Guest Blogger's Biggest Love - Ashley

Geez... Thought this would be a smooth-sailing task but trust me, it is bloody NOT! Converting a Man Yoo fan (winking at Neil) is an easier mission! Really, am under immense pressure to measure up to previous guest bloggers. Tough! Cos after all, I am only a reader, hardly a blogger.

Oh, it's Ashley here. I won't be writing about the history of Arsenal (can't beat Eric to that!), instead allow me to share the highlights of my life being a Gooner. Where do I begin...?

My Arsenal (Intro)

The club is tattooed in my heart. Love everything Arsenal. Not that I have any share or whatsoever (though I wish I am Nina Bracewell Smith!) but I was truly captivated and amazed by the 'boring boring' and beautiful football displayed by the Gunners. The back 5 was legendary and they were the main reason why I am a Gooner today. Then the Dutchman arrived – Dennis Bergkamp! And my football world has never been the same ever again! (in a good way of course!).

My Experience (Highlights)

Have loads to share but I will not bore you with them all and waste Mr Blog’s bandwidth so here are my top 3 encounters. Ok, let’s make it 4!

1) April 1999 - Sunway Lagoon, Malaysia. The best experience by far even though there were no Bergkamp, no Manninger or even Dixon!! (All three that I had wanted to meet very much!). Long story short: Booking into the same hotel as the team was indeed my most brilliant decision ever! I could remember clearly Marc Overmars standing at the lobby just a few feet away from me (He was looking at me!! Yeah right whatever!!!), Wenger doing his interview in the lounge area (looking Professor-eques as always), bumping into Emmanuel Petit at the lift! (should have asked about his hair treatment secret), Martin Keown walking back after a day’s shopping (I read he bought Nike trainers), Vieira standing outside his room looking out for someone as I walked pass him and he smiled at me!! (You are just jealous people!), and the best part, getting real up close to Freddie for which I am still kicking myself for not asking for a hug! But I know better now! ; )

2) March 2000 – London. My first pilgrimage to the Home of Football. Wandering in and around Highbury, roaming inside the stadium and the tour, shopping senselessly at the Club shop, watching some matches with local Gooners and travelling with the Travel Club to Bremen (yep, where Henry was harshly red-carded! and Parlour scoring a brilliant goal). At the same time, braving and exploring London all on my own. Coolest experience! I returned home a happy girl!

3) May 2004 – London. I was back! Was lucky enough to get a ticket to our last home match against Leicester and of course, the parading of the EPL trophy right after that! Proudest moment ever! More celebration the next day - from going around on top of the red bus to the speeches at the city hall made by the manager, captain and players. It was totally awesome!! Really a dream came true. Can someone pinch me??

4) July 2006 – London. Setting foot for the first time at the Emirates Stadium for Dennis Bergkamp’s testimonial match. Flew in especially for the man that I worship! (since he couldn’t fly to see me!! Things that I do for him! I know! I am a mad Gooner!). Can’t say it was my best moment cos it was really hard to bid farewell to the true Legend. I was choking and holding back tears. Very emotionally wrecked! He truly deserved a standing ovation for his wonderful contributions to the Club. He will always be my hero! I really miss seeing him on the pitch!

My Hidden Secrets (Extras!)

1. Being the team’s official masseuse is my wishful fantasy! Lol..

2. Besides my passion for the Arsenal, I am a Germany fan!

3. Klinsmann and Lineker were my heroes in pre-Bergkamp days. Ironically, both played for you-know-who! Thankfully I did not end up being a Spurs fan! Can you imagine that?? Gross!!!

Hope you enjoyed reading my bits BUT the journey has yet to end for this Gooner Girl.

Mission accomplished! (Many thanks to SgGooner for pressuring me into doing this ha ha!)