22 May 2017 06:32:28
Extremely interesting couple of weeks coming up. A cup final that can rescue our season, if we somehow manage a win. The history books show the trophies a team has won and not missing out on the PL trophy by finishing 2nd, 3rd or 4th. In addition, the situation in respect of Wenger. My gut feeling is that he will depart. The fans have turned against him and I believe he has lost some members of the board, which will prompt him to go. If this happens, a change of manager may open the purse strings, as Gazidis has been encouraging Wenger to spend, alas to no avail. Interesting times ahead.

{Ed001's Note - he has defo lost two members of the board, who voted against allowing him to carry on.}

1.) 22 May 2017
22 May 2017 07:42:24
So Ed what's this other reason he's alluding to as contributing to the bad run of form?

{Ed001's Note - I have not seen or heard the interview in full yet (or read a transcript of it) to know what you mean, sorry. I know he feels the protests are a problem. Funny how he admitted the uncertainty surrounding his contract contributed, when he could have solved that issue at any time he chose! Oh and of course he always likes to moan about injuries.}

2.) 22 May 2017
22 May 2017 09:59:48
It's where he said:

"I believe since January we have played in a very difficult environment for different reasons. "Some you know about and that's very difficult for a group of players to cope with that - and some other reasons we will talk about on another day. "

{Ed001's Note - ah right I did see that bit, but I wasn't sure what he had talked about to know what he meant by it. I was assuming he was alluding to the takeover bids by Usmanov and other interest initially though.}

3.) 22 May 2017
22 May 2017 10:21:24
I wonder if Wenger wants to extend his deal for two year as reported, but the board have made this conditional upon a Director of Football being installed, against Wenger's wishes. I believe the post FA Cup board meeting will be held to thrash out a deal between Wenger and the board? If Wenger were to win the FA Cup, he will be able to negoatiate from a stronger position than if we are defeated.

{Ed001's Note - should never have been left to fester like this though.}

4.) 22 May 2017
22 May 2017 11:04:02
We had alexis fit liverpool had mane out. Big factor in us getting close I feel.
Everything is about excuses he just can't admit it in his world he's always right.

5.) 22 May 2017
22 May 2017 11:26:40
I totally agree with you ed. Though, for me at least, the lack of direction from the AFC board is not unique to this season alone and has been like this for some time. Wenger should have had his hand forced a long time ago and the lack of pro activity from the senior management within the club is lamentable to say the least.

I'm not at all surprised to hear that Wenger has lost part of the boards backing. With the bid from Usmanov coming in, it seems that there maybe a power struggle surfacing behind closed doors. If this is the case, then I just cannot see any respectable manager coming in to replace Wenger (if he decides to leave) under these circumstances.

{Ed001's Note - Usmanov has always been one of Wenger's strongest backers.}

6.) 22 May 2017
22 May 2017 12:32:07
the usmanov wenger loving is just PR. got henry on his side and dein. smart guy.

7.) 22 May 2017
22 May 2017 13:17:13
Oddly enough Derby, I'm in the financial PR business. and, from my experience, no one makes a bid of that magnitude unless,

a. you already know that there is availability.
b. you want to expedite the availability by way of further destabilizing a fractured environment. (KSE UK have just released a statement saying that their shares are not and have never been for sale would normally stem this but this is football and the fans are fed up so could go either way)

Obviously, this is all conjecture but Wenger's silence regarding his future may well have been born from prior knowledge of a bid/ takeover from Usmanov who, as Ed quite rightly points out, is a massive fan of his.

Ultimately, what has transpired this season has been on the cards for many years. I am personally not too optimistic for the future even if Wenger leaves. I just feel that the club is rotting from within. The lack of ambition and direction from the board will ultimately restrict the potential to attract a manager who is a winner. its going to be a long summer.