AFTER almost 500 appearances and a clean sweep of the domestic trophies in an Arsenal career spanning 13 years, who could blame Nigel Winterburn for giving Ewood Park a wide berth tomorrow.

While his beloved Gunners and new employers go head-to-head in Blackburn, Rovers’ recently-appointed defensive coach will be well out of the firing line, some 230 miles away in his London home.

As the former England full-back listens intently on the radio, home fans can be assured he certainly will not forget who pays his wages.

But, at the same time, he will be hoping a Rovers’ win does not do too much damage to any Arsenal title aspirations.

Many fans heading to Ewood Park tomorrow will already be fearing the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor causing untold damage, but Winterburn is convinced the two sides have more in common than many would think.

In comparison to some across the Premier League this weekend, neither Rovers or Arsenal went out and blew their transfer budget at the close of the August window – a policy Winterburn insists is prudent for any club’s long-term security.

Forget the billionaires at the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea, Winterburn believes the ‘now rare’ thrifty Arsenal model has proved its success over the years and will continue to reap its rewards.

He said: “Arsenal have never bought big but what they have done is bought very wisely. Arsene Wenger put an emphasis on the players and put a lot of faith in who he had at the club.

“They have tried to build from a young base and turn these players into internationals and world class players, and they have done very well.

“At the moment, it seems to be the thing to do for rich investors to buy a club and put loads of money into it straight away. These same people could get bored and there would be no foundations.

“It is a difficult scenario because fans want to see quality players at the club. But, for me, working on a long-term strategy has to work out. It looks like Blackburn are working the same way.”

The presence of Matt Derbyshire, Carlos Villanueva, Keith Treacy, Danny Simpson and Julio Santa Cruz in the Ewood Park ranks show Rovers’ belief in youth, and Winterburn believes his former side have already shown this policy works.

Some may point to a lack of silverware in the Highbury trophy cabinet over the past couple of seasons but Winterburn has no doubt Arsene Wenger’s ‘babes’ will come good again - even if it does not happen this time round.

“Some Arsenal fans would say they have had a disappointing couple of seasons in terms of trophies won,” he said.

“What I would say is that despite this recent lack of silverware and less big buys than other clubs, they have got very good players and have strong foundations for the future of the club.

“It may take a couple of years for this team to really start challenging with the best in the world again, they are nor far away already, but for them it is not just about writing cheques and spending silly money.

“Blackburn can take great belief from this because we have some very good players at the club and if we can improve them and keep them at the club, then you do not have to go out and spend massive money on players.”

With Premier League titles, FA Cups and even European success on his Arsenal CV, tomorrow’s clash can not help but stir up great memories for the former Arsenal legend, but he is ready to switch off his feelings for 90 minutes at least.

He said: “Arsenal are my team. I was there for 13 years and have some very fond memories and know a lot of people still at the club. I am always going to look out for their results and I don’t think anyone would expect any different.

“It did feel strange when I played against Arsenal when I was at West Ham because I was playing against my club. But all you can do is your best for the club that employs you.

“I have not done any work with the lads anyway due to all the international games yet so whatever happens on Saturday I can not claim any input.”

The 44-year-old will be waiting for a video of tomorrow’s game to be sent to him for defensive analysis but he insists, despite Arsenal’s credentials, it does not necessarily have to be x-rated.

“Arsenal are actually in the same boat as we are having just returned from internationals, but maybe it is worse for them because they have the Champions League coming up,” he said.

“It is very important you stay strong defensively though. It is also important you work hard at getting forward as well though.

“There is no way you can just sit and try and soak up pressure because they will break you down if you do that.”