Arsènal Read online

  This electronic edition published by Vision Sports Publishing in 2010

  Vision Sports Publishing

  2 Coombe Gardens,

  London SW20 0QU

  www.visionsp.co.uk

  Epub ISBN 978-1907637-04-9

  Book ISBN 978-1905326-60-0

  Text © Alex Fynn and Kevin Whitcher

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

  This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

  Editor: Jim Drewett

  Copy editor: Ian Turner

  Cover design: David Hicks

  Proofreading: Clive Batty

  A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

  To Sir Paul Fox for enriching my sporting life, and Tommy Mooney, a good man

  Alex Fynn

  For Jay and Frank

  Kevin Whitcher

  CONTENTS

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  PREFACE

  PROLOGUE

  CHAPTER ONE CHANGE OF HEART

  CHAPTER TWO TWO STEPS BACK AND ONE FORWARD

  CHAPTER THREE A BREAK FROM THE PAST

  CHAPTER FOUR YOUNG AT HEART

  CHAPTER FIVE ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

  CHAPTER SIX TURNING OVER

  CHAPTER SEVEN MOVE ALONG NOW

  CHAPTER EIGHT BUDDY, CAN YOU SPARE ME £260m?

  CHAPTER NINE UP AND RUNNING

  CHAPTER TEN ACCESS NO AREAS

  CHAPTER ELEVEN YESTERDAY’S MEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE TWO STEPS FORWARD AND A HUGE ONE BACK

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN CLOSE, BUT NO CIGAR

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN HIS WAY

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN STORMY WEATHER

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN WINTER OF DISCONTENT

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN NOW OR NEVER

  REVIEWS FOR THE FIRST EDITION

  “Many writers have tried to explain what makes Arsenal a football club that is so widely admired, even by its fiercest rivals. Arsènal comes closer than any previous book, offering a privileged insight into the club's fascinating blend of tradition and innovation and in particular the unique methods and motivations of its figurehead, Arsène Wenger.”

  Andrew Shields, sports editor, Time Out

  “At last – a football book that reflects the spirit of the age. Arsènal: The Making of a Modern Superclub is a forensic account of the boardroom rumblings that have produced a world brand that sells property in London, beer in India and credit cards in Hong Kong. And 90 minutes of football on a Saturday . . . Its chief strength is in the depth of knowledge of Alex Fynn, a former director of Saatchi and Saatchi, and Kevin Whitcher, editor of the fanzine The Gooner, and the different angles from which they approach their club. This means that criticism of the club’s stadium sponsorship, for example, is given in both financial terms – they could have ‘protected the brand’ and made a more lucrative deal – and emotional terms, namely that selling the name to Emirates is just one more way of managing the club as a business with scant regard for the fans or history.”

  Cameron Carter, When Saturday Comes

  “The authors delve deep into the financial fog which currently envelops the Gunners, and attempt to predict Arsenal’s likely trajectory over the next decade. The deep division in public opinion is neatly encapsulated by the book’s two principled principals: Wenger and former vice-chairman David Dein . . . A fascinating read, which reveals the unpalatable economic realities of the modern game.”

  Jon Spurling, FourFourTwo

  “Alex Fynn, recognised as ‘the architect of the Premier League’, has used his extensive contacts, coupled with fanzine editor Kevin Whitcher’s passion and knowledge for all things Arsenal, to produce a superb book focusing on the club’s transformation from a creaking domestic giant in need of a change of direction into a European powerhouse with a £200m turnover during Arsène Wenger’s remarkable tenure.

  “Fynn is one of the chosen few who does have access to Wenger, so his books, and his thoughts, make entertaining reading. While others have to tread carefully Fynn clearly does not and his objectivity and insights are a breath of fresh air.

  “No other book does such an efficient job of covering every nook and cranny of the Wenger years. An excellent, well-crafted read.”

  Hampstead and Highgate Express

  “Offers fascinating insights into how modern football really works.”

  Jewish Chronicle

  “This appealing, high-class homage, not so much to the progressive London football club as to its visionary manager, father-confessor and spiritual counsellor, Frenchman Arsène Wenger . . . . . . skilfully and devotedly makes out the case for his instant beatification. The liaison between Fynn, an admired and established writer, and Whitcher, editor of the club's watchdog fanzine, works seamlessly well; they understand both the ideal and the grit – the creative rhapsodic striving for beauty in a team game as well as the grim and grimy business of it.”

  Frank Keating, www.sportspages.com

  “Between them what Alex Fynn and Kevin Whitcher don't know about Arsenal is probably not worth knowing and reading between the lines of this impressive volume there may still be more to come from this saga. What's for sure though is that this title covers a lot of background information not touched elsewhere.

  “It ranges from David Dein's rise and fall together with both his deals and his clandestine dealings, kit and naming rights that are costing us dear, property speculation, superfluous stars, Wenger's ruthlessness, the rise and fall of Edelman, the scouting system, financial problems, transfer budgets, boardroom sackings, lock-downs, the advent of foreign investors, work stopping on the new stadium and much more all set against a background of Le Boss building three quite separate teams.

  “It’s a compelling read. Any Arsenal fan with an interest beyond just the football will enjoy it and many a Club Chairman and Director will find it seriously enlightening.”

  Arsenal World (arsenal-world.co.uk)

  “As a starting point, this book should definitely be read by all Arsenal fans; it is a clear and concisely explained journey that sits comfortably alongside the best books about the club.

  A Cultured Left Foot (aculturedleftfoot.wordpress.com)

  About the Authors

  Alex Fynn is a football consultant who has advised several clubs including Arsenal on media and marketing. The Sunday Times called him “the spiritual godfather of the Premier League.” Kevin Whitcher is the editor of the highly influential Arsenal fanzine, The Gooner, and the author of Gunning for the Double – the Story of Arsenal’s 1997/98 Season. The pair have previously collaborated on The Glorious Game – Arsène Wenger, Arsenal and the Quest for Success.

  ALSO BY THE AUTHORS

  By Alex Fynn and Kevin Whitcher

  The Glorious Game

  By Alex Fynn

  The Secret Life of Football (with Lynton Guest)

  Heroes and Villains (with Lynton Guest)

  Out of Time (with Lynton Guest)

  For Love or Money (with Lynton Guest)

  Dream On (with H. Davidson)

  Cantona on Cantona (with Eric Cantona)

  The Great Divide (with Olivia Blair)

  By Kevin Whitcher

  Gunning for the Double – the Story of Arsenal’s 1997/98 Season

  ACKNOWL
EDGEMENTS

  It will be apparent from the text that many people contributed to this book. Of course without the assistance of a number of key individuals it could not possibly have been written. First and foremost amongst them are Arsène and Annie Wenger for permitting the periodic intrusions to their limited and precious family time and the invaluable insights provided.

  Fulsome thanks are also due to Peter Hill-Wood and of course David Dein.

  In addition to the key protagonists mentioned above there were a number of people, some of whom, like Tony Banfield and Alan Smith, are quoted directly, and others who wish to preserve their anonymity. We thank them all for their contributions.

  Brian Dawes, Charlie Ashmore, Greville Waterman, Alex Phillips and Mel Goldberg read parts of the manuscript and their suggestions invariably improved it.

  Simon Inglis, Antony Spencer, GGK, Ian Henry, Bernard Azulay, Alex Laidman, Michael Farmer, Howard Lamb and Marcia Milnes were terrific sources of information. The Gooner publisher Mike Francis is also owed thanks for his tolerance whilst Kevin’s attention was occasionally diverted from the ‘day job’.

  Usually the publishers are thanked as a matter of course. In this instance this would do scant justice to the skill, commitment and consideration of both Jim Drewett and Toby Trotman. Without them there simply would not be a book. Ian Turner and Clive Batty certainly improved the writing and offered some valuable suggestions.

  Back at home, thanks are due to Jay, Frank, Rhoda, Danielle and Tamara for their patience, understanding and on occasion specific help.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FOR THE SECOND EDITION

  With the addition of four new chapters covering the 2008/09 season, there are more thanks that have to be conveyed. To some of the main cast – Arsène Wenger, Peter Hill-Wood, David Dein, Antony Spencer and Alan Smith – it is a case of thanks again. To others, namely Ivan Gazidis, Ken Friar and Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith, an equal debt of gratitude is owed for the consideration and insights provided.

  Alex Phillips, Brian Dawes and Mel Goldberg again read the manuscript and made invaluable suggestions. Ian Tanner and Ian Henry also provided insights.

  Excellent sources of information for both the first edition of the book and this update included the following websites: arseweb, arseblog, ANR, arsenal-world and arsenal.com. Equally valuable sources comprised The Gooner, the Deloitte Annual Review of Football Finance, l’Equipe, France Football and the indefatigable duo of Xavier Rivoire and Philippe Auclair [aka Louis Philippe]. Thanks are also due to Arsenal TV.

  Andrew Shields, Andrew Sherwood, Jem Maidment, Pat Mooney, Ian Corne and Richard Portugal admirably supported the hardback. And once again, the publishers Jim Drewett and Toby Trotman performed over and above the call of duty.

  PREFACE

  In 1996, the year of Arsène Wenger’s arrival, Arsenal’s turnover was £21 million. In 2007, after his eleventh season, it was over £200 million. Of course football has changed dramatically in the intervening period. The Premier League, Sky Television, the money, the pace of the game, the fitness of the players, the foreign stars, the money, the stadia, the fans, the kit, the merchandising, the marketing, even the rules and . . . the money. However, at Arsenal there have been more changes than almost anywhere else. Changes that are largely the result of one man’s vision and philosophy. Arsènal recounts how the ‘Boring Boring Arsenal’ of yesteryear became the great entertainers and superclub of today.

  The seeds were sown with the arrival of David Dein in the boardroom in 1983 and continued apace – wondrous deeds on the field being the catalyst for dramatic change off it – taking his (temporary?) demise in 2007 in its stride. Ever onwards and upwards.

  The second season in a new 21st century stadium which enabled the club to play catch up on Manchester United and overtake practically everyone else in Europe en route seemed a convenient time to take stock of events. With a young team and financial restrictions, expectations were that Arsenal would mark time in 2007/08. But once again Arsène Wenger confounded the sceptics.

  Having revolutionised Arsenal, there is still a triumphant ending to be written. But in the meantime here is the story of how a few dedicated men and one unique individual transformed a patrician institution into one of the world’s few genuine superclubs.

  Alex Fynn and Kevin Whitcher, July 2008

  PREFACE FOR SECOND EDITION

  In the dying embers of the 1995/96 season two post-80th minute strikes from a pair of expensive Italian imports, David Platt and Dennis Bergkamp, secured a 2-1 victory over Bolton and sent Highbury into raptures at the prospect of a fifth place finish and UEFA Cup football. Thirteen years on, after the supposedly underwhelming return of Champions League and FA Cup semi-finals, Arsène Wenger’s dispirited summing up of the 2008/09 campaign (that also secured a twelfth consecutive crack at the Champions League) was that “I have never worked so hard or been criticised so much.”

  How had events reached such an impasse? Here are four new chapters which attempt to explain, with the help of the key protagonists, the fissures in what was believed to be a love story without end and how – with both parties wary of what they might wish for – a reconciliation was effected. At least for the immediate future. Arsène Wenger’s current contract expires in 2011.

  Alex Fynn and Kevin Whitcher, July 2009

  PROLOGUE

  WHAT’S NEXT?

  There is a fork in the road where Barnet Lane intersects with Totteridge Lane in north London. Habitually, the silver Mercedes bears left past the church heading for home a few hundred yards further on. Today, though, the driver takes the slip road on the right towards Mill Hill and a couple of minutes later pulls into the driveway of his destination.

  Since he heard the sensational news that April afternoon, he has been turning over in his mind the possible implications, and is apprehensive as to what the next few minutes might bring.

  After an affectionate greeting between two old friends, Arsène Wenger comes straight to the point. “Do you want me to resign?” he asks.

  David Dein is still reeling from his, in his own words, “brutal” dismissal earlier in the day – out of the blue he had been handed a letter terminating his directorship at the club he loved after 24 years. Whilst foe and friend alike were dumbfounded by the abruptness of the sacking, in the words of one of the latter, “David was an accident waiting to happen.” Emboldened as ever by the belief which transformed itself into a mantra over the years, to justify contentious decisions – “I would never do anything to harm Arsenal: I would always act in Arsenal’s interest” – he had walked a tightrope ever since the move from Highbury had been prioritised over team building.

  Stepping outside his specific responsibility for the playing side, his increasingly independent actions had brought him into conflict with the rest of the board. Haunted by the spectre of being overwhelmed by the huge spending power of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool and his European rivals, especially Real Madrid, Barcelona, Milan and Internazionale, he was determined to ensure that Arsène Wenger had a comparable war chest. Unfortunately, his search for a wealthy benefactor, especially his clandestine wooing of the American sports entrepreneur, Stan Kroenke, was an irrevocable step too far for his colleagues. His Arsenal role had enabled him to secure an executive seat at the FA, UEFA and G14 and in his favour he encompassed the broader view that those responsibilities entailed. To the regret of the football authorities, at home and abroad, if not his fellow Arsenal directors, he was now yesterday’s man. And to add to the ignominy, like a miscreant he had been forced to clear his desk and receive an escort from the Highbury House office building adjacent to the Emirates Stadium.

  “No,” Dein replied to Wenger’s suggestion that he might resign, “I don’t think that would be in the best interests of Arsenal.”

  It was the answer Wenger must have been hoping for. Only a few weeks before, he and his wife, Annie, had decided to stay in London (though in fact it would be some months before he would eventual
ly get round to renewing his contract) and had settled on the new school where their daughter, Léa, would begin her secondary education. Besides, he could sense a conclusion to the most exasperating time of his Arsenal tenure. Never allowing himself to luxuriate in the euphoria of victory, it was always onwards and upwards to meet the next challenge. For the fact that, despite having the personnel capable of doing so, Arsenal had never retained the Premiership title or even once won the Champions League, Wenger blamed himself. He felt he had failed; he had certainly failed to live up to his own high expectations.

  He was unconcerned about leaving a legacy. Certainly, titles and cups had been won with panache and the innovative training ground and superb playing facilities in the new stadium had been developed according to his precise specifications. But he regarded them only as a means to an end – to facilitate the chances of perpetuating the winning habit and to do so with a flourish. What mattered most was today, the next match, this season.

  Paradoxically, limited in how much he could spend on wages and transfers, Wenger had been forced to concentrate on what he enjoyed above all about his job – finding and developing young talent. Now, as the 2007/08 season beckoned, anticipated revenue from his club’s new home, for the first time in over two years, would give him money to sprinkle on a star or two to add to the precocious squad he had assembled.

  The timing appeared propitious. He could only be optimistic, certain that the new season would see definite progress with the following campaign bringing probable fulfilment. If he left now, there would always be the nagging doubt of what might have been.

  Relieved and reassured, he could now concentrate on his mission. There was work to be done and a genuinely exciting future on the horizon. Looking ahead, he had the feeling the best was yet to come.

  CHAPTER ONE