Tfgwrites
I have not written for this esteemed website for some time, owing partly to life occurrences and largely to the fact that whilst nuances change, the outcome for Arsenal ensures a succession of Groundhog Day seasons. Props to you guys who daily or weekly find a fresh angle or subject of mirth with which to engage – I cannot deny that I am jaded by the consistency of inconsistency which Arsenal blithely demonstrate; coupled with spin as transparent and empty as our trophy cabinet will again be come May.
Always three or four players short of where we need to be; always selling us the future, yet never arriving at the Promised Land. For those whose glass is half full, we have succeeded in recent times in beating arguably the best clubs in the land, either at Wembley or in the process of four trophy presentations in two years. Whilst hugely enjoyable, others will argue that victories over Wigan Athletic and Reading were not the only wins chalked up against supposedly inferior opposition who we allowed to considerably belie their underdog status.
This season requires no commentary. I write whilst watching Leicester City digging deep at The Stadium of Light – a day after Arsenal revisited the ghosts of The Reebok Stadium in April 2003 and St. Andrews (under admittedly difficult circumstances) in 2008. The old failings have inevitably risen once more, this time against a backdrop of Gooners’ civil war on social media (and beyond) and an owner who has cheerfully confirmed that money, not success is his only focus. That one usually leads to the other, whichever way you write that particular equation is of no concern to Enos Stanley Kroenke. I have no interest in the model embraced by Manchester City – and infinitely less desire still to follow the hateful, classless path along which followers of Chelsea drag their knuckles. Equally, fans who pay the most onerous sums in Europe to afford profitable mediocrity could be forgiven for expressing their angst – not as testimony to either disloyalty or a sense of self–entitlement; but adult observation and a longing for parity with a club who last season narrowly escaped relegation.
Throughout, debate continues as to whether the fault lies with the Manager or the owner. There are those who argue that our travails owe nothing to the petrodollars which others have nonchalantly expended. This season more than any other supports that view, although that should not deter from the fact that certain clubs have gained unfair advantage for a number of years. The obvious answer is that a Manager who routinely realises the financial aspirations of his Chairman perfectly facilitates a symbiotic relationship; allowing both to feed greedily by means of the apparently infinite myopic loyalty of lifelong fans.
In reality, many have sadly turned their backs, or rented out season tickets in the hope of returning to a brave new world. Arsenal Football Club remains on the often shoddy merchandise offered by The Armoury and other outlets, where Arsenal Holdings Plc would be a more honest statement of intent. As a consequence, match days are a focal point for tourist curiosity rather than supporter passion: all of which suits an organisation whose erstwhile raison d'être appears to be ever more an inconvenient nuisance. “Customer experience”, not success is the watchword – “experience” being a thin veil for the actual goal – expenditure.
At the final whistle, following an aberration which allowed Andy Carroll to masquerade as Zlatan Ibrahimović, a banner summed it up neatly: “Love Arsenal. Hate Kroenke”. Therein lies the dilemma.
The Americanisation of Arsenal Football Club has not only eschewed the traditional fan demographic (although, with the exception of some success with the costs of away tickets this season it can be argued that was always coming in the Premier League era); but also caused many to ask: who do I support? Not which club, but what the essence is of the institution to whom we all devote countless hours and probably damaging levels of emotive input. Long–term allegiance to players is now less relevant – for those having the wherewithal to appreciate it, it is a highly privileged job; for the remainder, an opportunity for adulation and cosseted lifestyle. Ask yourself: who do you support? Kroenke? Gazidis? Wenger? Chips Keswick? Varying answers. Alexis Sanchez and Ozil? Absolutely… but who could blame them for seeking more likely opportunities for the sporting success they obviously crave – which their contributions bear evidence of. The crest? In many ways, yes.
It is becoming an increasingly difficult question to answer. I support The Arsenal, encapsulating The Arsenal Way: having pride in the knowledge that things are done with class and excellence; even when that is not always reflected on the pitch. I take pride in our rich history and players who have unerringly represented the cause. I celebrate moments of unimaginable joy; made all the sweeter by times of unproportioned despair. The ritual of match days and many friendships, which fused together, provides the fibre of a passion and sense of belonging. Memories of games, goals and anecdotes which only football could deliver.
I do not support the notion that sport is of less importance than profit, although I am cognisant of normal business requirements. I reject the mantra of greed for greed’s sake.
My first article written here suggested a fan walk out prior to a “lap of appreciation” at the end of the 2009 – 2010 season:
At the time, it was prompted by a genuine desire to see change for the better, within our means. That change has not materialised. So how to meaningfully demonstrate to Mr. Kroenke that we mean business?
I am not suggesting abstinence through absence. Go to games, if you are able and support the team fully and loudly. What might make Messrs Kroenke and Gazidis take note is a change in attitude to customer expenditure. Ah, you say: but that would affect transfer budget; if we were to purchase our shirts, merchandise and refreshments elsewhere. Really? I don’t believe that we have £200 million sitting idly in an offshore account, but I do know that we are not investing properly within our means; so what odds? Do you really need to contribute above and beyond to the £3 million afforded each year to Mr. Kroenke for his expertise? Really?
Challenge The Club: Encourage friends and family to support Arsenal with pride and passion, but to minimise match day expenditure. Entrench that cause until Mr. Kroenke recognises that ”customers” are fans and are not only interested in a friendly smile and greeting, but in the provision of a competitive squad commensurate with the costs involved in leaving Highbury and attending games.
It probably won’t work. Tourists care only for the immediate experience, with no worries about the context of a season; whilst fans might consider such measures a besmirching of all they hold dear in football terms.
That is precisely why we should embrace the opportunity to send out a message; because The Club don’t care who lines the coffers, so long as they do it plentifully and without question or criticism (and preferably quietly, if you please.) Consider the cost of a match day trip and ask yourself whether you could find another way; whilst remaining a vocal influence towards the betterment of a football club and not simply the profitability of an ever more disengaged business.
As another season comes to a predictably disappointing conclusion, I would welcome meaningful and respectful debate as to how as fans, we can bring influence to bear upon an indifferent and self–satisfied caricature of a Club which I have loved since I first experienced the thrill of involvement.
Twitter@tfgwrites
