I read many of the blogs and sites relating to The Arsenal, enjoying even those whose opinions I do not always share. I refuse to believe that, ultimately, we don’t all want the same thing – a successful Club with focus and positive direction. Clearly, there is a considerable disparity of opinion as to how that might best be achieved and indeed what success may constitute.

Emotive diatribe is often the consequence of passionate argument. We have seen that within a political context, during the last week: arguably, no general consensus can truly be achieved – much less in the current climate.

Of course, there was no precipitate mass exodus on Sunday; after we finally secured third place. Having said that, I cannot recall the last time there were quite so many empty seats for an end of season game – people not so much walking out, as not walking in. Evidently, the image of swathes of empty seats has resonated – hence the enduring hope that Arsenal remain sufficiently attractive to avoid more regular, potentially damaging abstinence.

The players duly showed their appreciation. (Arsenal.com assured me that the purpose of the lap of appreciation – and I must confess that this disabused me of my previous notion – was primarily for the team to thank the fans). The gesture had been subject of apparent reticence at the end of some away games; despite fans expending considerable sums of time and money in supporting the team.

You may ask – how can I countenance turning my back on Cesc Fabregas or Thomas Vermaelen, after their wonderful contribution this season? With respect, I believe that this is an obtuse response. Clearly, players of their calibre, both signed by Arsene Wenger, are representative of the quality which this Club should retain and further recruit. Patently, certain others are not, although wholesale changes are unrealistic.

Is it fair to ask Fabregas and Vermaelen (I am not discounting other obvious contributors) to compensate for the shortcomings of certain others; running themselves in to the ground in the process? No. However, (the cumulative effect of recent injuries aside) it seems that some continue to be picked – against even the most sympathetic logic – irrespective of performance, input or in some cases, ability. That is surely a direct consequence of policies implemented by Arsene Wenger and the Board.

I referred in my last article to some wonderful memories, great achievements driven by Arsene Wenger. During that period, it would be fair to say that I was spoiled – as we all were – by “fantasy football”. I don’t feel spoiled by the last few seasons – just deflated. Former glories are just that: former.

No one could have accounted for the monetary events at Stamford Bridge or Eastlands, but the reality is – coupled with Spurs’ arguable potential emergence as a “proper” team – that there is no room for error from Arsene Wenger during this summer.

We cannot compete financially, on even terms with Manchester United, Chelsea or Manchester City – or perhaps the next “big thing” that happens to emerge following purchase, as a play thing, by another sugar daddy – and there is certainly a case to cite “financial doping”.

That does not excuse a series of broken promises made by Arsene Wenger, nor his apparent refusal to be open to other possibilities or to listen to advice from key figures with the Club’s best interests at heart. That we are healthier for diversity of opinion was, for me, proven in 2006 – when Martin Keown drilled a makeshift defence into a record breaking unit. His services were, for whatever reason not retained. I am led to believe that others have tried to exert similar influence, but have pointedly been asked to respect the environment which Arsene Wenger is seeking to maintain. Whether he has become more single minded since the stadium move led to a greater reliance on youth; or perhaps the absence of David Dein, is a moot point.

Don’t be seduced by what has passed, magnificent as it was. Our next challenge will arise in season 2010 / 2011, not 1998, 2002 or 2004. Shocked as he was by the last Shareholders’ Q&A, there is no chance of Arsene Wenger permitting another similar outburst of democracy. Whilst I believe that he should be given the opportunity to own up and remedy some obvious ills, I do not accept that his tenure should continue on the basis of blind faith – although I am not suggesting that such belief is widely held by the fans.

Fans have a right to question the status quo. Success is relative, but the past few seasons have become, to varying degrees a collective “Groundhog Day”. I am not advocating regular demonstrations, booing of the team or boycott. There is a possibility that the number of red seats visible at full time on Sunday may become increasingly representative over a longer, more damaging period. The Club – Arsene Wenger’s Club – cannot therefore maintain the blithely stubborn notion that some of the latter performances of this erstwhile season were in any way acceptable.

I would urge the Club to act early in the summer: don’t talk about signing “top class” players and then sign bargain basement replacements; or none at all. At the very least, the defence as a unit requires serious review – given that we may well lose at least two and should lose another three. Since a poll conducted by the Club suggests that 86% of fans who voted think we need more than three signings to be competitive next season, then I live in hope that this will be properly addressed – both in terms of quantity and quality. That would, as a statement of intent, help in preventing empty seats from becoming an increasing norm.

I accept that there are a vast range of views, relative expectations and suggested remedies. I do not accept that my views make me a “spoiled baby” or a “c***”, as has been suggested elsewhere. I happen to think that not taking on board other people’s views gives far more rise to that particular accusation. A man of Arsene Wenger’s undoubted intelligence really ought to concur, seeking advice and acting accordingly. This summer, we shall see to what extent he does that; whether he adheres to the policy of recent years or adapts according to changing circumstances.

Having failed in his unequivocal promise to win a trophy this term, I hope that the influence of Sol Campbell is replicated with the addition of further experience. To varying degrees, there seems to be some consensus as to what we need – notwithstanding the clamour of the “Championship Manager” fantasists.

Arsene Wenger has gone on record as saying:

"The construction of the Emirates Stadium meant that for many years we could not spend a lot of money. Our financial situation has greatly improved. We are finally able to buy the players we think we need."

What has Arsene Wenger learned from this season? Will he admit that his experiment, whether borne of necessity or singular vision, has at best been only a limited success? Assuming that any financial shackles have been somewhat loosened, who is on his shopping list and who might we no longer need or carry?

If you are still reading this, you will no doubt have your own thoughts; perhaps entirely different to my own. Nevertheless, I would thank you for taking the time to consider a different approach. I would thank Arsene Wenger to do likewise – to at least seriously consider the reasonable criticisms levelled this season; change policies and personnel where practicable so that we really might achieve our greater aspirations. Is that really so offensive?

Finally, as an aside, I would like to wish Fulham, the only proper and recognisable Premier League team resident in that area after 2003, the very best of luck this coming Wednesday.