Hello,  

I’m sad to report we’re still nowhere near our first, and most important traditional subscription target of 1,000 subscribers– a figure which is vital for our survival.

At the time of writing (Tuesday, August 6) we’re at 719 - still 281 short.  

The reason we need to reach at least 1,000 to continue is threefold. 

Firstly, and most importantly, it means that our postage costs are substantially cheaper when we hit 1,000 mailings to subscribers.

If we fail to reach that number, it really is a serious threat to our existence because of the vastly increased costs of postage.  

Secondly, and this is where our ultimate target of 1,100 comes into play, it not only allows us to peg our matchday cover price at £5, and our standard subscription rate of £30 for a fifth successive year under my editorship, it also allows for any bumps in the road – such as the Royal Mail increasing their postage costs (again) in the near future.  

It also covers any future hikes in printing costs, such as an increase in the price of paper for our publishers.  

And thirdly, it allows for items that are lost in the post. Which has been the bane of my life for the last few years, certainly since the Royal Mail’s service fell off a cliff after the pandemic.  

It is not unknown for us to have to send out two or three replacement copies to cover issues lost in the post.

My record is sending four replacements to an overseas address – which actually cost us far more in total than the person’s year’s subscription.  

The simple fact is, if we don’t reach 1,000 subscribers for starters, there will be no Gooner after our next issue, which will be out for Arsenal vs Leeds, because the postage costs will be prohibitive, and we’ll simply refund everyone, and I can go back to sleeping soundly and not worrying about paying Gooner bills.  

I don’t want that to happen - well, the sleeping soundly bit would be nice - but you know what I mean.  

So, if you know of anyone you would benefit from a standard £30 subscription (or a Gold sub of course) to the Gooner Fanzine in their lives, then please do send them our way - and help keep the Gooner Fanzine alive. 

Our £30 UK subscription details can be found on our 'Shop' tab here on our website onlinegooner.com. 

Layth, Gooner Fanzine editor

PS: If you would like to advertise in the Gooner Fanzine, please do get in touch. 

PPS: If you have a current admin query please can you email it to [email protected] - please note we will be despatching all pre-ordered Arsenal Women's Champions League souvenir specials once we receive them from our printers later this week

If you would like to purchase a copy of our special souvenir issue to mark our 300th edition which was published back in May, 2023, and help support the Gooner Fanzine here is the link 

Or if you would like to buy a Gooner t-shirt to help support  our fanzine here is the link