‘My job is to deliver a team with the resources we have’ –
Arsene Wenger.
The AGM was a tense one to say the least and for the first
time that I have seen, things got a bit heated. It took a speech (again) from
the manager too calm things. It wasn’t quite the standard of the Churchill
speech last year, but it was still full of passion.
I won’t go into the content of the 75 minute meeting as many
others who are MUCH better writers then me have already published their summary
but I will give my own opinions.
For the first time ever, I found myself agreeing with people
I have never agreed with and had thoughts I have never had. These were NOT against the manager, who I still
support and back but being usually the one to defend the club and its policies,
I found myself questioning them. I guess that is what being a supporter is all
about though.
I was first up in asking a question and after a slight stumble
from the chairman on my name I stood up and took the microphone. Talking in front
of shareholders, the board and the manager, who I have admired for so many
years was a bit nerve racking but I got my question out there (which was on
ticket prices and Ivan telling us there will be less reliance on supporters
when the new commercial deals and TV deals come in).
To be honest, I was not expecting a proper answer but it was
more a way of reminding the board that ticketing is very important to us
supporters, but also complimenting the League cup pricing as it is fantastic
value.
The meeting went on and there were a few interesting points;
the dividends question was not answered and there was a bit of a stand off
between the AST hierarchy and the board. I have had a few people ask me why the
AST are so chummy with Ivan and why they do not ask the right questions; it is
safe to say the AST did ask the right questions and did not give up when they
were answered back by the board. Ivan and Stan both named the two AST board
members and were visibly disappointed at their outburst. I think this puts the
AST Christmas drinks (usually at the Emirates and usually with the Arsenal
board) in question!
After the meeting, Ivan to his credit stuck around and spoke
to shareholders/supporters and so did Arsene. Arsene had been very quiet and
did not get involved in any matters until his speech with was more about team
affairs (as you would expect). Despite all the heckling and frustration, when
Arsene spoke, everyone listened. He still had the respect of the whole room; he
may not have their full support any more but he certainly still has their
respect which personally was good to see. We all have opinions on players,
managers, board members etc but I think it’s important to keep the respect.
Peter Hill-Wood who comes from a family who were/are devoted to Arsenal and
despite his stuttering, his sarcasm towards supporters, he should still be
respected, thinking its time maybe to move on though, is another question!
Speaking to Arsene has always been a privileged because listening
to him is fascinating. I tweeted a few things yesterday which he told a group
of us and I think him talking about wages, overseas tours etc show how much
football has changed over the last few years.
Overall, I am frustrated as anyone but I did what I could by
asking about ticket prices and now I will head to the Emirates on Saturday to
support the club I love.
QPR, despite being bottom of the league, could cause a
threat. They have spent money in the summer and brought in some good players
and sooner or later, you would think they will click but let’s hope it is not
on Saturday. I have a feeling the players WILL
play for the supporters and the manager on Saturday and will be motivated
to get all three points. I think in Arteta, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Podolski
etc we have players who have been through it all and will help the younger lads
through. Having Sagna and Wilshere back in the squad (who by the way, Arsene
talked so highly off and seems genuinely excited about again) will only help
matters.
Like you guys, I am desperate for a win on Saturday and
therefore will remain as positive as ever, will support the team and will not
panic if we do not score within the first 15 minutes! Despite what we think,
despite what we are not happy about, three points is the immediate thought,
anything else can wait…for now anyway.
COME ON YOU ARSENAL!
