retired_ronstar

like T_Side said, it's a great concept and it makes for a very interesting read! :thup:
i'm intrigued to see what happens with young jake as the season goes on..

retired_Brandon Scott

Saturday 3rd Jan 09 1200 hrs

'Come!' Dr Drempetic, a handsome compact man in his late 20s looked up from his case files as Jake tentatively entered his office.

Ah hello Jake-how are you today?' The Psychiatrist spoke English in a pleasantly accented voice. One that hinted at maybe Central or Eastern Europe. The slight American accent always relaxed Jake and made him feel less nervous.

'Please sit Jake' Dr Drempetic motioned to an easy chair across the room with a low coffee table beside it and sat opposite. The Psychiatrist smiled pleasantly at Jake.

'Did you have a good New Year?'

'Not really' came the terse response. 'In fact it was pretty crap' Jake looked miserable. He had been forced to come to these sessions because of what had happened at school and because his Dad had suddenly decided to play the stern father with him. He liked Dr Drempetic but he said very little, forcing him to do all the talking; talk that inevitably ended up being of Ben Amponsah or Arsenal.

'It was pretty crap' Drempetic repeated.

'Yes the transfer window is open again and what is the first thing that Ben does?' Jake sat waiting for the response that, as usual, never came so he ploughed on. 'Well he's only gone and sold Cesc Febragas! It's an unbelievable thing to do. Diaby I can understand-Adebayor I can understand but Cesc?'

'Unbelievable?'

'Well i guess Cesc hasn't played well for us for a couple of seasons but he's only 21 for God's sake and Arsenal's in his blood. I don't know-it feels like a betrayal....' Jake had to look out of the window as he felt the hot tears sting his eyes-he had been so emotional lately. Some of his friends had taken to describing him as an 'emo'. Others had been somewhat cruder.

'A betrayal? That's a strong description Jake-can you talk some more about that?'

'Talk!' Jake exploded, 'All I ever seem to do with you is talk! Look where it's got me! My friends think I'm gay, my enemies say it, my Dad's worried sick, my teachers think I'm a basket-case! God!' Jake pounded his fist into his lap and curled into a foetal position in the chair.

'And are you those things?'

'I don't know-some of them I guess' Jake whispered. He then reached into the back of his pocket for a folded piece of paper. The Doctor saw that inside it was a small cutting of the Arsenal Manager. Jake handed the larger piece to the Psychiatrist: it was a table of the Premiership.

'That's why I'm so upset' Jake cried, the tears coming now. 'What are we doing there when this was the season of promise: the season when we were going to take the Premiership by storm: it's so unfair!'

'I see that you're upset Jake. What is it that makes you feel so strongly? I note that you have a crumpled picture of Ben Amponsah in your hand. What part has he played in all of this strong emotion-this rollercoaster ride?'

Jake sat and contemplated. What did he mean this manager he admired so much. This man he loved-what did it all mean-was he obsessed? Was he a psycho? He sometimes felt like it.

'I cant blame a manager who watches his team go 2 goals down at home to the League Leaders and then inspires them to come back and draw and almost win the game-I just can't'

'You are referring to the recent game at the Emirates? Do you want to talk about that?'

Jake wiped his nose with a kleenex and sighed. 'What's there to say? We started like complete lemons and ended like tigers. They were 2 goals up within 10 minutes...it was absolute disaster! And the irony was we had really taken the game to them in the 1st 6 minutes-we were making all the running and had about 5 attempts on their goal: only their goalie, Kuszczak, kept us out....'

Jake paused 'Do you know anything about football Doc?'

'Yes I do as it happens: I support my home team of Dinamo Zagreb.'

'Oh ok. Well normally Ben gets our centre backs to man mark if they are facing 2 forwards and zonally mark if there is only one. Are you keeping with me? Yes? Good. Fergie, however, being a wily sod, played only one striker with Rossi playing behind Saha. The message did't seem to have filtered down to that Donkey Senderos, however, as he was hopelessly out of position and did a passing imitation of the parting of the red sea to allow Park to run in from almost the centre circle and score. The second scored by Rossi was a hammer blow.'

Jake shivered as he recalled the dread that spread through the massed ranks of Arsenal fans with that second goal. It had seemed that Man U were intent on making a very emphatic statement right in the heart of the enemy stronghold.

'So what happened?'

'What happened was that Ben Amponsah didn't panic. That's what happened. He remained calm on the touchline: he gave some instructions to Senderos and swapped him and Tooure round. We got a penalty in the 23rd minute and I could see after that Ben was urging the players to attack and attack we did-there was nothing to lose but our pride eh? it was still pretty even but then he brought on the young Dane, Bendtner for Walcott on the 73rd minute. It wasn't popular with the crowd as we all love Theo but Ben was vindicated when Bendtner then scored with 6 or 7 minutes left: that's the 2nd time he's done that.'

'So he remains your hero then?'

'I couldn't abandon him now: I know many fans have' Jake was crying again. 'I love what he has done-listen ever since that awful defeat at Wigan we have won every game-we beat Charlton 4-3 away, we knocked Boro out of the Carling Cup and are now in the semis, we drew with Man U admittedly but they are the leaders, and beat Fulham away on Boxing day. we are getting consistency. We are the 3rd best team in the form charts. I know things will change. Rumour has it that we're going to bring in a big name in the transfer window-things will change. They have to don't they Doc?'

Jake's eyes implored the professional to agree with him but he knew what the answer would be:

'What do you think?'

Jake looked away his eyes shining 'I think they will because I think he's the best. In fact I know he is......'

retired_Brandon Scott

Author's note: Sorry about the duff table guys: this is what it should look like

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Holders - Chelsea| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Man Utd | | 19 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 34 | 13 | +21 | 39 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Tottenham | | 21 | 11 | 6 | 4 | 27 | 17 | +10 | 39 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Liverpool | | 20 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 28 | 14 | +14 | 37 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Blackburn | | 21 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 15 | +5 | 36 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Bolton | | 21 | 8 | 10 | 3 | 21 | 11 | +10 | 34 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Arsenal | | 20 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 18 | +12 | 33 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Chelsea | | 18 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 27 | 14 | +13 | 32 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Aston Villa | | 20 | 9 | 4 | 7 | 26 | 22 | +4 | 31 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Portsmouth | | 20 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 25 | 21 | +4 | 30 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Charlton | | 21 | 8 | 4 | 9 | 28 | 26 | +2 | 28 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Newcastle | | 21 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 | 19 | +2 | 28 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | West Ham | | 21 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 17 | 26 | -9 | 27 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Q.P.R. | | 21 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 16 | 22 | -6 | 25 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Man City | | 21 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 23 | 30 | -7 | 25 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Fulham | | 21 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 18 | 25 | -7 | 24 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Wigan | | 21 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 20 | 27 | -7 | 22 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Reading | | 19 | 5 | 3 | 11 | 16 | 22 | -6 | 18 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Middlesbrough | | 21 | 3 | 8 | 10 | 15 | 28 | -13 | 17 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | West Brom | | 20 | 4 | 4 | 12 | 14 | 32 | -18 | 16 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Leeds | | 21 | 2 | 5 | 14 | 13 | 37 | -24 | 11 | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_Brandon Scott

'It's Tuesday the 20th of January and we bid you welcome to the Great Sports Debate on Five Live with me, Jan Zlatki. Welcome also to our panel, Steve Claridge, Martin Keown and Jim Smith. Our first topic for discussion: do Arsenal have what it takes to challenge for the title? Give us a ring and air your views on 0800 500 500. What do you think guys? Steve?'

'I dunno Jan-this is a difficult one for me I have to say'

'Difficult! What's difficult about it!'

'Hang on Martin-you're obviously biased-Steve go on: explain yourself'

'Well Jan...I just think they've lost too many games already and have conceded too many points to Manchester United. 5 games lost and a 9 point gap is just too many at this stage of the season.'

'Ok and what's your view Jim?'

'Erm-it's a difficult one for me: ever since the home draw with United they have been pretty rampant and you have to say Amponsah has strengthened the squad with the signing of the lad Tevez-he's-well he's pretty damn awesome. I think they could do it but it will require United to slip up.'

'Thanks Jim. Martin let's talk about the transfer window. What did you think when Amponsah sold first Diaby, who shows so much promise and then Arsenal favourite Cesc Fabregas-bit of a shock?'

'Well to be honest Diaby was more of a shock than Febragas. Cesc had never quite been himself since the shock departure of Arsene Wenger before the 06/07 season. Arsene was his mentor, guide and the person who brought him to Arsenal: a father figure. Things were never quite right for him after he left. '

'Come on Martin! He was awesome in Amponsah's first season in charge...when he was being played regularly!'

'Hang on Steve-let me finish! Yes he was but look at what he did in the 2nd season-'

'It's true Steve-his stats are not nearly so impressive for the second season and that's when Amponsah started to lose faith in him I think'

'I just don't believe that Jim-he is a World Class midfielder-you don't just ditch people of that calibre'

'Well you obviously do if your name is Ben Amponsah guys. I can tell this is going to be a lively one tonight. Come on and give us a ring if you want to have your say; the panel is waiting. We're on 0800 500 500. So guys, he sells Febregas, who opinion is divided over, and brings in Carlos Tevez. Surely a good swap? And he's got a fit Henry back and scoring. Surely they will push United all the way wont they? Martin?'

'Absolutely Jan-look at our recent form-that confirms it.'

'He's right Jan-I would agree Arsenal are on a roll at the moment'

'I agree fellas but I just think they've left themselves too much to do and United are too strong.'

'Ok thanks guys: we have our first caller, Jake, on the line. Jake what have you got to say to our panel?'

'Hi Jan, hi guys. Er, I am a bit nervous...'

'Hi Jake: you don't need to be nervous, we won't bite, we promise haha!'

'Ok well I happen to believe that Ben Amponsah is a genius.'

'An Arsenal supporter then?'

'Since as long as I can remember. I'd just like to point out to the panel and especially Steve-you only need to look at the form charts and the goals against at the moment: we are top of the form charts and noone has scored against us since that home game against United. That's 5 games guys including the 3-0 hammering of a full strength Manchester United side at home in the Carling Cup.'

'Yes let's look at those results: 1 nil away to Fulham with a nice Rosicky goal to break the deadlock on the 80th minute. Then a 2 nil home win to knock Leeds out of the FA Cup: Rosicky again opening the scoring and Van Persie adding some gloss in injury time. After that a 3-0 hammering of Manchester United in the 1st leg of the Carling Cup semi-what did you think of that Jake?'

'I was naturally ecstatic Jan: it was such an important result cos it showed Fergie that he couldnt just walk into the Emirates again and expect to dominate us.'

'That man Tomas Rosicky opening the scoring again eh lad?'

'That's right Jim-that's why he could afford to sell Fabregas because Rosicky's been playing far better in that position since Ben arrived at the club'

'Oh so you're on first name terms with him now are you?'

'Leave the lad alone Steve!'

'Yes quite-take it easy Steve: how old are you son?'

'I'm 17. I'd like to say that age shouldn't matter. I was one of the leading fans who let the Board know exactly what we thought when they came in and threatened to sack Ben.'

'Ah so you're Jake Patterson eh? Nice one. Shows what fan power can do even when led by one so young.'

'Exactly Jim-thanks.'

'Jake hi it's Martin here.'

'Hi Martin-it's really good to be speaking with you. We met a while back at a Highbury young Gunners fan forum if you remember?'

'How could I forget you young man! Jake what are the fans saying at the moment: there is talk that there are-shall we say-pockets of discontent?'

'Yes there are it's true but people need to be patient and play the long game. Amponsah is in the process of building a squad in his own image rather than the one developed by Arsene-I really think that we will be pushing for honours this season though. As you like to say: it's a marathon not a sprint eh?'

'Haha-that's the spirit son!'

'so the rest of those results: a predictable win, 1 nil, against Bolton at home on the 10th Jan with Henry now playing and making an assist. Unfortunately Rosicky is now out for 2 months after breaking a toe in the 5th minute: a grievous blow Martin?'

'I think in normal circumstances it would be but remember that young Wesley Sneijder can play in the centre as well as on both flanks and there is plenty of cover on the wings. You also have Denilson pushing for a place. I think that was another visionary move myself: watch out for more like that, more of the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger....'

'Interesting Martin. Ok Jake talk us through the last game-what a start for Tevez eh?'

'It was absolutely amazing-I didnt know what to do with myself on the terraces. For Tevez to come on and score within a minute was just unbelievable.'

'And what a goal eh? son'

'Yes, Jim, it was the tightest of angles-he was on the left outside the penalty box and almost on the goal line but he still managed to fire a shot into the far corner: his technique was simple breathtaking!'

'Wasn't it? And then 20 minutes later he's at it again; this time bending a curler in from 25 yards.'

'He was in such an innocuous position wasn't he? That's the beauty of Tevez: he just makes things happen, power, pace, skill: he's got them all.' And the really scary thing for the rest of the Premiership is that he is now in tandem with a fully fit Thierry Henry who, not to be outdone, decided to add 2 goals of his own to the equation. They were really fired up for this one weren't they Jan?'

'yes they were Martin. Mark Hughes hadn't exactly helped by stoking things up before the game by saying that he didn't want to see Arsenal win the title-that was just asking for trouble. Amponsah's response, that Hughes has a thing or too to learn, appears to have been vindicated after that drubbing. Was Amponsah right to get into a war of words with Hughes, Jake, do you think?'

'I do. Look at the response from the players: they are fully behind him at least and so am I. Arsenal are coming-watch this space.'

'Watch this space eh? Well thanks for your input Jake: you keep up your support. Take care.'

'I will dont you worry about that-I will. Bye guys.'

retired_mudd

Nice story, enjoying this :thup:

retired_Brandon Scott

Thanks Hunter-sorry for long break-will post next installment shortly

retired_Brandon Scott

Sunday 22nd February 2009 Wembley Stadium 1445hrs

Jake had never remembered being so nervous: he was so frightened that he had literally almost just wet himself. Being in prime seats in the mighty new Wembley was nerve-racking enough for an afficianado like himself but here was a chance-at last-for his Team and his hero to annex some silverware. It didn't matter that it was only the Carling Cup and it didn't matter that the final wasn't against one of the big 3: here was the chance at last for Ben Amponsah's Gunners to show what they were made of.

It was a clear, crisp, February day in North London and the magnificent new Stadium was rocking. The area where he and his Dad and their friends were sitting afforded a panoramic view of the pitch and the rest of the arena as well as a clear line of sight to the Dugouts. This was something that Jake had insisted on and since he was doing so well with the shrink Seb Patterson had readily agreed. He couldn't be sure whether this improvement was due to Arsenal's excellent League results since Jake had started seeing Dr Drempetic or the Psychiatrist's skills-it didn't matter: his son was getting better. That was all that mattered.

As Seb was lost in contemplation, the object of his thoughts was scanning the programme notes and specifically the excerpt from Ben Amponsah. Jake was smiling as he read since these notes gave him his much needed window into the mind of his hero:

Jake folded the notes and put them into his jacket pocket: he blew into his hands to warm them and scanned the tunnel. The roar was building. The players were now coming out led by the mascots. They all looked so smart, so set. This was it-time to make it count.........

retired_Brandon Scott

retired_bethricci

this is my favourite story kutgw

retired_Brandon Scott

Ta SJ-have Liverpool (4th placed) and Spurs (2nd) both away next so Jake may take another turn for the worse-we'll see eh?