Neal's Arsenal Blog

Well I wasn't going to post again today but seeing as the resignation of a vice-chairman is somewhat big news I thought I would. The following statement was released on the PLUS Market Group website:

  Arsenal Holdings plc - Directorate change

Arsenal Holdings plc (the "Company") 
announces that David Dein has left 
Arsenal Football Club and has ceased 
to be a director of the Company.

Peter Hill-Wood, Chairman of the Company, 
would like to express his gratitude for the 
many years of loyal service given by David 
Dein to Arsenal Football Club and regrets 
that irreconcilable differences between Mr. 
Dein and the rest of the board have 
necessitated a parting of the ways.

In light of recent speculation as to the 
ownership of the Company, the remaining 
Board members (together, the owners of 
45.45% of the issued share capital of the 
Company) would like to reassure the 
shareholders, employees and fans of Arsenal 
Football Club that they remain long-term 
holders of their interests in the Company.  

To this effect, they have entered into an 
agreement not to dispose of their interests 
in the Company for at least one year and 
have confirmed that they intend to retain 
their interests on the expiration of this period.


Arsenal Holdings Plc.
18 April 2007                                                                               

 Big news I'm sure you agree. This is the man that empowered Wenger in the Marble Halls, he wouldn't let them say "no" again back in 1996. The Club released the following statement:

"On behalf of the Board I would like to express our gratitude to David Dein for the many years of loyal service he has given to the club.

"We sincerely regret that irreconcilable differences between Mr Dein and the rest of the board have necessitated a parting of the ways." 

 The irreconcilable difference being that Dein wanted to sell to Kroenke, the others didn't. The club continued by pledging their future to the success of the club in British hands:

"In light of recent speculation with regards to the ownership of the club, the remaining board members, who together own 45.45 per cent of the issued share capital of the company, would like to reassure the supporters, shareholders and employees of Arsenal Football Club that they remain long-term holders of their interests in the club,"

"To this effect, they have entered into an agreement not to dispose of their shares for at least one year and have confirmed that they intend to retain their interests on the expiration of this period

Reports have suggested that this is legally binding according to company law, so the current board will be in place until April 2008 at the earliest - two months before the end of Wenger's contract. This will cause concern amongst the Arsenal faithful.

I have a feeling Dein will be back in 2008 if/when Kroenke finally takes over. But will Wenger still be there? If not expect Scolari to take over as we know how highly Dein rates him after the England management fiasco. I shall leave you with the words of George Graham:

 "I'm amazed - I can't believe he would resign his position on the board.

"You wonder if he's been pushed.

"He's been a great lover of the club for years - I'm feeling a bit of shock about it."

"He was a bit of a traditionalist so it must be something pretty serious for him to resign his post - there's no question of that.

"David was instrumental in bringing Arsene Wenger to the club and that's one of the main reasons they've done so well in the last 10 years.

"He was friendly with Arsene when he (Wenger) was at Monaco.

"He was always a great believer in who he could get in to bring Arsenal the success they've always craved.

"I think the whole board at Arsenal are all allies to Arsene Wenger but his friendship with David Dein has always been very strong.

"I'm sure Arsene will be disappointed his friend's leaving."

Over the next however long (I don't want to overload by posting 5 a day) I am going to assess the squad position by position. I will look at existing options and potential transfers in the summer. I will begin with the goalkeepers.

Current Options

Jens Lehmann - Europe's best goalkeeper at the start of the season. Last year he was supreme. However, he never seems to perform the year after a major international championship. His performances of late have been suspect and who knows how long he can last at the top.

Manuel Almunia - Capable deputy, has been able to hand the pressure of the Cup competition. Long-term, I am doubtful whether he has the ability to be number one.

Mart Poom - Excellent as third choice, not complaining about not getting games. Working on getting coaching experience. Not going to challenge Jens.

Vito Mannone - fourth choice, gained experience at Barnsley this season. Has long term potential but will not be challenging for a few years.

Transfer Gossip

Gianluigi Buffon - World's best goalkeeper, not turned 30 yet. Linked with a £12m swoop (Juventus still owe £7m from the Vieira sale). Would be the best signing. I actually believe the rumours surrounding a deal.

Artur Boruc - Celtic's Polish goalie has been on top form for a few seasons, being part of a team that is improving in Europe. At £5m he would be good value and I think he can do a job for us.

Igor Akinfeev - 20 years old and a full international. So he's young and has the inexperience of youth, yet he's got the experience of 15 games for Russia. He's won the UEFA Cup and was runner-up in the UEFA Super Cup. If we were playing Football Manager then I'd sign him just like that, but we aren't so I don't know what to say.

Craig Gordon - British, one of Europe's top goalies, mid-20s. Would be cheap at around £5m, would also be willing to move.

Conclusion

I don't know why, but I believe the Buffon link. Certainly he would be the best signing, although I wouldn't mind Craig Gordon

The biggest news story of today is that Hill-Wood has come out and dismissed talk of a takeover. Below are some quotes from an interview with The Guardian, they make interesting reading!

"The shareholders would prefer to stay in control than sell out to some stranger.

"We would be horrified to see ownership of the club go across the Atlantic.

"These people [major shareholders Fiszman, Lady Nina and the Carrs] love Arsenal, they are independently wealthy and do not need the money. Having a few extra million pounds in the bank is of no interest to them.

"We're here for Arsenal football club, not to make a few bob. The club has been run for the benefit of supporters, staff and players."

One important note is that the is no mention of David Dein. I remember reading another post which claimed he was allied with Kroenke to win power in the board room. If they are allied, the they control over 25% of the club, which is large enough to cause problems. I wish I could find the link so you could have a read, but unfortunately I can't.

The other news is Neil Banfield claiming that the club highly rate Jay Simpson. The reserves coach had this to say on Arsenal.com

"Jay's a young centre forward; he's strong and can play out wide as well. He's had a difficult season up front on his own but he's given everything and coming into the back end of the season he's showing a good line of form. His strength is his power and running with the ball.

"We'd perhaps like to see him score a few more goals for the Reserves but he's scored a lot of goals for the youth team and I think that will come at this level next season. We may look at him more as a wide player too because he's got good stamina, a good engine, gets good crosses in and always works hard for the team. He's got a lot of plusses. We've got high hopes for him."

This is the guy that scored the first hattrick in the Emirates! Highly rated or not, I doubt he will be at the Emirates in five years time.