RIP Danny Fiszman, Usmanov Can… & More
The passing of Danny Fiszman, announced yesterday by Arsenal, put the ownership of the club into perspective. Fiszman is rightly being commended for his role in managing the construction and move to The Emirates. It is a huge legacy to leave behind, a key event in the history of the club.
More than that, comments from the players yesterday on social media sites and the announcement from the club itself, showed the high regard in which he was held. My condolences to his family.
The subject of shares kicked off yesterday. Throughout the transfer of ownership to Stan Kroenke, there has been a growing adoration of Alisher Usmanov. It is unbelievable that this is happening.
According to some, Stan Kroenke is the devil incarnate for becoming the largest single shareholder to the extent that an offer had to be made for the whole company. There is no obligation to sell to him. If the AST has enough influence over minority shareholders then the plurality of ownership is maintained. Usmanov’s holding prevents certain other events which is fine and almost the ideal scenario. That is prevented by the Uzbek’s involvement.
No-one should be fooled by this apparently positive PR he is receiving. Red and White tried to hijack KSE’s deal with Nina Bracewell-Smith. Those are not the actions of someone who had the best interests of Arsenal at heart; that was all about maintaining parity of being in the position to prevent KSE taking a controlling interest in Arsenal. Had Red & White been successful, there would be two bid documents being issued.
In a telephone interview with Bloomberg, Usmanov said,
My principle in regards to Arsenal is that it can’t do without me
Actually Arsenal can do without. It existed quite happily for over a century before you came onto the scene and will exist quite happily after you’ve moved on.
If you really love Arsenal, as you profess in that interview, don’t make a hollow gesture about giving some of your shares to the Fanshare Scheme, give them all to the scheme. Now. I am sure that your advisors can find a tax efficient way for this to happen.
Playing matters became more prominent with the tantalising news that Szczesny and Djourou are in contention for Sunday’s encounter with Liverpool. I don’t know about the players but for me, that is a massive filip, a real boost for the run-in. Neither player is without their faults nor are they infallible. Yet they have been two of this season’s real success stories and strengthen the squad at a crucial time of the season.
Elsewhere, United are moaning about playing Arsenal in between the two legs of the Champions League Semi-Finals. Apparently they are not happy at having to rotate their team due to tiredness. We may be complaining about tiredness ourselves next season but not now, no. Get over it.
There are complaints about a possible new shirt, white with blue trim. According to some, it is not an Arsenal shirt – sorry to disappoint but over the years, white has been a predominant colour for away kits. Where there are legitimate complaint is the introduction of laurels around the badge. It doesn’t work and if they want to tinker with badges, dropping the current abomination for an older version would be most acceptable.
The tour of the Far East next summer is likely to change with Japan omitted for obvious reasons, replaced by China and Malaysia. And Thierry Henry’s returning to The Emirates for a pre-season friendly with New York Red Bulls. Wow.
’til Tomorrow.
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Posted on April 14, 2011, in Arsenal, Football, Premier League, Premiership, Soccer and tagged Arsenal, Football, Premier League, Soccer. Bookmark the permalink. 197 Comments.
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YW agreed, and SK should also give all his shares to the Fanshare scheme to prove he really loves Arsenal, no ?
RIP fizaman
Tokala
Absolutely. But then I haven’t seen the ‘love’ professed nor reports of criminal activity that are associated with Usmanov.
YW
I dont know why exactly, but i just dont like the idea of usmanov
To be serious for a sec., I think they both “love” the projected future cash flow profile of Arsenal
Tokala
I think that they do. One is being open about his ambition to own the club, the other deceptive.
Now I think a fundamental error that is being made is that KSE will automatically buy all shares once they hit 90%. As I understand it, they can refuse that option so there is no difference in that respect to Usmanov being there or not.
Where stopping KSE owning that much of Arsenal is desirable is to prevent them from investing via loans – as the Glazers did – and putting them on the club. Stopping KSE owning more than 75% is necessary in that instant. However, there is nothing to stop KSE from borrowing elsewhere and funding the repayments via management charges and dividend payments made by Arsenal. Which is essentially what Deputy Dawg and his sidekick did at Liverpool.
YW
Obviously as KSE is offering 11,750 £ per share they do not think it reflects the future value of the “franchise” (God i hate that word…). They fully expect its value to appreciate over time, the Uzbek being a murky but clever investor has no real reason to sell at this point…he does not need cash either. I think he will stay on for the ride ( and maybe wait for a possible opening on the Board if/when the current one gets gradually renewed)
What I don’t like to hear is Usmanov saying the club needs him.
To be fair to Kroenke it looks like he stepped in to make sure Usmanov didn’t get control of the club, and although I’m still suspicious of him I think he is by far the lesser of 2 evils.
the ultimate dream would be for kroenke and usmanov to make a good partnership – if they both love arsenal want to be the best then they should work together – kroenke can use his american contacts while usmanov can use his russian and eastern europe contacts, and why not have a middle man in David Dein who brought them both to arsenal!!!
Bring Back David Dein!!!
Stu – Neither of them love Arsenal. They are both businessmen. SK has good experience of working (succesfully) in the sports arena, and already has being accepted by the Arsenal establishment
Joe – Lets not.
Stu,
At last good commonsense amid all the vituperative nonsense and frankly defamatory condemnation of Usmanov. (No, I don’t know much about him other than the unsubstantiated slurs I read on the blogs).
Let them both work together on the Board. Each will be a guard dog watching the other, to the benefit of Arsenal which must be the prime objective!
Sad news about Danny Fiszman although not unexpected. Unlike Danny who was a true Gooner and businessman Kroenke and Usmanov are businessmen not Gooners. They are there for financial reasons, make no mistake about it. Danny’s legacy will live on.
I acknowledge that Dein was a huge factor in our success but he tried to broker a deal for the club behind the directors’ backs and then sold his shares to Usmanov with his dubious background. in a vain attempt to become Arsenal chairman. This potentially puts the club at great risk – at least Stan has been vetted by the board over the last few years (although this is no guarantee) whereas Usmanov is at best an unknown quantity and at worst a criminal. Sorry Dein but you’ve burnt your bridges here; blind ambition was your downfall.
I definitely think that the potential availability of Szczesny and Djourou is a major boost. I can’t deny more than a little concern over the forthcoming fixtures and to have the strongest squad possible can’t be a bad thing.
If we get back to playing our own (recently, and irresponsibly criticised) pass and move game, I don’t doubt that we will take the points. It’s just that “if” that haunts me!
Red Arse – I am glad you are not on our board of directors. We should not want that dodgy twat anywhere near our club.
Joe
No.
YW
AIC – 100% bang on.
As an “older” Gooner, I am totally confident that the club would not be where it is (The Grove) where it not for Danny Fiszmam . . . a true gent and an avid Arsenal fan. I now trust his judgement when he decided to sell his shares to SK instead of Usmanov. RIP.
A very one sided blog. Usmanov deserves at the very least a place on the board i am still hoping that stan will invite usmanov dein and wenger on to the board and bring mourinho in as manager with a backroom full of arsenal legends ready to step up to the plate when mourinho moves on.
Goonerandy,
You are right, of course, as I said I know nothing about Usmanov, or you.
According to your lights, we should hang draw and quarter everyone we dislike and to hell with evidence or knowledge of what they are supposed to have done. Evidence? Bollox to that you say!
I only know you from your half witted comment, but fortunately I believe in our judicial system which does not rely on ignorance and bile such as you spout, so that lets you off the hook!
Grow up!!
Why did Danny start selling his shares to take him below a controlling percentage in 2006/7? I guess now we will never know.
RIP Danny. A thought goes to out his family and all involved with the chap.
The more i have read about either SK or Usmanov, the more I think none of it is in Arsenal’s best interests. I can see the club being sold in 5 years once SK has maximised his profits, and who knows who the next dodgy buyer could be. I initially thought it could be good for the club, but the grass isn’t as green as it may look to some. The club has been running in an excellent way for years, and I now don’t see any reason why it should be changed. Someone used to comparison yesterday that Stalin seemed like a great guy in comparison to Hitler… I think it should stay as it is. No need for change. Please comment, as this is pure opinion without knowing anywhere near as much as some people on here. Cheers.
Oh bugger. That was me. The Danny share thing that is.
used *the* comparison
Danny Fiszman, true true Arsenal man, would never let Arsenal go to anyone who would intentionaly damage the club…i.e Glaziers type. I,ve been to his old offices (Star Diamond) years ago and the place was covered with Arsenal murals/deco. Believe me this guy truly loved Arsenal.
A bit of moaning here in Kenya. A twenty – one year girl collapsed and died when her beloved Chelsea lost to the mancs. The ownership issue seems quite trivial in a world where a soccer match is a life and death issue. Rest in peace Miss Nyambura from a Kenyan gooner!
Seems to me the Board wanted it both ways with DD. Sell their own shares bit by bit. Get rid of him for going behind their backs, but the nature of the real transgression remains a trade secret, and then NOT make him an offer for his shares or identify a buyer for his shares. Very fucking fishy OR incompetent.
WHO decided that Lady Nina was out and why? Another chunk of shares flapping in the wind for months. Absolute fucking negligence that one.
I am very sorry but I will not countenance a man who hails from a poverty stricken country who arrives in England to invest his ill begotten millions in a bloody football club while many in the jurisdiction of his origins starve. Philisophically, I am not the person who gives any of the oligarchs the bloody time of day and this includes the Chelsea wonder as well. Imagine, a bloody football club. The imagination of these thugs is staggering!
You see, I think that building the new stadium was masterful from a project management perspective and for that we have Ken Friar to thank. As far as the shareholders are concerned it was a massive boost to all of them. Seems to me though that all the shareholders just depended upon AW to pull them through. My feeling is that ALL shareholder behaviour has been pretty shabby for several years now, and they, whoever they are, need to buck up.
Basically, two Owls, if you are born in a ‘poor’ country and you are very wealthy you should be giving your money away, but if you are from a wealthy country you can keep it and spend it on yourself. That what you are saying?
Frank, I don’t remember saying that.
It is implied in your comment, Two Owls
“Despite the considerable outlay of the club’s owner, Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed, who is reported to have spent more than £1bn in his time at Eastlands, Mancini insists the pressure is not on his side on Saturday.
“The fans should be happy where we are,” said the Italian. “For this club it’s the first time in a long time that we’re in the semi-finals.
“We have the chance to get to a final and to get in the Champions League through the league – this is a good moment.”
All those hundreds of millions spent on big name players and they are happy to be in the semi-finals? The same blueprint some advocate in the comments here while moaning about our lack of silverware. Makes you glad that they will never get anywhere near managing the club.
Is it just me or is anyone else confused as to whether Two Owls is talking about Usmanov or Kroenke?
I have never seen anbody (with any sense) on here advocate spending anywhere near those amounts of cash to be fair. If anybody mentions our spending they often get jumped on and accused of wanting to spend like/M City/Chelsea.
There is a saying that ‘a country does not get the leadership it desires, but the leadership it deserves.’ This is true for our beloved club. Arsenal needs silent stan who is an Akb with the uzbeck providing that minority but impotant dissenting voice. AST represent the ‘neutral’ fans. In the grand scheme of things, the team has a great balance although an increase in available shares for the Fanshare sheme would be perfect.
Fvck me – there must be quite a few senseless posters on here this week then, with their shopping lists and fantasy Arsenal teams! And that’s with Suga3 being missing in action (oh of course we won last week didn’t we)
The Uzbeck does not get a say in how the club is run. He is not on the board as he was not offered a place. I believe that he did have a blocking vote for certain aspects, but that is now gone with SK being the clear majority shareholder (and member of the board). I may be wrong, but I believe that is the case.
Rest in peace Danny Fiszman. Thankyou for your contributions to the Arsenal Football Club.
Yogi’s warrior, you sound like a shill for the board and Wenger any time I read an article by you.
Andy, AU’s “blocking” holding is still the same.
There are some decisions that can be taken based on a simple majority, election of directors being one of them.
Certain decisions, usually specifically listed in the Company Articles of Association (although this may be differnet in the UK from where I reside), require higher levels of affirmation to be adopted, usually 75% or higher.
Some decisions requiring higher levels might also be defined in the Companies Act (they are here, once again, not too sure about UK company law).
The sort of decisions requiring 75%+ vote are things like incurring debt, share issues, etc.
Some other decisions, like de-listing etc. might require even higher levels.
That’s why UA refers to his shareholding as a “blocking” holding.
It was, still is, and will remain so until he either agrees on an issue with Kroenke or sells his shares off.
At some stage I would not be surprised if SK offers him or an alternative a spot on the board.
At that possibility, I suspect all the DD accolytes will jizz themselves, but I seriously doubt DD would be considered a suitable character by either party.
I would be interested to find out whether the board can declare a dividend based on a simple majority i.e. by virtue of having been elected by a simple majority as directors.
Someone…
Don’t blame Yogi for your own lack of intelligence. Learn to to read properly is all I can say TBH.
Why would DD be considered persona non grata by the two people who benefited most from his presence at the club, MikeSA?
Frank, I know you think the sun goes down when DD pulls his trousers up, but I seriously doubt whether either of those two see it that way.
By the same token, PHW benefited from selling his shares to DD, and DF benefited from buying his shares from DD when DD’s sugar business fell through it’s own arse.
Neither of those two held any candle for DD in recent times either.
@BC
It is widley known that Usmanov is a thug, that he has made his money on others misery. he has been involved in dubious murders and rapes in the past. The way he acumulated all his wealth during the collaps of the sovietunion stinks.
That together with the well known vidley reported corruption in the post soviet states makes you want to avoid heavy russian and post soviet economic influence all together. I am in no way suggesting the average Uzbek is corrupt and less reliable than other countries citizens, merley pointing out the fact that its hard to become as wealthy as Uzmanov has become in a country like Uzbekistan without breakin more than one egg illegaly on your way.
If you learned your trade in an environment like Uszmanov did then its hard to suddenly become clean and nice.
I really do not think we want our club mixed up in that.
You may think Asenal is a big and mighty club, but when it comes to the real big boys in the world, the Uzmanovs, the Abramovices and the Sheiks, aresenal with all its wealth and big money players are merley a fish in the sea. Its a plaything for the rich, you just hope that when the rich comes to buy you they aint are less shady and with a better reputation outside football than Uzmanov.
Looking at the two mens reputation in world of buisness ,Kroenk is deffo the lesser evil.
The fact remains that I doubt very much whether either SK or AU would allow their judgements to be clouded by sentiment as you do, MikeSA. Don’t think that you are in any position to judge their attitudes to anything or anyone, young man. Are you?
goonerandy…
I find the whole spend-a-bit-more thing to be fundamentally silly. Basically what these spend, spend brigade folk are saying is that if we spend an extra 40m, say, we should be almost guaranteed to win a title despite the fact that we all know that a 70m outlay on two players didn’t pull Chelsea out of their slump nor get them past ManU in the ECL. And the players they bought are proven quality players!!
The other thing that is truly amusing with those who say that they are only calling for ‘some’ spending is that they always quote a 40m war chest… what they never say is if the money is for the headline transfer or whether that figure includes all or some of the prospective player’s wages. £40m outlay for signings alone is significant… if it includes wages then it a much less impressive figure. £40m in wages and fees would probably get you Darren Bent or Suarez!
The truth is that Wenger should be allowed to build his team how he sees fit… if as a club you are not willing to gamble on the level of at least ManU then all the talk of signing x, y and z is totally moot. You can sign even the most nailed on premiership performer and have them flop … Torres and Berbatov come to mind, and then you have to be willing to gamble again and again. On the other hand you could sign some kid from Mexico that no one had really heard of and they turn out to be absolute bees knees..
I think that it is far too simplistic to talk about spending a bit more money being the answer. Having money means nothing unless the right player is available for the manager to buy and ultimately the only person who can make that decision is the manager. All the spend-spend talk is beloved of the simple minded because they imagine that managing a club and building a team is simple.
Interesting question, Mike SA about what is required to take dividends from shares. I would like to know that too. You made the point a couple days ago that the board had clearly anticipated a sale of their shares at some point and had followed a policy that, while sound in fiscal terms for the club, was certainly valuable in boosting share values. The mysteries of why Fiszmann, RIP, began selling a significant portion of shares in 2007, why Lady Nina was removed from the board, and what was behind DD’s activities might have something to do differing views about that policy and how it was being executed (the timetable etc…) in some part.
Frank, you made some interesting remarks about the board. I suppose that is why you generally welcome Kroenke’s takeover. Hopefully it will work out for the best, though I haven’t still seen much specifically about his plans or what those in favor really think he can and will uniquely contribute to Arsenal FC’s growth and development. One caution in all this is that he clearly expects to make profits on his purchase of a majority stake in the club. How is the real issue. If he wants the shares to go up in value, he could have a short term strategy for the next five years and sell the club–perhaps to Usmanov?! If he has long-term intentions, he will want returns in other possible forms–dividends, use of debt against the club in the future, profits from the media venture/sale of matches globally online, and so on. In the latter case, we have to hope that the benefits of his enterprise (whatever this may be) ultimately outweigh the costs of his(and this form of) ownership. The future should be exciting in any case!
Block4, nice point!
I suspect I’m not the one who’s judgement is being clouded by sentiment Frank.
Someone
I vaguely impressed you can read.
YW
I was under the impression that AU made his fortune in Russia after he left Uzbekistan, poodle. His business in Uzbekistan was making plastic bags was it not. As for the ‘widely know’ murders and rapes, is it really ‘widely known’?
And what makes you in any better position to judge Frank?
Are you DD’s mom by some chance?
Might I respectfully point out that posting under ‘nom de plumes’ is considered bad form when you have an established ‘nom de plume’ already.
The comparison I made was between your sentimental approach and those of SK and AU, MikeSA. My judgements are irrelevant, I am sure I am sentimental, but I am not in a position to run AFC, or a business empire. And so my question to you still remains.
Oh dear oh dear oh dear, MikeSA. Now you discredit yourself.
Business is Business but I cannot see SK just wanting to make money and then sell Arsenal as Geo says. That doesnt line up with what he is doing as far as sports.
Who is this ‘nom de plume’ fucker, YW? Fucking outrageous behaviour. Is it me?
Sorry about Mr. Fizman. Sounds like he was a great man.
In the end I doubt that there will be any palpable changes to the way the club is run but no one will know for sure for a couple of years. The multiple ownership model that we had worked well for many years, but the playing field has changed significantly. I suspect it will be tough to maintain our status as a big club in the long term without some financial input beyond club revenue. No other big club in the world lives just on what it makes. Wenger has been completely unique in his ability to maintain competitiveness while making a profit in the transfer market. I doubt anyone else can replicate that accomplishment after he retires and I hope whomever owns the club at that time will be committed to maintaining our status as a top club with his/her checkbook if needed. Perhaps the new financial fair play regulations will help to level the playing field but I am skeptical. However, that is many years in the future and who knows what the landscape will be like in 2015. Glad the ownership thing is getting settled now before the summer silly season so there are no excuses not to make some moves if needed.
Lets get to some football. I miss the time when we had 2 games per week.
Frank, my judgement is based on my own experience in being on boards and running companies.
Much smaller ones than Arsenal, sure, but big enough to bring out the worst in people, i.e. all the usual shenanigans and dishonesty.
My judgement on DD is based on a number of things, his past dealings, the obvious self-promotion through his mates in the media, his general behaviour that led GG to get so pissed off with him, etc. etc.
I have to rely on instinct a lot in my game, and whether I’m correct in this instance or not, it’s my judgement, just as your judgement is yours.
My instinct tells me DD is a DD fan first an foremost. If DD “becomes” Arsenal, then, and only then would DD actually be an Arsenal fan.
Like I said, it’s my judgement (and I have a fair track record btw).
I’m sorry, MikeSA. I just don’t believe you.
MikeSA – Cheers for that mate. That makes things a bit clearer
Frank, you discredited yourself a long, long time ago.
I’m on way home from the office now.
I will respond to anything else in due course if neccessary.
Oh bugger it is me. I keep forgetting to log off, YW.
Here I will do it again…..
I’m sorry, MikeSA. I just don’t believe you. You must think we were born yesterday.
Presumably in a Daimler, chauffeur, FT on your lap, bubbly, calls to make? Bye, MikeSA. Sell, sell, sell, no, no, buy, no sell, buy, sell.
Afternoon’s hard work on ACLF. Off home early. Prepare to advise the Board on company strategy at tomorrow’s meeting. They must think you are an absolute diamond, MikeSA. Off to do your paper round more like.
MikeSA
The key thing for a dividend is Retained Profits. If they exist, a simple majority of the directors can declare a dividend. For a plc – which Arsenal is – it might be that a simple majority at the AGM is needed to confirm that decision. Which there will always be unless KSE has an internal split and votes against itself to a degree.
More likely than a dividend is a management charge. This means that KSE is the only beneficiary whereas a dividend means that everyone gets a return.
YW
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alisher_Usmanov
No mention of rape, murder or plastic bags
On wiki? Must be right then.
MDG
His lawyers no doubt watch that page very carefully. Try using Google instead.
YW
http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2010/0329/billionaires-2010-europe-usmanov-internet-media-hard-man-of-russia.html
There you go, MDGunner, plastic bags. MikeSA probably missed that particular issue of Forbes. Probably at a Board member, I should think.
‘At a Board member’? That is no way to behave on a Board, I mean really not on a Board. Best behaviour, I would imagine. Anyway I meant Board Meeting. Definitely only the finest characters in the best clothes with the very best of intentions. Honestly all Board meetings are like that. In the whole world.
Management charge would not be good. Don’t do it Mr. Kroenke!
Joshua:
The margins are small at the top of the table. Certainly nothing is guaranteed but its completely mental to say that a couple of good players couldn’t make a difference for our team. Should we be paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake? How can anyone not want us to take advantage of every reasonable opportunity to improve our chances of getting over the top?
Well we have one Board member with £3.5b and one with £18b so I guess they have to watch the pennies.
@G/andy
I am well aware of Wiki’s shortcomings. As Frank hints, his lawyers probably contribute to the pages
@YW
My inbox receives a few hundred Google Alerts everyday, I am trying to reduce my dependency
Joshua,
I’m genuinely interested after your post, do you think we should spend nothing in the summer, a little or a lot? I would say we could move on a couple or three and get in a proven performer or two while promoting a couple of those out on loan or in the reserves at the moment.
I know it will be too tempting to say something like “we’ll see how this season goes first”, but you must have an opinion on the state of the squad as opposed to just shooting down anyone who wants some new players bought.
Joshua,
It doesn’t help that in some cases Wenger even admitted he was interested in (in negotiations) to bring in players he thought could help the team, but for a few million more, it broke down. Xabi and even Schwarzer last summer come to mind. Not saying they would be season changers, but obviously not bringing them (or different/other/more players) in hasn’t worked.
Busch
“Not saying they would be season changers, but obviously not bringing them (or different/other/more players) in hasn’t worked.”
How do you quantify what has worked from what hasnt? or maybe I should ask what that statement means?
Joshua, there are no guarantees, but it is clearly in our interest to maximize revenues so that we can afford to supplement our team as needed through transfers and associated wages. I think Wenger has a very fine record, so I would trust his judgment with a larger budget as well, wouldn’t you? So the real issue now is how to boost our revenues and/or free up some cash. I trust him as well to pare the squad down if he can reduce the wage bill and raise some funds through transfers away of players that no longer figure prominently in his plans (he did a brilliant job selling Toure and Adebayor, for example–if he now has difficulty doing so, it would suggest those players are on wages that are high or their value has fallen below what we paid)
If Arsenal can negotiate much more lucrative sponsorships in 2014, that will help the coffers. If we can match what Chelsea and Liverpool are making that would be great. We have Tom Fox and his team though to see that we do better on these deals than they have and get closer to ManU levels for our sponsorships. Continental clubs seem to outperform English clubs commercially–and I wonder why, how and whether we could learn something. The TV deals aren’t as lucrative (except for RM and Barca because they sell rights individually), but Bayern Munich, for example, makes up for their TV deal and lower match day revenue with astounding commercial revenues.
One thing to keep in mind–winning a title, getting to CL semis and finals –will make a big difference to Arsenal commercially. It makes players into recognized stars (you eventually have to start paying them more as they become more successful) but you can get value back with shares of their image rights and sell shirts. More importantly, it makes the value of future sponsorship deals greater, it creates new fans among children in Britain and in new or growing football markets globally, and all the associated commercial revenues that come from having a bigger base of supporters. In some cases, judicious new signings excite the supporter base and might help you over the line. I would like the club to give the manager the flexibility to do this when needed.
So I don’t disagree with your remarks or generally exercising restraint and some caution within the parameters of a sustainable model. But likewise there are opportunity costs here as well–sport is about entertainment and about competing successfully. The balance is difficult but sometimes needs adjustment; sometimes taking a further risk (not dramatic ones) is of benefit.
In the past you have compared Arsenal to Aston Villa, Spurs, and clubs at that level, as if that is our natural and historic level. Perhaps it once was, but Wenger’s management and success, our position as the biggest club in the huge capital city of London, our regular CL appearances at the time when revenues for the competition exploded, our global fan base, the investment in the stadium and the unparalleled matchday revenues being generated, our established status in the CL and the big revenues it provides, and our massive wage bill (40 million more than Spurs, more than that over Villa etc…) suggest that we are not in their category any longer. We are 5th or 6th depending on the list in the money league of clubs worldwide. It doesn’t make sense to think of us in terms of Everton, Aston Villa, Spurs. We aren’t ManU either or financially doped ManCity or Chelsea to be sure. Hopefully FFP will help us vis a vis the latter two. We have a unique model but it is also possible to be too cautious in ways that can be detrimental in the short and long-term as well.
Folks, I’m afraid, I’ll have to sit this one out, as the business-side of Arsenal isn’t an area I’m well-versed in. However, I would be interested to see three points mooted by more knowledgeable Gooner-Troopers. Which are:
1) Pros & cons of having Usmanov/Kroenke owning Arsenal.
2) A show of hands in support of Usmanov or Kroenke.
3) An alternative to the above perspective owners.
Limestone – Nice post.
While we are still talking money, Arsenal,shares and stuff, i would like my (quarelsome) aclf family to be the second to know(after my family) that i am preparing a business plan to start a weekly football newspaper or tabloid as most of you would call them. I know that most folks here dont know a great deal about the economic conditions in my country, Zambia but your advice on the aforementioned will be most appreciated.
should the venture become successful,and i become as rich as messrs kroenke and Usmanov,i will buy Arsenal and give it back to the fans. for free. i promise. lol
so please feel free to fire away with your suggestions.
Paul N,
If the goal is to both develop and bring in players to create a team to achieve the goals that the club and Wenger want (at one point, for example this season, acknowledging we were fighting on 4 fronts with the goal to win them all), then one must add not making the correct calls on player transactions to the other reasons everyone always uses for us falling short of those goals. Such as injuries, bent refs, luck, poor form, etc.
I’m not saying it is *the* deciding factor, but it is part of the mix.
Well, I’m home now, and I see I have truly gone and done it with Frank.
Frank, that’s truly puerile, but wholly in character I suppose.
I never claimed to be some sort of “toff” as you apparently see it.
No, I don’t have chauffeur or anything even vaguely along those lines.
And no, it isn’t some sort of bragging issue.
I’m quite sure there are a number of people reading and posting on this board who are in far more responsible positions, earning a lot more than I do.
Do you actually know anything about companies and how they’re run? Do you think that they are all multi-national, listed mega-corporates?
It certainly sounds like you don’t know much, judging from the ridiculous responses and childish little rant you’ve gone off on in my absence.
I specifically said “much smaller companies than Arsenal”, and Arsenal is not that large a company btw.
We all do something for a living. I’m in IT, and have been for a very long time, and yes, I have been involved in senior and executive management since the mid ’90′s, so what?
Exactly what bearing does that have on the price of chickens?
You asked a question, I answered.
I can see now I should have been a lot more circumspect about what I said, but at the end of the day, none of it is material to the discussion, and now, sad to say, I can clearly see that you are not capable of debating from any sort of intelligent stance either.
You obviously hold some ginormous candle for DD, and any sort of deviation from your tenderly held views are akin to some sort of satanic activity in your opinion.
Bully for you.
Others don’t see it the same way, try accepting that, it’s what’s known as showing maturity.
Borges – Like you, I am not as clued up as others in that area. But for what it is worth:
Out of the 2 SK gets my vote. Mainly because he has excellent experience of working the sports industry, and know the workings club. He also seems pretty low key, and has a reputation for not getting too hands on. Usmanov is a bit of an unknown qualtity with no expiernce in this area. He also has a reputation (may or may not be true) of being pretty dodgy.
I don’t think there is an alternative now either. Some people want DD back on board, some dont. I for one don’t, and after he approached SK without being 100% truthful at the outset, I doubt he would as well.
If we ever were going to be taken over, SK is a pretty safe bet for the future of the club. I don’t think that much will change under his regime, but we may become a better run on the business side of things.
MikeSA – I suspect that you appear to know your stuff in that area has irked him a little.
Gullible is the word, goonerandy. You probably hear it quite often, I am guessing?
Heh, if you say so. No more than you would hear patronising though I would wager.
Young man.
Indeed, you just seem to exist to be patronised, goonerandy.
How old do you think I am, goonerandy?
We all have our place.
I have no idea. And why would I?
And more importantly, it makes no odds. Wisdom does not always come hand in hand with years served.
Ah it is ‘wisdom’ you are after is it? A worthy quest. How will you know it when you see it?
I don’t really understand why you asked how old I thought you are Frank. Please explain?
You called me a young man
Then the question you should be asking is hold old I am.
Its not all about you, you know
@ Limestonegunner 16:0
Very well put man! It would take me more paragrahs to write what you have said in such a clear and concise mannerzv would you by any chance consider coming to zambia and become a minority shareholder in my tabloid venture?
mikesa@3:03
I got the first piece of advice from your post. Ie: trust your instinct.
Anyway, off home now.
Laters.
Nor should it be. But I don’t want to know ‘hold old’ you are. I know already.
Andy, I don’t know a lot about UK company law to be honest.
I know a lot about South African company law, but I am not an attorney.
SA law is based on Roman Dutch law, but my understanding is that the Westminster (English)system has wider roots than that, so while there are some similarities, there seem to be some critical deviations as well, so I have to defer to others who are more familiar with UK company law.
On the topic of Dein, I have always had a rather uncomfortable feeling about him. Personally I wouldn’t trust him further than I could throw his old Maserati, but I don’t know him personally, so it’s just my opinion.
However, I don’t think Frank struggles with my level of knowledge (or not).
As old as he claims to be, he has shown a lack of maturity on this board for some time, and I have to admit, I haven’t bothered to engage with him much in the past for that very reason.
However, even my “wonderful instincts”
didn’t quite prepare me for the truly childish little rant he’s been on today.
OK, OK. Look the point is that ‘Boardtooms’ containing super high value share holders are unique. Each has its own characteristics depending upon the individuals and the context. It is not possible to judge the members of the Board in terms of their decisions or their manouevres, unless you know the individuals very, very well. Even then there are likely to be layers and layers of bluffs and blinds to negotiate. A Boardroom in one company will certainly give you no clues as to the behaviour in another.
YW, in my country the vehicle of “management fees” is usually used to extract revenue from Section 21 Companies (non-profit entities like Medical Aids, Charity Organizations etc.).
The vehicle over here would be Directors’ Fees (maybe it’s a case of semantics?), but there are some protections in place for that as well, not that they are overly effective mind you.
for example, in this country LBO’s are specifically legislated against (Section 38 of the SA Companies Act), but that doesn’t seem to stop anybody anyway, so who knows.
My father (who WAS a “legal eagle” btw), always said that what is considered common practice in business in this country often extends way over the line of criminality, but no-one does anything about it.
OK I am outed. I am in fact twenty four and I bow to your vast knowledge of company law and boardroom behaviour, MikeSA. Yours too, goonerandy. Let us hope that we get some jolly good honest fellows on the board in future. We don’t want any risk takers now, do we?
Ought to be some money to be made in a game called Championship Shareholder I would think. Perhaps you should turn your IT and Boardroom experience to that, MikeSA. Fortune to be made.
I am surprised by people lauding the performance by united against chelski as showing “a strong mentality”. Last time i checked, Wengers boys made chelsea look very,very average. How many teams can say they have not lost against the’mighty’ barca having played them twice.
I am dissapointed that the team has lost ground in the race but if we can win the remaining games, i would more than happy. To those expecting a ‘key’ new signing, i say prepare youself for dissapointment. Laters…
Thanks, GA and trugunn, though I don’t think I have ever been described on this or any other football blog of being concise before!
I also wanted to point out that yesterday, when there was some talk of transfers and summer activity I said 1) that I still believe we have a real chance at the title this season, even if it looks tough, 2) that it is important for this team to play and perform well in our remaining games so we can build up confidence and put ManU to the test, and 3) that whether we win or not, there isn’t a whole lot we can or must do to improve the team.
However, every summer there are changes, additions and subtractions, whether because the club or players involved decide to go elsewhere or to come here. We want the manager to have the most resources available to choose from to enhance the team: young player and academy graduates coming in and recruitment of the best players we can find.
Frank – Risk takers are fine, but ones that try and undermine the board are not.
MikeSA is quite right Frank, you really can be quite childish in your comments sometimes despite the fact that you are obviously older, and are obviously not stupid. Not too worry though.
While I don’t think we will necessarily see any huge “marquee” signings, I wouldn’t be surprised if we did get someone like Eden Hazard or similar for a fair chunk.
Wenger has bought and sold players every season, so I wouldn’t see that as a particularly major aberration.
Many football clubs who moved stadiums underwent massive challenges (Leceister, Southampton, Charlton, Sunderland(?) and several others).
We have done remarkably well thanks to Wenger and the board in these times.
However, if we assume that the board was preparing for a sale, then retaining revenue and profits to “fatten the goose” would have likely meant that Wenger was obliged to run a very tight ship to further that goal.
I think SK likes to run a tight ship anyway based on his track record, but if we see a signing of the Henry/Wiltord/Reyes level, then I think we can assume that SK is planning on hanging aroud for the long haul.
I only hope the long haul not be given short shrift.
You guys are a real barrel of laughs, aren’t you?
Ah at last a breath of fresh air.
Thank god for small mercies.
I am so sorry, MikeSA, but I really can’t believe that you wrote that last paragraph. Haaaaaaaaahhhhhhhaaaaaaahahahahahahahahahahahah…errrr…..HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAARGH
That is way too subjective Busch, Chelsea bought Torres for a bag full of money and what has it done for them?
You cannot put injuries, bent refs and all of that in the same league as what would happen if we have this or that player. Fact is the player can be crap or just not fit our system and not help anything however if we dont get an idiot ref or injuries to the proven players we have we will most probably accomplish more, no?
I dont see what Schwarzer couldve added to our team, he made the same type of blunder as Almunia recently. Xavi is a good player, but he didnt have to fit our scheme.
Not saying that players wouldnt have made us better however we have quite a few players that have made us better in Wilshere, Kos, Squillaci, Szeszney and Chamakh.
Sad day for Arsenal, Danny was good for our club. I think Kroenke’s purchase will not alter the club drastically as that doesn’t seem to his way. His sense of change is incremental rather than revolutionary. I think we will se more of the same.
Self-professed gaffe-prone clown Heurelho Gomes cost Tottenham Hotspur £8 million. No small change.
Shame that, really. For Gomes, I mean. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer fellow or a more worthy club. Smashing manager and right regular bunch of folk. Nasty business, that Real Madrid stuffing.
I wonder whether Stanley has his own toupée maker or whether he buys them off the peg? Woven in of course. Trigo..tricky..trimbl…hair technology is very sophisticated these days.
Can almost hear MikeSA and goonerandy tutting
I sure love the banter on here. You all seem like good people. Even when at loggerheads with one another.
Frank, I would say you’re of similar age to Old King Cole lol. Possibly a year or two short of French retirement age. You also strike me as a hard-nosed socialist. Ca parfait logique
Trugunn, if you are still around and if you are interested and need some input, I was involved in a fairly large magazine distribution company for quite a while, so I do know a fair bit about the publishing and distribution industry if you need a sounding board.
Magazines and newspapers provide a fundamental challenge in that they are a perishable sale or return product, so ensuring your distribution channels and outlets along with the quantities delivered are optimum will be essential for your publication’s survival.
Might you not give these guys their email addresses, YW? Please
Can I shamefully promote this charitable fundraiser?
http://www.justgiving.com/charityprojector/eurl.axd/305b4532b3d88b4c8841427b5403eacd
Its a worthy cause and if it helps all the children are Arsenal fans although quite a few of them don’t know what that means -admittedly.
Apologies Yogi, hope I haven’t offended any one.
I was also wondering how many of us are left that genuinely believe that Arsenal will win the title?
Hand on heart, I think we will do it. Does any one share this view?
Don’t know about anyone else but I am not offended, Arsene Baggins. In fact I think you are a star.
I think we will win the title this season, too
Couldn’t agree more on the badge comment. For a club that prides itself on its history and tradition the ‘new’ badge is indeed an abomination. There has been much talk about renaming parts of the stadium and returning to old themes – let’s hope that someone sees sense and we get a club badge which the average fan (aged mid-forties, remember) can identify with.
RIP Danny.
Block4…
To be honest I think that we are very close even as we are, but there clearly is a need to move some players on and freshen things up after a disappointing season and if we do that we may have to bring some in… if for nothing else because a lot of our fans are in a bit of funny mood to say the least. The problem though is who do you bring in and where? Say you move Bendtner and Denilson on, to use two of the prime examples that most of the other websites harp on about… who do you bring in given that we’ve got Frimpong knocking on the door and that JET is supposed to be next big thing? Most folks would like Benzema which would be great except it sounds more like a pipe dream than anything else… upfront, to get an upgrade upfront we may have to pay a big fee. I might even be tempted to try a cheeky bid for Sturridge from Chelsea. If arshavin and Rosicky leave as well there’d more room but also less experience too. Hazard is another flavour of the hour, he may sign or he may not but is he really good enough to takes us to the other level given what we may have to pay for him or is oxlade Chamberlain a far better and more likely addition?
Ramsey has hardly kicked a ball all season, Vermaelen hasn’t played much either so we have some really key talent to still come back and play. May be we should try and find a better LB than Clichy but the question as always is who?? For me the team is almost there and it will take someone really special to improve on what we’ve already got in most areas… including goalkeeper as it happens.
So I guess that my answer is that I’m not opposed to new signings as some kind of purist position… it’s just that I don’t see what all the fuss about signings is about given the quality we’ve already got… Fans love signings because they are exciting when they happen but that excitement lasts as long as, may be, the first 3 games after the player has signed and then you are dealing with the reality of the success or failure of their performances. City Fans must have been thrilled when they signed Dzeko… I wonder how thrilled they are now?
I do think the new badge is a bit cartoon-like. It is visually very clear and recognizable but lLess chivalric and more corporate, unfortunately. I liked having the Latin motto as well. Why did the designers reverse the direction of the cannon?
I’m very sceptical about this ‘freshening up’ business. It came from Jamie Carragher. Happily for him the recent ‘freshening up’ in his squad didn’t involve him.
The previous badge was a bit Gothic, not very fond of it myself.
My understanding is that at least one major reason for changing the badge was because the club couldn’t copyright the old one.
Oh Christ, how fucking dull
There was me thinking that it was becuase they wanted it to point towards Chelski instead of the Spuds.
Thats the thing about football. Everything about it apart from the football is fucking dull. Dry as a stick.
That’s the problem with being out of the cups–only one game a week, alas.
Insideright, it’s all about revenue streams unfortunately, there was a rumor at one stage that they wanted to copyright the name “Gooners” as well.
One thing we’ll see under SK over the next few seasons is a drive to maximize commercial opportunities.
As some posters pointed out earlier, we are seeing the possibility of overseas, out of season tours arising, something Wenger was steadfastly opposed to in seasons gone by.
I guess Wenger is going to have to make some adjustments, some of them might not be so bad, but time will tell.
It will be very interesting to see what SK wants to do with the online entity he bought a while back.
I seem to recall he bought a 50% or so stake in a separate Arsenal entity, was that the one that was supposed to have the rights to Arsenal Online etc?
Must say, we seem to have fallen out of the cart as far as that is concerned.
Personally I find it very disappointing that manusa, chelski and pool, not to mention real, barca and a few of the German clubs, all have TV channels that get shown over here, but Arsenal are no longer anywhere to be seen.
I’d like to see more of the reserve, youth and ladies games on TV.
ATVO is fine, but bandwidth over here is fairly poor, so although I do subscribe, it’s not very useable most of the time.
I too am wary of this freshening up talk. If we need players then so be it but I dont agree with doing it to appease supporters (I wish some of them would get a freshen up).
If Arsene believes we need someone, I am kool, if not I am kool.
This season to me has been horribly blurred by one corrupt ref to me. He messed everything up and the players are being burned because they lost a little confidence.
to me, even.
Joshua
As mentioned a few days back, it’s better to pay money to the players rather than their previous clubs.
It probably makes the media morons cream themselves to talk of 35m and 50m pound transfers, but those fees mean there is less money in the kitty to pay the players.
MikeSA
Directors Fees over here would be assumed by the Inland Revenue to be personal, rather than corporate. There is no law against LBOs here unless there is criminal activity involved. The way that banks and their auditors acted in recent years, I am sure some would take that as a given every time their offices open for business.
I was going to mention Lawyers but it seemed a bit too close to home!
YW
Arsene Baggins
No problem at all.
YW
Arsene Baggins
Two comments from me in a row. Not one disagreement nor a chastisement. Must be some sort of record.
YW
Insideright
Rename the parts of the stadium – Allison, Whitaker, Chapman, Wenger, Graham, any number could put forward a case for a stand to be named after them. Probably end up with one of the burger bars instead but hey, it’s a start.
YW
YW
Same over here regarding director’s fees, but personal tax is usually more “configurable”, so it is attractive, especially considering that by law here, every director HAS to declare some income from director’s fees, even if they claim they don’t receive any at all.
Of course, an extra link in the chain does also provide other “opportunities”.
Dividends are the preferred vehicle for getting funds out here, because they are not taxable.
Mike SA…
I agree wholeheartedly with you. If at all possible I think that a greater proportion of what we spend on players should be going on wages.
I think if we win the league this year, which – along with Frank and Baggins over there – I reckon we will do, having a laurel wreath around our crest next campaign would look fucking cool. Get rid of the new badge though – that is pap, I agree – just a big white cannon with a laurel round the outside. It’s only for the 125th anniversary season – why not flex a little showboat? When we romp home to the title with our victors wreaths pinned to our bosom already – we’ll look the bollocks.
What would be good was if KSE become more open about their finances. They are incorporated in Delaware which frankly has secrecy rules that even the Cayman Islands blanched at. Let’s see if there are any new loans, etc., to fund this purchase.
YW
Look at that ‘Yogi’ hogging all the posts again…
Oh cheers Frank! And yes I do too! I don’t stop believing until the last game!
Thanks Yogi! I am a bit behind on the messages as you can see.
Joshua @ 6:14 6:53:
Reasonable thoughts. The young players who can be true impact players will move up no matter the competition ahead of them. For every Wilshere there are dozens of Merida’s or Nordtviet’s. If we bought an experienced DM to compete with Song it may kill Craig Eastmond’s Arsenal career however, it would probably improve our chance to win a title next year and the year after. If Frimpong is really good enough he will still make it but the rest of the first team players and the fans benefit from his patience. Patience is usually a virtue, but the more often this squad comes close but doesn’t win the harder it will be for them to get over that last hurdle. If you asked any of the first team regulars if they would like to see a couple new experienced players from outside, I bet everyone would say yes.
There was an old mogul from Delaware,
Who thought it particulee deb-o-nair
To sport a toupee,
Despite what they’d say,
In order to keep a full head-o-hair.
You’re always after a shortcut, aren’t you, Bill.
Blooding youth is often a case of little by little. The diminutive Jack Wilshere is an exception of course, but his friend Manu Frimpong looked just as prodigious in preseason.
I agree with Bill that the players would say yes to some experienced players coming in but like Wenger said, they dont have their spot in mind.
I think this is why we have players and managers, player play, managers manage.
If Arsene sees the need, then buy, if not, he shouldnt buy for the sake of the supporters or the players.
Our manager has shown that he knows what we need by going out and buying some very good defenders.
And our defensive record inspite of what many say is 2nd best so far.
Stan Kroenke is such a mystery. Even my friend from Pittsburgh, who happens to be a sport journalist, says she’s never heard of him before.
Limpar:
Sure I look for a short cut when available. I really believe this team is good enough to win lots of trophies but what has prevented it so far is a mental block. Lift that mental block and I suspect we will see lots more trophies. I know my glass is half empty but I don’t want to see us keep waiting and coming close year after year. In my mind for the good of everyone including Manu Frimpong it makes sense to do whatever possible to get those first couple wins under our belt ASAP.
People who don’t talk to much, have a lot of time to actually do things.
In other words, TALK IS CHEAP…
New York Red Bulls on the way?
Now they really do have a talented player! No not our friend Mr Henry, but an 18 year old Colombian-born American called, Juan Agudelo. TH seems to genuinely rate him and thinks that he is going to be the next big thing in ‘US soccer’, but not in a Freddie Adu way hopefully. He’s strong, quick, 6” 1′, and 2-footed.
If Thierry Henry genuinely seems to rate him, and when you consider some of the players we have given chances to recently, I’d love to see whether this kid has it at first hand.
Bill….
The problem with what you say is that it isn’t the way the world works. Chelsea had Sturridge who they hardly ever played. So they went out and spent 50m on Torres and sent sturridge on loan where he’s scored 4 or 5 goals and Torres meanwhile has scored none despite his price tag. If you pay big money for a player it is just common sense that you end up playing him, at least initially and that distorts things in and around the team. if you want to see how a signing can actually thoroughly backfire look at the Torres situation. not only is Drogba on the bench but Sturridge is on loan and Torres is under the most appalling pressure to justify a fee he didn’t set. I know that Americans tend to believe in the pseudo Darwinian dictum of survival of the fittest but when a big fee is paid for a player the manager and the club as a whole have to try to show that their judgement wasn’t rubbish in the first place and distorts even the competition within the squad.
No one is asking for protection for Eastmond or even Lansbury but the fact remains that AW himself knows the quality of the players in his squad and if he thinks that Jack Wilshere is on the cusp then his judgement is worth far more than yours or mine. If he thinks that Fabianski is a good goalkeeper then we have to let him have hsi judgement proved right or wrong. The same applies to Frimpong or Szczensy or Miquel or whoever. My points in all this are all fairly simple TBH and they are as follows
1. Even the most copper-bottomed, watertight and theoretically infallible transfers can end up screwing up a club and team. The examples are legion… from Asprilla to Veron, from Shevchenko to Torres, big name signings are often just as much a hindrance than they are a shot in the arm
2. There’s nothing specifically brave about signing players. In fact it is often a cowardly device used to pander to fans by unpopular directors and/ or managers. Courage is to be found in doing what a manager truly believes to be right for his team, if that is buying a player for a big amount then fair enough, but it is no less courageous to say to fans and the media that there are no available players that can improve a squad and therefore refuse to buy even when fans and media are baying for signings… in fact, in my opinion, it is by far much more courageous.
Arsenal’s ‘mental block’ is a lazy construct of the sports press’ making. You don’t win enough games to be 2nd in April with a ‘mental block’ about winning.
“If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don’t have to worry about answers.”
Football games are won and lost on a heaving, sprawling, seething, myriad of split second events, possibilties, decisions and contests. Multiply that by a season. The Premier League is not a fucking golf shot, or a bungee jump. ‘Mental block’ comes nowhere near this level of football.
How do you have a ‘team mental block’ anyway? I mean I know some of our passing looks telepathic at times but… do me a favour.
Frimpong played with more ‘wow’ then Wilshere, if that makes sense, in some of those pre-season games.
Without the benefit of a PL loan last year, his form would’ve dipped a little at times? I have no idea. Speaking of new players, heh, I’m sure he’ll be one to watch next season.
Joshua:
Fair enough. We all have our opinions. Despite any pressure I suspect that Wenger will probably continue to follow a similar path to what we have seen for the last several years which is a lot closer to your ideas then mine. Lets hope your confidence in future results is well founded and my concerns do not turn out to be accurate.
Ahm a gonna enjoy this here noo era for the Arsenal Soccer Clerb. Gonna be mahty fahn, ah reckon.Mahty fahn.
Limpar:
OK. Instead of a “mental block” lets call it “fear of first place”. You are the master of that sort of thing so if you come up with a good idea I will defer.
Bill, I believe there is a lof of reasons to be confident. What Joshua is saying is not blind at all, we have proof that the team is getting better.
For me this is a dynasty in the making.
Well done Mr. Wenger, very well done.
*kicks the spitoon sliding across the floor toward Frank*
Perhaps ‘mardy fahn’ works better. You Americans will have to forgive us our phonetic trangressions over the next few years. We will try though. Some of us. A bit. Just about time we kicked castles, Jack the Ripper, Tottingham Court Road, Sherlock Holmes (I am realted to him by the way) and the Queen in to touch though., oh and a cockney accent. Don’t forget the cockney accent. or in Arsenal’s case an Irish or Scottish accent. Get rid of the fucking…fackin lot. It is all a heap of shit anyway. Why the fuck don’t we play any fucking bastard football any fucking more? What happened to the fucking football? A game. Any game will do. I just want to watch Arsenal play and all anyone ever does is talk about rich cunts.
…..Arsenal…..
Sorry, LA…
*and spits into said spitoon from 50 feet and wins 37 dollars*
No, let’s not call it fear of anything, you obtuse prick.
I thought you wouldve shot the spitoon?
Oop. Sorry, Frank. Some shot there…
Shoot a spitoon, Paul N? That would be a hygiene hazard, they reckon that spitoons halted the spread of TB. If you go round shooting the fucking things you will kill everybody. Or some people, because contrary to popular belief TB is not that infectious.
Hey, Bill! Come on outta behind that there outhouse yer great yak!
(Aside: Don’t worry folks… I’m a-packin’ a big boiler plate ‘neath this here poncho)
Well ah’ll be darned. Yaks.
Well.,thats another fine mess you got us into, Stanley. Fucking hope not.
Borges @ 8.47
She’s an American sports journalist and she hasn’t heard of one of the NFL franchise owners? Or an NBA owner? I don’t mean to be rude but she’s not up to much is she.
YW
Shooting a spitoon kills. Ricocheting bullets off the outside were terrible. Playing cards at the other end of the bar, mind your own business, bang and you’re the poor sod laying out in Main Street being flattened by errant tumbleweed.
yak! ha ha
I have heard Vermin and skallywag used but never yak.
Maybe I didnt see that western
Late entrant I know but I have no idea what the debate was about on this blog today.
AFC is a Plc.
It publishes Accounts.
In those accounts it HAS to declare info like Directors earnings, dividends etc.
What is the issue?
someone up above asked mentioned that Aguedelo character on the US team. I watch them play over the last round of internationals and he played pretty well. He scored one goal off a rebound, something I haven’t seen us do many times this year. Should prove to be useful for the US squad.
Japan are going to play in the Copa America afterall.The J league however will still be on and they will be reluctant to release players. Looks like young Ryo could get a call up. Would love to see this kid get cleared to play for us next season.
Yes, I hope so, too. Ryo deserves a call up on his current form as he is similar in style and ability (and in my opinion also at least as good!) as Kagawa and Kagawa was a starter before his injury.
Many thanks for £10 Joseph (whoever you are on here)! Now to raise the remaining 98%!
http://www.justgiving.com/charityprojector/eurl.axd/382252b46a6e684cbbf2b2706e787627
Oh and can’t wait to see us play Liverpool (on TV sadly) this weekend!!! 7 games = 7 victories.
Will be interrsting to see who is the sub keeper on Sunday.
Baggins – That is what is needed mate. If we managed that (7 wins), we would win the lge. We are more than capable of doing it as well, but I think I next 2 games are crucial and cannot afford any slips. We need to go into the Manure game breathing down their necks.
I am confident we can win those games! It we apply ourselves and show the work ethic of champions then we will do it. I am sure of it.
Today’s post is here
http://aculturedleftfoot.wordpress.com/2011/04/15/stone-cold-friday-winning-mentalities/