Won't You Stay Just A Little Bit Longer

In the aftermath of the Champions League defeat, the biggest problem facing The Arsenal was retaining the services. Despite the pessimism shown by most, including your truly, Henry has committed his future to the club until 2010 at the very least. By that time, Henry will be 32 and probably still quicker than 90% of all Premiership defenders. I would not be surprised if he is then offered a two year deal, in spite of the clubs policy of one year renewable deals only once a player hits thirty. It is some consolation to the club and its supporters after the disappointment of Wednesday night. Perhaps Thierry had taken note of Pele's comments on the matter - he reminded us of a bygone era of loyalty by pointing out he had spent the majority of his career at Santos. His observation that Henry had no reason to leave the club where he is barely one step down from God and revered wherever he goes. The alternative is to go to Barcelona where Ronaldinho is King and the adoration will be reduced. At least that was one thing that went right this week and a nice birthday present for me to wake up to.

On the subject of long drawn out contract negotiations, The Laughing Cavalier has taken a step back from the Villarreal precipice. Robert Pires has distanced himself from the Yellow Submarines Presidents assertion that he would be paraded as a Villarreal player next week. The Frenchman has been quoted as saying he has three offers aside from Arsenal to consider. Given the stubborness of the Clubs stance, I will be amazed if he is a home player at the Emirates next season. It is believed that one of his offers is from Bolton although I just cannot see him as a Trotter; his style of play is too languid for Big Sam's All Action Men. A break in the sun (not on Page 3 though) may just do good and help erase his memories of Wednesday night.

UEFA have admitted that Hauge was given Wednesday's match in a fit of pique that he was not chosen for the officials list at the upcoming World Cup. So I was correct in my assertion that he did not get the appointmen on merit. Rather the 50th Anniversary Final was ruined by UEFA's Refereeing Committees' collective tantrum. And UEFA wonder why they are viewed as a bunch of self-serving incompetents?