By Andy Strouthous
October 26 2004

What wonderful days these are for Gooners, no sooner do I get my (albeit rather shrunken) Charlie George Cup Winners Medal when I read that Arsenal are launching diamond membership. "Premiership champions Arsenal have announced the appointment of design and strategy consultancy 20/20 to devise and implement work on its Diamond Club – an exclusive, by invitation-only members club – to be launched at its new stadium in August 2006."

I am sure they will invite me, mind you I will need to check the price, which probably means I cant afford it. And even if I could its only available to the first 120 takers.

Its another step down the road of corporate sponsorship and sucking up the rich and famous, meanwhile a lot of would be fans can't afford a ticket. The economic gap between the modern player and their fans is wider than ever. Does all this matter?
I think it does, the problem is that the traditional grass roots support of the game can't afford to take their kids to the game. Where in the long run will the support come from? What does it do for the atmosphere at games? There will be 7,000 corporate seats and a 120 diamond geezers at the new ground. That means the real capacity is nearer 52,000. Assume 4,000 away fans that leaves 48,000 seats. 10 or 12,000 more than now. That's not going to bite very far into the ticket waiting lists. Those who are not season ticket holders can probably expect to pay £50 or £60 for a ticket. One adult, two kids = £180 before fares, program and food. You have to be on a good wack to take your kids to every match, if you can get a ticket that is.
Rough Diamonds ClubWhat does the club intend to do to make seats affordable, very little has been said so far. Perhaps they could start a rough diamonds scheme - open to all and at cheap prices. We don't need any prawn sandwiches. Just give us a seat with a good view.

Arsenal are playing their best football ever, but nothing lasts for ever. (I supported this club for 17 years before it won anything.)The real supporter follows the club through thick and thin, but if we should hit a bad patch where will the Diamond Geezers and hangers on be? Arsenal needs to sink its roots into the Rough Diamonds, but that doesnt appear to be a priority.