As always a good piece by you, I only can imagine how hard it must've been to put into words.
This transfer is still a though one to process.
The second I saw, it felt like betrayal. But with a bit of distance I understand her decision although it still hurts that we let her go like that.
I believe even if Arsenal would've offered her a contract a few months ago, she probably would've still considered going to Chelsea, to get the chance to play for her favourite club from her childhood.
But maybe in the end she would've chosen to stay. In the end only she can tell us what her thought process was on all of this.
As you said the badge taps, the chanting and the "Red is in my blood", it can't be a lie. And nobody can convince me otherwise. I'd say fell in love with this club more and more over the years and our fan's probably played a huge role in it.
Also real big on the part about players recieving abuse. I hate to see it every single time.
People shouldn't forget that players are humans too. With feelings like everyone else. Yes, it might've just in the heat of the moment. But that isn't an excuse to post about it online.
Thanks Merit. Yes, definitely a different kind of piece to write. I think it takes time but I don't see the disappointment going away for me personally. I agree she would have considered Chelsea regardless, and that hurts, but again that's just our opinion and we probably won't ever find out the truth. You can be hurt about a situation without the need for personal abuse, which I think people tend to forget!
You captured the emotional complexity perfectly. Your honesty makes this a great read.
Her loyalty to Arsenal ended when she didn’t accept the contract offered and possibly earlier when she was told there would be no contract offer.
Did she sign with Chelsea to even the ledger? Only she knows. I think not. Staying in London would be a priority I assume. Playing at the top levels of women’s football would be another priority.
I question Arsenal management’s evaluation that determined an extension would not be offered. This is the crux of the issue for me. Certainly she could contribute positively for several seasons but on what terms?
Decisions are made to achieve a successful football season by clubs and decisions are made by players in the best interest of their lives. We fans aren’t consulted and are left to sort our emotions.
I did unfollow her on social media as a personal statement.
Thanks so much David. I agree Arsenal have some responsibility but we never know the full story. I think she COULD have contributed for sure, but it seems Arsenal wanted her as a backup CB, whereas Katie viewed herself as a starter for an elite club. I wonder if she will get that at Chelsea or not, definitely an interesting thing to wait and see. I did the same. Let's just wait as we have to do as fans and see what happens next.
Not necessarily wanted her as a backup CB. That makes it seem a bit insulting 😅. I believe it made them reconsider because she showed her versatility which is very valuable in the modern game. Her mind was set though.
I always look forward to your comments as much as I look forward to Daisy's pieces.
The thing with the contract situation, which I'm adamant about, is that the club (including RS) ultimately believed it was time to move on. Anyone who has followed her closely knows and would tell you that Ona Battle is one of, if not, the best fullbacks in the world. The mere thought of her being available and considering moving to England, is one that if the club hadn't jumped at, I would have been fuming.
I bring this up because when that quality of player is coming, she's not coming to compete with anyone for minutes. She is a serial winner, and like Mariona, a centerpiece in that winning team. I love Katie, and I know football well enough that, a player of such quality is not going to sit on the bench, and she will have to.
So when you question the club's evaluation on that ultimate decision (that includes RS), I am fairly certain that this is the reasoning behind it.
I agree. If you can sign Ona she plays from the start. Same with Stanway.
The turnabout in offering a contract late on is what concerns me. They didn’t know Katie could play CB? I find that hard to believe. And yes RS is certainly part of that decision. Although I still question how much support she receives from management.
Until Katie rights an auto-biography we won’t know the reasons. But I understand if she felt slighted.
Enjoy talking Arsenal with you. Let’s continue, especially with an interesting transfer window ahead.
I wasn't expecting this to be honest 😅. I've spent the last 16 hours sorting my timeline, after the pointless debates as to how we fans are meant to think or feel since it's a player's decision and all that stuff.
I didn't love it and I was very disappointed.
But I don't expect it to fade like you said. I have been in the football space long enough to know that, these sort of things don't die easy. To the minority like you and me, by the time Stanway is announced, last season is in the past. But to the majority, I expect a lot more than this (and won't be surprised). If you think what happened against Chelsea (abuse aside) was the pinnacle, wait for next season...
But yeah... why are we wasting time with announcements?🥲
Yeah I completely get that, I've done the same - limiting social media time. I think it won't entirely fade but the discourse will disappear into the background of other things, like announcements. Especially from the more loyal of fans who care more about the club. Arsenal are always like this, they delay, especially with out of contract players. I think end of this month we start to get progress!
All football clubs make strange choices at times i.e. allowing Eidevall to treat Viv like he did or Yahnited not acting to secure Lessi’s services at the earliest opportunity.
As regards Katie’s situation, my personal opinion is that her tendency to argue, lose her temper and accumulate cards is only going to increase. This is the first time RS has the opportunity to shape the team in accordance with her priorities and I look forward to seeing what she does.
At least we can welcome Katie back in the same way as we welcome all ex-Gunners, with a massive cheer and round of applause as she takes the field.
Thanks for reading Alex. I agree with the Slegers point, and I'm excited to see what happens this upcoming season. As a fanbase we can focus on our team now, not outside noise!
As always a good piece by you, I only can imagine how hard it must've been to put into words.
This transfer is still a though one to process.
The second I saw, it felt like betrayal. But with a bit of distance I understand her decision although it still hurts that we let her go like that.
I believe even if Arsenal would've offered her a contract a few months ago, she probably would've still considered going to Chelsea, to get the chance to play for her favourite club from her childhood.
But maybe in the end she would've chosen to stay. In the end only she can tell us what her thought process was on all of this.
As you said the badge taps, the chanting and the "Red is in my blood", it can't be a lie. And nobody can convince me otherwise. I'd say fell in love with this club more and more over the years and our fan's probably played a huge role in it.
Also real big on the part about players recieving abuse. I hate to see it every single time.
People shouldn't forget that players are humans too. With feelings like everyone else. Yes, it might've just in the heat of the moment. But that isn't an excuse to post about it online.
Thanks Merit. Yes, definitely a different kind of piece to write. I think it takes time but I don't see the disappointment going away for me personally. I agree she would have considered Chelsea regardless, and that hurts, but again that's just our opinion and we probably won't ever find out the truth. You can be hurt about a situation without the need for personal abuse, which I think people tend to forget!
You captured the emotional complexity perfectly. Your honesty makes this a great read.
Her loyalty to Arsenal ended when she didn’t accept the contract offered and possibly earlier when she was told there would be no contract offer.
Did she sign with Chelsea to even the ledger? Only she knows. I think not. Staying in London would be a priority I assume. Playing at the top levels of women’s football would be another priority.
I question Arsenal management’s evaluation that determined an extension would not be offered. This is the crux of the issue for me. Certainly she could contribute positively for several seasons but on what terms?
Decisions are made to achieve a successful football season by clubs and decisions are made by players in the best interest of their lives. We fans aren’t consulted and are left to sort our emotions.
I did unfollow her on social media as a personal statement.
Thanks so much David. I agree Arsenal have some responsibility but we never know the full story. I think she COULD have contributed for sure, but it seems Arsenal wanted her as a backup CB, whereas Katie viewed herself as a starter for an elite club. I wonder if she will get that at Chelsea or not, definitely an interesting thing to wait and see. I did the same. Let's just wait as we have to do as fans and see what happens next.
Not necessarily wanted her as a backup CB. That makes it seem a bit insulting 😅. I believe it made them reconsider because she showed her versatility which is very valuable in the modern game. Her mind was set though.
I always look forward to your comments as much as I look forward to Daisy's pieces.
The thing with the contract situation, which I'm adamant about, is that the club (including RS) ultimately believed it was time to move on. Anyone who has followed her closely knows and would tell you that Ona Battle is one of, if not, the best fullbacks in the world. The mere thought of her being available and considering moving to England, is one that if the club hadn't jumped at, I would have been fuming.
I bring this up because when that quality of player is coming, she's not coming to compete with anyone for minutes. She is a serial winner, and like Mariona, a centerpiece in that winning team. I love Katie, and I know football well enough that, a player of such quality is not going to sit on the bench, and she will have to.
So when you question the club's evaluation on that ultimate decision (that includes RS), I am fairly certain that this is the reasoning behind it.
I agree. If you can sign Ona she plays from the start. Same with Stanway.
The turnabout in offering a contract late on is what concerns me. They didn’t know Katie could play CB? I find that hard to believe. And yes RS is certainly part of that decision. Although I still question how much support she receives from management.
Until Katie rights an auto-biography we won’t know the reasons. But I understand if she felt slighted.
Enjoy talking Arsenal with you. Let’s continue, especially with an interesting transfer window ahead.
I wasn't expecting this to be honest 😅. I've spent the last 16 hours sorting my timeline, after the pointless debates as to how we fans are meant to think or feel since it's a player's decision and all that stuff.
I didn't love it and I was very disappointed.
But I don't expect it to fade like you said. I have been in the football space long enough to know that, these sort of things don't die easy. To the minority like you and me, by the time Stanway is announced, last season is in the past. But to the majority, I expect a lot more than this (and won't be surprised). If you think what happened against Chelsea (abuse aside) was the pinnacle, wait for next season...
But yeah... why are we wasting time with announcements?🥲
Yeah I completely get that, I've done the same - limiting social media time. I think it won't entirely fade but the discourse will disappear into the background of other things, like announcements. Especially from the more loyal of fans who care more about the club. Arsenal are always like this, they delay, especially with out of contract players. I think end of this month we start to get progress!
All football clubs make strange choices at times i.e. allowing Eidevall to treat Viv like he did or Yahnited not acting to secure Lessi’s services at the earliest opportunity.
As regards Katie’s situation, my personal opinion is that her tendency to argue, lose her temper and accumulate cards is only going to increase. This is the first time RS has the opportunity to shape the team in accordance with her priorities and I look forward to seeing what she does.
At least we can welcome Katie back in the same way as we welcome all ex-Gunners, with a massive cheer and round of applause as she takes the field.
Thanks for reading Alex. I agree with the Slegers point, and I'm excited to see what happens this upcoming season. As a fanbase we can focus on our team now, not outside noise!