Many fans’ worst fears came to fruition at 1.16pm today when it was announced that Arsenal Reserves trip to take on their West Bromwich Albion counterparts has been postponed due to a frozen pitch at Aggborough, home of Blue Square Premier side Kidderminster Harriers. The bad weather has taken it’s toll on several games in the past few days and, unfortunately, tonight’s proposed encounter was not exempt of the extremities. No new date for the fixture is available yet and the next scheduled Reserve game is the trip to face Stoke later this month. This comes as a major blow for many Arsenal fans who were looking forward to seeing Eduardo continue his comeback from injury and also get another glimpse of the many young talents which the Gunners have to offer. Meanwhile, a new date has been set for the under-18s away game against Portsmouth which was initially called off due to a waterlogged pitch. This match will now take place on Saturday February 28th.
In other news, Arsenal have confirmed that Jack Wilshere has signed professional terms with the club after turning 17 on New Years Day. 2008 was a breakthrough year for Jack and he deserves to sign his contract as soon as possible. However, some other youngsters at the club are currently being left in the dark over their futures with the Gunners. Luke Ayling, Anton Blackwood, Craig Eastmond, Roarie Deacon, Cedric Evina, Conor Henderson and Rhema Obed are all currently eligible for professional contracts but are yet to sign one.
Jay Simpson made his debut for loan side West Brom in the FA Cup on Saturday and has set himself a target of 10 goals this season. Baggies boss Tony Mowbray also talks about the qualities he feels Jay will add to the side. You can follow his and all of the other loanees progress right here on Arsenal Youth.
Finally, the draw for the Fourth Round of the FA Cup was made yesterday and it threw up some interesting ties. The first two games to come out of the hat were Liverpool v Everton and Man.United v Spurs which means at least one of them has to go out. We got Cardiff away so that means a reunion for Aaron Ramsey with his former club. That should be a difficult game and it will be interesting to see whether the likes of Adebayor are rested for that one as they were on Saturday. Elsewhere, Kerrea Gilbert could come up against fellow loanee Gavin Hoyte if his Leicester side overcome Crystal Palace in a replay.
More tomorrow.
Posted by Alex on January 5, 2009 at 4:59 pm
whos the guys in the photo?
Posted by jeorge9 on January 5, 2009 at 5:00 pm
from left to right: wilshere, fonte, lansbury, gibbs,merida.
Posted by Stu on January 5, 2009 at 11:54 pm
The future of Arsenal huh!
j9, whats your opinion on Lansbury. I was hoping for him and Merida to be given more chances this season in the first team but only Merida has gotten to step up. And even that was on the left wing.
They are both CMs right? Do you think they will ever get a chance in the middle, seeing as Ramsey and Randall are playing there whenever Wenger decides. And what of Coquelin too. If he is the only DM in the reserves why hasnt he been used outside the reserves?