Highbury High. Putting the High Back Into Highbury

Background to Arsenal's Biggest and Best Fanzine

Many football publications are produced to celebrate great achievements, jumping on the bandwagon in attempt to prosper in the atmosphere of glory.

Highbury High chose the opposite route. Issue One of Highbury High hit the streets just as the club was reeling in the aftermath of George Graham's sacking for receiving a 'gift' from an agent. If the 'bung' scandal wasn't enough, the football on show was the worst the Arsenal faithful had seen for a decade. There certainly wasn't a feel-good factor about the club!

Of course fanzines revel in misfortune and incompetence, jumping at the opportunity to act as the 'Voice of the Fans'. But this wasn't our motive when we produced Highbury High.

Quite simply, we felt that it was time for someone to stand up for the club. We were sick of the constant attacks in the press, and the barbed comments from every football pundit going. After all, we had the times of our lives in the preceding years: Anfield 89, Copenhagen 93 and the wonderful 90-91 season where we lost only one league game all season (which never received the due credit). These were all down to George, and we were proud of his achievements.

But also, we were proud of the club and the players who had brought us the glory. The club needed everyone to close ranks, and this we were more than happy to do.

Three years later, it's hard to remember what all the fuss is about. Wenger is building a new dynasty, and we're loving it. We still don't criticise the club too much, but now it's because there seems little need. Like in George in 1991, Wenger knows!

Highbury High is first and foremost,a FANZINE, and welcomes views and opinions from all Arsenal supporters, even if they are critical. The only proviso is that the writer believes the criticism is valid and constructive. We're not interested in criticism for criticism sakes. But don't let that put you off. If you have anything to say about Arsenal send it in to us. We are always looking for new writers.

We see the fanzine as a celebration of Arsenal, which is why it features full colour spreads of Arsenal players alongside the usual fanzine style articles. Wherever possible, we run interviews with ex-players and famous supporters. The Ex-players interviewed include Charlie George, Frank McLintock, Bob Wilson, Don Howe, Terry Neill, Sammy Nelson, Paul Davis and Steve Williams. From the showbiz world we have chatted Arsenal with Clive Anderson, Melvyn Bragg, Tom Watt and of course, Rory McGrath.

And don't worry we don't forget about our illustrious neighbours. We take every opportunity to abuse and ridicule Spurs. Not exactly a difficult task at the moment.

Highbury High. The Magazine by the Fans For The Fans.

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