The Arsenal Week In Review
Yes, it is a slow summer but that doesn’t mean it is not without its excitement as the first full week without any kind of football from Europe comes to an end. For Arsenal this first week of real peace and quiet was anything but, as there was a lot of noise from players and other organizations who wish to do business with the club.
Cesc Fabregas
What would any summer be without a healthy dose of rumours circulating around our Captain, Cesc Fabregas the wayward catalan. It was slow in getting started this summer, but it has finally caught some steam as the Spanish (pro-Barca) press are reporting that Arsenal have given persmission for Barca to negotiate with Cesc. One paper even went so far as to say that come Monday (13 June ) he would be in Barca. Well, that may be but he will only be a visitor to the region and not there to meet with the club. Seriously if you are having a crap day, just read these papers. It is certain that they will lighten your day up with well needed humour.
Additionally, the usual cast of characters, Villa, Puyol, Pique, Iniesta, Cubby, Mickey (the last two are an obscure Mickey Mouse Club reference) and the rest of the Barca DNA squad have all come out and said how wonderful it would be for Cesc to join them at Barca. This time however, they are throwing in the disclaimer that it is really out of their hands and up to the clubs. Looks like someone spoke to the lads on proper tapping up etiquette before this all broke out. How nice they now actually have manners.
This week also saw Cesc’s potential suitors announce how much they have for transfers this summer and that is £45 million. Sorry Barca but that is £5 million short of where we need to be in terms of even discussing his sale. Sure, he has injuries and sure he has a sub-par season. But you want him. He supposedly has your DNA. If you want him that bad, then you’ll do what is needed to get him.
I think that’s a point I’d like to touch on with the Cesc case for now. If a club as big and supposedly powerful as Barca truly wanted Cesc, it strikes me that they would get him. With the new money from the Qatar Foundation lining their pockets – you’d think they’d just do the right thing and pay the price that is being asked for a player they want so badly.
We’ll have plenty more to discuss on Cesc, this is only the opening salvo. As a matter of fact I have special Cesc coming up in the next week with a guest piece from the folks over at TotalBarca – the best Barca blog out there. To get our coverage right we will kick off with the other side’s perspective on the story.
Moving right along.
Samir Na$ri
Ah Samir. I never thought the Cesc to Barca sweepstakes could be overshadowed, but this week they were with stories that Manchester United were mulling up £10 million offer for Nasri as a replacement for the retiring Paul Scholes. While there is no confirmation of this offer there is confirmation that Nasri and the club are at an impasse over his contract. Word is that the club offered £90k per week but the former Marseille product wants £110,000 – in other words pay him what Cesc gets.
Let’s ignore for a moment that Nasri has a long way to go before he can be considered in the same vain as Fabregas, I think you have to pay him what he wants. Sure, the 23 year old says its not about money. And I’ve got a bridge in Brooklyn I’d like to sell you. But the reality is that if Samir can continue to build on the foundation he put in place this season there will hopefully be an explosion of talent coming from the lad. Plus if Cesc really does piss off to Barcelona you have a ready made replacement – to some extent. (Still think he has a long way to go to be considered in the same vain).
I’m also poo-pooing the notion that it’s about who Wenger brings in during the transfer window – which was a reason that was given for his delay in signing the new contract. When the first thing that is mentioned is you wanted more money than the club wanted to give you – let’s be real its about one thing, the money – not the transfers. Coming out later and saying its about the transfers is misleading.
And the money aspect of it was is making fans upset. I think they see the talent but they expect more return than just 1 half of a good season. They want more than that and then there is no issue. The openly courting of an Arsenal rival is another matter. It led one man on twitter to tweet to Nasri that he was a c**t. To which Nasri replied, he would take him on. Well not exactly in that nice of language. It was also followed up from a tweet on Nasri’s official account that said, don’t believe everything you read in the newspapers. Which now leads everyone to be thinking – um what is going on?
Frankly I don’t think much. I think ultimately the club pay him close to what he wants with performance bonuses built in. That way its a something for something deal. That being said, like the Cesc saga this one looks like it is not going anywhere any time soon.
The Battle for Britain – Player style
Looks like young English talent are all the rage this summer. Arsenal, Liverpool and United all announced deals for young promising English players. Okay, technically Arsenal’s Carl Jekinson has split his international duty with Finland and England. But the story here is that big clubs are adding youth and its English. Sure Arsenal also added Bellerin and Toral from Barca (Toral holds an English passport) but English clearly is all the rage – especially at King Kenny’s fiefdom where is trying to corner the market on it. Ah the glory days of the league returned – allbeit in one team.
It also was reported that even though Blackburn’s Phil Jones signed for United – Arsenal were right in there to the end. Blackburn accepted a £16 million bid from Arsenal only to have him accept the deal United offered the player. Arsenal are said to have nipped United to the signing of Southampton’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The 17-year old winger has ventured off to his holidays with the deal said to be announced on July 1 when players can actually sign with the clubs. The deal is reported to have been around £12 million. For those keeping track – that is £28 million that Arsenal would’ve tied up into young English talent had Jones signed with Arsenal.
Interesting note on the Jones deal – not all is a done deal with United. The press today were running a story that Blackburn were very skeptical of how United knew about Jones’ buyout clause in his contract. Blackburn is also looking into how a deal could’ve been this quick with Fergie away on holidays (have Blackburn’s owners heard of the cell phone). Anyway the deal is on hold and it now looks like Blackburn will ask for more money from United to close the deal.
Enough of that – let’s take a look at our newest signing – Carl Jenkinson. Jenkinson has been playing with Charlton since he was 9. He’s made appearance for both England and Finland in their youth set ups and was Captain of Charlton’s Youth FA Cup side. A right footer he tend to play RB and CB, though occasionaly he can play the left. If there is a negative to his play he isn’t dominant in the air which would make him better suited ot be just a RB – especially if he ever gets to the EPL.
Overall – well there was this on YoungGunsBlog.co.uk
“He’s a good all round player, comfortable on the ball, looks to run with it, intelligent, tall, hard working and versatile. That’s not to say he’s proven even at League One level yet, he’s not even started 10 games for us. I’m sure if he keeps working at his game he’ll improve in all areas, get stronger, read the game better, make better decisions. He also takes a good set piece.” – Scott from CAFCYouth in his recent interview with Jamie Sanderson.
Obviously he hasn’t played alot of games for Charlton’s first team, but he has a lot of promise which a lot of these youth players are. I got to be honest – base don the talent being assembled by Arsenal, the youth squad and reserves may be more interesting to watch the senior squad (unless they pull their head out of their asses.)
The one thing I like about Jenkinson so far – is his sense of occassion. Immediately after his signing he said he had always been a gooner and the player he hopes to emualte is Tony Adams. In his interview on the Mirror he had this to say:
“My dad brought me up as an Arsenal fan and I have been going since I was young. I even went to a few games last season. It is all a bit surreal, but it is a brilliant feeling to be here and I am really excited by it,” Jenkinson told Arsenal Player.
“I was always a big fan of Tony Adams and I am reading his book at the moment. He was always someone I looked at as a great player and a great leader.
“He is a player I can learn a lot from and I will be looking to follow in his footsteps.”
Wenger’s track record of allowing young talent a taste of first-team action was another reason Jenkinson did not hesitate to join Arsenal.
“It is up to me to prove myself, but I know if I can, I will be given a chance,” he said.
“I owe Charlton a lot, with the way they have developed me as a player.
“I have still got a lot to learn, and now I am at the best place to do that.
“The plan now is for me to go away with the first team in pre-season and I am looking forward to it.
“It is up to me to prove myself, to stake my claim to be a first-team player and that I can be fighting to bring success next season.”
ED NOTE: All information relating to Carl Jenkinson came from YoungGunsBlog.co.uk – if there is anything related to the reserves and youth set up – Jamie has it there.
Tony Adams – no Fan of Wengers.
By all indications Arsenal legend Tony Adams does not seem to be a fan of Arsenal’s current manager Arsene Wenger. He went so far as to say that his favourite was George Graham who was better defencively and had better coaching ability. Basically he said Wenger was nothing more than a good physiologist and psychologist. Furthermore he couldn’t see himself as Arsenal’s number 2 though he wouldn’t rule out a return to the club one day – obviously as manager. Now, obviously I am may be stirring things up because Tony did say that Wenger was a lovely man, and was well liked and respected by all his former players.
How much for that player in the window?
Who cares when it looks like Arsenal could very well be one of the active leaders in transfers this summer. Now before I go further this all speculation but in this week’s Express Matt Law has said Wenger has lodged his interest in more than £60 million worth of talent. Now Matt Law is writer I like. He would be the equivalent of a good beat writer for your local newspaper in the US. He gets it wrong sometimes, but I do find that next to John Cross over at the Mirror he is the best source of truthful Arsenal information.
So while I caveate this as speculation – Matt’s speculation is better than most. In the article Law goes on to say that there Wenger does not want to be left behind in the transfer wars this summer. In the article it says that Wenger has made plays for Chris Samba, and Gary Cahill from Blackburn. He has also enquired about Eden Hazard and Gervinho. Wenger likely will not get all of these targets and he may have to adjust to new targets but this is a marked approach then previous seasons.
Now here is why I think there is a lot of truth to this speculation – we can confirm that Wenger this week alone tried to spend £28 million on talent (Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jones). The fact that he is buying youth talent is not new – the fact he is paying big for that talent – is. This is why I think the money is going to be spent – because he has already shown a willingness to do so.
It remains to be seen what will come of all of this. I think just adding either Cahill or Samba makes this squad better. Samba is a good CB for the EPL. Djourou and Koscileny could work for the CL but they are getting beaten up in the EPL – most times. Cahill is that proven leader and voice this team needs. I am not a fan of Gervinho but if we were to get Hazard all I’d want is a good cover for Song in the midfield and I’d be one happy camper. Oh, there’s the whole firesale thing of dead weight I’d want too.
The final word
The week closed out on the rumour that Liverpool made a cheeky offer of £5 million for Gael Clichy who is at his own contract impasse with the club – in that they don’t plan to give him a new one. Clichy is a goner. That much is certain. As much should’ve been evidenced when Wenger was talking about his priorities on who was keeping and Clichy didn’t come up (just Fabregas and Nasri).
Finally, yesterday in the press were supposed quotes from Robin Van Persie that showed me two things – he is slowly becoming the leader of this team and he is not going to be a fan of any English players outside of Arsenal.
First his growing leadershuip role. He is by far been the most outspoken and truthful player that has been out there. Even saying this (surely going to hurt some people’s feelings but so true)
“Every year it always goes wrong in an identical way and that is frustrating,” said Van Persie. “When you look at results in the last years, then Arsenal shouldn’t be talking about winning the league because too many times things have gone wrong.
The fluff and ra-ra is what you get from the manager – the truth is what you get from the team’s leaders. And frankly there has never been a more truthful statement than what RvP said above. I really like this guy and I like his commitment to the club. To me – this is our Captain.
Why he won’t be the fan of English players? Read this from the Express:
“The really top players aren’t fooled by riches or fame because they are fully focused with their football,” he said .
“It isn’t easy. Sometimes a certain amount of nonchalance can creep in and everywhere in the world you see it goes wrong when players start playing casually.
“I was in New York not so long ago and saw Thierry Henry playing. When you see him chasing and playing with so much desire it’s fantastic. Thierry is still hungry to win. He is a true lover of the game and I also have that in me. I hope I can keep playing as long as him.
“Look at players like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Clarence Seedorf, Edwin van der Sar and Dennis Bergkamp. They managed to keep on playing for so long because they lived like true professionals.
“They all have children and that brought with it other priorities. For me, it’s very important to be having breakfast every morning with my two children and that wouldn’t be possible if you were hanging about in a disco all night.
“When I see some of my English colleagues who are out till three in the morning, then I can only conclude that they are invariably finished at 33.
“I have made the choice to be doing what I love the most, playing football. I’ll finally stop when my game looks so bad or when my wife says, ‘Robin, you’re putting me to shame’.”
No offence to the English – but he is right. Players who get it – get it and devote themselves to it. They understand what it takes to be at that over level (no I am not saying RvP is at that other level – yet) but it speaks to talented players who get the riches of life and waste it all on partying, etc and only will be remembered as just talented players. That’s not saying that the stars are tea-totalers but their committment to the sport is greater than any other thing in their life and they just do it.
Och well, that’s our round up for this week. We’re going to keep this feature running in the summer and likely into the new season as a way to recap all our action on and off the pitch.
Until our next piece. . . Stay Goonerish!!!
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Gazidis suggests it will be the fans that dictate Wenger’s future, and I think he’s right. That is, perhaps, the most insightful and honest comment he passed at the AST meeting.
Whilst the Board is the final authority, the truth is they are almost always reactive. Some folk, who have obviously never been on boards, have this idea that the Board acts like a visionary decision-making organ, that’s nonsense. Boards are a group of (mostly) men who meet periodically to discuss matters for a few hours pursuant to a set agenda. It’s NOT an effective vehicle for envisioning anything. The REAL stuff happens before board meetings between the movers in the organisation. They then use the board process to ratify a direction.
Some popular bloggers suggest Dein wasn’t that influential in Arsene’s and Arsenal’s success. Sorry but that’s crap. Even his executive adversary (the ex-MD) acknowledged how critical a role Dein played in working Wenger around to SPEND on key signings. Even saying what has become blatantly obvious – Wenger struggles to spend large sums.
So……. as simple as it sounds it is true. The unrest of the fans will jettison Wenger. It’s just a matter of it reaching the tipping point.
It is interesting to see the sheer level of boredom and disinterest in Arsenal from the fanbase. This site is just a reflection of the majority. It’s become plain dull and boring. The saga’s are all about Cesc and Nasri and Clichy and Denilson and Bendtner…. The players we’re linked with…. meh, even if we signed a big name…. who still thinks Wenger’s head is in the right space to put together a winning side??
I tend to avoid grandiose statements, but I side with those who say he’s lost the dressing room. His vision is in tatters.
I didn’t tell you guys, but a while back I went to The Emirates. Did the tour. It was ‘nice’, but sad really, not a lot of feeling. Even the guide, you know, what can you say? Nice stadium – pity about the team.
@Kiwi,
First, I wouldn’t equate people who comment to interest in the team or in this site – actually based on the daily visitors – there is a lot of interest in the team. I would say fans are disappointed about the season but there is still a lot of interest in it. You only need look at twitter to see that. I would say summeris always a lull because there is no week to week action. I would say that come July you’ll start to see interest pick up again.
Dein was important I don;t think anyone denies that – I think that people would deny his near-god-like status some fans place on him.
@Kiwi, its OK Kiwi… I went to the Emirates as well! LOL
could not agree more… its nice, its clean, its pretty, its shiny, beautiful piece of architecture…
It doesn’t have even a hint of character… it is devoid of what made Highbury so… special… and for that matter, any of the older stadiums in the UK. That experience is gone…
I used to try and plan trips to see the Arsenal based on HOME games… I will now plan trips to see the Arsenal on AWAY games… the travelling support is great, and some of the stadiums still have great charm.
@Kiwi, its OK Kiwi… I went to the Emirates as well! LOL
could not agree more… its nice, its clean, its pretty, its shiny, beautiful piece of architecture…
It doesn’t have even a hint of character… it is devoid of what made Highbury so… special… and for that matter, any of the older stadiums in the UK. That experience is gone…
I used to try and plan trips to see the Arsenal based on HOME games… I will now plan trips to see the Arsenal on AWAY games… the travelling support is great, and some of the stadiums still have great charm.
@stag133,
In February of this year I went London for the Stoke game and for the CC final. Did the tour thing also and like you guys was not impressed with the atmosphere.
We beat Stoke 1-0 on the day in a very drab affair which failed to make an imprint on my sub-conscious. I don’t even remember who scored the goal for us, think it was Diaby. The food was terrible, even for stadium standards, the fans were lethargic and the Stewards far from friendly. Best thing was the Guinness. Also, the stadium itself doesn’t really have any personality.
On the other hand, the pre and post game affairs at the local pubs were fantastic. Good, cheap beer and ale, friendly bartenders, animated and friendly Arsenal fans from all over England and quite a few from the US, an eclectic blend of vendors which included foot long hot dogs down to Jamaican Jerk Pork and ultimately, a fantastic air of gaiety . Now, that’s atmosphere.
Re ticketing: I was fortunate to find a very kind lady who is a season ticket holder who was away for a few months and who generously sold me her ticket for the game. However, the manipulations and machinations she had to go through in order to get this done was amazing.
This was only accomplished after at least 10 emails and numerous faxes to a less than capable ticketing staff and ending up with me having to pay an additional £15.00 “Administrative Fee” on match day for the honor of being admitted to the promised land.
After going through all these contortions they couldn’t find the tickets until this friendly lady in the Box Office who ironically was a repatriated US citizen from Ohio, got involved. This whole debacle took a good 40 minutes even though I was the first one in line and had 3 Emails showing correspondence from both the generous lady and Arsenal with my confirmation #, etc.
In the future, I am going to away games and definitely would go and hang out at the Pubs around the Emirates to soak up an atmosphere which just can’t be emulated in the US at this time.
The main reason why we have so many empty seats even though the stadium is sold out is due to an archaic ticketing system which makes it so very difficult for a ticket holder to sell or loan their tickets if they are unable to attend a game. This is one of the few things they could borrow from the US and would be readily available from Kroenke.
IMO
@Caribkid, Carib. Have to agree that Pre & Post Match… is excellent atmosphere. There are numerous pubs that have a great scene… down the street from Highbury as well… I have not had any ticketing troubles… when I’ve used a mates season ticket, I just had his season ticket book! but obviously, you didn’t know this woman!
I enjoy walking around Highbury and the Emirates regardless of it being a match day… its just very nostalgic area.
Maybe we’ll have a YAMA trip someday!
@Caribkid, Carib. Have to agree that Pre & Post Match… is excellent atmosphere. There are numerous pubs that have a great scene… down the street from Highbury as well… I have not had any ticketing troubles… when I’ve used a mates season ticket, I just had his season ticket book! but obviously, you didn’t know this woman!
I enjoy walking around Highbury and the Emirates regardless of it being a match day… its just very nostalgic area.
Maybe we’ll have a YAMA trip someday!
@stag133,
We definitely should have a YAMA trip some day.
Point of the ticket problem was that she was out of the country. However, I have been a season ticket holder in the US for various clubs and never had a problem like this one before. A simple call, fax or Email normally suffices with the name given to the “at call” window.That easy.
Today was the AST Q&A with Ivan Gazidis some of the items touched on:
1. They expect a busy off season with a lot of comings and goings
2. Defends ticket increase as only the second increase in 6 years while the clubs utility bill has actually increased 100%
3. Kroenke’s takeover is completed and he now owns 2/3 of the team. He will remain in the background. Not looking for a profile
4. Implies won’t be held hostage over contract demands of players
5. Supports manager 100%
6. No plans to invite David Dein back to help
7. Says he has spoken to potential new signings already and expects to be busy. He is optimistic for the summer
8. Worried about disconnect between players and fans.
9. club is suportive of Safe Standing at the Emirates and are looking into it.
10. FFP should be looked at to include how much clubs take from their fans and benefactors
11. Gazidis cites ‘experience to close down games as being missing ingredient’. Summer transfer hint?
12. AW ultimately responsible to the fans who can make it unsustainable for him to stay. But doesn’t think at that stage yet
13. Ducked succession plan for Wenger – didn’t want to give fodder to the media
14. Gazidis says huge costs involved in early repayment of stadium cost. Therefore rejects Usmanov offer.
Thank the Lord we didn’t buy Henderson or Jones, they looked like kids among men during the U-21 game with Spain. For a combined 36M we could buy 6 of the top U-21 Spanish players and use them as the backbone of a championship team in 3-4 years time.
Smalling was a man among boys on the British side with both Rose and Walker from Spurs showing real talent. It looked like Manu versus Barca except for the result 1-1.59 -31 % possession to the Spaniards and the Barca passing was sublime.
Xavi Martinez is the new Busquette and Mata, Montoya and Thiago all showed why Spain may be a pain in the ass to the rest of world for many years to come. Capel showed his mettle in a limited appearance and surprisingly started on the bench along with Bojhan.
Both Lansbury and Rodwell came off the bench for England and failed to make an impact on the game.
This performance showed why England has not won a world cup for 46 years. They are technically inferior and long ball tactics just don’t work against really good teams. You would figure they would have realized their problems by now, but until someone writes up a new coaching 101 they will fail to win at the highest level.
It’s amazing how people keep doing the same thing over and over and expect a different result. Kinda reminds me of Arsene.
@Caribkid,
Regarding your first sentence … well, Henderson and Jones are built to combat in the EPL …. those Spain kids wont help us one bit in the EPL !!!
I am sure the duo can relatively hold their own under Fergie and Dalglish and come good in this league. For those two, 20 and 16 M is money well spent based on their own realities.
PS: Almost every team playing Spain or Barca these days gets made to look really bad.
@Fred,
Think you are speaking from ignorance here Fred.
Martinez is a 6′ + DM in the Busquette/Alonzo mode. Alonzo has proven he can play in the EPL and very few would contest that Busquette could not.
Both Mata and Capel are very tricky wingers who can also play on the inside and both have represented Spain at the top level. They are being kept from starting by David Silva and Iniesta. Again, like Silva, has the talent to be stars in the EPL.
Thiago is potentially one of the replacements for Iniesta or Xavi, and Montoya is a tall, versatile CB who is slated to start alongside Pique in the not too distant future.
Add some steel to that mix and you have a great foundation for an EPL team.
I guarantee if Arsene bought Jones and Henderson for 36M you would be calling him stupid.
@Caribkid,
First of all, if Arsene had bought the two I would have blasted him! Infact, I spent the whole of the last thread blasting him for BIDDING for Jones in the first place (when we needed experience and height and when we already had Bartley).
So please dont confuse my defense of those players with wanting them at Arsenal.
What I am saying is that they are useful for the realities at Man U and Liverpool, which is where they are going.
Why on earth are you talking about Alonso and David Silva etc? We are talking about the Spain U-21 kids here no?
(Busquets is a big wuss, who flails around for every tap he gets. He would NOT like it in the EPL).
Lastly, my point is that these mostly small and slight technicians are NOT what Arsenal (Wenger FC) needs! If they go to a Man U setup or similar they MIGHT make it in England. But at Arsenal, their ball hogging is only going to result in more bad tackles and possibly career threatening broken legs. Wenger FC does not have the training, the steel, the protection … plus most teams go in HARDER against Arsenal than they do against other teams.
PS: No EPL team can add up to 6 of these type of Spain U-21 players – not even Man U or Chelsea. One or two is maximum. No matter how one dices it – “big, strong and fast” rules the EPL.
Either way, Arsenal has NO business looking at those sort of players. We would become even more of a cliche of ourselves.
Our Invincibles team was “big, strong, fast”. We should look to rebuild that formula, because we do play in the EPL – not in Spain. If we add one or two Cesc like players to our Invincibles formula, then we would also be a CL capable team.
@Caribkid,
It is also quite ironic that the game still ended 1-1 despite Spain completely playing them off the park. The parallels between Arsenal and some plucky northern teams cant be more present!
Also Capel and Mata can be tricky wingers all they like, but apart from their midgetness (5ft 7in), ALL their experience is in a league where they play only 40 to 50 minutes of a 90 minute game (as opposed to England where the game involves running for 85 minutes minimum).
They come to Arsenal, and a few heavy tackles and as Arsenal wingers they will get more than their fair share and they wont be as “tricky”. I am just tired of Arsenal being a victim club.
@Fred,
Walcott is our only real winger and he only play 10-15 minutes a game. 40-50 minutes would be a huge improvement.
@Caribkid,
True, true.
Usmanov speaks… and what he says makes 100% sense to me, he owns a 30% stake and is NOT on the board:
“If the role of a board member is to oversee a trophyless period, while making significant personal profits and asking fans to pay inflation-busting ticket price increases then, no, I would not want to be on the board.
“If instead it is to try to deliver sustained success, to increase your personal investment in the club, to help develop the commercial position and to ensure the fans have a say in the running of the club then, yes, I think I certainly have something to contribute.
“In terms of doing things differently, let me give you a very clear example. Arsenal has all of its major commercial contracts coming up for renewal in the next couple of years.
“It’s no secret that to maximise the value of those you want to have success on the field and be winning trophies. To do that you need to invest now in building a winning team. This is simple commercial logic. Whether it comes to pass, we shall see.”
A-freaking-men.
:skeleton:
@stag133,
What he said is 100% true, but, it’s what most fans have been saying for the at least the past few years.
Now, his motivation may be questionable and very subjective based on his inability to be on the Board and beaten to the button by Kroenke.
Agreed also that he should be on the Board and see that happening in a year or so.
@stag133,
I don’t care about Usmanov’s intentions at all, he is stating the truth, and the more people that speak out, the more chance for change. And Usmanov certainly carries more weight than most (pun slightly intended).
The Wenger gravy train has run out, I back Stan to see it sooner rather than later. Someone mentioned it before, Gazides’ power is increasing, Wenger’s is decreasing. Though if Wenger is going to stay and turn it around, he needs to be accountable to someone in his day to day football decisions. Gazides is not that person, and the club is not big enough to re-appoint Dein – too many cooks in the kitchen and all that.
Retaining Pat Rice is an absolute disaster – no disrespect to the man, but he is the biggest “Yes” man since the term was invented. That was pretty much the point that I lost faith in Wenger.
I’d be fascinated to see figures on shirt sales and renewals. Arsenal certainly won’t be getting any of my money anytime soon. Conversely, if there is serious demonstration of intent (Wenger leaving, or Wenger buying big, deadwood shipped out), I will make a point of buying a new strip to back that intent.
Just no more f*cking Barca kids please, whatever moral high ground we hold is lost if we go there again.
@stag133,
While this is all very true its also very circumspect what with the AST meeting with Ivan Gazidis happening this week.
It’s kind of funny that this guy who has now been a large shareholder of the club for a few years finally says this stuff when its the fans who have been saying it for years.
Alisher Usmanov has some very good PR people who have obviously told what he should say to try and solicit some favour from the fans.
Well if twitter is a good gauge – it hasn’t. While most agree with what he is saying – most don’t want him involved with the club. Though they appreciate he is holding his shares without selling to another. The thing is if Stan doesn’t want him on the board and isn’t going to let him get involved- he will eventually sell his shares.
The man wants on the board and is upset that he can’t play. Thats all this boils down to. No, it isn’t about some desire to do good for the club. It’s all about him not being able to get what he wanted.
@DaAdminGooner,
It is encouraging Usmanov has a good PR team. It probably means he would appoint good football advisors who will tell him we have too many kids, a manager who can’t teach defence, players who are losing faith in the manager, etc.
He is not one of the richest men in the world for no reason.
@rocka,
You think he got to be so rich because he is some sort of shrewd businessman? Shrewd in the sense that he was smart enough to take part in some less than legal means when the Soviet Union was falling apart.
Don’t be fooled by his “speaking up” the fans and the club are the last thing Alisher Usmanov has on his mind. He may be coming at it from a different standpoint than the current board, but ALisher Usmanov, has been and shall always be about money.
@DaAdminGooner, Not sure how you can speak on what Usmanov’s motives are… and whether or not he is actually speaking what he believes or not.
What he said was absolutely ACCURATE… hearing it… seeing it in print… out in the public… on the internet, in the media… IS A GOOD THING… THE TRUTH NEEDS TO BE SPOKEN AND HEARD.
@stag133,
And, Kroenke is not about money? He has yet to have a losing sport franchise.
Regardless of so called motive, unless you are a multi-billionaire with a passion about a team or cause inherited from young, it’s all about money.
Being all about money doesn’t make it wrong if that translates to success on the pitch. Success=$$$$$.
@DaAdminGooner, Not sure how you can speak on what Usmanov’s motives are… and whether or not he is actually speaking what he believes or not.
What he said was absolutely ACCURATE… hearing it… seeing it in print… out in the public… on the internet, in the media… IS A GOOD THING… THE TRUTH NEEDS TO BE SPOKEN AND HEARD.
Great Arseblog interview with Lee Dixon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bSIaGnjVdY&feature=player_embedded
Explains our defensive problems in some detail.
IAMPLYR – has a video like that coming for us. If you all remember I sent an email soliciting questions. I hope to have ours in the next 2 or so days.
@DaAdminGooner,
Looking forward to that
Excellent write up DAG. Well thought out, rationally explained and gives great food for thought.