Markymark
There seems to have been a recent change in perception regarding Wenger’s remaining tenure at Arsenal. This has emerged on cue with the recent bad form. However this time it’s different, for it’s not fanbase upwards, nor so much the noise from social media, but appears to be a “proxy campaign” via the traditional media outlets and highly likely to have originated from a Board member or group of directors. Questioning how much longer Wenger will stay, The Mirror, Sun, Mail and others are running stories from their senior football correspondents.
What is more, the rumours of boardroom splits from last year are being reported as fact by John Cross in a recent Mirror column. Across the media the inference is clear. If Wenger fails to make top four, his contract may be terminated a year early.
The gamble from Wenger to approach Stan Kroenke last year was a two edged sword. Indeed it did show his strength and Ivan Gazidis’ relative weakness. But the tail wagging the dog scenario would not play out well amongst boardrooms, financial backers and potential investors. At some point for their own reputation, the board, directed by Kronke may have to show teeth.
An immediate reason for this is an interesting story running in the Mail that Nike and Adidas are concerned about Arsenal’s capacity to play in the Champions League. If Arsenal fail two years on the trot, dare we negotiate with these potential multi million sponsors with a message we’re just going to try for a third time with the same manager? A big risk, no doubt.
As you may guess my knowledge of billionaires is pretty limited. I guess they share the same foibles as all of us. I do wonder though whether Stan’s so called love of Wenger will suffer a drop to the worst in the Top 6 tier and a long term loss of Champions League?
Events are now showing that the greater risk may be honouring Wenger’s contract.
