By Andy Strouthous
October 26 2004

Yesterday I referred to the press conference on Arsenal Plus, well later on they put the questions and answers on the site. And one astonishing fact emerged the Shirt Sponsorship is worth more than the Stadium naming rights. Of course no one would explain exactly why Emirates and Chelsea were no longer to remain partners, except for that Arsenal were "offering more". So what is this more exactly? Does more mean cheaper? Already one or two experts (also see This is London) have argued that more could have been gained by Arsenal if Shirts and stadium were not linked.

However I am told the new logo will be good Feng Sui, an expert told Arsenal Times that the O2 logo was weakening, as the body strength leaks through the hole in the O.
Whereas Fly Emirates will add even more pace to our fleet footed wonders, especially if wings are put on the shirt. Now of course you may well mock but the first year we had the O2 shirts we threw away the title in the last few games - clearly due to poor Feng Sui. Only the application of special thermal vests that blocked off the enormous draft caused by the open O put the team back on track and its present unbeaten run.

6th October 2004
A Word From Our Sponsor
I was so moved by the footage of old public school boys swapping presents on Arsenal Plus today that I rushed around to the new build to see the new banner for myself. Thank gawd its in red. Although playing away in the blue strip might cause confusion. Anyway for those of you not fortunate enough to have Arsenal Plus the gist of the press conference was that the boys were going to work hard at winning things to repay the confidence Emirates Airline has in them. So you need not worry how much confidence you show as fans, Emirates are doing it all for us now. The conference reminded me of the heyday of Soviet Weekly (with all the panache and zest of modern media management), I expected any minute someone to promise to increase the amount of grass grown in a season (I only mean the green stuff on the pitch, don't get too excited).

Anyway its only fair that Arsenal Times plays its parts in supporting the historic deal, and from now on the masthead will give a plug for our sponsors with the Times newly acquired slogan:

"we're only here for the Emir"

For those who missed it here is Arsenal Times earlier report as events and banner unfurled this morning.

Funny old game but it would appear that Arsenal are benefiting from Chelski's millions indirectly. Perhaps their new Tsar cannot be bothered to hang onto the Emirates Airlines.
There again they (Emirates) probably do not want to be known as 1-0 to the Chelsea Airline (unlike "1-0 to the Arsenal Barbers" in Canning Town who was so proud of the team he named his shop just that).
SAFE
Mind you the new stadium should be very safe as Arsenal is Bin Laden's favourite team, and now also Sheik Ahmed's - insurance costs should be low.

The deal certainly undermines all the knockers who said it will cripple us with debt, so can we have more economy seats please? (but with plenty of legroom and free cabin slippers) However we should keep in mind that Airlines are a dodgy business, here today flown tomorrow. Quite a few biggies have disappeared (remember Pam Am?), as long as Emirates survive its a great deal, but the club will have all its eggs in one basket.

FUTURE GREAT
However, reservations apart, this deal must make the future bright. Wenger has done miracles on a shoe string. Surely the purse strings will be relaxed now and we might see some interesting signings by next season. Arsenal fans can start making their fantasy wish list now, why not add your wish list to the comments at the bottom of this page.