Arsenal scrapbook 20 years on: Farewell Stefan Schwarz

I loved Stefan Schwarz and he was possibly the biggest plus of what, admittedly, was a pretty awful 1994/95 season. Although we didn't know it at the time, he was a poor man's Manu Petit but with a greater streak of malice.

Meanwhile, in reminding myself of Schwarz's career through a bit of light Googling, I came across this fantastic story about how he was banned from travelling into space when he signed for Sunderland in 1999.

It includes the comment from the chief executive that "one day it could become quite acceptable to put such clauses in various contracts".

Quite the Nostradamus.

The Sun (click to enlarge)

Arsenal scrapbook 20 years on: David Platt signs

The signing of David Platt couldn't match the capture of Dennis Bergkamp a few weeks earlier for jaw-droppingness but I remember thinking at the time it could turn out to be the cleverer bit of business. Here was an experienced former England captain returning home after a pretty successful stint in Italy who could offer some sage leadership in midfield.

Daily Telegraph (click to zoom)

I was wrong, largely, and I never really warmed to Platt. While he proved to be a reasonable goal threat his passing was lamentable and he didn't exceed 'steady pair of hands' status in his three seasons with us.

Having said that, it was probably worth the transfer fee alone for his incredible leap and headed winner against Man U in Arsene Wenger's first double season. That must have provided a terrific psychological boost and it is interesting to think how things would have panned out if we hadn't won that day.