Friday, April 20, 2007

Dein Departs


The Takeover Tale took another new twist, as Arsenal announced some shocking news. Vice-chairman, David Dein has resigned from the Club, much to the astonishment of many football fans. The apparent reason for this parting of the ways, is "irreconcilable differences" between Dein and other members of the board. It is believed that the majority of the Arsenal board were against a possible takeover from American billionaire, Stan Kroenke, but David Dein, the man who brought Arsene Wenger to the club, disagreed. It is thought that Dein and Kroenke were good friends and will help eachother in order to help the club.

So here's the "plan". Kroenke now has a 12% stake in Arsenal but needs 29% to take control. Dein has 14% and is likely to let Kroenke "borrow" his stake in order to complete a takeover. If this is completed, then it is more than possible that Dein will be back at Arsenal, possibly as chairman. I am all for this and in these circumstances would be happy with a takeover from Kroenke, as it seems he wants the best for The Gunners. David Dein is an essential part of the club so we need him back. If it requires members of the board leaving; so be it. I would love to see Kroenke own the club as he seems like a nice, genuine guy who has a love for Sport. I feel he will help us on our road to glory but we also need 'DD' back. With Dein as chairman, and with the backing of Kroenke's money, we could be a real force to be reckoned with.

But let us not forget this may not happen. Even if Kroenke does obtain Dein's shares he does not have enough. So what if Fiszman and Lady Bracewell-Smith (major shareholders) do not sell? It could all go wrong and without his friend Dein, it looks unlikely that Wenger will sign a new contract. However, I am optimistic and hope to see no problems in the future.

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