Gunnerblog

There’s only one Tony Colbert…

43 comments February 18th, 2009

Until about twenty-four hours ago, I doubt that many Arsenal fans knew who Tony Colbert was.  However, since Eduardo commemorated the second goal of his comeback by running over to the touchline to embrace him, Colbert has assumed cult status.

I don’t think it’ll be long until The Armoury is stocking commemorative plates depicting the hug, with the shelves lined with the brand new ‘Tony Colbert Action Figure – with neat hugging action!’  And frankly, I’m all for it.  The man deserves almost as much praise as Eduardo for seeing the Crozilian through the rehabilitation process.  The striker himself has been quick to offer his thanks in a less physically intimate manner, saying:

“The first goal was for me, my family, but for the second one, I went to Tony Colbert.  We worked hard and he was like my second father. We spent a lot of time together every day and I think this goal was special for him and for all the staff.”

Eduardo hobbled down the tunnel with a slight hamstring injury, and may not be available for the weekend.  Such niggles are to be expected in the early stages of his comeback, but the signs are nonetheless extremely good.

Arsene Wenger, however, does not expect the striker to be part of a late push for the title:

“We’re very consistent and on a very strong run.  We missed scoring the goals that we’re capable of recently, but are very consistent and promised ourselves that we’ll give everything until the end of the season. Manchester United look untouchable because they’re 12 points ahead and have a game tomorrow against Fulham they’ll certainly win. Their results are very consistent.

They win 1–0 and you think during the game that they may drop a point or maybe more, but they always manage to find somewhere the resources to win the game. If they win their game in hand they’re 15 points in front, which means they need to lose five games. Say they lose one against us, then they still need to lose another four games. They haven’t lost four games all season yet, but we’ll try. I believe our basic target is to get into the Champions League.”

It’s high praise for United from the manager, and as close as you’ll come to an admition that the title is well and truly beyond us.  I think what has changed his public stance is the inescapable fact that our place in the Champions League in serious jeapardy.  As long as he felt that was fairly secure, it was fine to talk about the title.  Now, however, our focus must remain defined and absolute: anything less than fourth place simply won’t do.

In the past couple of days, Alisher Usmanov’s investment vehicle ‘Red & White’ have increased their stake in Arsenal to 25%.  It’s a tiny increase from their previous shareholding, but a significant one as apparently it enables them to block board decisions.  Football consultant Alex Fynn has astutely pointed out the precarious nature of the club’s ownership structure, and it’s clearer than ever now that what happens to Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith’s shares will have a major impact on the club’s future. 

I shouldn’t need to state how much I am opposed to the prospect of Usmanov assuming control of Arsenal.  I would imagine the global financial crisis will prevent anyone mounting a takeover bid for some time, but the spectre of Red & White looms ever more menacingly on the horizon.  I do, however, have faith in the current board’s determination not to relinquish their hold on the club.  In April the lockdown agreement expires, and I really hope it will be renewed.  If not, whilst a takeover might remain unrealistic, the speculation will become extremely unsettling.

For your information, The Arsenal Supporters Trust released the following statement on the matter:

 “This announcement (of 25%) is merely a confirmation of their stated policy. We welcome Red and White reiterating that they will not make a hostile bid for the club, something the Trust is opposed to. The interesting part of the announcement is Red and White’s claim that they are ‘committed long term investors and supporters’ of the club.
 
“Now that Red and White have reached 25%, the time has come for them to turn their attention to setting out in more detail what this position means and if they have any practical ways that this support can be expressed. The AST seeks a dialogue with all major shareholders in the club. If Red and White have constructive proposals that fit with our rigorous demands for on-going custodianship at Arsenal, and the need to work with the current Board, we will give them a hearing.
 
“The Trust also welcomes the recent statement by Arsenal’s new chief executive Ivan Gazidis that he intends to forge a relationship with Red and White. The AST has consistently called on all of the major shareholders to work together for the benefit of Arsenal”.

As much as the board may be loathe to work with Red & White, perhaps it may soon be their safest move.  Thanks as ever to The Trust for communicating so directly with the fans.  It is always appreciated.

Interesting times ahead, it seems.  Till tomorrow.