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."