The Official 2010/11 Thread for Arsenal F.C.

[Barnet Flame]

Anyone complaining about the standard of NHL refs should take a long hard look at the S*** we saw here today.

[KevanGuy]

Originally Posted by Barnet Flame

Anyone complaining about the standard of NHL refs should take a long hard look at the S*** we saw here today.

No kidding. That Best goal wasn't offside!

[Finny61]

That game against Newcastle really soured my weekend.

[GirlySports]

Maybe the game and the refs weren't so weird after all

Interpol Investigating Arsenal/Newcastle Draw

France State TV is reporting that Interpol, the International Police Agency, are investigating the Arsenal/Newcastle draw from the weekend, centering in on odd betting patterns. The alleged investigation includes Arsenal winger Tomas Rosicky, whose foul was allegedly the cause of the second Newcastle penalty. Also under investigation is referee Phil Dowd. Arsenal will allegedly make a statement on this tomorrow.

[GirlySports]

or not

Nice job, France

[Montana Moe]

Szczesny after the Arshavin goal. He played great, and his enthusiasm is infectious!

[Addick]

Szczesny Update

Wegner Needs Keeper Cover
Injury To Szczesny Leaves Almunia Gunners' Only Senior Keeper

11 March 2011
Sky Sports
Ben Collins

Arsene Wenger is set to seek permission to sign a goalkeeper on loan after it was confirmed Wojciech Szczesny will be out for around six weeks.

The 20-year-old Pole, who started the season as third-choice keeper, suffered a dislocated finger early on during Tuesday night's UEFA Champions League defeat at Barcelona.

Complete Article

[NBC]

Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann set to rejoin Arsenal

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/12735013.stm

[Addick]

As a Charlton supporter this hurts, especially with our recent fortunes. However, at least he's chosen my second favourite club and one that will give him the tools and opportunities to develop into a special player.

Charlton Starlet Snubs Deal, Paving Way To Join Arsenal

25 March 2011
Evening Standard
Ian Gibb

Arsenal are in pole position to sign Charlton youngster Carl Jenkinson in the summer after the defender rejected a new contract.

The 19-year-old only returned on loan from Conference side Eastbourne Borough in December but has attracted interest from a number of top‑flight clubs.

Complete Article

[d_phaneuf]

definitely some tapping up going on, read a bit about him sounds like he could be a good player

[Montana Moe]

So, Kroenke... What does everyone think?

One of the things that drew me to Arsenal was the publicly owned angle, and that will likely become window dressing. Perhaps it already was? I certainly think he'll be a better steward of the club than Usmanov, and most of the bloggers I've read (English and American) seem to think of it as a positive.

Seems like he's a behind the scenes type owner. Will he give Wenger the tools he truly needs to see the results that Arsenal expects?

Perhaps we'll see a North American tour?

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by Montana Moe

So, Kroenke... What does everyone think?

One of the things that drew me to Arsenal was the publicly owned angle, and that will likely become window dressing. Perhaps it already was? I certainly think he'll be a better steward of the club than Usmanov, and most of the bloggers I've read (English and American) seem to think of it as a positive.

Seems like he's a behind the scenes type owner. Will he give Wenger the tools he truly needs to see the results that Arsenal expects?

Perhaps we'll see a North American tour?

the supporters trust said they don't want to sell their shares

[Montana Moe]

I read that, but if Kroenke eventually gets to a certain percentage, I believe he can force them to do so.

Not that I necessarily think that's something he'd want to do.

[DeanOMac]

Originally Posted by Montana Moe

I read that, but if Kroenke eventually gets to a certain percentage, I believe he can force them to do so.

Not that I necessarily think that's something he'd want to do.

90% is the target if Kroenke wanted to force a sale of all remaining shares and delist from the PLUS stock exchange.
However he has indicated that is not something he is interested in doing.
I believe the Arsenal Supporter's Trust would be helpless to stop a delisting as I think their stake is less than 10%, but I haven't seen anythign written that indicates the exact size of their position.

All that information doesn't matter though because Usmanov who holds 27% has officially declined to sell his shares to Kroenke (who had to submit a mandatory bid for getting too large a %age of shares).

As for any changes that will be made, I don't think so. Kroenke is known for running his teams in a self-sustaining way and is not going to invest more into Arsenal then what is made (unlike Abrahmovic).

I think it will likely remain as the status quo, with no change in transfer policy, although Wenger may have to worry in the future (Kroenke has pledged to keep the board and Wenger for now), since Kroenke has been known to fire unsuccessful managers.

[Addick]

Originally Posted by Montana Moe

Seems like he's a behind the scenes type owner. Will he give Wenger the tools he truly needs to see the results that Arsenal expects?

Perhaps we'll see a North American tour?

A tap upside the head?

I think, and hope, the most we'll see is an Asian Tour. I'm not a big fan of the tours abroad, they are tiresome and tacky.

Originally Posted by DeanOMac

All that information doesn't matter though because Usmanov who holds 27% has officially declined to sell his shares to Kroenke (who had to submit a mandatory bid for getting too large a %age of shares).

If Usmanov wants to throw a final parting shot, over time he could sell his shares to the AST to see them gain 11%. It might not be much of a shot as I don't think Kroenke wants to make the club private but it would take a little power away from him.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Got tickets to Arsenal v United end of the month!
My first live prem match, and what a way to start!

[Addick]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

Got tickets to Arsenal v United end of the month!
My first live prem match, and what a way to start!

Please tell me you are at least a Red Member or if not, that you paid over £100!

What a way to start though! Where are you sitting, North Bank?

[Saint Troy]

I'm good with Kroenke, especially with the Fiszman endorsement on his deathbed. Hopefully he spurs Wenger to actually buy and augment the club.

[Addick]

What pisses me off about today is that we get blasted for not having enough heart, rightly or wrongly, but when we show some grit all the decisions go against us. It's not always the case, but today I thought we created enough solid chances to claw back and get a point but...

I love football!

[DeanOMac]

Back in 2009:

Arsene Wenger has admitted that if Arsenal do not end their trophy drought in the next "one or two years" his strategy for the club will have failed.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/foot...al/8051143.stm

I'd say his project has failed. Not saying to can him, but maybe it is time to admit defeat and spend some money. Perhaps he finally agrees:
http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2...er/gnid-95306/



Asian Tour to raise commercial revenues (and hopefully transfer funds):
http://www.sportinglife.com/football...rsenal&BID=315


Also record TV revenues in the premier league this year, which means more funds potentially (although this money competes with everyone else who also get more money):
http://football365.co.uk/story/0,170...950092,00.html


Bendtner & Denilson are out (even more money):
http://football365.co.uk/story/0,170...946418,00.html
http://football365.co.uk/story/0,170...941359,00.html


I'ts been nice having this built in excuse that we are broke and are trying to win the "right" way. Sadly you can't win the premier league, FA Cup, Champions League or even the Carling Cup (apparently) with a mostly youth built team, unless you have the Man United class of 1992 (we clearly do not).

With this new money coming in, the loads of cash on hand and a supposed new transfer policy there is no excuse to at least sign a couple 10-15 million quid, Scott Parker type players. I don't expect Aguerro, Benzema, Hazard or other expensive signings, but Parker, Samba/Cahill, would be a nice start.


If by busy summer, he meant more of this, I'll be pissed (although the kid does look quite good):

The Finnish Football Association have confirmed that Arsenal have signed Carl Jenkinson from Charlton Athletic. A compensation package of around £1 million has been agreed.
http://younggunsblog.co.uk/2011/05/f...ign-jenkinson/