Passionate Stan wants success and trophies

FOR the past decade, Arsenal has been gripped by an ugly takeover battle.

It has not just been Stan Kroenke v Alisher Usmanov, but previous splits on the board that were undoubtedly a big distraction and obstacle to the club moving forward.

The most positive thing about Kroenke buying out Usmanov is that you do get one owner pushing in one direction. Usmanov never got close to a takeover as Kroenke never entertained the idea of selling up.

Not every fan will like the idea of one all-controlling owner, but Kroenke has shown this summer that he will listen to fans and is not afraid to bring about change.

Arsene Wenger has gone, Unai Emery has come in and Kroenke’s son Josh – destined to be a future Arsenal chairman – has taken a greater role and interest in running the club.

Arsenal supporters will lose the public AGMs as the club effectively moves into private ownership. But the most memorable thing about those meetings was current “old-school” chairman Sir Chips Keswick upsetting the fans. The reality is Kroenke’s move will not dramatically change the running of the club. Having met him a few times, he wants trophies.

He and his son are passionate and they also run their US sports teams well.

But, ultimately, every owner will be judged not on balance sheets – but success on the pitch.