Average Joe

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Ravensvic

9 years ago

1 month ago

Premium

10 Mar 2019 21:02:41

'Math will always be there for you. It's actually a huge part of the game. A career in football? Those opportunities don't come along that often.'

I was surprised to Dr. du Sautoy say that. Perhaps not as much many would think but still surprised. His classes were as fascinating as a study in Mathematics could be. Not to be missed in fact and I was instantly drawn to any course he taught that could be remotely connected to my own academic pursuits. That was sealed when I almost tripped over him in the stands at Emirates. My Doctoral Advisor was a fan of my team.

Growing up an Arsenal fan was never easy. It was my father's team. It was my maternal grandfather's team as well. I never had a choice, not that I wanted one. Gooner for life.

Our last title was in 2004. In 2040 I've never seen my team lift the EPL title except on old films in ancient Low Def 1080. Can you even imagine?

The anger of the late Wenger era gave way to Unai Emery and the inevitable couple of Europa League wins in '19 and '21.

Zinedine Zidane lifted the Europa League for us in '24 before returning to Real Madrid.

Pep Guardiola was quickly sacked.

Luis Enrique? An FA Cup in '26. I hadn't even turned one yet.

Thierry Henry lasted three and a half years without major honors. Leandro Jardim? Fourteen months.

Patrick Vieira has been in place for over seven years. The League Cup in '38 and the Europa League again in '39 were the first trophies I've seen Arsenal actually win.

Marcus du Sautoy and I travelled together to Signal Iduna Park for the '40 Champions League Final. Things started off poorly with a Man Utd goal at 2' but after 35' we were level. A testy but thrilling back and forth battle raged through 90' and then extra time. Penalties! We missed two, they made four. Welcome to Arsenal football.

I truly love math but have loved football just as much. I played semi-pro as a teenager in Bermuda when my father's career returned him to my mother's homeland. Flanagan's Onions! I even served as Player/Manager during my last year before University. My college career at Princeton lasted just a year before studies required too much of my time. Since I've been at Oxford I have to admit sneaking out to have a bit of a kick around more often than I should have but things have gone quite well. Managing a local youth side was not to be missed.

Three days back from that brutal shootout? I'm wondering if I really have to make a choice. I took the interview on a lark after being approached after my U17's picked up a nice piece of tournament silverware (plastic actually). It's only a part time job and Dr. du Sautoy assures me that my studies can continue. We can build a schedule that accommodates a few training sessions a week.

Perhaps I should take the plunge.