Ooh to be a Gooner: Jose

The latest in a series of posts, profiling members of our Bay Area Gooners family.

For most Arsenal matches at Maggie McGarry’s, a group of regulars consistently holds court at a big table in the back near the stage. Amongst them is Jose Santos.

Jose was born and raised in San Francisco’s Visitation Valley. He became fascinated by a young Spanish player named Cesc Fàbregas, leading him to become an Arsenal fan. While he began following the Gunners around the time of their historic Invincibles run, it was the 16 year old, impressing amongst legends, that would endear him to the club.

Jose joined our Gooner family in 2019. “I heard about Maggie’s through a friend, and the first time I went, was the Europa League Final against Chelsea. I discovered the Bay Area Gooners, met Mark, and was pretty surprised by the number of people”

Jose enjoys hanging with Arsenal fans turning up for the matches, but especially the regulars who show up for matches as early as 4:30 or 6:00 am. He loves meeting new Gooners “Seeing folks from all over, tourists trying to catch a game, or people who’ve just moved to the Bay Area. He also relishes “rubbing a win in Mick’s (Maggie’s owner and Man City fan) face when we beat City”

He counts Fàbregas, Henry, Bergkamp, Santi Cazorla, and Alexis Sanchez.amongst his all-time favorite players, with Saka, Saliba, Big Gabi, Rice, Martinelli, and Ødegaard as current favorites.

Jose is solidly behind Arteta, “I think he’s done a fabulous job since taking over. Really rebuilt the foundation of the club. You can see that year to year. The team is getting more players for the depth we were lacking the past three years. He just needs to get a STRIKER, to hopefully get us over that hump”

He’s yet to see Arsenal in person though he did see them against the MLS All-Stars in San Jose some years back. His favorite moments last season include beating Man City 5-2 with Mick serving congratulatory shots. And beating Real Madrid over both legs. 

If you find yourself in the back of the big room at Maggie’s for a match, say hello to the regulars. That’s where you’ll find Jose Santos.

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

Cheers, Mark