Arsenal- Twitter Questionnaire
Arsenal have had a tough and frustrating period for the past six years. Lack of trophies and sales of top players, have frustrated some Gooners, a few of whom have called for an end to the illustrious 15 year career of Arsene Wenger.
This summer wasn't any different as the club sold two of its prized and top assets in Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. The sales was the main reason for the team's poor start to the season as well as the injury to rising star, Jack Wilshere, and the continuous injury struggles of Thomas Vermaelen.
Fortunately, the club made some crucial and quick acquisitions in the final days of the transfer window which has helped, along with the excellent form of new skipper Robin Van Persie, in helping the team out of their early slump and to climb into the top half of the Premier League table.
During the past few years and including this summer, I've witnessed various and different opinions on the club's progress and who should be blamed for the trophy less run and slump. For that and in order to feed my curiosity and to have a better idea of what fellow Gooners think and what they expect from this season, etc. I asked 18 Gooners through Twitter, five different questions, from their expectations to who they hold responsible for the club's trophy slump.
I would like to thank them for taking the time to answer my questions, which I deeply appreciate. I hope that this is a good read and please provide feedback, positive or negative, and to take the time to answer my questions if you want to.
1. Which position will be you satisfied with for the team to achieve by the end of the season? Do you believe that the club can still aim for the title?
Debbie: "No, I don't think we will win the title this year. But still think we can finish fourth, which I would be satisfied this year."
Layen: "In my opinion, minimum expectation is top four! That’s from the stipule the board have given us. Looking at the squad, performances, league position & results I think this would be an achievement in itself. Of course I'd want us to at least win the league but I don’t think we have the best team in the league, in fact, far from it! I think we should be realistic and be looking for a top 4 finish but I think that could still be a bridge too far as I am not confident in the current squads ability to find the cutting edge needed to shut out games (and not bottle it)."
Darren: "The position I’d be happy with at the minute is the Champions League spot at the least."
Thamer: "Honestly, fourth position would be considered a massive achievement, let's not forget in the EPL there is not second chances and luck plays a really minor role. And as for the title race, in my point of view it's a very, very slim chance, as the team in not prepared mentally to win this season."
Khalid: "I think the best we can get is fourth, and I think that is where we are going to finish. I think it is unlikely we will catch both Manchester clubs and Chelsea unless they start dropping points left and right. If Wenger brings in the right players in January and with the return of both Jack Wilshere and Thomas Vermaelen, Arsenal will ease into the fourth spot over Tottenham and Liverpool. I still believe there is a great chance for silverware this season, but our best chances lie in the Carling Cup and FA Cup. With the depth of this club, Wenger will always be able to field a strong side for the cup games, but not a real legitimate chance in Europe with strong squads like Real Madrid and Barcelona."
Rob: "Fourth. Anything else is a huge failure. The title shot was over the day we sold Cesc. We can still aim for the title, maybe even as early as next season."
Olasubomi: "Top four, don’t see Arsenal winning the title this season."
Muzammil: "To be honest, I would want a top four finish and I believe we could get it. However, if we start losing games, I'll just be praying for a top six finish. Nah challenging for the title is out of Arsenal's reach. They could still go for it i we are lucky, but I honestly doubt it."
Shrey: "I think if Arsenal comes fourth by the end of the season then I will be quite relieved (rather than satisfied). Obviously just like every Arsenal fan I want us to win the title but I don't think with the type of start we had, it's going to be possible for us to fight for the title. Not, only do we have a bad start but overall our squad is definitely not as good as City or United (but not Chelsea, I don't think they are that good). So, in short I will be content with fourth place, but anything lower than that is not good at all, even unthinkable for me."
Gazatta: "I would take a top six finish after the terrible start to the season we have had. I can't see us finishing in the top four to be honest. No chance of the title now. Too far behind, and we won't have the consistency to mount any sort of legitimate challenge."
Iain: "Any European qualification position will satisfy me. The club is in a period of transition due to AW's youngster policy not working whether this is due to his gut or lack of money I’m not sure. Top six will be an achievement for us."
Paul: "I cannot see any way Arsenal could win the league this season. I would be happy with fourth and UCL qualification but actually think we will struggle to make the Europa League."
Ahson: "It is still possible to aim for the title, but unlikely given the way the team has performed. I would be very happy with fourth."
Andres: "I think getting second place would keep me satisfied. Think Arsenal will not challenge the title."
Robert: "Fourth. Anything else is a huge failure. The title shot was over the day we sold Cesc. We can still aim for the title, maybe even as early as next season."
Sina: "I think not even the most diehard arsenal fan was thinking about winning the title from what happened in summer to our club. At the moment in current position securing fourth place would be good achievement and I don't care if we win F.A Cup or Carling Cup or not, finishing inside top four will be success for me cause attending the Champions League is so important for us both financially and in terms of us being able to attract top talent, especially with our tight wage structure."
Toni: "In my opinion, fourth position will be regarded as a success. We started the season poorly and paid the ultimate price for it. Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea will certainly challenge for the title so it's important for Arsenal to grab the last Champions League spot ahead of Liverpool, Tottenham and the surprise package, Newcastle."
Ray: "I believe that we should always aim for the title, but realistically I would be happy, more than happy with a top 4 finish."
2. Due to the recent news that a group of Arsenal supporters will protest against Wenger, do you think it's the right time for it? Do you believe that there is a point in protesting? Should Wenger be solely held responsible for the club's failings on the title front?
This summer wasn't any different as the club sold two of its prized and top assets in Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. The sales was the main reason for the team's poor start to the season as well as the injury to rising star, Jack Wilshere, and the continuous injury struggles of Thomas Vermaelen.
Fortunately, the club made some crucial and quick acquisitions in the final days of the transfer window which has helped, along with the excellent form of new skipper Robin Van Persie, in helping the team out of their early slump and to climb into the top half of the Premier League table.
During the past few years and including this summer, I've witnessed various and different opinions on the club's progress and who should be blamed for the trophy less run and slump. For that and in order to feed my curiosity and to have a better idea of what fellow Gooners think and what they expect from this season, etc. I asked 18 Gooners through Twitter, five different questions, from their expectations to who they hold responsible for the club's trophy slump.
I would like to thank them for taking the time to answer my questions, which I deeply appreciate. I hope that this is a good read and please provide feedback, positive or negative, and to take the time to answer my questions if you want to.
1. Which position will be you satisfied with for the team to achieve by the end of the season? Do you believe that the club can still aim for the title?
Debbie: "No, I don't think we will win the title this year. But still think we can finish fourth, which I would be satisfied this year."
Layen: "In my opinion, minimum expectation is top four! That’s from the stipule the board have given us. Looking at the squad, performances, league position & results I think this would be an achievement in itself. Of course I'd want us to at least win the league but I don’t think we have the best team in the league, in fact, far from it! I think we should be realistic and be looking for a top 4 finish but I think that could still be a bridge too far as I am not confident in the current squads ability to find the cutting edge needed to shut out games (and not bottle it)."
Darren: "The position I’d be happy with at the minute is the Champions League spot at the least."
Thamer: "Honestly, fourth position would be considered a massive achievement, let's not forget in the EPL there is not second chances and luck plays a really minor role. And as for the title race, in my point of view it's a very, very slim chance, as the team in not prepared mentally to win this season."
Khalid: "I think the best we can get is fourth, and I think that is where we are going to finish. I think it is unlikely we will catch both Manchester clubs and Chelsea unless they start dropping points left and right. If Wenger brings in the right players in January and with the return of both Jack Wilshere and Thomas Vermaelen, Arsenal will ease into the fourth spot over Tottenham and Liverpool. I still believe there is a great chance for silverware this season, but our best chances lie in the Carling Cup and FA Cup. With the depth of this club, Wenger will always be able to field a strong side for the cup games, but not a real legitimate chance in Europe with strong squads like Real Madrid and Barcelona."
Rob: "Fourth. Anything else is a huge failure. The title shot was over the day we sold Cesc. We can still aim for the title, maybe even as early as next season."
Olasubomi: "Top four, don’t see Arsenal winning the title this season."
Muzammil: "To be honest, I would want a top four finish and I believe we could get it. However, if we start losing games, I'll just be praying for a top six finish. Nah challenging for the title is out of Arsenal's reach. They could still go for it i we are lucky, but I honestly doubt it."
Shrey: "I think if Arsenal comes fourth by the end of the season then I will be quite relieved (rather than satisfied). Obviously just like every Arsenal fan I want us to win the title but I don't think with the type of start we had, it's going to be possible for us to fight for the title. Not, only do we have a bad start but overall our squad is definitely not as good as City or United (but not Chelsea, I don't think they are that good). So, in short I will be content with fourth place, but anything lower than that is not good at all, even unthinkable for me."
Gazatta: "I would take a top six finish after the terrible start to the season we have had. I can't see us finishing in the top four to be honest. No chance of the title now. Too far behind, and we won't have the consistency to mount any sort of legitimate challenge."
Iain: "Any European qualification position will satisfy me. The club is in a period of transition due to AW's youngster policy not working whether this is due to his gut or lack of money I’m not sure. Top six will be an achievement for us."
Paul: "I cannot see any way Arsenal could win the league this season. I would be happy with fourth and UCL qualification but actually think we will struggle to make the Europa League."
Ahson: "It is still possible to aim for the title, but unlikely given the way the team has performed. I would be very happy with fourth."
Andres: "I think getting second place would keep me satisfied. Think Arsenal will not challenge the title."
Robert: "Fourth. Anything else is a huge failure. The title shot was over the day we sold Cesc. We can still aim for the title, maybe even as early as next season."
Sina: "I think not even the most diehard arsenal fan was thinking about winning the title from what happened in summer to our club. At the moment in current position securing fourth place would be good achievement and I don't care if we win F.A Cup or Carling Cup or not, finishing inside top four will be success for me cause attending the Champions League is so important for us both financially and in terms of us being able to attract top talent, especially with our tight wage structure."
Toni: "In my opinion, fourth position will be regarded as a success. We started the season poorly and paid the ultimate price for it. Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea will certainly challenge for the title so it's important for Arsenal to grab the last Champions League spot ahead of Liverpool, Tottenham and the surprise package, Newcastle."
Ray: "I believe that we should always aim for the title, but realistically I would be happy, more than happy with a top 4 finish."
2. Due to the recent news that a group of Arsenal supporters will protest against Wenger, do you think it's the right time for it? Do you believe that there is a point in protesting? Should Wenger be solely held responsible for the club's failings on the title front?
Image of the protest banner
Sina: "No, I don't agree with the protest's against Wenger. It is certainly not the right time to do this anyway, the team including Arsene need our support more than ever now and not protests. I also don't think it is all his fault, I don't think in past years he was ever given the money we were led to believe he had to spend, we knew when we moved to the new stadium it would take time to make the gains from the increased revenue, which I believe in the coming years we will benefit. So short term pain for long term gain."
Layen: "I don’t think Wenger is the problem! He has proved in the past that he's not afraid to sign big(ish) (Lauren cost about 12m and at the time that was a lot of money). He has also proved in the past he is not afraid to buy in bulk (several signings). I honestly think it’s the board and the "sustained model business blah blah" although a good idea in principle, I think they hide behind it rather than just be honest and say we're not as financially secure as others. A protest against Wenger is utterly stupid and ignorant!"
Darren: "You judge the team at the end of the season, not the beginning and Wenger has never let us down with 15 years Champions League qualification the double, the FA cups and Champions League final."
Thamer: "Any supporter that says Arsene is not a good manager doesn't really understand how the Premier League works. He made major mistakes this season and the season before, but let's not forget all his accomplishment. As for him being changed, I personally think yes. Not because he is not any good, because the players and fans are losing faith in him one match after the other and a new manager would bring new hope and positive atmosphere in the changing room ( i.e. Kenneth Dalglish)."
Khalid: "Not the right time at all with the situation going on at the club. There is no real point in protesting because nothing will come out of it. Wenger should not take all the blame for Arsenal's failings so far. The two men who should be held responsible are Ivan Gazidis and Peter Hill-Wood. They are responsible because it is their jobs to keep the best players and bring in the best talent possible. Their unwillingness to spend the extra money to buy and keep players have plagued the club. Bring back David Dein!!!"
Rob: "Wenger should not be untouchable. He has done great things for Arsenal. But this game and league will always be more of a "what have you done for me lately" game. Recent success has not happened, so questions must be asked. He should not be held solely responsible, but he sticks his head out and takes the brunt of the blame as the figure head of the club. He shields the players and the ownership and takes most of the weight that they deserve."
Olasubomi: "Yes, they should go on. There's a point for that as most fans aren't happy about the situation of the club. We pay more money each season and no reward at the end of the season. Wenger should be held responsible. His dealings in the transfer window were awful."
Muzammil: "I am a big believer in Wenger! Arsenal is Wenger! I think the guy has had enough. He is going spend in the Jan transfer window and next summer. I think I am right to think that if we can just keep him for another season or two, he might just bring us back to our glory days (Inshallah!)"
Shrey: "As for the recent protests against AW, I am totally against it! I think people really have poor logic or common sense or they are just plain stupid when they are protesting against Wenger, who has done so much for the club. People expect loyalty from players & say Nasri's a c*nt for betraying our trust, but isn't it a bit hypocritical when those same fans can't be loyal to their own manager!! And I don't say there is nothing wrong with the club & even I agree AW has made some poor decisions on transfers front like selling Cesc for way lower than his market value when he has 4 years of contract left or why didn't he go for Enrique (LB) when he did wanted to buy one but instead went for Santos? They were of the same value, Enrique has EPL exp, younger & is quite better on defensive side of the game. But AW's positives way outweigh the negatives hence & I firmly believe there is no better manager for Arsenal at this moment in the world, it's as if he was made to manage Arsenal."
Gazatta: "It's not the right time for a protest. The best time would be at the end of the season. Wenger isn't solely responsible, but he has to take a large chunk of the blame. His tactics aren't good enough anymore."
Iain: "I feel that he has given the club a huge amount. I really believe he is as strong as a manger that we are ever going to have. I would imagine the board are behind more decisions than we realise. I trust AW and believe he is still the best man for us."
Paul: "I believe that paying fans have the right to protest before or after any game but not during! Wenger shouldn't be the the sole recipient of any criticism, the board need to accept some responsibility for the lack of trophies over the last 6 years."
Ahson: "Arsene Wenger is the clubs greatest ever manager and should be respected. I blame the board. Protests will destabilise the club."
Andres: "This is not the right time to protest against Wenger, he has lots of problems right now, and our negativism and moaning will not help him or the Arsenal team to improve, we need to stand behind the team and if the season ends horribly, then it's the right time to complain. No, Wenger is not the man to blame in my opinion, the players are much responsible for the results they are giving, there is a lack of concentration and nervousness by them, Arsenal depend also on the emotional side, if one of their players suffer a major injury, the team doesn't feel capable of winning, something very strange because I personally believe in all of the Arsenal squad, if I didn't have trust in them I surely won't be supporting this team."
Robert: "Wenger should not be untouchable. He has done great things for Arsenal. But this game and league will always be more of a "what have you done for me lately" game. Recent success has not happened, so questions must be asked. He should not be held solely responsible, but he sticks his head out and takes the brunt of the blame as the figure head of the club. He shields the players and the ownership and takes most of the weight that they deserve."
Sina: "As an Arsenal fan everyone has every right to his opinion and to criticise staff in the club etc, but at the end of the day every single Gooner wants the best for his/her beloved club. We are just nine games into the season if we were anywhere near may and still in this situation that would be crisis but now? I think the best is for all of us fans is to remain united and fully behind the team, so I don't think protest can do any good to u. Media will put even more pressure on us and make everything that they want out of it. As for who is the culprit of this six year without trophy drought e is not just Mr. Wenger's fault. It was the board’s decision that it would be better to build new modern stadium so everyone could see the prospect of that we are going in to such a period but as Mr. Wenger's part maybe if he could start his youth policy 3-4 years earlier (think it was 1999 that club announced that we want to build a new stadium while in 2003 we brought in the likes of Fabregas, Clichy, Denilson, Bendtner, Djourou etc so they were not ready( most of them) when we went through transition. We could do even better, but still 14 consecutive years of Champions League football is a massive achievement and we still built some good teams, especially that 07-08 team that deserved to win the league that season."
Toni: "It hurts to see Arsenal fans asking for Wenger's head on a plate when they can vividly see his shortcomings as Arsenal's boss. Without the right funds he has created a squad that has been challenging for honors but bad refereeing decision, ill-luck, squad indiscipline and injuries has thwarted Arsenal's chances of getting silverware. I'll advise the Gooners to keep the faith with the boss and things will soon start changing for our good."
Ray: "I do not think this or indeed any other time is a good time to protest Arsenal’s longest serving or indeed most successful manager. The protestors represent a very small minority of fans, and whereas all are entitled to their opinion, this is not the way to voice it. I do not see our current situation as “failings”. Since we undertook to build The Emirates, everyone should have realized it was going to take time to get back to winning titles. Hence I don’t hold Wenger or anyone else accountable."
3. Do you believe that the club must buy in January? If so, who should they be targeting and looking to bring in?
Eden Hazard: A heavily-linked transfer target popular among fellow Gooners
Debbie: "Yes I do believe the club must buy in January, if the right players are available, I'd like to see a new midfielder and some defensive cover (where have I heard that before)."
Layen: "YES! We now need a RB although by the time Jan comes around Sagna maybe on his way back but this acquisition is depending on his fitness. I like Jenkinson and he's impressed me but I don’t think it’s fair to rely so heavily on him so early in his career.
CB - GARY CAHILL - should be able to get him closer to the apparent 6m Bolton say we offered in August. We still look short at the back, especially with Vermaelen’s injury and Djourou going backwards after showing so much promise last year.
CM - we need some more creativity in the centre of midfield. I love Ramsey (probably more than I should due to my affection/sympathy after his injury) but like Jenkinson I believe it’s too early to give him so much responsibility. Mata would have been perfect. Wilshire is a big, big miss and when he realises actually how important he is to AFC, if we continue not to match his ambitions he'll be off as well :(.
I am happy with Coquelin & Frimpong so don’t think we need another def mid, especially with Diaby coming back (quickly on him - he could be such an important player for us if he would just be more consistent and injury free, such a good prospect and dare I say it; technically better than Vieira was at that age, just lacks an ounce of PV4's heart).
WE NEED A STRIKER!! I like the Chamakh we had this time last year but he seems to have disappeared! I've not seen enough of this Park guy. We need more support for RVP - he can’t do it all himself! I don’t know who as I don’t know who is available but we definitely need some quality in this area. Playing Theo up front is an option NOT a solution although I do like the thought of TW14 & RVP up top together, kind of like a diet version of Henry/Bergkamp."
Darren: "We can’t decide that now buying wise see come January but the best players are rarely available during that period."
Thamer: "The obvious answer would be experienced players. The ratio of older: young players in the team should be around 70:30. Especially when you’re facing small teams that are now rising and becoming the big six!"
Khalid: "Yes, the club must buy in January to show that they are committed to winning. They must buy in order to improve the squad to keep up with the big clubs in Europe and also for the sake of resigning players like Van Persie and Walcott. If Arsenal show that they are all about winning now, they will be able to convince Van Persie to stay. Arsenal need another striker to support Robin Van Persie in the attack, another attacking midfielder, and one or two defenders. Getting a striker is vital and I think should be necessary so it could allow Wenger to perhaps loan out Chamakh to get more first team appearances.
Players to Target: Eden Hazard, Mario Gotze, Hulk, Ricardo Montolivo, Marvin Martin, Yohann Gourcuff, Christian Eriksen, Franck Ribery, Esteban Granero, Karim Benzema, Gary Cahill, Jan Vertongen.Players to bring in: Hazard/Gotze, Cahill (cheap), Benzema, Eriksen.
Players to Sell: Squillaci, Almunia, Djourou, and Arshavin or Rosicky.
Players to Loan: Ryo, Chamakh, Miquel, and Frimpong"
Rob: "I think we are underrepresented in every position except GK right now. We need to buy or we won't get fourth. The most important thing is not to buy, but to extend. RVP, Theo, TV and Song all need extensions. If we can get RVP and at least one of the others extended before January, it might make someone more likely to sign. If the whole world can see our top players still wanting to jump ship, how will we attract elite talent? I'm a fan of just about everyone we have been linked too. Marvin Martin, Yann M'Villa and Yoann Gourcuff would instantly bring great quality to the MF. Mario Gotze and Eden Hazard would instantly be either our best or second best player on our entire squad."
Olasubomi: "Yes, we must strengthen the squad. Eden Hazard and Gary Cahill will help."
Muzammil: "Arsene seems desperate. He is fed-up. Arsene will spend in the Jan transfer window. I want us to go for Eden Hazard, Mario Gotze / Gourcuff & Yann M'Vila (with a striker if RVP is injured)."
Shrey: "I think even AW didn't wanted to buy the players he bought in the end & it is just a short term solution (like buying Benayoun, Santos & Chu Young). The reason for that could be that anything, like either clubs not agreeing to sell players(as in case of Hazard, Goetze, M'Vila) or the players themselves backtracking & signing to some other club (like Cazorla to Malaga & Mata to Chelsea). AW might have thought he could have gotten atleast 1-2 of them but unfortunately he couldn't & thus he had to settle for what he could get because at least average players are better than no players at all. He should definitely go for at least 1 major signing in January in the creative midfield position, because we are certainly lacking in creativity. I would have given anything to see Goetze in an arsenal shirt but I guess he has become just too expensive for us, so ideally we could go for Gourcuff(very high chance of signing him) or Marvin Martin(but he recently denied leaving in Jan) & if AW really wants to break the bank then he should also try to sign Hazard(but unlikely).
So in short we should sign:-
a) Gourcuff or Montolivo type of player (creative CAM).
b)Hazard (Great player & can be a real asset for us)."
Gazatta: "We definitely need to buy. Hazard, M'Villa, Cahill and Hulk would be great buys, but would they want to come now?"
Iain: "I feel that the squad we have is still not finalised and we need some key signings in January...a big money signing of a 'craque' will appease the fans as well as give our team a breath of life! Someone like Hazard or Neymar !!"
Paul: "Arsenal need to spend every penny that is available! It may be too late for trophies this season but it is important to show some intent to players like RVP,TV and TW who will be entering their final year of their current contract next summer!"
Ahson: "They should be going for Hazard before he becomes un-buyable as well as M'Vila."
Andres: " Yes, I think we must buy in January if we want to improve. Probably a young midfielder who can bring flare to the team and get positive results, like Hazard or even players like Arda Turan or Sebastian Giovinco, Marvin Martin and Yann M'Vila can be very helpful too."
Robert: "I think we are underrepresented in every position except GK right now. We need to buy or we won't get fourth. The most important thing is not to buy, but to extend. RVP, Theo, TV and Song all need extensions. If we can get RVP and at least one of the others extended before January, it might make someone more likely to sign. If the whole world can see our top players still wanting to jump ship, how will we attract elite talent? I'm a fan of just about everyone we have been linked too. Marvin Martin, Yann M'Villa and Yoann Gourcuff would instantly bring great quality to the MF. Mario Gotze and Eden Hazard would instantly be either our best or second best player on our entire squad."
Sina: "I think it depends on the situation we will be in when January comes, if we are not sure about our goal which is fourth place, then some proven talent would be needed to help us and also lift us fans as well. Just like in 08-09 when Arshavin was at his peak and helped us out that season, as for who we I think there will be some options for midfield like Goetze, Hazard, Banega Montolivo. One or two of them would be fine, but we have to see if the injury problems remain for our defenders and if we are short number wise, someone like Cahill should be considered."
Toni: "IMO, Wenger doesn't need to sign anybody in January because Arsenal possesses a squad that's blessed with versatile technically-proficient players that can play anywhere on the pitch. I only hope for the club's injury problems to fade away and Arsenal will be back in business. I don't need Hazard or M' Vila for the time being; Wenger can gun for them in the summer not January."
Ray: "I think, of course the club will buy in January, I think we need 3 top quality players. An out and out striker, a back up for Vermaelen and a midfielder."
4. If the club fail to achieve the goal of a top four finish, do you believe that Wenger should leave?
Debbie: "To be honest I am not sure on this one, I love Arsene Wenger and what he has done for the club, but I do think he is getting a bit set in his ways and there doesn't seem to be anyone who can help him go in the right direction, we all know our defence is more than suspect but he refuses to bring in specialist help in this department, quoting he has been a manager for 35 years and doesn't need advise, we can all do with help from time to time, I've been doing my type of job for 25 years and if there was part of it I was having difficulties with I would not hesitate to seek help. If he chooses to go that's one thing, but I don't want him sacked."
Layen: "NO! See answer to next question!"
Darren: "No, I don’t think Wenger should leave unless he decides it’s time to go. You’ll find the board have a lot to answer for as it has all changed since Dein left. Is that a coincidence?? Think not !!"
Thamer: "Certainly. As I said before, in order to achieve success, second chances must be rarely given. And for Arsene, he's been given six years of chances now."
Khalid: "No, Wenger should not leave if we fail to reach the top 4 this season. Arsenal are not be the club they are today without Arsene Wenger. Wenger is always able to create a great squad with the little money he is given, he is a master tactician, he scouts youngsters with talent and are able to develop them into world class footballers, and is the most successful manager in club history."
Rob: "I think if we fail to achieve a top 4 finish and one or more of RVP/Theo/TV jump ship because of it, the writing is on the wall. I don't really see it as a matter of what should happen; I just see really no way it doesn't happen."
Olasubomi: "He should be retained. I respect him a lot caused he's got great vision for the club. He must act fast for him not to lose his respect."
Muzammil: "No. If the club doesn't finish in the top 4, Wenger will bring quality players. He will get rid of 'dead-wood' players. Just give him a season or two I say."
Shrey: "Personally if it was on me, then I would NEVER want Wenger to leave. He is our most prized asset (even though many fans don't think like that) and even if we don't get to top 4 he is the perfect person to help us get back to top4 again next season IMO."
Gazatta: "Yes, Wenger should leave if we don't make top 4."
Iain: "Nope...but I believe he will be forced to."
Paul: "No! I see no one out there who would do a better job with the same resources."
Ahson: "Yes, he should be given a place in the board to thank him for his service, but a change would be needed if there is no CL."
Andres: "Maybe yes, but honestly, I can't imagine another manager to coach Arsenal, his departure will change a style and a philosophy I fell in love with."
Robert: "I think if we fail to achieve a top 4 finish and one or more of RVP/Theo/TV jump ship because of it, the writing is on the wall. I don't really see it as a matter of what should happen, I just see really no way it doesn't happen."
Sina: "No, I think Mr.Wenger should remain at the club until one of our club legends is ready to takeover or even someone that he recommends, I would be up for it because he loves the club and i still love him and trust him. I can’t see anyone who can do better with current situation if he leaves at the end of the season, even more of our stars would follow him out of the club and his presence still attracts many talented players to our club. Such a young team needs a gaffer like him who knows how to get the best out of his players with potential that they have and most players flourish under him."
Toni: "Ivan Gazidis has stated that the club is financially capable enough to be run without the riches of the Champions League should the club fail to qualify. No matter what position Arsenal finishes this season, Wenger will still remain the right man for the job."
Ray: "No I don’t, as many football fans will say, Form is temporary, class is permanent. I believe the same goes for our most successful manager. He has lots to bring to our club yet."
5. Are you satisfied with the way Gazidis and Kroenke have been running the club? Do you believe that Usmanov and Dein should takeover? Is it time for Peter Hill-Wood and the board to relinquish their positions at the club?
Peter Hill-Wood... is it time for him to go?
Debbie: "Has Kroenke been running the club? I don't personally see any running of the club from him, no input at all. As for Gazidis I think personally he is out of his depth, but as for bringing Usmanov and Dein back, no thanks. Usmanov is a Manchester United supporter and I think he will interfere too much with the running of the club, we'll end up like Chelsea and I would personally hate that. As for Dein he made a hell of a lot of money from Arsenal and if my memory serves me he didn't want to build the new stadium, I never think you should go back anyway, if Dein did come back it wouldn't be the same.
As for the board and Sir Peter Hill-Wood, I think they could be holding progression back, Lady Bracewell-Smith didn't seem too fond of them did she, and time for some fresh faces maybe.
These are just my personal opinions; I've been a supporter for over 45 years now and have seen worse times than this."
Layen: "NO! I believe we should bring back Dein, BUT and a very big but, there's no point bringing him back under the current "powers that be". We only have to look at why Dein left in the first place. Dein/Usmanov is an option but I think Kroenke should be given the opportunity to show his hand. He needs to put his hands in his pockets. Not just on transfers but wages also! Clubs like Sunderland, Fulham, Stoke, Spuds will all outspend us on new players and will fight tooth and nail to keep their best players and they’re not bigger clubs than us! It seems we let players' contracts run down and/or sell them on as soon as someone else is interested or they become slightly jaded/disillusioned. RVP, TV5 & TW14 all need new contracts BEFORE the January window and their ambitions need to be met in the January and summer windows of 2012.
If we continue with the "sustainability model" we will be a mid-table team for the next 5/10 years. Now I will always support Arsenal so if this is the case then I would appreciate a little respect from the board and let them be honest with me and say that’s what’s going to happen. Not sell our best players every year then try and kid us into thinking we're replacing lions with lions when we're replacing them with pussy cats! Wenger is NOT the problem! He can’t slag his team off that wouldn’t make them perform and he needs them to perform for him! He can’t go against his employers; he'd be out of a job! He's stuck between a rock and a hard place; he needs more support from "upstairs"."
Darren: "I’d want the club principles to remain the same when Dein was there as we were winning trophies. Yes, a younger hungry breed, but a mix of old and new ideas wouldn’t hurt the board which has become stale in my opinion. I’m not so sure about Kroenke who hasn’t told us his intentions."
Thamer: "You rarely see them having any media attention. And this is really important to show that they are behind the team and it’s not just a business (i.e. Fenway sports)."
Khalid: "I am not satisfied with the way the two morons, Gazidis and Hill-Wood, are running the club. It seems like Wenger is becoming their scapegoat for their mistakes. I believe that Usmanov and Dein should takeover because Usmanov has the money and Dein has always made the best decisions for the club. It is time for Hill-Wood and the board to relinquish their positions. Usmanov, Dein, and Wenger stay, the Arsenal board out!"
Rob: "The club has been run pretty well. The problem is that I don't think everything they have said can be taken at face value or has been 100% factual. I think the moves and decisions we have made recently have shown our financial situation isn't as rosy as they'd have us believe. If we are actually rolling in money and this is what we're getting, we have every reason to be upset. If we are still somewhat tied down by the stadium deal and simply not able to compete with the "bigger" clubs for another few years then what can we do? I'm not sure which reality is correct or if we'll ever know. Maybe one day Arsene will make a lot of money with a tell-all biography. It’s basically our only chance in ever knowing the truth of what has gone on behind the stage for the past five years."
Olasubomi: "Not satisfied. Yes, that would be a great idea. Peter should remain, but I think Gazidis should step aside."
Muzammil: "I would like( and hope) that Dein and Usmanov should take over. Usmanov would be able to provide a bigger transfer kit. Dein and Arsene's partnership was just legendary stuff. Dein was a brilliant negotiator as well. I sincerely hope Dein comes back and Usmanov takes over and it might pay off."
Shrey: "I am satisfied with the way Kroenke is managing the club, because basically he is just trusting the persons he has in his place to manage the club & doesn't take decisions haphazardly, which is all you really want from an owner. But as for Gazidis, I am not that happy with his output till now but whether he has done good or not should be decided on a 5-year basis because it is not that easy to just increase the commercial income in a year or 2. He has said many times he is working on a 5-year plan & we should I think give him time till 2014 before deciding whether he has done good or not. As for Dein, I would have preferred if he was with us during the transfer negotiations because he seems to be better at it than people we have at present plus he was really the right hand man of AW, so I do prefer him over Gazidis. But if having him means Usmanov being our owner then I am TOTALLY against it. I think Kroenke is a much better person to own arsenal than a person with shady past like Usmanov. Also I not really a fan of Sugar Daddies who say I would give 60m more to invest if I am the owner. I think each & every football club should work within its own means because this sugar daddy phenomenon is not at all sustainable in the long run! Clubs like Chelsea or City don't have their own identity, they are their owners pet & do fans want Arsenal to be the same? At least I don't."
Gazatta: "Usmanov and Dein would be better for Arsenal in my opinion. Kroenke has no love for the club. His only interest is to make money. Hill-Wood is a waste of space. He does nothing for this club anymore. He won't be missed at all."
Iain: "I believe that there should be better communication from the board...some statements with regard to AW future and our plans need to be more forthcoming. I’m not a believer in going backwards so find it hard to believe reinstating Dein would be a good move."
Paul: "If SK isn't prepared to invest any cash or even turn up now and again to watch a match he should go! Usmanov has more cash and has implied in interviews that he would happily be our sugar daddy!"
Ahson: "I have always wanted R&W. The current board is useless. Arsenal fans have criticised Usmanov in the past, but Dein is there to help him."
Andres: "No, they don't seem committed to the club, they seem more interested in money, think that if this club would like to change, everybody involved in the club, must feel the pain of a defeat and the joy of winning, because without having this we have no ambition, for example, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, watches every game and you can see how he suffers their defeats, because he loves the club, and by loving it, he knows what's best for it, so if he needs to fire somebody because they didn't gave something for the club, he does it because he knows what's best for the club. Usmanov and Dein, for me, should return because they love the club and know how to manage it thanks to their love to Arsenal. I think things may change in a positive side for us if they return to the club."
Robert: "The club has been run pretty well. The problem is that I don't think everything they have said can be taken at face value or has been 100% factual. I think the moves and decisions we have made recently have shown our financial situation isn't as rosy as they'd have us believe. If we are actually rolling in money and this is what we're getting, we have every reason to be upset. If we are still somewhat tied down by the stadium deal and simply not able to compete with the "bigger" clubs for another few years then what can you do? I'm not sure which reality is correct or if we'll ever know. Maybe one day Arsene will make a lot of money with a tell-all biography. Basically, it’s our only chance in ever knowing the truth of what has gone on behind the stage for the past five years."
Sina: "Personally I prefer someone like Dein to Gazidis. Someone who knows more how to work in football terms and his connection with Wenger and the way he would advise Arsene. He has been a massive help for him during his years at the club but not sure if at the moment there is chance for him to return. Usmanov would be be the type of sugar-daddy owner so now that we have waited for our self-sustained model and FFP coming we better off Usmanov and give more chances to Kroenke and hopefully he will keep supporting Mr. Wenger.
Finally I have to say that I’m really looking forward to future and which I believe is RED AND WHITE with core of these current youngsters being British. If we start to win trophies, we can dominate for the rest of the decade."
Toni: "As for the Board, I don't really like sticking my nose into their business. As long as they don't interfere with the proceedings on the pitch, Omar Almasri can take over Arsenal for all I care."
Ray:
"I have little interest in board room politics or finances. However I don’t like the idea of having a man with a dubious background on the board of our club (Usmanov). David Dein had his chance and sold out, which puts him in the same category of Nasri as far as I am concerned. So if that leaves us with Gazidis and Kroenke, so be it for now."
My Take:-
As you all can see, there are interesting views and opinions, some vary one another which is expected. Most still voice their support for Arsene Wenger, and I'm one of them. Yes, he has made his mistakes and the team has struggled, but he still is the club's greatest ever manager and I still believe he can get this talented side to win honors and trophies.
Regarding Peter Hill-Wood; I believe it's time for him to leave. He has done great things for his club, him and his family, but over the past six years, he hasn't convinced me that he wants the club to win trophies while caring more on the revenue the club is getting. During the last shareholder meeting, Hill-Wood repeatedly tried to dodge questions which was ridiculous and worrying on his part.
Ivan Gazidis needs to do more, especially regarding the low and pathetic sponsorship deals the club is under. He has done well in convincing Wenger and the club to go on the Asian tour, but needs to do more. He has been less than convincing in the transfer market ever since he became CEO a few years back, and no wonder many are calling for the return of David Dein. The record bids for Yann M'Vila and Mario Gotze that were rejected in the summer, hopefully is a sign that the club is now willing to spend and pay big money for top quality players.
He is beginning to deliver on the sponsorship front and has made deals with Carlsberg, Bettson, Indesit, and the big news being reported by The Express is that the club is looking to end its partnership with Emirates, if it doesn't get a deal worthy of the club's stature and reputation. (Emirates pays the club a paltry 5.5 million pounds a year) These are all good signs that Gazidis and the club is being pro-active on that front, especially as these low deals have affected the club in the transfer front, over the years.
"Silent" Stan Kroenke has finally broken his silence and made an interview with The Telegraph. In that interview, Kroenke praised the Glazers for the way they run Manchester United which was a huge gaffe in my opinion. The Glazers are not liked and have been criticized and protested against by United supporters and have brought by a considerable amount of debt. If that's the way Kroenke wants to run the club, then I'm deeply worried.
On the pitch, though, the team is going through a very good run of form and Robin Van Persie is on fire and has proven himself to be an excellent captain and leader. I must also reserve praise for the excellent performances during this run for Aaron Ramsey, Laurent Koscielny, Gervinho, Tomas Rosicky, Mikel Arteta, Wojciech Szcezsny and Alex Song. They've all been pivotal to the team's run and climb back to the top half of the table. Gervinho is proving to be a great signing and Ramsey is looking like the player we all expect him to become.
Despite my concerns off the pitch, the team has been performing very well and are on an excellent run of form, and Wenger deserves credit for it as well. Let's continue supporting the team and the players, and hopefully this time.... we can get a long-awaited trophy.
I would like to thank everyone who participated, here are their Twitter handles, if you want to follow them:
Debbie Byard- @DebbieB48
Layen Wisdom- @Sheffield Wisdom
Darren Rogers- @kevsat1
Thamer Al Zoubi- @Thamer_alz
Khalid Khan- @KHALIDKhan91
Olasubomi David- @iam_Subby
Muzammil Hussain- @footyfanatic_7
Shrey Sudan- @shreysudan
Gazatta- @GazAtta
Iain Luxford- @Luxinho77
Paul Stubberfield- @ArcadeFireUK
Ahson Nawaz- @a_nawaz
Andres Hernandez- @andresehao
Robert Hodgins- @RobhRyan
Ray Verschoyle- @RayVerschoyle
Sina Tanha- @Sina_TheGunner
Toni Okike- @enigma106
Cheers and take care,
Omar
Follow me on Twitter @OAlmasri
Please take the time to like the site's fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/O-Posts/246405855399432
My Take:-
As you all can see, there are interesting views and opinions, some vary one another which is expected. Most still voice their support for Arsene Wenger, and I'm one of them. Yes, he has made his mistakes and the team has struggled, but he still is the club's greatest ever manager and I still believe he can get this talented side to win honors and trophies.
Regarding Peter Hill-Wood; I believe it's time for him to leave. He has done great things for his club, him and his family, but over the past six years, he hasn't convinced me that he wants the club to win trophies while caring more on the revenue the club is getting. During the last shareholder meeting, Hill-Wood repeatedly tried to dodge questions which was ridiculous and worrying on his part.
Ivan Gazidis needs to do more, especially regarding the low and pathetic sponsorship deals the club is under. He has done well in convincing Wenger and the club to go on the Asian tour, but needs to do more. He has been less than convincing in the transfer market ever since he became CEO a few years back, and no wonder many are calling for the return of David Dein. The record bids for Yann M'Vila and Mario Gotze that were rejected in the summer, hopefully is a sign that the club is now willing to spend and pay big money for top quality players.
He is beginning to deliver on the sponsorship front and has made deals with Carlsberg, Bettson, Indesit, and the big news being reported by The Express is that the club is looking to end its partnership with Emirates, if it doesn't get a deal worthy of the club's stature and reputation. (Emirates pays the club a paltry 5.5 million pounds a year) These are all good signs that Gazidis and the club is being pro-active on that front, especially as these low deals have affected the club in the transfer front, over the years.
"Silent" Stan Kroenke has finally broken his silence and made an interview with The Telegraph. In that interview, Kroenke praised the Glazers for the way they run Manchester United which was a huge gaffe in my opinion. The Glazers are not liked and have been criticized and protested against by United supporters and have brought by a considerable amount of debt. If that's the way Kroenke wants to run the club, then I'm deeply worried.
On the pitch, though, the team is going through a very good run of form and Robin Van Persie is on fire and has proven himself to be an excellent captain and leader. I must also reserve praise for the excellent performances during this run for Aaron Ramsey, Laurent Koscielny, Gervinho, Tomas Rosicky, Mikel Arteta, Wojciech Szcezsny and Alex Song. They've all been pivotal to the team's run and climb back to the top half of the table. Gervinho is proving to be a great signing and Ramsey is looking like the player we all expect him to become.
Robin Van Persie... a player in the form of his life
Despite my concerns off the pitch, the team has been performing very well and are on an excellent run of form, and Wenger deserves credit for it as well. Let's continue supporting the team and the players, and hopefully this time.... we can get a long-awaited trophy.
I would like to thank everyone who participated, here are their Twitter handles, if you want to follow them:
Debbie Byard- @DebbieB48
Layen Wisdom- @Sheffield Wisdom
Darren Rogers- @kevsat1
Thamer Al Zoubi- @Thamer_alz
Khalid Khan- @KHALIDKhan91
Olasubomi David- @iam_Subby
Muzammil Hussain- @footyfanatic_7
Shrey Sudan- @shreysudan
Gazatta- @GazAtta
Iain Luxford- @Luxinho77
Paul Stubberfield- @ArcadeFireUK
Ahson Nawaz- @a_nawaz
Andres Hernandez- @andresehao
Robert Hodgins- @RobhRyan
Ray Verschoyle- @RayVerschoyle
Sina Tanha- @Sina_TheGunner
Toni Okike- @enigma106
Cheers and take care,
Omar
Follow me on Twitter @OAlmasri
Please take the time to like the site's fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/O-Posts/246405855399432
A blog that talks about random stuff, issues, topics, anything that comes into my head. I speak my mind and I express my thoughts in my own unique and passionate way,
I hope it's a good read and that you fellow readers notice my passion.
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