'The Gooner Review 08-09' Reviewed

After some Spurs fan at the Post Office tried his very best to get in the way, I finally received the screener for the Gooner Review 08-09 this week, just in time to post a quick review before the UK orders deadline tomorrow.

I found the DVD entertaining and, above all, a comforting reminder that there were others suffering with me last year. It was a bit like watching a support group; an arena where everyone felt comfortable talking about a turbulent relationship they couldn't escape, with a moody, temperamental idol who was ignoring them and possibly hiding something from them.

But it also reassured me that there are others who have faith in the boss. Bob Wilson's account of the infamous shareholders meeting shows how the media can manipulate the smallest incident into an hysterical story, and interviews with fans on the street gave me hope that Wenger's contribution to the club over the years hasn't been forgotten.

The film features celebrity Gooners such as Clive and Joe Swift, Judge Jules and Shovell from M People, and is presented by comedian Paul Kaye. Each represent their own variety of fan: Shovell is the enthusiastic, boyish supporter; Judge Jules the purist; Clive Swift the old-school, no-nonsense traditionalist. There are also interviews with several football correspondents (including Amy Lawrence from the Guardian) and a couple of Arsenal legends, most notably Wilson, whose charity is receiving 100% of all profits from the Review. Consequently, there is a wide range of opinions and the film doesn't take on any particular mindset.

The Review is essentially a countdown of the top ten issues of the season, as voted by the fans. These include the captaincy situation and the signing of Andrey Arshavin, and some of the guests provide some interesting related stories. A couple of clips of Wenger in press conferences give him a chance to fight his corner, and a players' perspective from the likes of Perry Groves gives a new take on issues such as the Eboue booing. A notable shortcoming is the lack of footage, but blame the Premier League for that - they won't let businesses make money from their content, and apparently they won't let charities either...

For a diehard Gooner, this is great viewing. It won't appeal to fairweather fans, or those who prefer to simply watch the football; but the more obsessive supporter may actually prefer this to the official end of season DVD, particularly as the most important parts of the latter would be about as enjoyable as a car crash.

If you're struggling with a present for someone who's already been given half of the club gift shop over the last couple Christmases, I'd recommend giving this DVD. To see more information and to buy the film, pop over to http://www.thegoonerreview.com/. Remember, tomorrow's your last chance to place an order.

Here's hoping this afternoon at Anfield will provide some positive material for the 09-10 Review!

---