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Sabre rattling for the Arsenal

It could be the bravest – or most foolhardy – decision of his career: aneditor urging his readers to oppose a football team supported by his ownmanaging director…

The Southern Daily Echo is trying to convert Southampton FC’s loyal following into Arsenal fans for one day this weekend as the Saintstake on Spurs, now managed by ex-Saints chief Glenn Hoddle.

The campaign has the backing of editor Ian Murray and has had apositive response overall – but there are some notable dissenters.

One of them is regional managing director Stewart Dunn – Ian’s boss – a lifelong Spurs fan as well as a keen follower of Southampton’s fortunes.

The Saints have urged their fans to cheer on the ‘Gooners’ in their FA Cup semi-final against Spurs on Sunday after the north London club poachedmanager Hoddle from the Dell.

The club is even selling special t-shirts at £8 each bearing the legend“Saints Say Be a Gooner for the Day”.

The Daily Echo itself weighed in by printing a cut-out-and-keep rosette for fans to wear as they watch the match.

London-born assistant news editor David Brine – an Arsenal fan sincethe age of two – has given readers some handy hints on the club’shistory and what chants to sing.

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