Okay so a lot of kerfuffle this morning Grovers. It appears that our quiet American has been buying shares from Danny boy and Carr but forgot to pay for them, which is the old American way of doing business, buying companies with other peoples money, naughty.
This is what the Times said…
‘The one positive thing about Arsenal was they were always British owned and not in the hands of an American who finances everything through debt unlike a couple of clubs we can name, that utopia may well be about to end in the near future’
Now I can’t think why Fizman and his mates would sell their shares to someone who won’t pay for them straight off, Carr’s owed money that goes back 10 months, I thought Kroenke was a billionaire?
Here Danny, I’ll have them on those terms, especially if he gets a large salary as well, are you mugs?
Nina, I’ll buy yours as well, I could take Arsenal football club over without paying for a single share, eat your heart out Usminov, you’re doing it the wrong way!
I sure hope all these stories are untrue, this is very reminiscent of what the Glaziers did at ManU, took a profitable well run club, and plunged it into debt, no thanks USA.
Other news is Fran Merida is flattered that Athletico are after him and his contract with Arsenal is going to run out next season. If it’s true then get shot of him, he has apparently said he turned down a 5 year contract with us too. I like Fran a lot, but if he thinks Athletico is a better bet than Arsenal, sell him in January and put your efforts into one of the young English kids, if of course these rumours are true.
Ivan has told Arsene that he needs to deliver a trophy this year and the fans are more important than the revenue, this is what the Mail said he said.
‘This club exists for the fans and they don’t care about financial reports, they care about what happens on the pitch’
If true, then he is to be applauded, but somehow I can’t see anyone taking the boss on in footballing matters, especially when there is veiled threat in there.
Finally a word of congratulations for our young men winning the under 21′s game for us, a big pat on the back for Keiran Gibbs who generously scored for both sides to make them feel better!
I just hope so much that those three can dislodge some of the prima donnas in the first team, especially if one of them is Cashley Cole.
Have a great day Grovers, only 6 days to go!
gold
International breaks always kill off our momentum…But its nice to see our gunners scoring goals for their countries
My slippers are on fire
You cheat!
:{}
არსენალ!
good post geoff. I must say I’m disappointed with Fran, he gets a great footballing education at Arsenal and pisses off just like that, that leaves me with a bitter taste in my mouth.
:0)
Goeienag
Georgian1: that’s one way around the language censor.. better have a red card in case
Who is Fran? I don’t remember him playing.
so, fabregas, senderos, gallas , vela and gibbs have scored…. it’s very good!
too right gnarley
If the cowboy has not handed over the cash, the shares are not his yet. So long as we keep out the fat Manure supporting Uzbec.
Champions this season.
micky, i just write arsenal on georgian… nothing bad
Georgian: so nothing like when I speak french to the wife, then!
Matches on a sunday are bad enough, but weekends with no games are horrible.
So why hasn’t he paid for them then?
Geoff: no idea. I guess Fizman must have some clue, and as always I imagine there is more to this than we know. Fizman is not a moron. On a speculative note, I cannot understand what it is the Cowboy wants from us, as frankly, without a European Superleague, it is hard to see much financial gain. If anything, some suggest a plateau off.
I hope we continue with the board system for as long as possible, it will be sad to see Arsenal being run according to a businessman’s whim..
I don’t think they’ll ever be a Euro league, two reasons, there would be no away fans and it could take 20 years and a gazillion pounds to win it.
Also, I think a number of sponsors and TV companies will be dropping out of the EPL soon, and that bubble will burst.
I think you’ve fallen for the oldest trick in the book Geoff – the PR planted story. By Usmanovs people again.
He isn’t borrowing money to pay for the shares, its his own money.
Morning all…
Gael clichy being chased by RM?
Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri will return to training this week after injuring his right foot during pre-season training.
The 22-year-old midfielder clashed with Abou Diaby in late July and has missed the start of the 2009/2010 campaign.
Nasri is expected to take a fortnight to reach match fitness and Arsene Wenger has targetted the clash with West Ham on October 25 for his return.
The return of the former Marseille playmaker comes at a good time as Arsenal face a hectic fixture list of seven games in 21 days.
Couldn’t agree more with the post. Watching the U21s game on friday and the Argentina game yesterday, Little Jacky is so similar in style to Messi. The way they glide past people, when he gets a bit stronger it will be impossible to get the ball off him.
Think you are wrong about Merida.
It is not about him thinking that Atletico Madrid are better than Arsenal.
It is about a player that needs to be playing 1st team football. If he had a choice between playing time at Arsenal and A. Madrid, he would choose us every day of the week.
It is about a player that looking in, can see a rival for his position (Diaby) putting in woeful performances week in week out without any danger of him being dropped.
Ok Fran has been at the U-20 World Cup (Where he was one of the players of the Tournament) but he is back now, so if Diaby continues to be un-droppable then I can’t blame Fran at all if he leaves on a free, but I will blame Wenger.
The reason.
Because he is persisting in a guy that is nearly 24, yet we have a rough diamond that could form the ultimate partnership with Cesc, and I fear we will lose him.
I am convinced that if you gave Fran Merida or Ramsey the chances that Diaby has had, then both would far eclipse him.
Geoff: on the Euro League, I hope and think you are right, although on the away fans thing, I dont think that matters. At a top Prem game, you will have 60,000 home fans, and just a couple of thou. away. So I dont think the Euro mob would give a shit.
Also, I agree about your comments on the EPL, which is what I meant by Plateau off, which is why I dont get the Yanks interest. As for the Uzbec, probably some dodgy money laundering!
We aren’t going to lose Merida if Wenger thinks he’s good enough.
Persoanlly I think Merida is an ok player but nowt special and i don’t think he can take the step up anyway.
There will be a Euro League. You can bet on it. That doesn’t mean I want one, but when it happens, The Arenal will be in pole position to be accepted into it.
I think you may be right about the EPL Geoff,
And that is why I have a feeling this PL 1 and 2 with Rangers and Celtic being invited may happen.
A time will come where they need to freshen it up to keep the financial levels of sponsorship and both clubs will be a huge draw to that.
Not a fan of it myself, but I do believe after a few years, both Celtic and Rangers would become genuine title contenders for the PL.
*Arsenal
I think Rangers and Celtic are more likely to form a league with one or two of the scandinavian leagues.
There will be no Euro league because us the mancs barca rm etc playing hame and away will become boring. Also no one will want relegation so it would probably be in the style of the nfc. If Merida has turned down a contract move him on now. How many of our players scored yesterdat
Vela
Sendy
Cesc
Any more?
Its not just Fran though Baxter.
I consider Ramsey in that bracket as well. I think both are at a better footballing level already.
Ok you need to bring them in slowly but games like BB last week and birmingham next weekend are ideal for starting roles for the likes of Ramsey and Merida.
Makes me laugh how the jocks say if we had the money we’d be in the top tier..well newsflash, so would Burton Albion.
did Gallas score as well?
I dont think the footballing powers will allow a league with the Scandinavian teams.
And if they did, then it would make UEFA and FIFA powerless to stop a Euro Super League.
Celtic and Rangers. NO. Week in week out being invaded by drunken sectarian yobs with their anti english agenda. Was at the Emirates Cup with Rangers. No thanks.
GM I dont think he has refused the contract.
I think the terms are fine, he just wants to play games, so is seeing how this season goes before signing it or moving on.
Get used to it. England is now just a state of Europe, like Luxemburg
hmmmm and i thought all american’s were loaded with cash , i suppose thats the reason there national football team is so crap
oh and over rated , no technique etc …
Ramsey is on a long term contract though isn’t he? He’ll get his shot, i still think he’s pretty raw
Morning All,
Recovering from a drunken night celebrating Denmark’s victory.
The centre of Copenhagen was full of both sets of fans getting pissed and having a craic. No trouble, no hatred, no bottles thrown, just banter.
Nik played well but was on the Left wing for most of the game. His control, pace and passing was superb for a lad of just 21. OK, he occasionally makes the wrong decision, but that will come with experience.
And Zlatan (who was booed every time he touched the ball) showed why Barca signed him. A fine player surrounded by dross. Henrik Larsson was pants, and gave a lesson about knowing when it is right to stop playing. He is a shadow of the player he was 5 years ago.
No need to gloat GG….
Thats my thoughts as well Micky,
But I do think it will happen. It is the easiest way to freshen up the PL and maintain or even increase the sponsorship.
I bet Sky Sports would love it and are probably right behind this.
I believe the one to go is rosicky as i dont think arsenal would want to renew his contract with us…
That would give up a lot to the youngsters like walcott, merida and wilshere. After that arshavin’s contract would run down as well and he would be gone as well and we would then have a new look young team again…
Ramsey is a stayer because he knows once cesc is gone, it will be him. Wilshere knows that once arshavin is off, it will be him. Merida must wait for his chance..
Hopefully diaby gets kick out soon….
Anyone wants diaby to be kick out of arsenal?? If yes, then come and give me a Hell Yeah!!!!!
I think Arsene will let Marida go in january because there is no place for him in the midfield, not right now neither in the foreseeable future arguably we have the best creative midfield in the league with cesc rosicky and arshavin, and wilshire and ramsey are above him in the pecking order so if atletico guaranties him the first team place its very obvious for him to make a call, although I rate him as a good player (if not great) I would like him to stay but all the talks about the Matuadi coming in is not helping his case either so lets hope for the best………….”IN ARSENE WE TRUST”
Pat, how come players like Merida & Ramsay need to be brought along slowly, yet Cesc was thrown in the deep end & thrived. This business of softly softly with players is a joke IMO. Find out early if they are up to it, & if they fail, they should be fobbed off & a new kid brought in. Too much money is wasted on average types.
Baxter, the Times wrote the article, if it wasn’t true, Kroenke would sue him, Dein did the same when he joined, must be an Arsenal thing, perhaps I’ll try my luck.
Mickey, you lose the atmosphere with no away fans.
Pat, Wenger will never drops his favourites, Denilson, Song or Diaby. Merida, Ramsey and Wilshere will always be second best in his eyes.
Yes Michael, he did!
I said that yesterday Baxter.
It is strange that Fran was not tied down to a longer contract.
At least then we would have got some money for him, if he did not make the grade or wanted 1st team football and could only get it elsewhere.
I would be pissed if Rosicky goes, unless he gets injured indefinitely again. He is quality plus IMO.
I agree about the need to promote the kids, but at whose expense.
What happens if AW plays Merida/ Ramsey dropping Cesc/Diaby & we lose points? He will get slammed for not playing our best team.
IMO we play our best team in the EPL and play the kids in the Cups, which is what is happening.
They will get 1st team time as subs.
Why would giving Jacky Wilshire a start against Birmingham be bad for his development? The boy looks like he would thrive on the big stage now
I am not talking about dropping Cesc BR,
I am talking about dropping Diaby who is being virtually carried anyway.
Although if a game is won then I would bring Merida or Ramsey on for Cesc.
Geoff: “Mickey, you lose the atmosphere with no away fans”. I agree with you there. Often at the Emirates, they ARE the atmosphere!
On the EPL thing, one problem the TV sponsors would have is that by its very nature, you would have to have at least one team from all the lesser countries. Top teams from England, Spain and Italy ok, but Alkmaar V Bronby??
On the finance front, I would like a bit of Kroenke’s action. What a great deal for him. Best seat in the house, free food & drink, a place in the underground carpark etc etc. And all he has done is promise to pay for the shares.
I promise to invest €500m in the team as well.
I think that fast tracking JW would be more to Arsenals advantage than playing, say, Eboue in midfield. Just my opinion.
why the hell should merida stay when light weights like diaby,denilson,song start games and he dont even get a sniff,what would you do if you was in his shoes? move on too fuckin right!!
Big Raddy, and I promise you £200m to be your mate!
Me too Raddy!
We all love BigRaddy, we all love BigRaddy, la la la lala la la la…
Hey fellas, if you are to sign a contract to buy real estate, you need to be able to prove you actually have the finances. If by settlement you fail to tx the funds to the vendor, you miss the deal, & lose your deposit. What would the deposit be on this yank deal?
Literally, hands down, the single worst hangover I have ever had in my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I see the point PTG and agree.
IMO the Euro league will never happen. The teams would be suspended by their home leagues. Then how would the teams be chosen? Or would there just be a fixed league without demotion ? It’s a non-starter.
Plus we already have the best available system.
Anyway, the UK is in debt for trillions, your government & businesses must be doing the same sort of deals as this one. Whats the fuss?
I will take that promise Micky
BR how did the Premier League start from the old 1st Division, same thing wasn’t it?
GG….. gloating again ?
I don’t know anything about cricket but we won the ashes is that good?
Arsenal people need not fear a Euro League, its the numpties like Spuds, etc that will be the ones to miss out. Ha Ha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j31UjA7x3E
Why Diaby did not get injured yet… so sad
Same teams though GG, just a different distribution of finances.
It is still possible for the Championship teams to play at the top table. With a Euro League composed of teams expelled from their domestic leagues it will not be possible.
BR, I am not an advocate of the Euro League, far from it, but it will happen.
If I keep posting I wont have to look at Silvetsre any more!!
If I keep posting I wont have to look at Silvetsre any more!!.1
If I keep posting I wont have to look at Silvetsre any more!!.2
LOL TAIG
that’ll do it……
LOL TAIG 2
ha ha……
BR where does yesterdays result Denmark v Sweden leave Sweden in the scheme of things?
Ok with regards to merida…. Bentley, alliaddiare (or however you spell it) boothroyd are just to name a few promising young players who jumped ship and have gone on to enjoy mediocre carrears at mediocre clubs… If he goes its no biggie
Geoff very interesting post to-day, thanks.
SSN claiming that Cesc wont be playing in the next game for Spain due to personal reasons?, anyone know anything about that?
pathegooner: ref Scandinavian Teams – which country/ies are you referring to, as it seems you know such a lot about the teams that play in the scandinavian countries? Only interested as soo many (not all)’english/irish’ always get it wrong (in fact I have even heard Iceland (not the supermarket) mentioned before now!!!!)anyway, go on and show you’re not one of the ignorantes that seems to occupy british radio sport stations; AND, please don’t cheat by using google, it has to come from your ”brain/ knowledge”.
BR
I think that is what would happen, maybe a two tier league with relegation and promotion between the two but no relegation from the 2nd tier.
I dont want Celtic or Rangers in the PL, but if it meant it would stop the drive for a Euro SL, then I would take them.
Just for you TAIG
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTsKwXw04KU
GG
Up shitcreek with open toed sandals……
Effectively Portugal have to lose at home to Malta.
reggie!!!!!
reggie!!!!!.1
reggie!!!!!.2
reggie!!!!!.3
and normal service is resumed…….
So PTG that would mean say 36 teams ?
My 1st hat-trick
ha ha……:D
Here you go Taig
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xPtpfJcFxQ&feature=related
Hi Skandi
I dont remember having a pop at the Scandinavian teams, sorry if I have offended there.
All I was saying is that if a League was set up including teams from Scotland, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and I believe Holland and Belgium were also mentioned as potentially being involved, then I think that it would initially get a lot of sponsorship and tv rights money going into it. As soon as the likes of Man Ure, Arsenal, Barca, AC and Inter, and the fringe former greats like PSG, Marseille, Bayern, and a lot of the eastern european clubs see the dollar signs, then a Euro Super League would be inevitible and Uefa and Fifa have set precedence would be powerless to prevent it.
And Ha Ha, I used to be in the Navy so am pretty well travelled, so am not the kind of person that only thinks Iceland is a supermarket or that the Falkland Islands is off the top of Scotland.
it only gets worse…….
So BR, were there heaps of Swedish girls wanting to cry on your shoulder
coz of the loss
This is for you patthegooner enjoy !!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpbKfl6pfUo
36 would be about right BR
I dont want it, but I think eventually it is inevitible.
The drive will come from the current super clubs for financial greed, and from the former greats like Ajax, PSG, Benfica, Steaua Bucherest, Celtic, Rangers that would thrive and once again potentially become great in such a tournament.
Surprisingly, although Uefa would not want it, it would solve their issues of too many foreigners moving abroad, as European players would probably have at least one team from their home nation participating.
Cheers Reggie
Reggie I was thinking the very same
Hope I don’t live to see it PTG.
I still call the EPL the First Division !
morning all
nor me BR,
But I do fear that we will have to see a PL 1 and 2 to at least delay it. And Rangers and Celtic will be invited to it. Hey why not create an MK Dons in Belfast and get them in too!!!!
Is it just me, or is our squad extremely filled to the brim with top talent!?! ARSENAL FOR THE TREBBLE’? YES I THINK SO. NO, I KNOW SO (^^,)
Spring/Summer Saturdays are not the same without the cut & thrust of the EPL
Morning AAA
I do understand the frustrations of Celtic and Rangers. The honey pot of the EPL must be very attractive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzi8r7I5nfw
patthegooner; lol lol – I have to confess, when the Argies invaded the Falkland’s….. (god I feel totally ashamed now) I am one of those who thought the Falklands was an Island by Scotland, oh dear, that’s a confession and a half…
Sell Clichy. he’s a liability. take the 16 million!
Lovely goals from Swiss Phil
On another note; I see on Goal.Com (I know I Know) they claim that Real Madrid are going back in for Cesc next summer; apparently they offered £60m this summer(??) which he turned down, and that Diaby, Ramsey’s progress are pivotal to any successful bid to AFC.When will it all end? Only, as Geoff says, when we (ie AFC) starts rucks as well; putting in bids for players in Barcleona and RM, I think Arsene and Ivan should start up a campaign as well and unsettled their star players. I do recall reading in a rag that Guti says he will join AFC next season?
It’s all AW ,skandibird!!
The story in the Times about Stan not paying for the shares sounds like a Fat Uzbek rapist gangster paid for PR smear, especially given later in the story it says Usmanov has £500m sat in a bank doin nuffin!
Pure spin, negative and positive = ££££s for the PR company and the hack who wrote it!
skandi
Why are you even bothered with garbage Spainish media lead transfer bollocks?
Gettin worked up about it, is pointless…
Merida actually said he hasn’t yet decided whether to accept the five year deal.
I saw the goals from mexico, vela scored one and had one beautifal back-heel and one assist. He is so good!! Happy, that wenger said last week that he will play vela more!
Dutchman;Yeah, I saw Vela too. Looked very good.
On the Merida story. It was only a couple of weeks ago that he said he had meetings with AW about the potential loan spell. At that time he committed himself to playing better in the Stiffs and eventually challenging for the first team.
Doesn’t seem to me that Merida is pushing for a move. More spin…..
Manc the hack that wrote it works for the Times, hardly a hack. Secondly I believe it, Glazier did it, David Dein did it, and as I’ve said before, if it were not true, then the Times would have a law suit on their hands.
The Times is full of hacks, as is the Guardian, telegraph and Independent, especially when it comes to football.
The reason for my not scepticism here is that on one hand, Kroenke is being discredited and on the other the fat Uzbek gangster is being lorded, thusly;
“Unlike Alisher Usmanov [the Moscow-based billionaire who owns 25% of Arsenal], Kroenke doesn’t have £500m sitting in a bank doing nothing. It could be many months or years before he has paid off all the money,” said a source close to the board. ”
——————————–
Proper smear job if you ask me.
Who is this source close to the board? Usmanov? Usmanov’s business advisers? His lawyers? The PR team behind him? David Dein?
There is a co0ncerted effort by person or persons unknown, to try and destabilise the club. If it isnt about how Wenger needs Usmanovs cash when ever we have a poor result, then it is about how the flats havent sold, or now that Stanley Kroenkenstein is skint while Usmanov has billions gathering dust…
Fishy as fook and I do not like it. These are people supposedly who want the best for the club?
I dont like any of em, by the way….
Rants over, I am off….
If you do not hear from me again, you know I have been “got at” Probably injected with Polonium 256 using an umbrella….
A day without football is like ……………. night.
Vela played brilliantly for Mexico, scored a great goal, 1 assist and one great flick in a move that led to a goal! He has now qualified for South Africa
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKrYotRGTjk&hl=en&fs=1&]
As I said, Kroenke either has paid or he hasn’t. Just like Wenger has money or he doesn’t, seems to me the common denominator is the Arsenal board.
Vela is superb, hope he starts to play a bit more.
Tomorrow,Ivan sycophant Gazidis is gonna come up with a denial statement.
Watch this space.
I have no problem with anything Gazidis has said. Even if his words have been twisted slightly. The team has to win something this year! There aren’t any rookies in this team, everyone has been playing 1st team football for a few years now, inexperience is not an acceptable excuse this season.
the merida thing winds me up he thinks he’s better then what he actually is another big headed player that doesnt warrant the cockyness.Gazidiz demanding trophys lol the team isn’t good enugh so he’s going to be left looking like a cunt
Why is Gazidis a sychophant?
Seemes to me, he is dojng a good job and has said we should be winning stuff, NOW and for the fans too. Which is shit our board havent been too fussed about previously.
inexperience isn’t an excuse no,what people have to realize is there not good enough defensivily to deliver a few trophys
This need to slate is rather depressing…
It’s just peoples way of reliveing tension, I doubt half would know what a sycophant is let alone be able to identify one.
heh, see..
Or spell it.
Oh keyser youn are the bestest poster on here, I just love everything you have ever posted, in fact I look forward to all your posts with the gay abandon of a 3 year old at Xmas….
——————-
Something like that Keyser fella???
well,so far he has been one.But would be lovely if he comes up with such authoritative statements.
hopefully some rich arabs will take over arsenal…
If I could identify one I might think that post by ManGoonian was a bit sychophantic, but since I can’t I shall remain oblivious since ignorance is bliss.
I think Gazidas is a complete yes man and that’s why he was hired. Keyser you aren’t slagging again are you?
I doubt you’d have to ask if I was.
get me out of moderation please geoff
cheers.
Why didn’t Kroenke pay for his shares when he received them?
Here is another view:
Based on the fear of a possible Usmanov takeover the board decided that the only way they could keep their power and influence was to throw their lot in with Kroenke, hence the U turn.
Having made this decision they faced the embarrassment of Usmanov owning more shares than Kroenke, something that had to be rectified if the board wanted to retain the outward appearance of being the rightful decision makers of the club.
This was solved by Fizman offering Kroenke yet another tranche of his share holdings.
Imagine someone offering you shares, at an acceptable price, that you may have wanted but never asked for? I would bet you say “Ok, I will take them but payment will be on my own terms”.
Not convinced? Think how Hill-Wood insulted Kroenke only for the tables to be reversed when Hill-Wood realised that he needed Kroenke; regardless of Kroenke’s wealth, is becomes clearer why the American would take the shares and only agree to pay for them when he is good and ready.
fuck about what the hell is going on with senderos two goals like that aint normal for him