Arsenal and their Vice-Chairman, David Dein, unexpectedly parted company on Wednesday evening over what the club described as ‘irreconcilable differences.’
David Dein has been very influential on Arsenal’s behalf at both the Football Association and as Chairman of the G-14 group of Europe’s largest and most important clubs. He was also responsible for bringing Arsene Wenger to Arsenal as manager in 1996. Since his appointment Arsenal have enjoyed great success playing very skilful and entertaining football having brought many overseas players to the Premiership. Dein was a great supporter of Wenger and did everything in his power to keep him happy.
The parting was totally unexpected but further reports suggest it was linked to discussions Dein had with American billionaire Stan Kroenke about a takeover bid which Dein was keen to support. The rest of the Arsenal Board were very much opposed to such a move.
The American had bought the 9.99% share holding that ITV plc had in Arsenal Football Club and also shares from a major Arsenal shareholder, Danny Fiszman. Kroenke’s Sports Enterprise are not new-comers to the sports industry, having been co-owners of the American Football franchise St Louis Rams after their move to Missouri, while Colorado Avalanche in the NHL and Denver Nuggets in the NBA are also under their control.
The reaction from the Arsenal Board to this move by Kroenke and the subsequent talk of a takeover bid has very been hostile. Their Chairman, Peter Hill-Wood has spoken out strongly against any possible bid from the American. He stated that the main shareholders in Arsenal had no intention of selling their shares and would not sell any for at least a year.
David Dein looked after all football mattes at Arsenal and was very closely involved in discussions with Arsene Wenger. He was involved in all transfer dealings and in contract discussions, supporting the manager totally.
The departure on Dein may leave Arsene Wenger more isolated when dealing with the Board now that his greatest ally is no longer there. He still has one year left on his contract but it is only two years ago that Real Madrid made a determined bid to sign him but Dein managed to fend it off. There are always big clubs looking for a new manager and Arsene Wenger would be a good catch for any one of them.
Repercussions:
The repercussions from this story could run for some time on a number of fronts –
What will happen to the proposed takeover bid from Kroenke that was supported by Dein?
How comfortable will Arsene Wenger feel at the club now that Dein is no longer there?
What will happen if a top club tries to entice Wenger away from Arsenal?
How will Arsenal’s summer transfer and contract negotiations go without their chief negotiator?
Logan Holmes - A retired Primary School Principal who enjoys writing about football, particularly Tottenham Hotspur.
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