Australia’s resident goalkeeper recently exchanged pleasantries with Arsene Wenger, as the Arsenal boss attempted to sign Fulham’s experienced shot stopper. But what would this have meant for both English and Australian fans?
I am now going to analyse this attempted transfer, what it means, what it could have meant, and what’s going to happen.
Firstly, if you have been living in a hole, Mark Schwarzer will be staying at Fulham for the time being. Several bids made by Arsenal were rejected, and they will now be forced to stay with Fabianski and Almunia. Saying this however, members of the Arsenal management have hinted that they will try again next transfer window (start of 2011). It seemed that Fulham were belatedly going to let Schwarzer go, and approached Shay Given (Manchester City Number 2) to join on a loan deal. This all fell through when Given decided to stay at City to try to dislodge Joe Hart for the top position.
In terms of Arsenal fans, many were undecided on the decision to sign the Australian international. Reading on many fan forums and fan sites, Arsenal fans were concerned at Schwarzer’s age and believed that it could be detrimental to the club. Nobody is certain when he will begin his decline. And this is a fair point. Some fans claim that he would have made the perfect signing two years ago, when he left Middlesbrough.
On the Cottager’s point of view however, fans were extremely hesitant that they’d be left without a strong first choice keeper for this season. As expressed on “Cottagers Confidential”, Russ Goldman stated that he was pleased with Mark Hughes on his decision to keep Schwarzer at the club.
He does go on to state that he would have been happy for Mark Schwarzer to leave, if Hughes had sign a suitable replacement. And by his current form and playing standard, there are not too many keepers that play as to a level as Schwarzer. And that’s as affordable mind you.
Club matters aside, would the Schwarzer saga had any bearing on Australian football? Would the local scene and pub talks been different with Schwarzer donning the famous Gunner’s logo? Let’s analyse this further.
Firstly, it becomes an aesthetic argument. He is still the same player he was at Fulham; however he now plays for Arsenal. He instantly carries more credibility amongst the community. Similarly, Harry Kewell is a great player now for Galatasaray (disregarding unprofessional comments from R. Slater), maybe even better than at Liverpool. The fact that he was Liverpool’s number 7 meant that he was more credible to the Footballing community regardless of his actual value. And this does lead to intense overhype and speculation. I definitely wouldn’t want to come through the ranks of the big four’s academies, the external pressure of being a product of one of the biggest clubs in the world turns me away.
But back onto topic, Schwarzer at Arsenal would have boosted our national profile. Sadly, it’s how it works sometimes.
Mark Schwarzer would arguably be a good signing for the Gunners, with his experience, composed and consistent shot stopping which would lead to a sturdy defence. His experience also gives him an added bonus, being able to communicate well and lead the side. He would make a good captain for the Arsenal mob.
Nevertheless, Mark Schwarzer moving clubs can be debated strongly either way, and as I have in the past, I am curious to hear what the Roar of the Crowd think. Will Schwarzer go off with a bang if he moves to the Gunners, or will he be better off at Craven Cottage?
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