By Andrew Warshaw
August 20 – In a rare show of defiance against one of English football’s most successful managers, Arsenal fans have urged the club to put on hold any new deal for Arsene Wenger until and unless there is strong investment in players and results improve.
Although the new Premier League season is less than one week old, the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust (AST) say extending Wenger’s contract – which expires at the end of this season – is currently “inappropriate”.
The Gunners have not won a trophy for eight years and began the season with a 3-1 home defeat by Aston Villa, prompting exasperated supporters to voice their feelings about the lack of spending during the summer.
Arsenal’s chief executive Ivan Gazidis has steadfastly stood by Wenger who has been charge since October 1996. But a statement from AST read: “In recent weeks Ivan Gazidis has spoken of the club’s intent to offer Arsene Wenger a new contract. The AST believes this is inappropriate.
“A decision on whether to offer an extension to the manager’s contract which ends in May 2014 should only be taken following the closing of the transfer window and assessment of the team’s performances in the weeks ahead.
“Considerable improvement must be shown for us to be convinced this should happen, and we believe that other senior football appointments must come first.
“The failings we highlighted in Arsene Wenger holding far too much power have only been amplified in recent weeks. These must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
“For now the club’s entire focus must be on using the remaining days of the transfer window to strengthen the team significantly.”
Stan Kroenke, the club’s American majority shareholder, has also been singled out by the AST, who charged him with being “ultimately responsible” for the club’s failings.
“Stan Kroenke does not attend many Arsenal matches nor does he seem to have the time to devote to the affairs of Arsenal. But it is clear to all the football personnel he is ultimately responsible for our failing,” the statement said.
The AST’s concerns have been echoed by another Arsenal fans’ group, the Black Scarf Movement, who have written to Gazidis highlighting the “poisonous” atmosphere at the club and demanding action in the transfer market with an estimated £70m reportedly available.
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