Crossing the Danny Fiszman Bridge on Sunday, renamed during the course of a traumatic and landmark week for the Club, I was reminded of the class which still defines “The Arsenal Way”. This was demonstrated again during the period of silence which served to pay respects to Danny Fiszman and also the victims of the Hillsborough disaster; prompting warm spontaneous applause from all sides of the ground.

If my memory serves me, back in the days before 15 April 1989, Arsenal (in keeping with many other clubs) used to open a set of gates at half time, for the benefit of those who felt the need to leave particularly early. This presented an ideal opportunity to “bunk in”, enabling the errant fan to catch at least the last half hour of a game, if they were prepared to weave their way through the North Bank masses. Of course, the terrible events of that season’s FA Cup semi final would ultimately change the demographic of football beyond recognition. This came to mind on Sunday when, had someone “bunked in” after 90 minutes, they could arguably have witnessed everything of note and saved themselves the frustration of all that preceded the lengthy spell of injury time. Until our short lived advantage was registered, there was little to suggest that the hosts were involved in a genuine title challenge. Consequently, there was little cause for incentive among the majority to be moved to song and to offer the support required… perhaps the very definition of circuitous failure.

The sheer comedy value of Eboue conceding an improbable last gasp penalty, after having forged a winning position, neatly contrasted the lack of class on the pitch from that in evidence prior to the game. In truth, perhaps comparison between the two moments is crass. My intention is simply to illustrate that we are the very antithesis of Barcelona, to whom we are erroneously compared – ability on the pitch being polarised against behaviour off it. The recently released cover of UB40’s “Sing Our Own Song”, recorded by Arsenal in the Community is further evidence of the Club at its best and I believe that this is a very worthwhile cause, which I shall be supporting.

Having recently written about David Rocastle, sadly I am once more eulogising about a man whose love of Arsenal Football Club was always evident. I have heard it said that the stresses of our move to the new stadium could have caused a significant underlying factor in Danny Fiszman’s illness. If that were the case, then in certain ways, I am reminded of Herbert Chapman’s passing – in the case of Chapman, there is no doubt that his love of the Club was ultimately inextricably linked with his death. History will recall two individuals who have left an indelible mark on the history of the Club; both possessing a passion and when required, single-mindedness of approach that often typifies those at the very top of their chosen profession. In different ways, both have given so much to provide for the future of the Club.

Quite what “Silent Stan” has planned for the Club is uncertain. As ever, things are not simple; with Alisher Usmanov increasing his holding further and vowing not to sell to the American. Pride is at stake and it will rankle with Kroenke that he has an adversary within the camp, despite his efforts to exclude him. I wonder if there is any possibility of Usmanov selling to another interested party, despite his pronounced “love for the Club”. I feel certain that there is at least one party who would readily enter negotiations and who I believe has already expressed an interest.

I have my doubts as to the actual success of the proposed Financial Fair Play rules which will be introduced next year. There has been a great deal of emphasis concerning the “Respect” campaign, yet there remains confusion as to whether an England international punching a peer during a game constitutes disrespect. If the new laws are applied with similar selectivity, then the money which is almost certainly being spent by certain clubs, on lawyers hired to identify loopholes within the rules, will be considered an investment. An object lesson if you will, that all animals are equal, but that some are more equal than others.

With both fans and former players – and lately current players, including the captain – openly questioning the direction which the Club is taking, change seems inevitable. How such change is effected and to what extent is more open to debate than its necessity. I have previously lamented the presence of a strong right hand man for Arsene Wenger; it now seems that Pat Rice may retire at the end of the season. If Ivan Gazidis is serious about driving the Club forward, then this appointment would be carefully considered. Otherwise, forcing the manager’s hand on embarking upon end of season tours will be nothing more than a hollow gesture.

In terms of first team personnel, there will surely be some coming and going. The requirement for sustainability and also recent history dictates that there will not be wholesale changes. I have mentioned names before; but now is not the time to dwell on individuals. Suffice to say that if the work undertaken by Danny Fiszman is to be realised to best advantage, then the Club has to dispense with its current myopia. Arsene Wenger was at a loss to explain the flat “performance” against Blackburn – he will know that the very fans who he and Peter Hill Wood have recently eschewed are not without justification in their increasingly vocalised concerns.

In light of all that has occurred in the last week or so, as the season draws towards its conclusion, there are two thoughts that continue to gnaw away. Most immediately, if we do not win the title, then the accepted minimum aim of fourth place should not be taken for granted. Writing this prior to our journey to the dark side of North London, I have spoken to several friends who have expressed concerns about ensuring Champions League football next term. Time will tell, but the implications of any such failure are self explanatory.

Secondly and with reference to the first consideration, it appears that this summer will be the most important in the Club’s tenure under Arsene Wenger. Unless Arsenal confound the bookies and win the title, then there can be no doubt that going forward, the Club’s hierarchy will be judged on the future and not be allowed to rest on their laurels. If the Club can translate its efforts off the pitch with a similar approach to the large green area which every (increasingly costly) seat in the stadium faces, then there is cause for optimism.

There is now no scope for pleading ignorance. Responding to comments made by the likes of Paul Merson, by even considering a ban from the ground and training complex is blinkered at best and arrogant at worst. Opinion is strongly divided among fans, with differences conceived not over the course of this season but over several campaigns. There is no merit in complaining if FIFA and UEFA fail to implement their own latest edict. Rather, the Club must assume that other chairmen will invest and should not be reticent to respond within its means. After all, there was little hesitation in a steep increase in ticket pricing structure for next season’s fixtures.

Whilst no club has any divine right to success, we will continue to back those who wear the red and white until the season ends. They, in turn, must offer some encouragement for such resolute endeavour from the fans. With sincere condolences to Danny Fiszman’s family and friends, I am quite sure that it is the least that he would have wanted for his Club.