Is Justin Hoyte the new Ashley Cole? 13 February, 2007

Yesterday Justin Hoyte spoke to Arsenal.com about how he’s just an Arsenal fan on the inside. Justin revealed he’s supported Arsenal all his life and it’s always been his dream to play for the Gunners. He joined when he was just 10 and has made 12 appearances at Ashburton Grove this season. With Lauren’s departure, Justin now has the chance to prove himself and push for places at Arsenal, and indeed England. This is what Justin had to say:

“I love the Club and my dream has always been to play for Arsenal. I’ve always supported Arsenal, ever since I was a young kid, and I am still a supporter through and through. I even sing the songs when I’m sitting there watching in Emirates Stadium. When I’m not playing I always sing and cheer with the supporters. I actually really enjoy sitting with the fans and spurring the lads on. It’s a great feeling if you get the opportunity to step out and you feel something magical inside. It’s a feeling that you’ll never feel again. Emirates Stadium is home for us now really. Playing there is fantastic.”

Nice words from Justin but one thing struck me – I couldn’t help but think this sounds exactly like Ashley Cole. A good, English up and coming full-back who’s been a Gooner all their life, joining the team at a young age and desperate to play for the team. You’d never think that Justin would become a money-grabbing twat like Cole but you wouldn’t have thought that about Ashley in the early career at Arsenal. Surely Hoyte won’t turn out like that but it all does sounds extremely similar to Ashley Cole. I think Hoyte’s got it all ahead of him at Arsenal and I believe he’ll be a massive player for club and country in the future. I know he is one who likes his cars and to go out and party etc but let’s just hope the footballer’s lifestyle doesn’t control him.

Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o has admitted his admiration of Arsene Wenger had revealed he had the chance to join before Barca. Back in 2004 he chose to stay in Spain rather than join up with Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira. Could you imagine if we had the partnership of Eto’o and Henry? It’s a mouth-watering prospect and you can see why the Catalans were so keen to get Thierry in the summer. This is what Samuel had to say:

“I love Arsene Wenger, he is one of the best coaches in the world. I could have played for Arsenal some years ago, I would have loved to have had Arsene Wenger as my coach. In the end I am at Barca and I am proud to wear that shirt. If Titi would have come to Barcelona, people would have seen how two real friends have fun in a stadium. I dreamt about that, to be a partner with him in attack. Titi chose to stay in England and I am happy for his coach, but…”

It’s clear that he too wanted to link up with our star man and it would’ve been interesting to see. I think it was last year; Eto’o and Henry were 2nd and 3rd respectively in the World Player of the Year Award.

Thierry Henry has been speaking about Theo Walcott this week with doubts over the youngster’s form. Titi has said he just needs time and we the fans must be patient. Henry also said that at 17 he went through a bad patch and it just happens. Most 17-year-olds at Arsenal would be just emerging into the reserve side never mind starting regularly for the 1st team. I am not bothered about Theo’s form, I’m sure that in time he’ll find his feet and reach great heights.

Robert Pires has bought a Highbury flat to join the likes of Mr. Wenger and Dennis Bergkamp. Bobby has been speaking a lot recently about how he left Arsenal because he was subbed off in Paris, but that’s over and most Gooners’ still have a warm feeling towards Pires. It’s nice to think that he still feels apart of this club and he’s spoken about his fond memories of Highbury and that final day against Wigan. Click the link; it’s a nice read.

And finally: I’m on my way, I’m on my way, I’m going to Cardiff, I’m on my way. How I get there I don’t know, how I get there I don’t care, all I know is I am on my way. Yesterday I got my tickets for the Carling Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium. I’m sitting 3rd row I think, lower tier, sort of in the corner I think. To be honest I don’t really care where I’m sitting, it’s all a bit of fun to be honest. We’ve got nothing to lose and God knows how our kids will play against the Chelsea 1st team. I have no idea how I’m going to get there yet, but I don’t care – I’m on my way.

Have a good day.