Ooh to be a Gooner: Sean

The latest in our series profiling the Gooners joining us at Maggie McGarry’s on match days.

Sometime around 1999, San Jose high schooler, Sean Estill found himself in search of a team. Playing FIFA 98 with his skateboarding buddies, they supported clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United, Juventus, Chivas and even Spurs. Initially drawn to Arsenal by their French connection and their style of play, the more he learned, the more he becamed attached.    

Flash forward to 2015, Sean is living in San Francisco and finds a coworker who also supports Arsenal. This particular Gooner, Nick hips him to the Bay Area Gooners and Maggie McGarry’s and Sean’s been coming to matches ever since.

Of the Bay Area Gooners, Sean says he loves the community,  No other supporter group has the same feel.  BAG is welcoming, fun, has great attendance and a culture of camaraderie.  

His all-time favorite player is Thierry Henry while Saliba and Saka rank as his current favorites. When asked about manager Mikel Arteta, Sean says, I’m quite happy with him these days, although I accept he is young and still growing as a Manager.  I question some decisions, but above all, he has brought the club back to fighting for the top.  We’ve had so many painful dark years, so its great to be competing again, with one of our own as Manager.  I back him and want to see further progress this season.  

Sean has had the pleasure of seeing Arsenal play in London, LA, San Jose and New York, including a big group trip to the Emirates last season. His support is ever expanding, The Arsenal is a special club, and I’m proud to support it.  The club and the supporters are welcoming, accepting and diverse.  I’ve actually got my whole family to join in and it is the only team we all support together.  I hope to keep the support going with the next generation.  COYG! 

We’re continue to share stories of our Gooner family at Maggie’s. If you’re a regular, who’d like to be featured, talk to me at the pub.

Cheers, Mark