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As the sub-title suggests this work is about the Wenger years. This book however has been based on numerous interviews with a number of key individuals at Arsenal Football Club, most notably Arsene Wenger himself. While the behind the scenes access which includes input from David Dein, Liam Brady, Bob Wilson and Peter Hill-Wood paints a picture of the great man himself. The introductory chapters throw light on the manner of Mr. Wenger's introduction to the Club and it appears that he may have arrived sooner if the board had been more firmly convinced at an earlier stage. Profiles and insights on and by Henry, Campbell, Vieira, Bergkamp and Pires show both the relationship and influence of Wenger on his players. Which just as you would expect is enormous.
Just how important Wenger rates at Highbury can be judged by his input into every single aspect of the Club as is very evident throughout the text. The Directors appear to have total confidence in his judgement, which is of course just as it should be. Dein describes Arsene's ability as ‘digging diamonds out of the dust'. Which with our current financial plight, also extensively covered, is just as well. The Club's finances are a cause from concern as are possibly the vague unwritten hints that Dein is not quite as one with the board on the Ashburton Grove move. Cynics might suggest that this could be because as a major shareholder a potential financial disaster outweighs the desire for a serious crack at the big time in a costly new local stadium. As the financial chapter suggests Arsenal, if you consider our financial handicap, have been fighting well above their weight under Arsene and when the turnovers and financial clout of the big boys are taken into consideration just hanging in there has been a truly spectacular achievement.
Arsene's arrival and the changeover period where players like Tony Adams showed initial scepticism contrasts markedly with our greatest ever captain's views as he departed the Club. This is just one example of how Wenger has changed the face of football not just for Arsenal but throughout English football. Arsene's footballing philosophy is clearly spelled out for anyone who hasn't quite grasped the point yet and an insight into the changes he has initiated since his arrival are well worked into the text.
Numerous snippets of information throughout include everything from the way in which David Dein conned Arsene into attending the BBC Sports Review of the year, where he was presented with the ‘Coach of the Year' award. To the number of times Arsene believes you can rollock a team in a season. One section which I hope gets a major rewrite in any future edition would be the two chapters which examine the underachievement of Arsenal in Europe. Although regular appearances in Europe's major trophy have undoubtedly elevated us in the European rankings our failure to win the big one says perhaps more about our expectations under Wenger than anything else.
I found the chapter on Arsenal's youth set up to appear as if it was almost scripted for the benefit of Liam Brady, but this apart the book is pretty objective. The blurb describes this title as ‘an assured piece of sports writing and compulsive reading for any Arsenal fan' and I'm not about to dispute that claim as this was both a well-researched and enjoyable read.
Arsene Wenger's influence has been extensive, obvious, considered and the major factor in Arsenal's resurgence. Someone I know recently described the Club as being born in 1886 and reborn in 1996. This book tells us just how this came about and what has happened since.
The Glorious Game: Arsene Wenger, Arsenal and the quest for success
Published by Orion
Price £16.99
You should be able to order this title from any decent bookstore if you quote the following reference number ISBN 0 75286 040 2
Your favourite online bookstore will no doubt also oblige but if you're off to Highbury in the near future the Matchday Fanzine & Memorabilia Stall in Gillespie Road, opposite the North Bank entrance, are currently selling the book for a bargain £15.00.
You should be able to order this title from any decent bookstore if you quote the following reference number ISBN 0 75286 040 2
Your favourite online bookstore will no doubt also oblige but if you're off to Highbury in the near future the Matchday Fanzine & Memorabilia Stall in Gillespie Road, opposite the North Bank entrance, are currently selling the book for a bargain £15.00.