Volume 1 (1999/2000)
Issue 1 (March 1999)
Issue 2 (Nov. 1999)
Issue 3 (Dec. 1999)
Issue 4 (Feb. 2000)
Issue 5 (March 2000)
Issue 6 (April 2000)
Issue 7 (May 2000)

Volume 2 (2000/2001)
Issue 1 (Sept. 2000)
Issue 2 (Oct. 2000)
Issue 3 (Jan. 2001)
Issue 4 (March 2001)
Issue 5 (April 2001)
Issue 6 (May 2001)

Volume 3 (2001)
Issue 1 (Sept. 2001)
Issue 2 (Nov. 2001)

Categories
Sport: 1 2 3
Lifestyles: 1 2 3
Commentary: 1 2 3
Review: 1 2 3
Writing: 1 2 3
Event: 1 2 3

History of Arsenal

Darren Flynn
Col Eoin, Carlow

In 1989 Arsenal won the most exciting title race in English football history. Michael Thomas' injury time goal in the last game of the season at Anfield brought the championship to London for the time since Arsenal's first double winning season 18 year's before. Arsenal were back in business! In the 1990's Arsenal won another championship and FA and Football League cups. These victories established them as one of the strongest clubs in the new Premier League and took them back into European Competition.

Back in the 1930's Arsenal became one of the most famous football clubs in the World because of their outstanding success on the field and their determination to be the best club in all details. Sixty years later the glamour of Arsenal remains! Although occasionally a sleeping giant, the name 'Arsenal' is still one of the most evocative in football.

The year 1886 saw the foundation of Arsenal and the construction of the world's first car. However, the 15 young men that founded 'Royal Arsenal' were probably well into their thirties before they actually saw a motor vehicle. The reputation of the club and its famous home ground, Highbury, were established by the great Arsenal teams of the 30's and personalities like Herbert Chapman (right) and Tom Whittaker. Chapman may be one of the greatest managers the game has ever seen. This success was revisited during the 70's. For many football fans the Arsenal 'Double' was be one of most memorable (and emotional) experiences in their lives.

All football club's have their peculiarities, Arsenal's most interesting is one of location and historical accident. Whereas, English football has largely been provincial. Arsenal clearly, is not!

The efforts of Chapman at a time when there were few alternatives saw Arsenal becoming the capital's club. This happened as London was imposing its economic as well as political dominance over a depressed and uncertain nation. It was this historical good fortune which was ultimately to determine the character of Arsenal - a team supported by poor and rich.

Since its foundation Arsenal have played around 6,000 first class games. In more recent times players like Liam Brady (left), George Graham and Frank Stapleton have contributed to, and benefited from, Arsenal's reputation. Hopefully, managers like Arsene Wenger can continue to add to this reputation.

Back to the top