Sorry people, I had a different post lined up for you but that was sadly binned (postponed for a day) on the ever so exciting news that there is a takeover battle!
Every cyber takeover specialist will be out on the web today correcting people with pigeon information they’ve accrued from the University of Wikipedia which will then be countered by more Google induced false information and before you know it… we’ll be back to square one pining after the good old days of David Dein!
So who do we want to buy up Lady Nina’s shares?
Put aside what you think you know and your childhood prejudices of good versus evil and take a long hard think.
Alisher Usmanov has mostly been keeping his mouth shut over the past few months. He’s ditched David Dein and had very little to do with the press. As far as I know, he’s been hoovering up shares on the quiet but not quite with the same vigour as Silent Stan.
People hate him generally because he’s an evil looking Eastern European. In the Corporate world, the line between criminal and law abiding is constantly blurred. I don’t think there are too many Billionaires who’ve played it by the book and if you delve into the back ground of any of them, you’d find skeletons.
Lets ignore that because that’s all in the past. Let’s go by what we know now. What the two money men have done in the last year or so.
Stan has bought shares up to 29.9 percent and now he’s perched on the cusp of a takeover bid. I think all he needs is 10 to trigger an offer. Over the other side of the pond, Stan has another decision to make. Does he sell his 40% minority stake in the St Louis Rams or does he stay on in an advisory role with prospective new owner Shahid Khan. Apparently the mysterious American has gone firmly off the radar over the last few months, even his closest friends don’t know where he stands on the subject of his Rams stake.
Now, it’s important to note that the success of American’s in British sport has been limited. Green and Gold tells you all you need to know about the Glazers, Liverpool’s league standing this year gives you an idea of their plight and Randy Lerner has hardly set the Midlands alight with trophies and Champions League success.
Stan’s total wealth at the last count was £1.17billion. Most of that will be tied up in real estate, I think that’s a similar figure to H&G. Not really enough to invest too much personal cash if it all goes wrong you’d have to agree. We certainly wont be competing with the Sheik’s or the Oligarch’s in West London.
What we will gain is an expert in the field of sport, albeit American sport. He delivered success in his first season as co-Rams owner. Since then, he’s done very little. I’ve had a read around the Rams blogs and there seems to be a pretty deflated attitude, very similar to the musings you might read on a Spurs blog. However, I couldn’t find a grain of negative press about Stan. That tells you a lot.
What we can guarantee with Stan is the continuation of our sensible business model, minimal interference and the full support of the board. What we can’t guarantee is that there wont be a leveraged buyout.
If I was worth £120,000 and I bought a shop for £60,000 that made £3,500 a year before furnishings, I’d probably want to make sure I got that £60,000 back.
Usmanov has been quiet on the footballing front, but in the world of business, the guy has been busy. Very busy.
After the recession hit, his wealth dropped to a paltry $1.6billion (What Stan is worth now roughly), undettered the Uzbek has fought back and his pound coin collection has multiplied by 488% to a staggering $7.8billion (£5billion).
As a business man he is impressive. He started life as a plastic bag manufacturer which led to investments in the metal markets. Now he’s venturing into the highly volatile world of the web and telecommunications. He’s officially the biggest social media investor in Eastern Europe. He is hoping to buy up popular web messenger ICQ, he’s a part owner of the web firm SUP who own live Journal, a 1.96% investor in facebook and a part owner of the yet to be floated FB application designer Zynga. He’s also in the process of building a super telecoms company for Russia via his Megafon company.
His investment firm DST (Digital Sky Technologies) does most of the buying for his tech side and you can’t help but be impressed with how they go about their business. Character aside, the guy is a pretty handy businessman and a ruthless one at that. If you look at his history it seems he is very intent on proving himself as a true business genius after early set backs in life.
He’s got enough money in the bank to take over Arsenal and make them a success out of his own pocket. He seems to have a keen eye for a good business and he knows how to make money. If the due diligence Facebook performed failed to find any problems, then I don’t see why Arsenal fans should be too bothered.
Mr Pincus of Zynga had this to say on our 2nd highest shareholder.
“I know there’s been press about Usmanov being a colourful oligarch, but I didn’t spend a lot of time worrying about that.”
More important, said Mr Pincus, was DST founder Yuri Milner’s vision for the future of the social web.
“He believes the opportunity could be to be the dominant social network and the largest social gaming company.”
Taking Arsenal to the next level is all we should be worried about.
Usmanov’s business success across multiple industries impresses me, Stan’s experience in sport intrigues. Talk of a possible joint venture is could be of interest to us all.
When mulling over who you’d like to takeover the club, consider the important things that matter NOW. Not what happened 20 years ago. Neither man seem like the types to run the club into the ground or have a vested interest in making a quick buck. If Usmanov wanted to make fast money, he could invest in hundreds of other businesses with far brighter profit yielding prospects.
For me, he’s in it for Eastern European glory, to show the World they mean business. If Stan was in it for the quick buck he’d have demonstrated that type of attitude with his past ventures. I’m not quite sure of his reasons. Prestige would surely be an American team? Money… not sure £35mill a year counts as good money for a billionaire. I’m stumped for a reason!
Anyway, word on the street is Lady Nina doesn’t want to sell to Stan. Her timing seems perfect to cause the American maximum problems! Could be an interesting month.
For me, we’ve got two very good options should the worst case scenario happen (We sell).
Hey, maybe Arsenal fans could club together and buy her stake, we could make Championship manager a reality! Vote on our team, elect Presidents, put under performing players in the stocks… what a laugh we’d have!
Have a think about what you’d like to see happen and drop us a comment… it’ll make you feel special inside, like you do when you put your 16 pence change in the McDonalds charity box.
I’m in Wales today, don’t hate me because I’m a jetsetter. I’ll be back online later!
Have a great day, play nice… it’s St. Totteringham’s eve!
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Kreshnik… I got you a ticket… you were greedy though
That Chinky fucking cunt of a throwback shouldn’t even be playing in this game after the challenge he did at the weekend on Milner, fucking corrupt league….
Gooby, he drops clangers… he was on a free last year and no one took him!
We could have… obviously… we could have taken someone from a Sunday league team and made an improvement!
Saw that DDM… it was disgusting.
I thought Bolton were supposed to be good at set pieces. They cant even beat the first man ffs!
he is a decent shot stoper and has good positioning unlike almunia
heheheh Pedro, thanks anyways … it worked out pretty well, and it was quite fun.
Wouldn’t mind doing it again next year.
hope they bring elmander on
Kreshnik, someone told me you left with 20minutes to go… I was shocked!
How plain are Chelsea?
chelsea are winning by they favorite result, 1 nil, because of that full back being out of position letting drogba having that fucking good cross
not me Pedro … We only left with 3 min to go lool … had to catch up the Nottingham train … missed the fuckin goal and when we heard the screaming from while going around to get at the bridge we started jumping around with some other fellow gunners
it was sweeet
ouch that was cuntish by davies
mikel was acting, it was nothing
Shame he couldn’t have done that to that cunt Terry……
this ref is garbage he could have played advantage … easy
LJW off….
Cmon Bolton, one more and padlock the goal.
elmander is shit
nearly elmander
fucks sake … almost
Elmander for crying out load.
klasnic is shit too. Score damn it!
Fuck me, i thought that was the moment.
Klasnic u ass.
what a dive … 1 meter high jump …
boring team those chavs. they are disgusting
chamooone
Joe Cole plays pretty well for an AIDS patient.
Taylor u twat.
ffs, lucky cunt
Fuck shit..
Twaty twat twat. Its now over to the gunners.
or shall i say AFD
hi all,
been watching the chavs game and i thought they played ugly, just too ugly for a champions-to-be team ;/
still, LJW showed lots of grit, good on the ball, agressive in the good way, a legend in the making!
hope we smash them spuds tomorrow, is there any update on song’s availability?
Still, that takes the pressure off us a little. I know that’s a bad thing as we don’t have the opp to close the gap… but playing Spurs with ‘big game’ on it might have been tough!
I take some renewed belief from that game
1) Chavski were not the same all conquering champions elect that we have seen in their recent games
2) They looked very tired and hopefully the same will be true of the Spuds tomorrow.
And what a shame that we are fielding mugs like Denilson when Jack Wilshire plays like that. I have watched him in the games against Man Ure and the Chavs and he has been pretty good in both. Certainly contributing more than Denilson ever has.
I have a bad feeling it could all be over in 24 hours.
Oh well , that’s it then. cunt
gambon
Be cool. Its all good.
Every game that goes by I get more pissed off at that ridiculous goal against Birmingham.
Gambon, be strong…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0Ww8dWnLds
gambon go slap yourself silly and believe!!
We’re missing important players but we weren’t all that shit against Barca in the 2nd leg. Only player who had shots was Messi.
Palacios and Lennon both ruled out. Where will their energy come from? Krancjar was on crutches, so he’s out as well.
Huddlestone and who else in midfield? Jenas is apparently out as well. King hasn’t played since February and for a defender thats a risk.
Almunia
Sagna Sol Verm Clichy(in top form)
Nasri Song Diaby
Eboue RVP Rosicky
or a top 3 of: Bendtner RVP Rosicky
Bale has been in top, top form so Eboue and Sagna on the RW should nullify him. Defoe didn’t look sharp on Sunday, but he’s probably the 2nd most dangerous player.
Pedro/Pat
You realise we need to pick up 4 points on them in 4 games, and this is assuming we actually win tomorrow.
Check out the bookies odds in the morning, that’ll give you an idea of our realistic chances.
3 little birds………
were on my doorsteps……..
Singing sweet songs……
Pat
Rvp won’t start. Will be interesting to see when he does come on where he will play. Will B52 go wide right as it was in the start of the season.
Gambon, I’m taking it game by game and not worrying about Chelsea. We need to win for ourselves.
Chelsea still have Spurs away and Liverpool away.
I think RVP may start actually. He played some matches with an amateur club a month ago and was shooting, running very well. People were apparently amazed and said its like he’s never been injured.
I think he needs to start. It’ll raise our players’ spirits. He is such a complete footballer.
Gambon
Agree there is very little chance of us winning it
but you never know.
every game is a cup final. it could be over in 24 hours time, but it could be still on.
I think we aim for 2nd and see how the others go.
Anyone fancy a Sagna-Maicon swap?
Hard choice.
Sagna is one of the most consistent defenders in world football, but Maicon would add much to our attacking play and he’s just as strong as Sagna.
Sorry guys but we have to face it, it’s over. they aint going to fuck up + the goal difference.
Spurs will roll over for chavs, stoke wont do much and L Pool wont do much either against them.
And I Fucking hate that lot, cant stand to see that shit terry lift a trophy or 2, sickens me
If Chelsea were to lose a game and we keep winning, they’ll feel the pressure against the worst teams. Lets not give in so easily.
Believe. Brum equalizer still annoys me, especially since it was offside
I dont want those cunts that call themselves footballers to win the league because if/when they win it they will have equalled us on premierships. Which is bullshit considering they have only been near the top and challenging for a few years.
I prefer Sagna. He is almost 2 years younger than Maicon, and I really think he is starting to blossom. I don’t ever think he can be amazing by the beginning of next season.
I have spent a lot of time watching Sagna. He has had his difficulties crossing, but I think that is improving and will improve with the right squad on the pitch as well. He rarely gives the ball away, and is immense on defense.
He needs to continue to improve his crossing and get the confidence to drive into the box… and of course just keep improving and maturing.
I really feel he will be an Arsenal legend with time.
Chelsea have been up there challenging for 6 years.
We were up there challenging for 7 years.
Not a huge difference.
sorry (I think he can be amazing by the beginning of next season)
Brain is running on empty… must be time to head to the pub.
None of them. I think she should sell them to Dein and then Dein should buy either Stans or Fattys shares to takeover. Stan cos he is investing his money into the Rams now, and Fatty because Dein is the one that sold him them.
I know some people doubt Dein but I would feel safe under his wing cos he is a Gooner. He knows people, he doesn’t pussy out when it comes to a transfer and most of all he always gets his man.
Either that or we at Le-Grove come together and buy Ninas shares.
Before they played Barca, Madrid had won all 15 home games and scored over 50 goals in the process, conceding 13.
Pep is the only Barca manager to beat Madrid in 4 consecutive games.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/injured-song-ruled-out-for-next-two-games
Ive said it before and ill say it again, I think this Barca team is the best club team of all time.
I agree Gambon. They are brill!
Pedro Says:
April 13, 2010 at 21:26
Sol, very slim!
Jaguar still struggling to come to terms with talking about a player he likes I see?
————————————————–
Cescy is the among the top 3 midfielders in the world,and he has proved his value,playing with shite like Denilson and average players like Diaby,and a crazy manager,who only cares for his love children and his bonuses,above the interests of the club. He has shouldered our team,all the way,despite the obvious gulf in class between him and other team members.What more reasons would you want to know,Pedro?
Jag, it’s a start! Nice one.
I’m off to bed!
Catch you all later!
Jaguar you do realise that Cesc is probably Wenger’s biggest “love child”?!
He went all out to get him, and even flogged the club captain, and a legend, to make space for him in the midfield!
i feel weather we win the prem or not this team needs to be alot more well organised and drilled team because i dont think you need to match barc with passing movement because that will never happen however if than can be organised as a team and add a depth to the team they can become alot better the arsenal team that one the prem i dont think they were as good as passing moving team as barc but they were very well organised team that alot top strikers wingers and were a much more phsical team than this one
hello A
I agree Leon, although it sounds silly to say it, but I really think that will just come with time. Vermaelen, Song, Diaby, which is the physical core of the team, are all quality players now, but will continue to improve, and organisationally the team will improve the more it plays together.
I’d say it’s more individual mistakes that’s cost us though, in pretty much every big game.
No Cesc didnt get as many chances as Denilshite and Diaby.Neither will Merida.
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-the-reasons-why-fabregas-will-stay
Jaguar, cesc was getting games at 17. jeez, how can you compare?
The title slipped through the hands of Almunia at Birmingham. He shouldn’t be our No.1 next season, period.
lol cesc didn’t get as many chances as denilson and diaby?!
you need to think about what you say sometimes Jaguar.
Merida didn’t because he wasn’t/isn’t good enough to warrant those chances ahead of the players in front of him….
Hey Gooby, how’s it going?
fine, apart from that anelka header. chavs were horrible but got the 3 points. fuck!
i am a bit worried about our injuries. no song will be a blow. i think we will get past spuds but we need RvP back to his best in a short time and maybe djourou to give us a boost and rotate a bit at the back. hope denilson do well tomorrow
Merida didn’t because he wasn’t/isn’t good enough to warrant those chances ahead of the players in front of him….
——————————————
Thats the joke of the century,A?He is not as good as Denilshite?I would like to have some of what you are smoking.
denilson and clichy are doubtful too
Good,lets play our reserves.Our medical team deserves some recognition for the great work they are doing.
jag-it may be the fitness training. it isn’t related to docs
Jaguar Denilson does not play ahead of Merida, they play in different positions, or are you not capable of understanding that “midfield” is not as specific as players’ positions get?!
Cesc, Rosicky, Nasri, Arshavin are the players that Merida would have to get ahead of to feature for the first team on a regular basis.
Gooby where did you read that about Clichy and Denilson?
just listened to wenger’s press conference en arsenal.com
http://www.arsenal.com/the-match/injury-news
Again its Wenger’s fault.We have many quality players for attacking midfield and a shite back up for a defensive midfield position.Wenger knows fuckall about defence.
nite.
Gooby that video in the link you just posted was after the first leg against Barca
i dont think this team will ever match barc for passing and movement but they have to this team in view has just about enough flair players but could with some players who are efficient type players for 2 long people have saying we have cb problem but i dont see that way at all its more the case this team is not very well organised at times and having a bit depth in dm position would be huge help someone who is more experienced would needed,and yes this team could with another top class winger
THeres nothing about clichy/denilson, only song, gallas, arshavin
Apparantley it wasn’t Vela who lost the Passport, it was the club itself.
http://carlosvelanews.co.uk/2010/04/13/exclusive-arsenal-football-club-may-lost-velas-passport-and-visa/
If true, it’s not fair as he was reportedly punished. Just highlights how fair he is being treated.
that is speculation and in my opinion, a bunch of bullshit from his agent
A Says:
April 14, 2010 at 00:01
Gooby that video in the link you just posted was after the first leg against Barca
—
ah yes sory, was confused by the dates below
Morning Pooftas…….;
Well that was to be expectd last night, hands up all those who really thought the Chavs would drop points at home against Bolton?
The real news was/is always gonna be our game away at the Spudz. Win that, and let’s see how the Chavs get on away at them too…….
The problem we’ve got is that we could win all our remaining games, and they could draw at Spudz and draw at the ‘dippers, and still win the title on goal difference.
Should that happen, then i would gladly punch that chorizo eating cunt that masquerades as our goalkeeper in the face along with any other cunt that tries to defend him and say he’s good enough for us…….
The problem we’ve got is that we could win all our remaining games, and they could draw at Spudz and draw at the ‘dippers, and still win the title on goal difference.
—–
no menace, we would win buy a point in that case
by* (i m a bit on the slow side in the morning)
Good morning all,
One game at a time. We win todays game and then and then only move on to next!
“When everyone is fit we have a squad that can match Arsenal,” said Redknapp.
——
Arry got a short memory. he forgot the 3 nil trashing at the grove. cunt
Fuck me!!!!
I do apologise Gooby, you are quite right, what a numpty i am!!
Well that’s given me a little more hope……
However, i’d still punch that useless fucking twat who ‘plays’ in goal for us……
Bring it on.
Sorry lads, no chance Chavs dropping points at Anfield. Game is three days after Pool Athletico semi. They will also be out of chase for fourth by then. So either resting players for a final, or players will have nothing to go for, and will protect themselves against injury ahaead of WC with only two to play.
You never know. Think 89!
Getting punched for not being good enough. What a strange world you live in.
Surely the point is that whether he goes at the end of the season or not, he’s all we’ve got until then and so he has to have our support.
Cmon you Gunners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
400
they could have draw yesturday grrr.
maybe if somebody punched almunia he would wake up and start paying attention to the game.
fucking goal difference…
torres said few days back he’ll like arsenal to win so if we are in position prior to pool v chav game..i hope torres displays a blistering performance to hand us advantage
Not really, i just reward failure with pain rather than the captains fucking armband……
To start with RVP or to bring him on from the bench. That is the question.
And, if you were paying attention i alluded to battering him at the end of the season…….
Talk on Sky this morning of Benitez in talks with Juve. Maureen to Anfield?
i feel chavs will drop in unexpected games. i think that mancs will drop more too.
blackburn and city are the tough games for us after this one, but i am rathr confident about blackburn.
And if we look at city, they are a threat on the flanks. but bellamy and johnson won’t be having an easy day with sagna and clichy.
and for arry he said same thing before last encounter where they got spanked…i wish we spank them harder this time
Gooby: Being an optimist, you have to assume we are going to win every game (which we will need to). So where are Chavs going to drop four. The answer is, could be in any of their games.
If you were paying attention, I never suggested you thought it was a good idea to punch him now……just that he should be supported now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amS4QkWnyZM
Saint Mother Teresa Chozzer…..
No clichy!!! We don’t want them ever finishing 4th!!
Sometimes the players don’t realise the rivalry!!
Clichy, though, thinks a European derby would be one to savour.
“We want to win tonight, but after that I don’t mind if Tottenham qualify for the Champions League,” he said. “We are going to finish above them whatever happens, so we do not have to worry about where they end the season. Tottenham have a great side with great players. They have had a fantastic season, the best since I have been in England. I am happy for them and it is good for English football to have another team competing for the top four.
“An Arsenal versus Tottenham game in the Champions League in the future would be really great. We have played against Chelsea and Manchester United in the Champions League, and to play a quarter-final or semi-final against Tottenham would be just amazing – maybe the best game ever. Let’s hope we win the title and they get fourth.”
Ouch……you win.
rob green- lol clichy is doing some mind-game comments
Ha!
A mate has fitted a saddle for Angelina Jolie for some movie..”now up..and down..now bend forwards..now up..and down..(minor adjustments)..now lets do that again can we…now up…..
The things some people have to do to earn a crust.
Fuck ‘em spud scum. Let’s trash them tonight and they can forget fourth. We can cherish some Carling Cup encounter.
I hope we celebrate St. Toteringham’s Day tonight!
Up The Arsenal!
NEW POST!