McClarens' first mistake...
Well, after a rest due to our early and expected exit in the World Cup, we are officially back to square one with international football in England.
Steve 'I'll do it my way and differently to Sven' McClaren has done a very Sven like thing and given the captaincy to John Terry.
Whilst Terry will make a good captain, the opportunity to cast away doubts of Svenism has been blown because its a very predictable, safe and obvious choice. If you could sum up Sven's reign in 3 words then those three are going to be near the top.
Gerrard as captain would have sent out a postive, attacking message that would breathe new life into the England set up. For someone who is interested in distancing himself from Sven, he's really has dropped a bollock here. Yet can someone who was his predocessors right hand man for 5 years really seperate himself from his former boss? Are we to think that Sven NEVER listened to McClaren? Of course not, and as I've said before, the McClaren appointment is dull and uninspiring and was made to please the 'little England tubthumpers.'
Come to think of it, if that's what this national team is going to represent, Terry will make a fine figurehead.
Arsenal wise, there is deadlock between us and that small team with lots of money over the Cashley transfer fee and Reyes' phone is constantly on its charger "incase he misses something important."
I like Reyes, he always appears to try hard but he will never be the player he can over here. If we can get money back and quickly spend it before the new season then its best for everyone involved.
But for Gods' sake, lets not just take the money for these two and keep it in a bank account. So far, I think Wenger is justified in allowing the youngsters to step up to replace those players already gone, but if Assssssssshley Hole and Jose go without established players being purchased, then the experience and youth balance will dangerously distorted for this coming season.