For Tony, a resident at Westgate House Care Centre in Ware, Arsenal has been part of his life for more than seven decades. Now, after years of following the club from afar, he has finally fulfilled a long-held dream: visiting the Emirates Stadium.
Tony has supported Arsenal since he was around seven or eight years old. He has followed the club through generations of players, managers and some of the biggest moments in its history.
Although he had previously watched Arsenal play at Highbury, he had never visited the club’s current home. That changed when Westgate Healthcare helped make his dream a reality with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Emirates Stadium.
The visit came after Tony was selected as one of two winners of Westgate Healthcare’s annual Resident Summer Big Wish competition. This initiative helps residents fulfil a personal ambition or enjoy an experience they have long wanted to have.
For Tony, there was only one choice.
A passion that began in childhood
Tony first became an Arsenal supporter as a child, with his original reason for choosing the club refreshingly simple.
“They played in red, which I liked. Silly little things like that when you don’t live near a team is why,” he said.
That childhood decision developed into a lifelong passion.
Over more than 70 years, Tony has watched football change dramatically. Changes have included the condition of pitches and the equipment used by players. In addition, he has seen changes to the facilities enjoyed by modern Premier League clubs.
“The whole game has changed, the facilities, the playing surfaces, the boots, the ball,” he said.
“Years ago, after a couple of games, the pitches were like plough fields as they had no underground heating or drainage, but today, the pitch is as good on the last season as it was on the first.”
Stepping inside the home of Arsenal
Tony’s Emirates Stadium tour gave him the chance to explore areas normally hidden from matchday visitors. These included the dressing rooms and pitchside areas.
He also had the opportunity to see Arsenal’s Premier League trophies up close. This was a particularly special moment for someone who has followed the club for so many years.
Among the Arsenal players Tony has most admired over the years are Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp. Meanwhile, current midfielder Declan Rice is one of his present-day favourites.
Henry holds a particularly special place in Tony’s memories.
“He was so skilful, he always played for the team rather than himself,” Tony said. “He was very modest when interviewed, a down-to-earth player.”
One question for Arsène Wenger
There is one former Arsenal manager Tony would particularly like to meet: Arsène Wenger. He credits Wenger with transforming the club during his 22 years in charge.
“He was the main man,” Tony said.
And if he ever had the chance to ask Wenger one question, Tony already knows exactly what it would be:
“Why did you pack up?”
Making a lifelong dream possible
For Westgate Healthcare Director Tara Teubner, helping Tony experience the Emirates Stadium was a wonderful opportunity. It was also a chance to celebrate something that has brought him joy for much of his life.
“Tony’s passion for Arsenal has been part of his life for more than 70 years. So being able to help him finally visit the Emirates Stadium was incredibly special.
“Seeing how much Tony enjoyed stepping inside the home of the club he has supported since childhood was wonderful. In addition, we are delighted that we could help make that happen.”
Reflecting on the day, Tony said he was extremely happy and grateful to everyone who had helped make the visit possible.
His confidence in Arsenal was undiminished by the end of the trip. Asked who he thought would win the league this season, Tony replied:
“Well, I think that goes without saying, doesn’t it?”
A new memory to treasure
For Tony, the experience was about far more than visiting a football stadium.
It was an opportunity to celebrate a passion that has remained with him for most of his life. He was able to revisit decades of football memories and create a new one to treasure.
Westgate House Care Centre in Ware, where Tony lives, provides residential, nursing, dementia, palliative and rehabilitation care in a modern, purpose-built setting. Rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission, the home provides personalised care in a warm and welcoming environment. Furthermore, there is a focus on supporting residents’ wellbeing, independence and quality of life. To find out more about Westgate House Care Centre, call 01920 426100 or visit:Westgate House Care Home, Ware, Near Hertford