78 % THAT’S HOW MANY FANS WANT WENGER TO GO...
Landslide call for change but boss stands firm
41 YEARS since City have done the double over Arsenal in the league. In the 1975-76 season City won 3-1 at home and 3-2 at Highbury.
THE pressure on Arsene Wenger to leave Arsenal this summer has intensified following a massive vote of no confidence from supporters.
The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust asked members whether they supported the notion of the manager signing a new contract this summer and 78 per cent voted no.
Wenger is fully expected to sign a two-year deal despite the growing discontent among fans.
In a statement, an AST spokesman said: ‘We will be writing to and meeting members of the Arsenal board to convey these results and our position that they should now withdraw the offer of a new contract. We believe the board’s role now is to successfully manage the transition to a new manager, an eventuality for which they have had plenty of warning and time to prepare.
‘The AST has long believed that change is needed in the Arsenal boardroom. The fact that only nine per cent of our members believe the Arsenal board have handled this issue well reinforces our view that a fresh approach is urgently needed.
‘In adding our voice to calls for Arsene Wenger too leave Arsenal after 21 yearsrs we would like to reiterateate the importance of this debate takingg place in a civil and d responsible way.
‘We also recognise and pay tribute to the tremendous contribution that t Arsene Wenger has s made to Arsenal.al . Regardless of the current debate around round his contract we believe that he deserves huge respect and admiration for his long- term contribution to our club, including delivering some of the best football ever witnessed not just by Arsenal fans but all of those who follow the English game.’ Wenger yesterday insisted the uncertainty over his future is not disrupting Arsenal’s rebuilding plans. They will splash the cash again this summer, with the club looking for up to four signings — a goalkeeper, left back, midfielder and centre forward. At 67, there are doubts over whether Wenger can change his ways in a bid to propel Arsenal to major trophies but he insists prospective new signings will not be put off by issues over his future.
‘ Yes, I’m planning for next season but if I stay two months or 10 years, I plan,’ said the Arsenal manager. ‘I do my job exactly the same. Players will ask, “Will you be here?” but we are always honest. Arsenal is a world brand today and the Arsenal name is bigger than my name, coming to Arsenal is more important. You don’t come to Arsene Wenger, you come for Arsenal.’
Wenger’s side face Manchester City tomorrow as they look to get their season back on track following four defeats in their last five Premier League games, a stretch that has left their top-four hopes in serious doubt.
Wenger added: ‘ I am still convinced about the strength of character of this squad and it’s a good moment to show it.’