When I reviewed the hardback version of this title in 2008 I reported that: "Essentially this book delves into the background saga that has taken Arsenal from being a rather famous football club to, as the title suggests, a modern superclub that ranks up there with the big boys of European and therefore world club football.Better still it does so in a thoroughly entertaining and informative way". My view on the subject hasn't changed with the additional material to be found in the updated paperback edition reviewed here.
Study the front cover of this book carefully and you will see a very telling grave accent over the è in Arsènal, which in essence says everything you need to know about the recent years of Arsenal Football Club. But there is far more to the story than just one man who just happens to be the most profound influence in Arsenal's illustrious history since Herbert Chapman's time with us in the 30's.
What two such unlikely collaborators as Alex and Kev don't know about Arsenal is probably not worth knowing and within these pages there is more than enough of interest for any fan whose love for the club goes beyond just what we get to see on the pitch. This in essence then is the story of the growth, transformation and flowering of a Club whose turnover in 1996 when Le Boss took charge was just £21 million but since increased tenfold. The book is not just about the football played, the players who won the trophies or our on pitch trials and tribulations, but provides the background and full story to the Boardroom struggles that have so clearly hindered Wenger's spending on the squad since the stadium development was mooted. It's the story of a Club that built a new stadium and undertook some massive gambles in the property game whilst maintaining a place in Champions League football against all financial odds. At one point it got so iffy that building stopped on Ashburton Grove due to the money drying up. This then is a story that could have so very easily gone seriously wrong as it has at many other Clubs where relegation and financial embarrassment went hand in glove with their new stadiums. That the same thing didn't happen at Arsenal is amazing, as is the man who still managed to produce some truly classic football throughout the upheaval.
Four additional chapters have been added which include further telling quotes from the likes of Ken Friar on the Arshavin transfer and Tony Adams on how he sees Arsenal's on pitch needs. The story continues via the departure of Keith Edelman and a somewhat subtle hint regarding his prioritisation of property development over on-pitch affairs, which might just possibly have had something to do with his departure. The arrival of Ivan Gazidis is well covered, as is his relationship with Wenger and the board, and his plans to develop the way forward for the Club. An insight on Danny Fiszman and his alleged intentions also makes interesting reading. Then there is the continued, albeit unwanted by many, influence of Dein as earlier evidenced by the arrival of Kroenke and Usmanov. The abrupt departure of Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith is dealt with both via her views on the subject and Hill-Wood's perception of events, plus how all this relates to the balance of power in the boardroom. Towards the end of last season a few of the shareholders somewhat infamously gave Wenger a relative battering at the AGM around about the same time as the team took a couple of undesirable batterings on the pitch. This strife is quite naturally part of the story and is well covered here, as is what was actually happening on the pitch.
This is the story behind the story and one which quite a few directors beyond our own could learn plenty from. They might even be able to follow our lead if they could only find someone to equal the likes of Arsene Wenger. But it has to be said that is a massively big ask.
Arsenal World readers can save £1 on the publishers' online price of £5.99. If you visit this page and select 'buy now', on the next page you get the opportunity to enter a promo code. Enter the word 'world' here and the amount is recalculated to £4.99, saving you the £1. Postage and packing will be added before you complete your order.
Arsènal - The Making of a Modern Superclub
By Alex Fynn & Kevin Whitcher
Published by VSP (Vision Sports Publishing)
Paperback Edition
ISBN: 9781905326600
Retail Price - £7.99
