After being fortunate enough to find a pristine edition of the Merlin Premier League Sticker album from 1997 in my attic, I can now take great joy in reflecting on my failed attempt to complete it.
Thankfully, 8 year old me had the foresight to shell out an additional £2.50 for the hardback protective cover, which clearly has made this entire thing possible.
First under the microscope is Arsenal, and if you enjoy it be sure to keep an eye out for some more teams from probably the peak of Premier League sticker collection for many.
Some classic Arsenal kits and the old school Arsenal logo on display.
The first thing that immediately catches the eye is how well Arsene Wenger was looking in 1997. This of course was before countless wars with Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho, as well as the zip on his comically large Arsenal jackets, weathered him to where he is today. The passing of time also played a part of course, but really it was Fergie and the zips.
A quick look at the squad photo paints the picture of a satisfied squad, having finished 5th the season before and not yet expecting the trophy-laden seasons that were soon to come. Apologies for my 8 year old sticking ability on this one.
With a closer look at Arsenal's full squad you can see the foundations of Arsenal's dominant team of the late '90s starting to form. Sadly I could never source a Martin Keown sticker to complete the team, but the rest of the gang is all there.
David Seaman and Lee Dixon, a personification of mid-90s Arsenal.
My memory is failing me as I try to remember Glenn Helder.
Although on closer inspection he did make 37 appearances for Arsenal in 95/96, so that's my fault, not his. Then again, I was 7 at the time so you can forgive me that.
Ray Parlour in his absolute pomp.
A menacing Arsenal strikeforce, featuring the hilarious hair of a young John Hartson.
And finally a result as I managed to secure BOTH top and bottom half of "International Player" Paul Merson. Delighted.
I came frustratingly close to completing the Arsenal team, with only Martin Keown standing between myself and squad completion. I vividly remember hassling every kid in the playground looking for him, only to be offered hundreds of Nigel Winterburns instead. A rare find that year was Keown.
Of course, I could have sourced him at that massive 'Swap Shop' in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght, but I didn't even try and convince my mother to take me to that.
