Written by George Sezer Monday, 13 June 2011 21:21

GunnerTalk Blog

Share

By George Sezer

Ivan Gazidis' Q&A with the Arsenal Supporters Trust
(AST members get a world exclusive. The first official comments from Arsenal under new ownership)

He said:

Gazidis: "Despite how much we've been beaten up over past few months, club has achieved much in recent times..."

Gazidis: "Great new stadium, playing style, no reliance on external funds, we should all be proud."

Gazidis: "We going to see some turnover of players. As Wenger said, it will be a busy summer...yet not throwing baby out with bathwater..."

Gazidis: "Since we've moved to new stadium, only two price hikes in 6 years (tickets), we've shown restraint."

Gazidis: "Kroenke has "grown to love Arsenal". He will "remain in the background." not someone to court the limelight."

Gazidis: "it's important that we all stick together and don't succumb to public criticism by allowing divisions between ourselves."

Gazidis: "Arsene looking at new signings now"

Gazidis: "Arsenal is seen as a model of how to manage spending on wages throughout the world. Not perfect though, still want to do better.

He answered:

Question: Who is responsible for allowing Nasri & Clichy get so close to the end of their contracts?
Gazidis: "We collectively have to judge how much it makes sense to invest in each player at each point in their career at the club, contracts are about assessing value of player. Our spend is efficient and overall we get value" (implies won't be held to ransom)

Question: On what basis would you remove the manager?
Gazidis: "We 100% support Arsene. He's done a remarkable job in competing with clubs with greater revenues."

Question: In the last 4 transfer windows we haven't done well. Can we remove aw from transfers & bring back David Dein? (Lots of applause from AST)
Gazidis: "Wenger can't be removed from financial side of negotiations as he judges quality & value of targets. No plans to invite David Dein back" (Dein's name given round of applause)

Floor accuses Peter Hill-Wood and players of showing lack of respect for the club and fans. (Gets applause)
Gazidis: "Throughout the game there's a disconnect between the club, players & fans. We don't want that at Arsenal, hence this meeting."

Question: How can Silver membership go up so much if you're trying to encourage younger fans to become loyal supporters?
Gazidis: "We wanted to give Red members more chance to get tickets. We also froze Junior Gunner membership.There is churn in red membership because of little opportunity for tickets. Silver is better privilege, so costs more than Red. Price hike in silver memberships was because they essentially were too cheap"

Question: Wenger has spoken in favour if safe standing, will the club support it?
Gazidis: "I am prepared to explore" safe standing."

Question: Why can't we see the Reserves anymore?
Gazidis: "During the winter, the facilities are not good enough to promote youth development. But we'll look into it."

Question: Will Kroenke take out dividends to fund any debt on his purchase?
Gazidis: "There was not a specific commitment on dividends from Kroenke, yet he has track record of NOT taking dividends.Kroenke has a good track record on investing in his teams' successes, we can take comfort in this re. his intentions for Arsenal."

Question: The attendance figure at every game is a nonsense. If that's a lie, what about the supposed waiting lists on season tickets? Really true?
Gazidis: "We announce tickets sold because otherwise fans without tickets complain about empty seats. But maybe we shouldn't announce it, every empty seat is a small tragedy, so we want to improve the ticket exchange scheme, we are looking into this."

Letter read out from elderly fan. "I've never seen an Arsenal team with such a bad work ethic." (Gets loud applause)
Gazidis: "Letters like that concern me. I won't dispute content. My own view is that it's not all about heart & desire; but there are issues with the team. Perhaps lack experience to close off games."

From floor: I don't want to see our club become a training camp for world class players before they're poached. (referred to Nasri)
Gazidis: REPEATS the point about Arsenal managing contract spending better than rival clubs.

Question: Does arsene need more help especially with defensive coaching? (Lots of applause)
We're calling out for someone to teach the defence, especially from set pieces. Who will teach Jenkinson?
Gazidis:"Can't answer all questions as media will take out of context" (Largly avoided the question)

 

 More of what he said

Gazidis: "Arsene is accountable to the fans" (Laughter ensues)

Gazidis: "Wenger defends his players publicly, but don't think that means he doesn't challenge them in private."

Gazidis: "Kroenke continues to support AST & Fanshare, and fan engagement. He will meet with supporter groups. However, ownership is not the only way to involve supporters."

Gazidis: "China tour will help build commercial revenues and take pressure off income from stadium."

Gazidis refutes the idea that Wenger is stubborn, says he is open to ideas.

Gazidis says he has spoken to potential new signings already and expects to be busy. He is optimistic for the summer.

 

...

And the funniest thing he said:

Gazidis: "Arsenal's overall aim is not profit, its pride"

 

< Prev		Next >