Regretfully the euphoria of the Arsenal’s 13th FA cup victory will be short-lived. Life is a bitch you know. Sooner or later reality bites, whether we like it or not, even for those who live in the football bubble trying to avoid the often brutish forces in the real world.
Every gooner should now be aware that the club’s Board of Directors will meet on Tuesday when the fate of our longstanding, most successful manager ever will be finally decided. From the public statements of Arsene Wenger there is a contract extension on offer but he is undecided, apparently because of his disagreement with proposed changes in how the club operates which will affect his freedom as a manager.
A little segue is necessary to explain briefly the nature of Arsenal Holdings PLC to readers unfamiliar with such matters. In regular discourse in the press, on twitter, podcasts and in most blogs the impression is given that Arsenal Football Club is privately owned by the duo of Stan Kroenke and Alisher Usmanov, majority vs minority. The media then spins a soap opera of the two engaged in an unending, unedifying power struggle. In truth the club is owned by a public limited company meaning its shares may be traded freely to the public. Stan owns 68% of the shares, with no intention of selling, which gives him a controlling interest over the PLC including the choice of directors. The directors are legally responsible for the affairs of the company. They employ a general manager or CEO (Ivan Gazidis) to manage day-to-day business of the company. Technically Wenger reports to Gazidis as the manager responsible for the football side of the business.
Given that Wenger is such a giant as a football manager whose achievements are directly related to the humongous financial and reputational growth of Arsenal during his 20 year tenure, any decision concerning his future employment is not a matter to be solely decided by the CEO. To be fair, the Board of directors of any well-run company will have a direct say in the appointment of key employees.
It is also my understanding under British law a PLC must have directors meetings where annual financial statements are presented and adopted. Traditionally such meetings are also an opportunity to make important, strategic corporate decisions. In the case of Arsenal PLC the end of season meeting is usually such an occasion.
Getting back on track, what are the Wenger-related issues facing the directors at Tuesday’s meeting? It appears that the manager is the one who has laid down the gauntlet with respect to the terms of the contract extension. We can recall that April presser when he poured scorn on the idea of a Director of Football (DOF):
“I don’t know what director of football means.
“Is it somebody who stands in the road and directs play right and left?
“I don’t understand and I never did understand what it means.
“Sorry, no. I’m not prepared to talk about that. I’m the manager of Arsenal football club and, as long as I’m manager of Arsenal football club, I will decide what happens on the technical front. That’s it.”
Well since then he has not spoken about it and neither has Ivan Gazidis or Josh Kroenke for that matter. The one thing I noted from the tone of The Guardian, which usually runs cover for CEO’s and other big-wigs in football, was the approval they gave to what they describe as Gazidis desire:
“… to harness Wenger’s strengths but also help him in areas where he feels the manager and the club are weaker. For example, a director of football or sporting director could be responsible for keeping abreast of developments in analytics and sports science.”
I for one am inclined to ask the Guardian how well did the directors of football work at Tottenham and Manchester City over the recent past? Did they notice how the men in suits wheeled and dealed signing a colossal number of mediocre players who predictably failed leaving Villas Boas, Tim Sherwood and Pellegrini to take the axe while they sailed away with huge salaries and reputations intact.
Wenger is obviously not taken in by the honeyed words of the corporate apologists:
“When it does not work here, I am blamed, so if [it happened] I am blamed for decisions I have not made [as well],” Wenger said. “It is tough enough to be blamed for decisions you have made. It is difficult to imagine that somebody signs a player that the manager does not know. That never happened to me.
“Some coaches are only interested in managing the team and they are happy with it. I am not like that and I cannot change myself now. I can change by trying to get better but my personality? I have 40 years of experience at the top, top level and I think, personally, I have a good knowledge of the game. I am who I am. That is it.”
From the general press coverage it seems the DOF gambit must have taken a hit after Wenger’s full scale barrage but the rumblings of disquiet between Wenger and the club hierarchy have not died. Only recently, just prior to the FA cup final, Wenger in a BBC interview described a climate of disrespect:
“You don’t mind criticism, because we are in a public job. The lack of respect in some stages has been, for me, a disgrace. And I will never accept that.
“I believe there is a difference between being criticized and being treated in a way that a human being don’t deserve to be treated. And I will never forget that.”
Clearly something is afoot and Arsene is not going without a fight. Some are however alarmed that this latest statement portends his departure. My view for the longest of time is Wenger will re-up mainly because he is committed to the project he has started and there are clear signs he could win another Pl title before retiring.
For two years running a title challenge floundered almost immediately upon a season-ending injury of Santi Cazorla, as evident from the data I researched and published. Now that Wenger has changed the set-up of the team since early April, leading to an eight-game winning run culminating in the FA cup triumph, there is clear evidence of self-belief and capacity to achieve great things. As Wenger himself disclosed, with 1-2 key additions to the existing squad this team can easily challenge for the title.
After the FA cup final I am even more confident that Stan Kroenke will not risk his investment, which has tripled in value in six-years, by losing his most valuable asset. You don’t become a billionaire by not identifying and retaining the most valuable person on your team. If he and his family should have any doubt, please draw their attention to the following table which summarizes 21 years and 798 games of Arsene Wenger at Arsenal:
| Yr | W | D | L | Pts | Lge Pos |
| 16/17 | 23 | 6 | 9 | 75 | 5 |
| 15/16 | 20 | 11 | 7 | 71 | 2 |
| 14/15 | 22 | 9 | 7 | 75 | 3 |
| 13/14 | 24 | 7 | 7 | 79 | 4 |
| 12/13 | 21 | 10 | 7 | 73 | 4 |
| 11/12 | 21 | 8 | 9 | 71 | 3 |
| 10/11 | 19 | 11 | 8 | 68 | 4 |
| 09/10 | 23 | 6 | 9 | 75 | 3 |
| 08/09 | 20 | 12 | 6 | 72 | 4 |
| 07/08 | 24 | 11 | 3 | 83 | 3 |
| 06/07 | 19 | 11 | 8 | 68 | 4 |
| 05/06 | 20 | 7 | 11 | 67 | 4 |
| 04/05 | 25 | 8 | 5 | 83 | 2 |
| 03/04 | 26 | 12 | – | 90 | 1 |
| 02/03 | 23 | 9 | 6 | 78 | 2 |
| 01/02 | 26 | 9 | 3 | 87 | 1 |
| 00/01 | 20 | 10 | 8 | 70 | 2 |
| 99/00 | 22 | 7 | 9 | 73 | 2 |
| 98/09 | 22 | 12 | 4 | 78 | 2 |
| 97/98 | 23 | 9 | 6 | 78 | 1 |
| 96/97 | 19 | 11 | 8 | 68 | 3 |
| Totals | 462 | 196 | 140 | 1582 | 3 |
Winning percentage: 58%
Losing percentage: 18%
Average league position: 3rd
Average pts per season: 75
Greatest number of FA Cup titles: 7
Only coach to manage an Invincible Team.
It may be D-Day at the Arsenal board room on Tuesday but I doubt there will be any fireworks. The data leaves me confident.
PS: As an afficionado of The GodfatherI do expect a Don Wenger moment after the Board meeting.
Positively Arsenal 
Would be amusing if they gave him a four year contract….not that I think they will, but just for who it would upset
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I predicted weeks ago that Arsene would come out of this more powerful than ever. I stand by that.
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mandy, Sead Kalasinac would still be under contract with Schalke till at least end of this month, or end of June at the latest. Schalke are still paying his wages till his contract is finished. They will pay him his final month’s wages.
Being a free agent only means he can as he has, sign a pre-contract or contract that takes effect from the 1st of June or July.
For example, if Schalke have a post season friendly or even a function, they could have him take part.
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well shotta, the thing about ornstein’s info, is that he would have been given it from someone who would not know the outcome of the meeting between Stand and Arsene. In fact the info could well have been given to the journo while the meeting was still taking place, so of course bets are hedged, Ornstein is not going to leave himself open to a definite outcome, if no outcome of meeting was given to him. His reputation of accurate AFC info is important to him.
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I see Ed…..guess we will just have to wait on that one
Was thinking earlier, a real shame no victory parade..ok…the circumstances, the police are tied up enough, especially with a PM that even as Home Secretary seemed desperate to take them on, and cut their numbers., despite the threats ….but that celebration would have been fun after that performance.
Sorry for the politics BTW
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A bit worried about this supposed interview with Wenger on wed…….has he done that before when signing on…?
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of course mandy, AFC can announce that we “have agreed the signing of Sead Klasinac subject to” etc etc etc
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Yes Mandy I do think he has done interviews with .com after signing new deals, also normally does a post season interview, where he talks about specific and in general terms, and the usual hopes and aspirations for next season, and what we will try to do this summer, etc etc.
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so Wenger’s met with Stan today, and now the media are full of stories that AFC are offering wages of £280K a week to both Alexis and Ozil, and are making £100M+ available for in coming transfers. Also that there will be no DoF, but a new administration type position that will oversee signings and new contracts and other things.
Has Wenger got his way. Would seem so.
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Well, here’s hoping.
On another note, Just been reading Tony Adams words in the press today…..against my better judgement…….sounds like the desperate words of a sensitive, vulnerable man who, rightly …or more likely, wrongly perceives he is spurned by his true love….yes,there is bitterness, and personal attacks, but slightly different to the long standing bile of Stewart Robson, almost more primal, even childlike…..can see why Wenger has said Adams recent attitude is more sad than anything else… not condoning them, but think there is more going on than meets the eye…..of course we know about his demons…Still, he won’t be coaching at Arsenal anytime soon.
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Hopefully, People’s Champion, Arsenal Trooper , Troopz ……..et al are not in for the happiest of weeks
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reports tonight that Arsenal are in for Malaga pair Fornals, and Sandro, both 21 years old. Fornals is a midfielder and Sandro a striker. Sandro came through the ranks at Barcelona and only joined Malaga last summer, scoring 16 in 31 games for them this season.
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Have read Fornals could be a future Cazorla type…ish…not to burden him with undue pressure of course
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well Mandy, as for the bad week for the malcontents, I see one waste of space wob website says its going if wenger signs a new deal. the one that tried to gain fame and following by putting up a fake list of each of our players wages a number of years ago. A list Ivan Gazidis laughed at and said that in fact, “not one” wage was correct, the list was so fake, that players who had left, and others who had not even signed for us at the time were on it. It did have the correct overall wage spend correct, well I think the managed to get that bit right, but maybe not.
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meant to say on the two transfers, the story comes about from photos of one of Arsenal’s scouting/transfer negotiators out and about with Malaga reps and the agent of the players earlier this month.
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ali @aliladiere
Wenger 2019 needed.
FK³ @fkhanage
Replying to @aliladiere
Needed. Swimming in the tears of #WengerOuts.
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just wondering if everyone seen the Open Letter from R&W/Usmanov congratulating Arsenal on winning the FA Cup. We all know how he likes to make public statements on all things Arsenal, especially at the difficult times for the club, so its so refreshing to see him display his support and love for the club
everyone, anyone see it, no, me neither
wait, did his media stool Jim White not have a Usmanov Arsenal exclusive today, no, odd behavior from someone who loves Arsenal so much.
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Well to Eddy and everyone who argue Ornstein has to hedge and keep all options open. Take note he is not preparing the public for a negative outcome. If Wenger was not re-signing and the media wasn’t being briefed in how to spin this to the British public and to the world then that would be a major dereliction of duty by Ivan and his PR people. That would be grounds to sack the whole lot including Gazidis. Wenger leaving would do a lot of damage to Arsenal’s perceived share value and therefore to Stan’s net worth. Such matters are not taken lightly.
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13 TIMES 🎗 @SheWore 15h15 hours ago
Teams in the Prem with more top division wins than tottenham –
Man utd
Liverpool
The Arsenal
Everton
Chelsea
Man city
Newc utd
Huddlesfield
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Looked to me as if Sanchez and his gaffer had something to celebrate. New contracts? An fa challenge cup? Sanchez’s run at Wembley which is now up there with AFC legends such as Ramsey, Ozil, the BFG (who only went on to have the national stadium, in England, renamed after him), the rest not forgetting subs such as Giroud…
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We’ve arrived at that magical part of the journey where in fifty years time people will look up at the trophies listed around the ground, spot the hat trick of fa cup wins from 2014-17 and be able to understand that this is and has been a great squad.
I’m not sure that posterity will even remember the shrieking experts, and let’s be clear here: those who like to regurgitate what they are fed, who insist on saying otherwise.
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The Tony Adam leaks not only coincided with his book launch and spectacular bungtatsic* series of results in Southern Spain but most likely with a some people who might be feeling a little bitter for some reason at the moment. IBSF
*Tony turned his nose up at the path chosen by Bould and his own mentor Pat Rice, and threw his hat in with ‘Appy ‘Arry and da boyz some time ago now. I’m not sure if he’s coping with the consequences of that choice in the best possible way.
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I just got to go back to the game, (How boring am I?) I re-watched it and have to say Per actually Rolls-Royced it.
We actually have the best options playing 3 at the back (in depth) than any team in the league. We are definately more advanced(with 3 at the back) than Chelsea the prem champs,Man City and Tottenham.
The footballing ability of the defenders allows them to step into midfield and become auxiliary midfielders,that is a massive advantage.
44 pasese in the first couple of minutes ran the legs and scrammbled the minds of Chelsea.
Mr Wenger is a Dinosaur and doesn’t do tactics and has been left behind by the young Turks.
(Banned Roll-eyes emoji)
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Where are you all re-watching the game?
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ARSENAL player bbc I player although BBC coverage shows my of the crowd than the game
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More not my
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Lovely Cup Final cartoons from David Squire in this morning’s Guardian;
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Squires knows!*
Genius.
(*He also remembers the FIF blogger’s favourite ref Moss’ performance in the 2015 final)
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Passenal
http://player.arsenal.com/matches/g914033/video/9985/the-emirates-fa-cup-final-1st-half
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Shotts, after all this shrieking and bleating from January onwards how are we to describe this silence today (I believe my favourite Wally Olly may have tweeted an “exclusive” but there hasn’t been too much noise yet) in the wake of Adams’ last gasp (for that is what it is).
Is this the silence of the lambs?
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just seen a new channel saying the two year deal has been agreed and ARSENAL are just waiting to announce
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Excellent article Shotta. Thanks.
Loads of brilliant replys.
Hilarious Squire cartoon. Ta, A5.
Don’t suppose you could dig out the FkCup ’14 cartoon, fins?
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even the bbc now carrying the story
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Ranty
If memory serves correctly Probert’s efforts were beyond satire. The lily-livered Riley gave up on this cup after that IBSF
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I will be perfectly content if the rumours are confirmed, and AFC announce that the greatest manager Arsenal have ever had will extend his contract for at least another two years.
I was, prior to these rumours, rather hoping that Arsene, for his own sake, would decide to walk away with two digits defiantly held up towards his many detractors for their vituperative and occasionally obscene caterwauling.
I have been concerned for some time about the impact on AW’s physical and mental health because of these relentless attacks on his character and integrity, which cannot have failed to sear a decent man’s soul, and he recently made a somewhat bitter riposte that he would never forget these insults, and the personal and professional acrimony levelled at him.
My contentment, should the decision to extend be announced tomorrow, is matched by my certainty that those who are already disappointed with the news will not go away, and, girded by their self centred egotism will continue to unbearably poison the atmosphere, and the next 2 + years will swiftly deteriorate the very first time a game is lost.
AW does not need to prove anything to anyone, and could easily walk away with head held high to the plaudits of those who respect and admire him, but he is also a courageous and proud man, with an enormous love for the Arsenal. He will not be cowed and will set to and recruit and rebuild his squad for next season with renewed vigour – and I wish him well – altho with an anxious eye on the storm clouds building.
[Anicol, I know you are a little disdainful of my verbosity, but you are too polite to actually say so – sadly that is just me being me, I guess!] lol
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Nonsense Henry – any man is entitled to thrash the dictionary to within an inch of its life on a day such as this.
And as you say there is even among this ardent admirer of Arsene a wonder that the man does not lay the burden aside, or even share its load.
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Henry
Did you not get the impression the more the likes of Henry Winter began to try and sharpen their dull blades the more that the likes of Stan Kronke started to understand Fizman’s advice upon that stiff upper lip (amongst all the other items that Danny Boy felt like enforcing during this remarkably & continuously ignored ‘negotiation’)?
As in louder and louder they scweamed, the harder hey stamped their hooves, the less likely they were going to fulfill their desire?
Road Dahl could not have written a more telling story.
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AW looked bright eyed and in good health on Saturday.
Given the more interesting opponents for him to put his wits against in the league, there was no chance he was ever going to retire just yet. Not by understanding. After all he’s a former player and athlete, he’s got that competetive desire to compete against his peers. Any of us in his shoes would want a couple of more seasons for that reason alone IMO
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Fins I agree with you. AW looked sharp… almost jogging up the steps…for his medal which I was so happy for the entire team that they won.
My Guy any day. I hope he stays for the sake of those of us that love him… the others are of no consequence.
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The man who saw off Bernard Tapie* (Toupe?)
and his desperate underlings like Tony Cascarino** he is not for turning!
The Iron Manager!
*the sly old mafioso was given a huge payout by France in recent times. No wonder coach Boro never bothered to return to the ‘continent’.
**Ever wondered why TC has the media gig and why he hates AFC and AW – now you know. He’s a Class A **** that’s a why!
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say it aint so, how could it be, after all the effort, all the blog articles, all the twitter rants, the banners, the a4 sheets, the ast polls, the dedicated blogs, the dedicated protest groups, the aftv fame, the flyovers, the boycotts, the abuse at those that support the team/club, the creating of a hostile atmosphere, after all the plans, all the self praise, the self importance, how could it happen, 2 more years, despite our lowest league finish in 21 years, its 2 more years at least, what is those soundbites that them lot are so really fond of, oh yes deluded and failures, and of course the best one of all embarrassing.
I do think that it is up to all of us, to remind any of them that we interact with, just how much of failures they are, just how deluded they are, just how much they have over estimated their ability to force their opinions on others. Attention seeking failures, each and every one of them.
Lets hope that at least some of them are true to their word, and give up their season tickets, and let real fans who actually want to get behind the team/club attend the games.
Come on the Arsenal.
Two more years, two more years, two more years, two more years. ha ha ha.
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fins what I really loved about Wenger after the game, apart from how he mainly stayed out of the celebration limelight yet encouraged all his coaches and medical crew and non match day squad players to take part, was the almost fatherly way he congratulated the players, one after another, his ruffling of many of the players hair to get their attention, the embrace, the congratulation words in their ear, the hugs, the genuine affection, the clear respect between manager and players, a class act to the core. Who wouldn’t want to play for a giant like that.
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this sort of think gladdens the heart,
The Arsenal 77 @thearsenal77X3 2h2 hours ago
@blackburngeorge Congratulations you and your kind got what you all so desperately wanted,2 more years of AW.I hope you all rot and burn🔥🔥
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I heard and might of taken part in a healthy rendition of the “One AW” chant at The Gunners on Saturday evening.
Just sayin’…
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Dark Kimmel @Fattcheeked 5h5 hours ago
Almost as if club won’t be bullied by some fans thinking they’re more important than they actually are.
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The main thrust of the Board meeting this day, would be the succession?
Mr Wenger, is at the point of “no retreat”, in his personal beliefs. His integrity, is at stake, the succession, must succeed.
Therefore, the structure of Arsenal Holdings plc, must be robust enough to take Mr Wenger’s retirement from active football management, with complete confidence in the future of the club.
The future of the Arsenal Football Club at the top of the English Premier League – is non-negotiable.
To the Arsenal Board of Directors – make it so.
The king is dead, long live the king.
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Imagine if you went to a brain surgeon and you saw his equipment on the table was a sledge hammer and a few 6 “nails and had no prior experience and was in a kasi of a mood.
Seems like the WOB to me.
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WOB “the club treat us unfairly”. Eh? What should they do offer them a house, an orgasmatron and a slap up dinner for two?
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So so proud of AW for being willing to stick in there. the guy does not like insults but glad he rose above all both from fans and board.
One AW!
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