PHW has been shooting from the lip, David Dein getting both barrels in what could be interpreted as a bitter parting shot. Re-iterating that the current Board have no intention of selling their shareholding, Hill-Wood gave a similar response to those handed out to questioners about Stan Kroenke,

We will have a dialogue with any principal or major shareholder. If they’ve got some sensible proposals we’ll listen to them

Sounding like a bitter ex-spouse, he then commented that Dein was unlikely to be asked for any opinions,

I see no major point in that, I’ve had 25 years of listening to him

A painful divorce indeed.

The two statements seem on the face of it to be incompatible; if Usmanov seeks a meeting, the likelihood is that Dein would accompany him and give input. In those circumstances, the meeting would not appear to be a viable option. However, in much the same way as PHW backed down and toned down his attitude to Kroenke, the same will happen with Dein but I guess take a longer period of time given that their views on the business side of the Club are diametrically opposed.

The robust nature of their defences when questioned about the future of their shareholdings gives rise to the school of thought that the Board genuinely want to hold onto their shares but it should be treated with some caution. After all, unless they are genuinely going to sell, they have no option but to state their intention to hold onto the shares. To do otherwise invites unwelcome speculation in media and market circles. My own feeling is that they do not want to sell right now but are waiting to see who is flushed out by the interest of others; whether or not there is the potential to have someone they approve of selling Arsenal to. Right now, their options are limited.

Onto more joyful things, there seems to be a fair to middling chance that William Gallas will be fit for Saturday

My recovery is going well. I am working very hard to get back with all the rest of the players

That Domenech did not pick him on Saturday was a bonus, a rare moment of commonsense from the French coach given his previous history of contributing to the ruin of Arsenal players fitness. I am in two minds about whether or not Gallas should play on Wednesday. If he is fit, it would be good for him to play and get back his match fitness ahead of the derby although there is a chance he could breakdown again. Mind you, that could happen in training so which is better? Personally, if he is fit, let him play for France. Arsene may not agree but an extra match before Tottenham would do the player good. His return from injury at Anfield was hardly one of his ‘Glory Days’ so anything that helps his sharpness is fine by me.

’til Tomorrow.