Mark from Aylesbury
I am a regular reader of this site and a contributor of replies to articles. It is pretty obvious that we have seen a steady splitting of the fan-base. Occasionally this goes too far and it is both sad and strange that some Arsenal supporters dislike each other more than other team’s supporters.
I’m going to take one term that sums up the split and that is a WOB. I am going to clearly and defiantly label myself a WOB. In fact I invite others who feel the same way to do so as well.
Sadly I see no further reason to reach out and defend statements such as “knee jerk reactions”, “glory hunting”, “be careful what you wish for”, “how could you be so lacking in respect”. The list goes on and so does the same haunting collapse each February.
My view has been one and the same now for five years and has simply become more and more defiant. I suspect that many have shared this view now for around the same time.
Some things to ponder:
Nothing will ever happen, the board will not change:
I believe this argument and stance will begin to falter. It suits the board to say no to change and you cannot make us change. But let’s look at this. Surely the club need to appear as a European power base? Deals are done and influence is sought in the corridors of power. Marketing will be based on who you are and what you have achieved. Astonishing though it has taken so long, the view from the man in the street that 16 seasons in Europe means nothing if you cannot compete, has finally reached the media. Wenger’s status in France has already eroded through loss of TV contracts. The UK press are not far behind. How much longer can Arsenal be seen to not compete? Whatever the level of profit it erodes our position and profile and that ultimately affects our standing and strength.
Media love-in:
If we are not at the end we are at the beginning of the end. Up to two seasons ago anyone trying to attack Arsene’s record on a radio phone-in was generally talked down to by cocky ex-pro’s and commentators. Now the ex-pro’s are having to dig out reasons to defend him. A subtle but changing landscape. The defenders are now on the back foot. Every major defeat is now seeing heavy criticism of his tactical awareness and preparation. Henry Winter in the Telegraph effectively called for his head.
Wenger’s position among managers:
Managers want his job – We now have had a manager publicly sending out requests for his role. Our old nemesis Mourinho delicately savages Wenger by saying “I cannot understand why they are not competing for the Premiership”. Beautiful in its vindictiveness. Yes, it’s not the players, it’s Wenger.
At least the pressure is now building and I would call on all of us of the same view to keep this pressure mounting. Every game for Wenger should now be a cup final. At least this way whilst he remains in charge we can hope that he is pushed to his limits to produce results.
To sum up the notion that Wenger is here for life, this is simply not working. Keep the pressure up let people know you want change and break the consensus that we are happy to just sit here and take it.
He has to go at some point, we can influence when that is.
Ed’s note – It is important that people realise The Gooner and www.onlinegooner.com are platforms for views across the spectrum of opinion when it comes to all matters Arsenal. We print and post what is submitted to us. For those in the comments, and those that do not comment, who do not agree with the sentiments in this article, we would welcome you submitting a piece stating your own views. However, if no-one that believes the club is better under Arsène going forward offers up an article, we can’t publicise that side of the argument. Submissions should be emailed to [email protected].
