As part of OneFootball's collaboration series with Shoot Music we're interviewing an artist about their love of football.
This week it's Adult Leisure lead guitarist and Arsenal fan, David Woolford
When did you start supporting Arsenal and why?
It’s hard to say. I think I must have been 10 or 11. I remember watching Match of the Day with my Dad. I just remember being blown away by the style of football and, obviously, Thierry Henry. This was also at a time when everyone was a Man Utd fan and for some reason, they never clicked with me. So I suppose I saw Arsenal as the silkier underdog.
What was your favourite memory of supporting Arsenal?
There are so many. However, I’m going to have to say winning the league last year. For years, we’d been slated by rival fans during the whole Banter FC era, so being able to return to the top of the league and become winners was the ultimate response. We also did it fairly and legally.
Talk us through where you were and how you were feeling when Arsenal finally won the title last season…
We were in the studio, and Neil (lead singer) and I quickly ran to the pub round the corner to watch the last 10 minutes of the Bournemouth game. I can’t describe the feeling, but what made it even better was that the pub had its fair share of Man City fans in there, which made it that extra bit special. I don’t think we got back to normal for at least a day afterwards.
How do you rate the business the club did in the summer to bolster the title-winning squad?
It’s a tricky one. I think Tzolis looks really promising, but I’m waiting to see if he can hit some good form. His injury isn’t gonna help with that. Signing Bruno initially felt slightly odd, as we had a solid selection in midfield; however he’s been such an important signing and you can really see the difference he brings. He’s more fearless and isn’t afraid to shoot.
Konsa is a great player and was a perfect signing to fill in for Saliba. Even when he’s back, having a bit more depth in that position will hopefully mean more rotation and slightly less responsibility and stress for Saliba to play every game. I'm also glad we got Hincapié permanently. He’s a proper all-or-nothing player, and he’s got a bite to him, which I think is sometimes missing within the team.
Ultimately, every fan wants their team to go out and spend money to get the best players, and I think there are some areas we need to improve. I feel someone needs to challenge for Saka’s position, and we need another striker to challenge Gyökeres and Havertz, or possibly offload one and get a striker who fits our style of play better.
Do you think Mikel Arteta’s men can go one better this season and finally add the Champions League to the trophy cabinet?
Absolutely. I think with some special signings in January, we can go far in every competition.
'Kiss Me Like You Miss Her' by Adult Leisure is out now via Big Loud Rock.
You can follow the band on Instagram here: @adultleisureband