At five in the morning the day after Arsenal Women won the Champions League for the second time, as I packed my bags for an early flight back home from Lisbon, the idea of a fanzine briefly crossed my mind.
And exactly two months later (well, we needed some time to recover), I'm delighted to launch a souvenir issue of the Gooner Fanzine, dedicated entirely to Arsenal Women's European glory. A memento of one of the greatest nights in the club's history, to be enjoyed whether you were basking in the sunshine at the Estadio Jose Alvalade or celebrating Renée Slegers side from home.
We've got a bumper issue, packed full of our usual team of writers and knitted together by the wonderful photography of Suzy Lycett and production wizardry of Serge Braga-Mullin, with myself in charge of the content and Gooner editor-in-chief overseeing things, having first had the idea for this issue!
We've got an exclusive interview with Ellen Ellard, the voice of the final for TNT Sports, tactical analysis from Jamie Spangher and Daisy Goodhand, Adam Salter's comparison of Arsenal's two UWCL wins, 18 years apart, and more personal stories from the likes of Lumi Lehmuskallio and Laura Howard. Quite simply, this was a pleasure to put together.
Available online and at AWFC games all season long, this special souvenir issue will also be larger than the usual print fanzine, in A4 size, and features a two-page photo of Arsenal's celebrations at Emirates Stadium the day after they first lifted the trophy in Lisbon. Katie McCabe, of course, the life of the party.
We simply had to commemorate Arsenal's Lisbon heroics, and we're very pleased with the end product.
A particular shout-out to Suzy's photos, which just make this issue even more special. I know just how hard Suzy has worked all season long, and how much this Champions League win meant to her, and everyone who has contributed to the Gooner's AWFC coverage.
Available to buy in the UK HERE.
Or worldwide (shipping included) here.