Can’t deny the news today from Arsenal that David Dein would cease to be involved with the running of the club with immediate effect was a bolt out of the blue.

The "irreconcilable differences" with the rest of the board and their urgent statement of intent to retain their interests, clearly indicates that Dein was pushing for the club to sell-out. I have to admit that I felt that Dein’s wide-boy ego was such that, he would be unlikely to contemplate a sell-out and therefore the probability of dropping into the shadows - apparently not.

Obviously the news is going to feed the frenzy of speculation surrounding Arsenal’s ownership, but if the remaining Directors do keep their word and retain their 45.5% interest, the situation for any purchaser of Dein’s 14% would be as an investment, rather than the first stages of a take-over bid. Even if, as is likely, Stan Kroenke chooses to purchase Dein’s shares, it would only take his involvement up to 25%, still 5% short of the magical 30% required before he could make an official take-over.

As for Arsene Wenger, whilst it is a fact that it was Dein’s foresight that brought him to North London, the sudden departure of DD will, if anything, actually increase the likelihood that the Frenchman will stay. Arsene Wenger has made no secret that he believes the club should stay in the hands of Arsenal supporters therefore, if anything, it could prove difficult for him to remain at the club should the ownership ever transfer across the Atlantic.

Arsenal have much to thank David Dein for, there is no doubt that it has moved forward during the period he has been on the board, the standing of the club has benefited through his involvement within the FA and G14, but it would seem that this time (having previously fought against the move to the Emirate) he has overstretched the patience of all around him.

I wish him well, but believe the future of the club is paramount and therefore, as it seems clear he was looking to sell-out, the time is right to part company.

Be seeing you

 MysticBeg