Other Premier League clubs, such as Manchester United, expanded or built new, bigger stadiums as television money flooded into the game. This left Arsenal at an ever-widening financial disadvantage - United take in around 20 million pounds ($37 million) a season more in match day revenue.

Local opposition to the North Bank redevelopment meant expansion of Highbury was out of the question and Arsenal finally picked Ashburton Grove, a large area of light industrial buildings just around the corner, to site a new stadium.

The club is trying to ease the pain of departure. They have run a series of Highbury-themed matchdays this season and will stage a series of auctions where you can buy one square-foot pieces of the pitch, or Highbury memorabilia and equipment.

Season ticket holders can also purchase their Highbury seats. Sands will buy his and is already looking forward to walking through the gates of the Emirates Stadium.

"It's an astonishing stadium -- Highbury was quite uncomfortable and had restricted views," he admits.

"The fact the stadium is in the same neighbourhood means Arsenal will not lose its sense of being a gritty, north London club. The fans' routines will be exactly the same.