Wenger gets Kroenke backing
Print Edition
Arsenal’s long-serving manager Arsene Wenger received the unequivocal support yesterday of majority shareholder Stan Kroenke who declared he is doing a “great job”.
But that did not stop other shareholders from criticizing the club’s board during Arsenal’s annual general meeting at the north London club’s Emirates Stadium home ground.
They voted against resolutions to re-elect chairman Chips Keswick and Josh Kroenke — Stan’s son — to the Gunners’ board.
The votes at the AGM, however, did not succeed given Stan Kroenke had already used his 67 percent stake to back the re-appointment of the duo.
Some 200 shareholders turned up in person to hear from Wenger, Keswick and chief executive Ivan Gazidis.
Wenger came under unprecedented pressure last season as Arsenal failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League and many fans wanted him to leave after 21 years in the job.
However, the 68-year-old Frenchman ended up signing a new two-year contract after Arsenal beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final, with the uncertainty over his future given as one reason for a dramatic mid-season slump in the club’s Premier League form.
Arsenal has not been crowned champion of England since 2004 and Wenger, observing yesterday’s AGM votes, said: “I dedicate 99 percent of my lifetime trying to make you happy. Looking at today, that is not easy. My determination is as strong as ever.”
Kroenke also insisted Wenger was still the man to give Arsenal fans the success they craved. “I think he is more focused than ever. Focused on winning. I really think I do see that.”
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