The annoying singing of former players names

[Cus Geezer]

How embarrassing is that.

The Rocky song has been done to the extent that it's cheapened it as a tribute.

But now they're doing it with players that are not only alive and well but could possibly score against us in the Champions League or sign for a rival Premiership club in the future.

Can't we come up with some songs for existing players?

Can't we come up with more songs about Arsenal?

Do any other clubs sing about former players - i.e. United singing about Ruud Van Nistlerooy or Beckham, Chelsea about Robben or Zola?

There were never any chants about Brady or Charlie George in the 80s, or Charlie Nicholas and Sansom in the 90s.

I think it's my 20,000 new comers since 1990 trying to act as if they have been here for many years when they weren't.

[augie]

I can see both sides of this debate - on one hand it goes to show that the fans feel that they dont have anyone like these players on our team anymore but on the other hand is might be soul destroying for the current players. To be honest with the exceptions of cesc,clichy & sagna I wouldnt care how many of the current players are peeved over this cos I believe that the rest still have it all to prove. As I have said before these 3 players are the only players from the current team good enough and commited enough to make our invinceables line up so I do think that we should show these players in particular more appreciation

[Cus Geezer]

Ridiculous argument.

How many of the '71 Double side would have got in the side of the 30s?

How many of the '79 cup winners were good enough to get in the double side?

What's the point of signing former players names with zero relevance to the game in front of you?

In fact more to the point - how many of today's crowd at Arsenal games are good enough to stand on the North Bank in the late 80s?

Any decline on the pitch doesn't even come close to that off it

[RNTGOONER]

I heard the crowd singing Henry's song and Bobby Pires song. and have to say I did not understand it. I first thought it was derby fans making a "you aint got Henry anymore" jibe?

[26may1989]

Sorry Cus, I know you like to be controversial but you're off the mark on this one.

First of all, you weren't there. The fans who got up to Derby for a Monday night game at the end of a season in which it is virtually certain we'll finish no higher or lower than 3rd, and against a really poor and already relegated opposition, can sing about what they like. Enjoying a nostalgic rendition of songs about Bergkamp, Wright, Vieira and Henry is exactly what late season games are about when there's little competitive interest.

Second, I think it's pretty classy to sing the names of our former heroes, including those who've gone onto play for other sides.

Third, Arsenal fans sing about plenty of current Arsenal players.

Fourth, Arsenal fans sing about Rocastle out of genuine affection for an Arsenal player who was Arsenal to the core and who died. People don't sing about Tommy Caton because, though a decent enough guy, he wasn't a Gooner on the pitch.

[tomkingsbury]

Sorry Cus, I know you like to be controversial but you're off the mark on this one.

First of all, you weren't there. The fans who got up to Derby for a Monday night game at the end of a season in which it is virtually certain we'll finish no higher or lower than 3rd, and against a really poor and already relegated opposition, can sing about what they like. Enjoying a nostalgic rendition of songs about Bergkamp, Wright, Vieira and Henry is exactly what late season games are about when there's little competitive interest.

Second, I think it's pretty classy to sing the names of our former heroes, including those who've gone onto play for other sides.

Third, Arsenal fans sing about plenty of current Arsenal players.

Fourth, Arsenal fans sing about Rocastle out of genuine affection for an Arsenal player who was Arsenal to the core and who died. People don't sing about Tommy Caton because, though a decent enough guy, he wasn't a Gooner on the pitch.

i'm with you on this one - there was no harm in reminicising on past players and even though we do need more songs for more of our current players, still was a good laugh to sing the old ones, like the ray parlour one!!

[crocit]

it was quality,coz these players we love!

[g88ner]

How embarrassing is that.

The Rocky song has been done to the extent that it's cheapened it as a tribute.

But now they're doing it with players that are not only alive and well but could possibly score against us in the Champions League or sign for a rival Premiership club in the future.

Can't we come up with some songs for existing players?

Can't we come up with more songs about Arsenal?

Do any other clubs sing about former players - i.e. United singing about Ruud Van Nistlerooy or Beckham, Chelsea about Robben or Zola?

There were never any chants about Brady or Charlie George in the 80s, or Charlie Nicholas and Sansom in the 90s.

I think it's my 20,000 new comers since 1990 trying to act as if they have been here for many years when they weren't.

Have to say Cus, having a pop at our great away support is totally unwarranted.

I just don't see what's wrong with singing the names of former players...I was actually sat at home with a warm feeling of nostalgia....Rocky, Bergkamp, Pires, Wrighty...it was great

Our away support is fantastic...and has been all season. They do sing plenty about our current players, so that argument is very unfair.

The seasons finished, we're thumping Derby away, its raining...and the fans are singing there hearts out... they sung about current players, ex-players, Wenger, and even a bit of banter with the Derby fans

After the negativity surrounding the club over the last 2-3 months, I think to have a pop at our away support is ridiculous.

[ehlgooner]

i thought the atmosphere at the game was quality tonight. i don't see anything wrong with singing about ex-players. it's a nice touch to show we're still proud of them even if they could potentially still play against us.

[crocit]

yep,thats what its all about, good atmosphere, and cheering on our team,

[southampton gooner]

I do wonder why people search for things to winge about. g88ner is 100% right. We made the long trip to Derby on a Monday night for a nothing game and the fact we were singing our hearts out should be appluded not knocked. And to have a go at people who sing the Rocky song is bang out of order.

[QuartzGooner]

I think it's my 20,000 new comers since 1990 trying to act as if they have been here for many years when they weren't.

I usually argue with Cus but I am with him a bit on this one.

Getting out the back catalogue of chants is reserved for special occasions or massive wins.

Neither of them happened at Derby.

Ok we scored six but the defending was poor at times from both sides.

I am all in favour of the back catalogue, but only for the right occasion, such as a semi or a final or Spurs away or even Milan away this season etc.

Otherwise it cheapens the chants.

[MizzNaughty]

i didnt see nothing wrong in chanting a few oldies names.

good on the fans today, i thought they were absolutely amazing!

[g88ner]

I think it's my 20,000 new comers since 1990 trying to act as if they have been here for many years when they weren't.

I usually argue with Cus but I am with him a bit on this one.

Getting out the back catalogue of chants is reserved for special occasions or massive wins.

Neither of them happened at Derby.

Ok we scored six but the defending was poor at times from both sides.

I am all in favour of the back catalogue, but only for the right occasion, such as a semi or a final or Spurs away or even Milan away this season etc.

Otherwise it cheapens the chants.

Actually Quartz, I'd say the exact opposite!

Personally, I feel that big occasions like cup finals, semi's, and games against the Spuds are far too important to be reminiscing about old times!
- these special occasions mean far too much, and the chants and support should be focused on the players on the pitch and is not the time for nostalgic chants about former players and glories IMO

Games like tonight are a perfect opportunity to bring out the "back catalogue" - the pressure was off the players; the team was winning; and the fans were relaxed and enjoying themselves!

After the negativity of the last 2-3 months, and the wonderful support our away fans have given to the Arsenal this season, this article just seems an odd time to have a pop at them

[QuartzGooner]

I am not having a big go at the away support who give up money and time to travel for the team...but to me the old players names just didn't "feel" right

maybe it's my age!