Who really gives an Arse?

So allegedly Mr Arsene Wenger, manager of Arsenal, has been having an affair with a French wannabe pop star 22 years his junior. Mr Wenger and his wife Annie have a 13 year old daughter, Leah.

But along with this breaking news story there is a severe lack of proof. There were pictures of him with Sonia. Walking side by side in an airport. There was a picture of him supposedly shielding his face from the press, though to me he looks like he's fixing his hair. Something all footie fans know he does habitually. There are no incriminating photos, that I have seen. No statement from Mr Wenger, Annie or Sonia.

All we have is innuendo and suggestion.

But to be honest, even if it is true. I couldn't care less. Not because I'm an Arsenal fan or because I worship the ground the Frenchman walks on.

But because unlike some, he has always kept his personal life personal. One fan told me that until this story he had no idea Wenger was married, which pretty much says it all.

He has never conducted his life in the media, nor I doubt he ever will. If it is true, then I will be disappointed to see another married man ignoring his vows. But other than that, nothing.

Until now his private life has never been my business and I don't think things should change now.

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You Can't Have it Both Ways Mate!

So, in the spirit of becoming a better writer I spend a lot of time reading newspapers, blogs and other websites. A lot of which I find through twitter.

I don't know how many of you know him but today I read an article by a footballer, Rohan Ricketts. He currently plays in Moldova for FC Dacia Chişinău after a career at varying levels in England. Rohan also writes regularly for a few Internet publications.

But it was the article he wrote today that caught my eye, it was in Sabotage Times.

He discusses what footballers really think about us fans. Don't get me wrong, he makes some reasonably good points.

"Players have a right to leave a club. After all, there are plenty of situations when the clubs screw the players. Sometimes you’ll have a player who wants to stay but he’ll get kicked out."

There are times when we have seen players encouraged to move on because they don't get on with the manager or they don't fit into his plans. Players who have been loyal to the club, signed long term contracts and kissed the badge. I'm sure there are but excuse me if I can't name any.

Now, don't get me wrong. I DO NOT condone threatening anyone with physical violence and the 'idiots' that turned up outside Rooney's house clearly need to get a grip. Invading someone's privacy is not right and crossing a line. The problem is some players have removed that line for us, so of course less thoughtful fans can become confused.

Let me ask you a few questions:
*What are the names of Paul Scholes' children?
*Where did Ryan Giggs get married?
*How many children does Shay Given have?

Do you know? Because I don't. And I don't know because they haven't made money by telling me through exclusives 'celebrity' magazines. They have chosen to keep their personal lives private, to raise their children away from the glare of flashlights and VIP events. They realised early on that their job was simply to play football.

If you choose to air your clean laundry in a public arena then of course there is going to be a heightened interest when it's dirty. It's basic human curiosity and when that 'dirt' is down to your own lack of morals, excuse me if I don't feel sorry for you. If you are man enough to make that mistake, then surely you have to be man enough to deal with the consequences. To be honest, most people don't care but we've been force fed so many details about their life, people feel as if they know them, which leads to people thinking they have the right to judge. Even if they don't.

Whether or not they will like to admit it, certain players readily invited the media into their homes. And like a vampire; once you invite them in, it is very hard to kick them out.

Sort Ya Life Out!

I know it's a bit late, but hey ho.

This is Ian Holloway's first season in the Premier League. What started as a pipe dream turned into reality for the Tangerines as he led them to Wembley, where they won the Championship play-off final against Cardiff. He and his chairmen may be the newest diners at the top table, but him and his 'original' statements are known to all.

Some may see him as a joker or the light relief in comparison to the serious manner of those at the top of the league. Regardless of that, one thing that is always stated about Ian is that above all else, he is a 'football fan'. A trait that exudes from him and brings a sense of purity to the financially oriented most watched league in the World.

A honest man who appreciates the purity of the beautiful game. Lets be honest, his press conferences are a rare gem in a time of contrived and preprepared media moments. Friday would have been the first time some supporters had ever seen or heard a manager speak with so much passion - unless arguing over a penalty appeal. Because of who said it, some may not have listened.

I agree with him when he questions the weight a contract holds in this era of obscene wags and the Bosman + Webster rules. I also don't think he'll be the last to question the ever increasing involvement of agents and 'player advisors'.

These worries have been raised before but because it was England's talisman trying to orchestrate a move, it becomes front and back page news. Come on, modern contracts are worthless to a football club. The only people they benefit are the player and his 'team'.

At the end of the day, if and when a player wants to engineer a move then they will do whatever it takes. We have seen players under contract covet other clubs in the media. Some have gone on strike or underperformed. Others have created such a bad atmosphere in the changing room, the manager has to let them go for the god of the club. Without any consideration that player will make sure he gets his move or pay rise, citing whatever reason his PR decides sound best in print.

While football clubs continue to pretend they aren't actually businesses first they will never be able to ensure their 'employees' abide by their contracts. This is a problem of football's own doing, no matter how they try to deny it. They gave the players the power and now their annoyed when they use it in a way that doesn't benefit them.

So yes, most of what Ian Holloway said was right. But he needs to look around that top table for who is really at fault.