logo by ChrisBlackett, on Flickr
Welcome to my new story, all about Arsenal. I aim to take Arsenal all the way: Premier League title, FA Cup champion, League Cup champion, and overall Champions League champions and then onto the king of the world.
boardroom by ChrisBlackett, on Flickr
"We cannot continue like this,” said Stanley Kroenke, “we just aren’t getting the results this club needs.”
“I agree,” Peter Hill-Wood replied calmly. “But what do you propose?”
“Change.”
“What sort of change?”
Raising his hand slightly of the table, Ivan Gazidis said, “We need a new manager.”
“A new manager?” Hill-Wood exclaimed. “What has Arsene done wrong?”
“Well, nothing really, but...”
“But nothing, we need a valid reason for firing him.”
Gazidis glanced round at the other board members, they looked sceptical.
“Saying we did,” Ken Friar said slowly, trying to avoid all trouble if possible, “who would we replace him with?”
“To that, I have no idea,” replied Gazidis.
“Your plan has come unfurled,” said Hill-Wood, triumphantly.
“Yes, but you see, I still think this is the way we need to go with the club. We need change. Ever since our last title over five years ago, we have had little or no success in any competition.”
“That is true,” said Sir Chips Keswick, speaking up for the first time. “I agree with Ivan. A new manager will prove to our fans and our rivals that we are ready to challenge for silverware once more.”
“Humph.” Hill-Wood looked unhappy at this.
There was silence in the room until Lord Harris of Peckham spoke up. “We need Arsene out. No doubt about it now.”
“Okay, okay. It seems I am going to be unsuccessful in this argument for now, but once again; we need a viable replacement.”
“Hmm, well this could be tough,” said Sir Keswick.
"As I thought,” said Hill-Wood.
Finally Gazidis spoke up once again, “I don’t think we can attract a star manager at this point in time. We just haven’t been successful enough lately.”
“Then who do you propose?” Asked Ken Friar. “We could go for Fabio Capello. Or one of Chelsea’s exes.”
“One of Chelsea’s many exes,” Hill-wood cut in. A low rumble laughter followed his words.
“No,” Gazidis said. The laughter stopped. “I propose we look elsewhere.”
“But where then?” Asked Hill-Wood.
“We need to look at a younger manager, like Chelsea have. I think a younger manager will be able to get along well and forge a great relationship with our current core of players. He also needs to have lots of flair, passion and energy.”
“I actually think we’re getting somewhere here; I finally think Ivan is making sense for once.” Kroenke winked at Gazidis, who grinned heartily.
“So, are we all happy to look for a young and passionate manager?” He asked.
There were nods from Friar, Kroenke, Sir Keswick and Lord Peckham. Hill-Wood sighed. “Fine. Have it your way. If you can convince me one of your candidates is right for the job then I will be happy to sign him.”
“Very good, thank you.”
“I think that concludes this meeting then, see you later gentlemen.” They got up and left, some talking quietly about the meeting. Hill-Wood sat back in his chair and closed his eyes. He had not been successful.