Arsenal is currently in shambles, and it looks like things need to change as soon as possible!
Indeed, when Josh Kroenke came to the Emirates last year to look at the day to day running of the club, it was evident that something was going on behind the scenes and that Kroenke junior would eventually assume a bigger role.
Invisible Stan’s son has been more vocal in the short time he has been involved with the Gunners than his father has been since becoming the majority shareholder and eventually sole owner of Arsenal.
There’s still a lack of clarity between the club and its fans but, it’s something Josh Kroenke apparently wants to change. The heir apparent to the Kroenke empire is aware of the mistrust of supporters who are livid with pappy’s failure to make the club successful.
Josh has established a growing influence at the Emirates and he may well tip the balance as it goes forward. This could even include becoming the Gunners surprise champions to reinvest in the flagging outfit, something absent for the majority of his fathers ownership.
When Kroenke bought out Alisher Usmanov, KSE (Kroenke Sports & Entertainment) issued a statement on its American owners behalf to the London Stock Exchange, which implied that by making the club private it would assist with it’s “strategy and ambitions”.
Well up to now, that’s all been hot air and lip service but it’s said that Josh Kroenke may be heading the new operation that includes Raúl Sanllehí as the Head of football, Vinai Venkatesham as Managing Director and possibly Edu as Director of Football at the Emirates.
The role of CEO is apparently out of the question because of Josh Kroenke’s commitments elsewhere but, don’t rule out the position of Chairman, currently held by Sir Chips Keswick (78).
It’s an appointment that could take place as early as this summer or at the latest the end of next season but, the disruptive winds of change continue to blow through the corridors of the Emirates.
It’s a situation that just makes you want to shout out loud ‘Get on with it!’
Years of uncertainty and financial frugality have seriously damaged Arsenal’s ability to challenge on the pitch and if Kroenke junior is coming in, he needs to do it quickly.
Arsenal are in a state of flux and transition and in recent years, it’s generally recognised that they have been in dramatic decline. This season itself arsenal are 27 points off the leaders in the league and where knocked out of the FA Cup in the Fourth round itself however their performances in Europa have been their saving grace with bookies including various ausportsbetting sites placing Arsenal as favourites to win the competition this season.
The biggest thing the club lacks apart from investment is a controlling presence, someone that has a genuine interest and love for the club, someone who has a vision to bring success. Arsenal may look like a brand or a commodity, but to supporters it’s so much more.
It’s unlikely that Stan Kroenke will sell for any sum of money and his skin is as thick as a rhinoceros, so all hope rests at the feet of JK. Yet many of us still need convincing.
His carefully chosen words are encouraging, almost admitting that more change was required. Josh Kroenke said when he met with supporters this year: