Dein has left Arsenal
Clock
By Boris Mellor
April 18 2007
Stunning news emerged just before 6pm tonight that David Dein has left Arsenal with immediate effect. With the usual secrecy over irreconciable differences it is hard to know what is exactly happening.
Dein who is responsible for signing Platt, Bergkamp and Arsene Wenger. Only today Hill Wood said that he, Danny Fiszman and Lady Bracewell Smith would not sell their shares, but did not mention Dein. The club have issued a statement saying that the three main shareholders pledge not to sell any shares for a year. so what will Dein do with his? His 14% and Kroenke's 11% would make 25% But with the biggest shareholders antagonised by the threat of a takeover it becomes unlikely.
It is rumoured that Dein has felt increasingly marginalised, he was not involved in the new stadium project. Some say this was because he objected to the debt and the effect on the ability to buy players. It is possible that he believes that Kroenke should be encourgaed to buy into Arsenal so that players can be brought in. He has been seen as Wenger's chief ally over the years, but as Arsene was keen on the new stadium that may no longer be the case. The Arsenal Board have stated that they want to keep thier heritage and do not need money for shares. Therefore the silence about Dein can only mean that he believes that investment is necessary.
The interview with Hill Wood can be seen here
Arsenal Times will post any further developments.
