The historic Highbury Clock will be moved to overlook the pitch at the Emirates stadium, under new plans announced by Arsenal’s chief executive, Ivan Gazidis.
The clock, first put up by then-manager Herbert Chapman in the 1930s, is to be transferred from the exterior of the Emirates to recreate the famous Highbury Clock End as part of an ongoing “Arsenalisation” process.
It will reportedly be in place for the start of next season.
Gazidis said: “We want to make sure Arsenal has the best stadium in the world – five, 10 and 15 years from now. We want to make it not just a technological marvel but a place that our fans can feel the traditions of the club.”
“Positive thing”
“We think the clock move is a very positive thing,” said Mark Brindle, a board member at the Arsenal Supporters Trust. “It shows that the club are not only looking forward but also trying to engage with their history.”
“It has always been a bit of a concern among supporters that the clock wasn’t put in place at the Emirates from the beginning. The new regime at Arsenal is much more willing to listen to supporters, and it’s good that there’s more communication with the fans now to see what they want.”
The famous clock was saved from demolition when the original Arsenal Stadium, affectionately known by fans as Highbury, was bulldozed in September 2006. It was then erected on the exterior of the newly-built Emirates Stadium above the front entrance.
Feel like home
Arsenal was unable to confirm how much the clock move will cost. “Many feel that when the new stadium opened it was alien and soulless, very corporate. It didn’t feel like home,” said Jonathan Chong, who manages the Arsenal Mania fansite. “The club are making every effort possible to change this, and the clock move is a step in the right direction.”
“Bringing back the clock will also signal the renaming of the four quadrants in the stadium to Clock End, North Bank and East and West Stands,” he added. “To do this, content on ticketing websites, stadium guides and the signage around the stadium will need to be updated.”
“It will certainly be a nod to our vast tradition as one of the world’s oldest and most successful clubs.”
Fan reaction
Arsenal fan Daniel Jarrett, leaving the Porto match at the Emirates on Tuesday evening, was delighted with the news.
“It will be great to see a piece of history returning to the stadium – the clock is a real source of pride for Arsenal fans. As long as it doesn’t cost too much, then I’m all for the clock being moved. Maybe it’ll even give us the edge in the Premiership this season – who knows?”
Image credit – Jonathan W
