, played like gladiators. It was such a great beginning to the match - and then to fight tooth and nail as they did, to stay in the lead for 75 minutes - well, I feel the pride swell up in my little heart just thinking about it :).

For you Mancs who are now out for my head, let me just say that I do not see this as a breech of Mancunian pride. I have just as much right, as any of you, to choose my club of choice and stick with it. As I was neither born, nor raised in Manchester - and face the prospect of a move to Sheffield in the near future, I feel perfectly at liberty to support any club I wish - even if it is a London Club. Even if I wanted to do otherwise, I'm afraid I cannot - for the Gunners have won me heart and soul -and I am happy to join the ranks of their proud supporters.