Football Writers’ Association – Dennis Bergkamp Gala Tribute Evening

The Football Writers’ Association honoured Dennis Bergkamp last night at the Landmark Hotel in London, celebrating the 30th anniversary since he joined Arsenal and I had the privilege of being there.

The grand venue was befitting of a man who played with such majestic skill and class. The biggest names
in football writing and broadcasting were in attendance to pay tribute to the man that they had the privilege of watching every week.

Several of Bergkamp’s former Arsenal teammates joined to see their friend and former colleague receive his award. Fellow Invincibles Thierry Henry, Martin Keown and Ray Parlour, along with David Seaman and Ian Wright who were both at the club when Bergkamp joined the club in July 1995.

Former manager Arsene Wenger and vice-chairman David Dein sat at the top table with Bergkamp’s family. Dein was instrumental in bringing Bergkamp to the club, something that some people overlook as Bruce Rioch was the manager in charge at the time.
Former physio Gary Lewin and coach Vik Akers added to the list of Arsenal royalty and I had the pleasure of meeting them all.

After a reception, guests were called into the Empire Room for the meal and speeches. Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Chief Executive Paul McCarthy opened proceedings with an introduction and The Grace. He was followed by Ian Wright, the former team-mate who was given the chance to speak about his memories of playing alongside the Dutchman.

Wright told the guests of his child-like excitement when he bumped into Bergkamp at Clackett Lane Services as the realisation that Arsenal had convinced one of Europe’s greatest players to join the club.
The former England international spoke with such enthusiasm about his partnership with Bergkamp. He said that when asked who the toughest opposing defender was, he tells people that when he had Bergkamp alongside him he feared no one.

Arsene Wenger was next to speak and the silence that followed as he started to speak was incredible. When the former Arsenal manager speaks, people listen and no one wants to miss out.
Wenger said that he was so impressed with Bergkamp’s attitude and how every pass was perfect, even in training. He was full of praise of one of, if not, the best players that he ever coached.

FWA Chair John Cross spoke briefly about Bergkamp before inviting the man of the evening to the stage. The Dutchman seemed a little overwhelmed with everything and spoke of his love of the time that he spent in London. His children were all born here and he enjoyed the eleven years that he spent at Highbury.

As an Arsenal fan, my memories of watching Bergkamp play for Arsenal were of pride and awe. We would all sing proudly “We’ve got Dennis Bergkamp” as we had that pleasure. Watching him play was worth every penny.

It was wonderful that it was him in my team’s shirt and not for the opposition, just as Ian Wright said about playing alongside him.
The three times that I saw Bergkamp play against England he played very well. He scored a great first-time volley after letting the ball drop over his shoulder in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley in the first match, before scoring the second goal in the return game in Rotterdam.
Three years later, Bergkamp made an inch-perfect pass to Patrick Kluivert who scored a consolation goal for the Dutch after England had put in a mesmeric performance against them at Euro 96.

I had the opportunity to thank Dennis for his time playing for the club and also told him of my Great Uncle, who said that he was the best player that he saw play for Arsenal in over seventy years of supporting them. High praise indeed considering the many greats to have worn the red and white in that time.

The post Football Writers’ Association – Dennis Bergkamp Gala Tribute Evening appeared first on Far Post Header.