Why haven’t these transfers been completed? No change there it seems. Why open ourselves up for ridicule again? No change there it seems!
I recently submitted an article that included the above and, at that time, was convinced the views I was putting forward were true and an honest reflection of the situation.
Just over a week later, my views and complaints look very hollow and foolish and I asked myself why and how things could have changed so quickly.
The open letter that was sent to the Kroenke family was an indictment of how a certain percentage of the club felt the Stan Kroenke ownership was gradually bringing our club to its knees.
The open letter was addressed by Josh Kroenke and, secondly, by Unai Emery directly to the fans, in an open, honest and sincere answer.
Firstly, Josh must be congratulated on how he immediately answered the complaints, explained what his family was trying to do, asked us to be patient and wait for some great news. Some complained that the owner himself should have been the spokesman, but it does seem that “Silent Stan”, after completing the buying of our club, has given the responsibility over to his son.
He was very forthright in his denial that the family had no interest in making investments into the club and made promises that, although questioned by us, were clear and would enable the fanbase to hold him to his word.
He kept his word in no uncertain terms and we were suddenly enveloped in a wave of such positivity, it was hard to believe!! It really felt like we were “getting our Arsenal back” at last.
We could all put downers on what has happened since then, like getting players on the never-never, buying a player this season for next season, still taking too long to negotiate etc but for me, the man has kept his word to the fanbase.
In life, one sometimes makes mistakes, the hardest thing is to admit it. I felt I needed to do this and at the same time recognise how the Kroenke reaction has brought together a new sense of optimism that has swept through the fanbase.
We will be vigilant in the future because The Arsenal is our DNA and we will fight to protect it – thank you for doing the same and my apologies for getting your intentions wrong. Please be as open as you can with the supporters of The Arsenal and you will find the most passionate, cross-section, faithful group of people you could ever wish for.
ken1945