Stack hopes to turn the tables

14 April 2012

Music has always played a significant part in Graham Stack's life. At his parents' pub, the Shire Horse in Hounslow, the juke box was free and the noise incessant. It was only natural, then, that the young Stack should be familiar with all contrasting styles of music.

It is a love that has become a serious hobby for the 22-year-old goalkeeper, who will be given a further chance against Wolves in tonight's fourth-round Carling Cup clash at Highbury to show he has what is required to be Arsenal's No1.

Back in his house at Ruislip, Stack plays the DJ - mixing and playing records for a select audience of friends. Currently, football takes priority in his list of ambitions but he did not rule out a future role in the music industry.

"I don't play in pubs or clubs or anything like that," said Stack. "The most public? That would be on internet radio and in the long-term, yes, I would love to go into the studio and produce stuff. It is a big, big hobby for me.

"Other players like to go on computers, go shopping or eat out in their free time but I just love playing the music. My records are very important to me."

At 16, Stack left the pub on the advice of Arsenal's head of youth development, Liam Brady, who did not believe it was the best environment for a fledgling professional.

The goalkeeper moved into digs near Southgate. "It was a good decision," he said.

"I was in the living part of the pub but until gone midnight you could still hear the music coming up through the ceiling.

"I talked it over with my mum and dad and they thought it would be good for me to go away and concentrate on my football.

"That's what I did. At that age, 16, it is an important time. You are playing for a professional contract.

It was a big step but it helped me grow up." Stack chose to take up goalkeeping at the age of 12 on the advice of former Arsenal coach Bob Wilson, who saw a natural agility and handling skills honed by representing his school at cricket and rugby as well as football.

"I had never played there before - not for school, borough or district," said Stack.

He graduated to the Republic of Ireland's Under-21 team and his next target is the full side, who are undergoing a rebuilding process under manager Brian Kerr - with qualification for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany as the aim.

Stack has to oust Shay Given and Nick Colgan but the retirement of Charlton's Dean Kiely from the international scene has left an opening.

"Of course so much depends on what I am doing at club level and that is why I want to make a good impression against Wolves," said Stack.

"But I have to make an impression with Arsenal first. I signed a new three-year contract last summer so my ambition is to be No1 with Arsenal."

Tickets will be available on the gate for tonight's match.
Arsenal v Wolves, Highbury, tonight, 7.45pm

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Stack hopes to turn the tables

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