Its the boards fault that Arsenal are stuck in a power struggle. They should have known that with all the foreign investors lining up that there would be interest in Arsenal. They screwed the Arsenal fans on 2 fronts and have nobody but themselves to blame for what’s happening right now.

1, They knew the ITV shares were up for grabs but never made a point of buying them. Why? What did they think would happen to them? If they are so united in their stance against foreign ownership then why did they not buy those shares?

2, Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer! The board are idiots for allowing one of the biggest share holders to flog his shares to anyone he chose. They should never have fired Dein. Hill-Wood said yesterday that the Arsenal board had always known that Dein was a seller. Ok? If that’s the case then what did the board do to ensure that he sold to the right people or even better to them? Nothing! Are the board consolidating their position? NO! Collectively they own less than 50% of the club. There are still a lot of shares out there and the Russian has the money to slowly increase his stake. What are the board going to do once he becomes the majority share holder? Continue to refuse him or his lackey DD access?

I am sorry to say this but the Arsenal board are losing control. And the likes of Arseblog and Gunnerblog and so many others out there can say all they want about how rosy our current board are but I blame them 100% for the situation we are currently in. There should NEVER have been an opportunity for the Russian or the American to buy so many shares. Dammit man, I understand the Dein situation was a little more complicated but the ITV shares to Kroenke?

I seriously do not want Arsenal owned by some scum bag Russian and the fact that he is such a big shareholder already has me worried. The board have a lock down agreement until April. What then?

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

A spell at Arsenal without Henry at the club could very well convince Reyes to give it another go. Now before everybody starts bleating I think its good to understand a few things first.

The weather was not the main cause of Reyes becoming unsettled and unhappy at Arsenal. I am sure everyone remembers those first three months of his first full season in the red and white. We witnessed a player with tremendous skill and boy were we excited. 5 goals in 6 games had everybody sitting up and taking notice. Not only was this kid fast and deadly but he was a fighter. No matter how hard he was kicked he never stopped running.

Now the next part is a personal feeling of mine so I will take no offence to criticism on this. Henry did not like Reyes! He showed it on the pitch and slowly but surely the performances of Reyes dropped and he struggled for form. I remember the incident on the radio interview when his mother referred to “Very bad people in the dressing room”. Could she have been talking about Henry?

Reyes would fit into the new look Arsenal very well and be in a position to rebuild his career and his reputation. Right now he wants to go, for sure but it is becoming more and more obvious that no club is going to meet Arsenals evaluation of the player. We have already said no to 2 offers from Madrid and their hasn’t been a third. Lyon say they want him but they too seem unwilling to meet our demands. Wenger will not sell simply because he has to get rid of the player. Gallas is pure evidence of that. Chelsea thought they held all the cards with Cole and tried to leave it till the last minute. It cost them their title, I firmly believe that! And I don’t think he will be allowed to go out on loan for a second year.

What I also believe is that if Reyes is forced to return to Arsenal, perhaps come January he might enjoy playing in an Arsenal side without Henry in it. Maybe we could see the Reyes every Arsenal fan got so excited about just 2 and half years ago.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

There was a time, 2 years ago and more, when the thought of Henry leaving Arsenal had me in a cold sweat.

He was at that time Mr Arsenal, everything that made us who we were and epitomized the football we played. Add to that the presence on the field and those amazing goals, I wonder now what is going to happen? I have taken some time out, away from the tabloids and had a good look at the last two seasons with Henry as Captain. Here is my conclusion:

This move is best for Arsenal.

Henry was never my first choice for Captain and I still believe he has never been a great one. Not a terrible one for sure but I don’t think he was ever able to lift Arsenal up on his own the way Paddy or Adams was able to do. So in that respect Wenger can now look to promote a real leader in our team. Gilberto is probably the obvious choice but I would prefer to see a younger player be given the responsibility. If Diaby could prove he can play a full season without getting injured he would be my choice but perhaps Toure could be the man for Wenger.

Henry was almost un-droppable. It didn’t matter how badly he was playing it was almost as though it was against the rules to drop him or substitute him. No player is bigger than the club but I got a sense that Henry himself perhaps thought he was. I refer to his moaning about DD and even his demands for signings.

He was one of the main reasons Reyes became unsettled. There is no worse feeling than being berated for a mistake by your captain. Now imagine having it done in front of thousands of people + millions watching on tv? Henry did this to Reyes countless times and he has done it with Robin Van Persie. That will now stop, one thing I am very happy about.

If Henry was having an off day we would play an entire game with 10 men. It was almost as though he refused to get involved. The youngsters in the team would never call to him on the pitch to get into the game, because well he is Thierry Henry of course. Now all the players will be on equal playing terms, another big plus for this young team.

Van Persie will revel in the new role of being the main striker.

Personally I am sad to see Henry leave and would have loved to see him stay for one more year. However this is football and players come and go. I can only wish him all the best at Barcelona. But if you look at his career then the following hold true. We signed him for 10 million when he was a nobody. The following 10 years he produced the most sublime football ever seen in the Premiership. He was somebody. He is now in his 30′s and we have sold him for 6 million more than we bought him for. Yes it is probably a tad low but there might be other things in the fee we don’t know about. Remember he will never be as good as he was. So to sum up. We sold him for a profit and got the best out of him. Not bad business.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Since all the takeover news broke with Kroenke buying up Arsenal’s shares I have kind of not really worried too much about the whole thing. For me, what happens, happens. Arsenal will survive and thrive! The one thing I really didn’t like though was Dein being forced to leave Arsenal. The man that has brought so much success to the club, namely Wenger.

Peter Hill-Wood has always been at Arsenal but you rarely heard him speak and you almost forgot that he was the Chairman. Now since everything happened the guy is constantly in the news and from what I have learned of this guy in just 1 month scares the living shit out of me.

If you own/run a successful business of any kind you want to know the people who are investing into it. You don’t want some mobster investing money and potentially risking your future and that of your family. So you make a point of getting to know that person immediately!

If you own less than 1% of the company and from no where someone buys 12% then he is affectively a bigger share holder than you. Show some respect and don’t mouth off to the press and effectively insult and humiliate this person.

Here is my biggest problem though. Here is an article run in the Guardian about an upcoming meeting between Hill-Wood and Kroenke and the chairman’s comments about the future of Arsene Wenger at Arsenal:

Hill-Wood also denied reports that Arsène Wenger is considering quitting the club in protest at Dein’s departure, continuing: “I wasn’t at Portsmouth for the last game of the season, but I’ve spoken to colleagues who were and they had a chat with (Wenger) and said he seemed very happy.”

They say? Really, they say! Seemed? Hill-Wood should be doing everything in his power to ensure Wenger stays at Arsenal beyond his contract. He should not be relying on reports from people who have people close to the source! I get a very bad feeling about this guy. He is constantly saying the wrong things in the media and if the board feel they are more than able to run the club going forward then its time to put their money where their mouths are.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Take a moment to smile at the arrogance of Jose Mourinho and that little twerp Ashley Cole.

2 Years ago they decided to go behind Arsenals backs and have a secret meeting. Cole denied the meeting and Jose showed his true colours by blatantly lying to the world! “I have never met the boy. I was in Milan at the time.”

Less than a week later the truth came out and suddenly everything was Arsenals fault. We suffered the following season and Cole and Jose didn’t help by constantly talking to the media about Wenger and the club. Wenger was called a voyeur and so much more.

The season ended on a high for us with a small matter of a CL final to play and we witnessed a lack lustre un inspired performance by Cole. His time was clearly up and we knew he would go. None of us wanted him to go to Chelsea but when it was clear that no other team wanted him, (Who can blame them?) Chelsea was the only destination.

Once again though they showed their true colours by not coming to the party with the money. They held all the cards, all we had was a turd of a player that needed to go. Chelsea refused to budge and as the transfer window came to a close it was desperation time. Chelsea had a player that didn’t want to be at SB anymore in Gallas. A swap deal was negotiated + 5 million to Arsenal. Jose was furious because everything was done at the last minute, leaving him no time to replace Gallas.

Arsenal fans asked the question: Who got the better deal?

Well. Cole would have added nothing extra to Arsenal this season points wise. I don’t think he could have done any better than Clichy. Gallas had a stop start season for us but contributed when he did play, but probably didn’t bring in a wow factor.

Cole brought nothing special to Chelsea and that was proven each and every time Bridge played. As a matter of fact I think Bridge played a better game all around.

Chelsea suffered defensively a lot this season. There is no doubt that Gallas was sorely missed. Had Gallas remained at Chelsea would they have conceded as many goals? It’s difficult but Chelsea fans called him their best defender over Terry.

Personally I have no doubt now that Arsenal got the better deal. Yes Gallas hasn’t had the best season for us, but his move definitely had a negative affect on Chelsea. Even cost them their title?

I wonder If Jose realises that two years ago when he arranged to meet with Cole he was plotting his own downfall. Perhaps he will be at SB next season but if not could that one move be enough to convince Abramovich to push him out?

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

There is no doubt that William Gallas happens to be one of the finest defenders in the world today. He brings versatility to Arsenal and a presence that seems unmovable at times (although in his language versatility means he only wants to play in one position and things must be done on his terms!).

But my question is this: with all the added problems that comes with that talent, do we really care about what happens to Gallas come summer?

15 million from Real would be very tempting for Arsenal if you ask me and pave the way for Wenger to possibly bring in a genuine center-back to Arsenal with the presence of mind to do his talking on the pitch, and perhaps do some defending at set pieces.

Gallas is pushing 30. He added nothing special to the Gunners and apart from one or two good performances I can’t remember a fantastic game where I sat back and said thank God for William Gallas. Yes he was injured for lengthy periods and never had a chance to settle and I would like to hear other views on this. Gallas no doubt comes with a huge salary, coupled with the aggravation of an over inflated ego. We would be better off without him.

15 million to Real? Yes please!!!

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

I found it a little curious when Hill Wood spoke so passionately about the refusal of the major shareholders to sell across the Atlantic. It wasn’t his words that raised the eyebrow but rather his lack of mention of David Dein who is also a major shareholder.

Dein has been without a doubt the most influential player in Arsenals recent success, so what did he have to say? This morning’s breaking news about DD leaving the club tells me one thing. He supports the take over bid and is willing to sell his own shares to make it happen.

DD has spent quite a bit of time in America recently and following his 3 hour meeting with Wenger after the City game tells me two things. Dein has made a deal with Kroenke to offload his shares and has most likely been told that once the take over has been completed he will once again be put in charge of running the club.

I wouldn’t be surprised if his meeting with Wenger was to reassure him of what was about to happen in the few days to come. Dein would quit, sell his shares and then once the takeover has been completed would be reinstated in the running of the club.

The tabloids and supporters of other clubs will quickly jump on the wagon entitled Doom and Gloom and do there best to instil uncertainty and dread in our hearts.

But for me, supporting Arsenal for 30 years I have seen the genius of Dein on a regular basis. He is a self-made millionaire and the ONLY reason Arsenal is who they are today. We owe him more than any other and we know that his heart and soul has and always will be with Arsenal. So if anything we can accept that what is about to come is the best thing possible for our club.

I know many of my Arsenal friends are against a take over. We don’t want to go the route of the other big clubs. If that’s the case then why don’t we have a squad full of English players? Arsenal is a world wide brand and an attractive investment.

Currently we are looking at reaching all financial goals in 15 years. If, no, when the takeover happens we will be there in 5.

This is not the situation of Chelsea where we are being taken over by a criminal. Not Man-U where massive loans need to be taken out to buy the shares. Not Liverpool where two owners need to join forces.

This is one reputable man who runs all three of his American franchises for the supporters and through his savvy nature has made billions! His clubs are successful because he gives the fans teams that they want to see play.

Dein is the driving force behind this take over. Hill Wood released his statement 30 minutes after a meeting with Dein and then the very same evening they part ways. Expect Dein to sell his shares within the next two weeks, possibly earlier. If that happens the Arsenal takeover could be in place before the start of the new season with Dein reappointed.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

One thing that stands out in football players is the mental strength it takes to play this beautiful game. Ability it seems is nothing without will power.

Jose Antonio Reyes came to Arsenal as a virtual unknown teenager and smashed the transfer record at 17 million pounds. Every Arsenal fan was excited as we watched this kid hold up the red and white. It was unheard off for Wenger to splash out that much money on a kid, no matter how much talent there was.

At first Reyes struggled to adapt but the patience of an Arsenal fan is renowned and we cheered every time he touched the ball. I remember a through ball on his debut and Highbury erupted at the thought of a goal in his first game. It never happened but the signs were there. Even on a cold night in the Carling Cup where Reyes undoubtedly had his worst ever game in his career, ending the night with a goal in his own net, had the faithful Gooners singing his name. We all knew the possibilities and no Gooner out there was about to heap any further pressure on a player that was at that time a crowd favourite.

Then to a FA Cup tie against Chelsea. A game that, if we look back, Chelsea deserved the lead they had. That is until Jose Antonio Reyes announced his arrival with a goal that will forever live in the memory of every Gooner from that time. An absolute screamer that flew into top left hand corner of Chelsea’s goal. Ljungberg was speechless, Vieira was rooted and the Arsenal faithful were practically crying from pure joy for the kid. As we know he even went a step further and wrapped it up for us with a well taken second. And so the relationship began. He got better and better and by the start of the following season had scored 6 goals in as little games.

Suddenly 17 million was a bargain. Reyes had everything! He was loved by every Arsenal fan the world over. So what went wrong? How does a player go from being so settled and fired up to wanting nothing more than a ticket home? Family! He missed his parents, so he bought a house and brought his mother and father over to stay with him. His home was turned into a Spanish castle and everything should have settled. But then we here small things start leaking through the woodworks. His radio interview with the Spanish media. This is what gave it all away. While talking to the DJ there was a quote from his mother in the background repeating a certain phrase “Bad People”. It was not Reyes that despised living in England, it was his mother and possibly his father.

Imagine coming home every night to someone continuously moaning about the whether, the people, the food and everything else. Of’ course it was going to affect him and it got so bad that all he could focus on was getting away. He instigated everything from continuously talking to the Spanish media, refusing to play and even wearing the Real Madrid shirt in public. Did he care that even after everything the Arsenal fans, the players and even Wenger still tried everything to keep him? No. He did not have the mental strength to deal with his issues and get on with the game. He is back in Spain now and playing for the team he wanted. But what is he going to do if Real are not interested in a permanent deal for him and Arsenal doesn’t get a sufficient offer for him come summer? It poses a very interesting question.

Perhaps Reyes can take a leaf out of Cesc’s book? He cost Arsenal virtually nothing and continues to demonstrate a mentality that is both admirable and mature for his age. We may have broken all transfer records with the purchase of Jose Antonio Reyes but Cesc is worth 10 of him both on and off the field.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News