They say never go back...

They say never go back and Arsene usually never wants players that he let go back at the club. Normally he is right. Generally players that leave never go on to replicate the success or even the quality that they had whilst playing for Arsenal. He was brilliantly described (as part of a brilliant post here) recently as the best used car saleman in the land for exactly that reason - as their legs have a knack of giving way on another manager's pitch.

But equally Wenger has had his regets and openly spoke of his desire to keep Anelka and that he would have had him back. So would I.

Wenger has been equally canny in letting Sol Campbell "train" with us. It's try before you buy. It helps the player, and we owe that to him, but it also allows the manager to evaluate him. I don't usually get drawn in to speculation, but I think Wenger will sign him on a short term basis as back-up in case Vermaelen or Gallas get injured. Silvestre was fine for cover in the Carling Cup or against lowly opposition, he just does not have the pace. Campbell may have lost some of his pace, but I still think he'll be quick enough and his physical prescence could be useful.

Wenger didn't go back for Viera and I'm pleased that Patrick has found himself at an ambitious club playing in the Premier League. I hate City, actually probably more that Spurs just because of their £ootballing philosphy, but I wish Viera all the best, just not against us.

As I type this news is filtering through of the attack on the Togo team bus in Angola. This is horrendous, but does not surprise me. Terrorist organisations were bound to see the the African Cup of Nations as an ideal opportunity for an attack. Anything they do on this smaller scale competition will have a ten-fold impact on the World Cup. The security is on a smaller scale that it will be for the Finals in June and I'm probably being a bit patronising but I can't see the organisation of either of the competitions in Africa being as slick as anything in Europe or the US. This attack, has already been a major success and the repercussions will be huge.

I hear Adebayor is safe. I hate him as much as the next man, but would never wish this upon him. Yes his celebration against us was stupid - but footballers have never been known for their intelligence, it's their football brains that we love.

The poor driver has been killed, let's hope that it isn't any more serious on a personal level for Togo's players and staff.

Event like this put our own health and safety concerns in perspective. So we have to call some games off due to the snow, big deal.

If the game at the Emirates goes ahead tomorrow (which I think it will), have a safe journey.


'98