About this episode
Johnny Cochrane has been on podcast FIRE this week - today, he interviewed David Hillier. It’s a great listen, below is the summary for you to gorge on! x **Podcast Summary:** **00:00:01 - Introduction and Welcome** - Introduction to the podcast and its special guest, former Arsenal Premier League player David Hillier. - David expresses excitement for the new football season and reflects on his lifelong involvement in football. **00:03:01 - Collecting Panini Stickers** - Host shares a childhood memory of collecting Panini stickers and having multiple David Hillier stickers but not Ian Wright. - Humorous exchange about the rarity of Ian Wright stickers and the exchange rate among friends. **00:03:22 - Hottest of Takes: David Hillier** - David Hillier discusses his "hottest of takes" about the current state of football. - Criticism of referees seeking celebrity status and their impact on the game. **00:07:05 - Arsenal's Upcoming Season** - Optimistic outlook for Arsenal's upcoming season, comparing it to Liverpool's turnaround. - Confidence in Arsenal's potential to be "absolute killers" next season and win the league. **00:11:01 - Personal Reflections on Football Career** - David reflects on his football career, training with Arsenal from a young age, and the privilege of signing with the team. - Discussion on the difference between the old system of selecting players and the modern academy system. **00:18:02 - Premier League vs. Division One** - Comparison between playing in Division One and the Premier League. - Insights into the transition period and the financial aspects of football during that time. **00:21:01 - Footballing Regrets** - David shares his regrets, including not staying with Arsenal under Arsene Wenger and missing the opportunity to be part of Wenger's team. - Reflects on decisions made during his career and their impact. **00:26:00 - Comparing Managers: George Graham, Arsene Wenger, and Mikel Arteta** - Analysis of the managerial styles and successes of George Graham, Arsene Wenger, and Mikel Arteta. - Discussion on how each manager fits into Arsenal's history and their unique contributions. **00:31:00 - Mikel Arteta's Greatness** - Debate on whether Mikel Arteta is already great or becoming great. - Arteta's attention to detail and tactical approach, and how it compares to previous managers. **00:37:00 - Dressing Room Dynamics and Team Harmony** - Impact of a player becoming a problem in the dressing room and how it affects team dynamics. - Reflection on modern players' attitudes and how it contrasts with the past. **00:40:04 - Era Exchange: Modern vs. Past Players** - Discussion on how modern players like Martin Ødegaard would fit into past Arsenal teams and vice versa. - Evaluation of the physicality and playing styles across different eras. **00:51:00 - Player Wish List and Areas of Improvement** - Areas of concern for the current Arsenal squad and the potential impact of new signings. - Ivan Toney as a potential signing and the benefits and risks associated with his character. **00:56:22 - Arsenal Super Soldier: Building the Perfect Player** - David Hillier builds his perfect Arsenal player using characteristics from past and present players. - Choices include Thierry Henry's right foot, Mesut Özil's left foot, Alan Smith's heading ability, and Gervinho's hairstyle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices