Board Games

The takeover of Liverpool leaves Arsenal as the only one of the ‘big four’ without a significant backer. I’ve seen the current influx of investment described as ‘Premiership monopoly’, an interesting analogy.

The difference between the board game and the current high stakes contest is that success is not guaranteed by who has the most houses and hotels. The key assets are the sixteen players that are put on the park every week.

With that in mind you cannot attach too much importance to the position of Arsene Wenger. ‘Le Boss’ has kept Arsenal in the top echelon by scouring the world for the best young talent, and the fruit of that policy is currently in the process of ripening.

Wenger is currently engrossed in the chase for four competitions, which will probably delay talks on extending his existing contract until the summer. I’m told he has no intention of leaving at the end of next season, but will play hardball over the terms for his continuing services.

Peter Hill-Wood’s assertion that he sees no problems with the renewal is an indication that the board will do whatever it takes to secure the professor for another term. Nonetheless, I will only breathe a sigh of relief when the ink is dry on the contract.

The last time I saw the split of the club’s shareholding, Danny Fiszman had 25%, Lady Bracewell-Smith 16%, David Dein 15%, and ITV 10%. The relationship between Fiszman and Dein is pivotal, and any indication that Wenger would not be around in the longer term might well have them considering their options.

Gooners everywhere should think long and hard about taking the moral high ground in any debate. Liverpool fans, having been among the most vociferous critics of what has happened at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford, are now taking spoonfuls of humble pie.

Arsenal are perfectly positioned to withstand any interest IF THAT IS WHAT THE MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS WISH TO DO. The potential profits from the Highbury development and increased attendances must be a powerful incentive to stay and complete the magnificent project they have undertaken.

That will however require Wenger to continue his remarkable work and keep the club competitive on the pitch without the readies available to his main competitors. When he eventually leaves, we may be praying for that significant investor to come along. Let’s hope the last dice hasn’t been thrown by the time that day arrives.