Is that really so, Ashley?

Unhappy players
Not much happening these days, just the usual stuff about Ashley Cole and Jose Antonio Reyes (and everybody else who wants to leave the club). Some of them may very well be heading elsewhere during the summer. For different reasons they seem to think that the grass isn't green enough at Highbury. I can sympathize with Reyes. People are different. Some adapts well into new environments, some find it harder. Just be honest about your problem and we'll see what happens. Nobody will keep you in London against your will. When it comes to Ashley Cole on the other hand.....

Ashley Cole
Charges have been made in the Colegate scandal. Among those accused is Ashley Cole himself. The Sun claims that was the final straw and that a new contract is out of the question as far as Ashley is concerned. If that is to be believed he must think that Arsenal somehow are to blame for his misfortune since his illegal meeting with Chelsea. Of course Arsenal could have played along with the cover up, but they didn't. Someone has to draw the line for what is acceptable, and Arsenal has taken it upon themselves to do just that. Well, I for one am proud that they have handled this situation the way they have. Regardless of the outcome.

A few weeks ago Frank McLintock stated that he thinks the whole affair has been blown out of proportion as illegal approaches has been common for years. I disagree, Frank. Lot's of things have been common. Drunk driving and shop lifting are common. Still, when you get caught you pay the price. If you are the prime minister and get caught it becomes a major issue, and rightly so! There is nothing out of proportion about it at all.

Bottom line is, rules matter. By comparison the future whereabouts of Ashley Cole doesn't. The club had to take a stand to protect itself, and if you can't see that Ash - then off you go! No player is bigger than the club. Thank God for people like Peter Hill-Wood. He cares, and he is willing to put action behind his words.