What People Don't Get About Arsenal

Now that the Arshavin transfer saga is over, I think it's a good time to stop, sit back, reflect, and digest everything that went on.

There are more than enough reports out there recapping the whole ordeal.

But one of my favourite blogs out there was a full quote from the Arsenal Supporters Trust that I thought worthy of repeating here, to help other people understand exactly why Arsenal is a special club, supported by people who, collectively, look upon football in a slightly different manner than their counterparts elsewhere.

I quote:

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“Arsenal deserve credit for keeping their nerve and not having paid over the odds for Arshavin. We must remember that Zenit wanted £30m last summer and £20m at Christmas. They have ended up with less than £15m. It amazes me that some supporters have suggested that we should have given up another £5million just to get it over with.

Arsenal’s money is actually the supporter’s money. Pay over the odds now and there is less for the new contract for Robin Van Persie or a need to raise ticket prices. At the AST we believe the Board have to look after the finances as custodians. That means carefully spending only what we can afford.

Arsenal’s approach is very consistent. They never comment on transfer speculation. It might be frustrating for some but it is right. If the dignify the made up stories by commenting it only inflates them, if they comment on genuine targets it makes the chances of landing the transfer harder to achieve.

Part of the problem is that the on-line media and blog sites give agents the platform to try and manipulate transfers. And the media have a herd like mentality. So when Sky Sports News got it wrong yesterday, they all followed. Except for the AST who stuck by our understanding that the transfer was in its final stages,
and would be completed.

It is an encouraging start for Ivan Gazidis. One target from Arsene, one player secured. Let us hope it is the first of a successful track record.”

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Hear hear. The Club, the Manager, the Board, the Supporters Trust, and true fans should all be very proud of themselves. We got our man, we got him at the price we wanted, and we didn't compromise our ethics, our class, our style, or our beliefs in the process.

Arsenal have always regarded themselves as having a bit of class. Arsenal, especially under Arsene's reign, have usually played with a bit of style and panache. Arsenal, as a club, pride themselves on being financially prudent; not overspending on players, and using their revenue sources wisely and properly to support a proper business.

Arsenal’s money is actually the supporter’s money. Arsenal Football Club are Gooner's football club.

We have much to be proud of. Yes, these might be trying and frustrating times, but we haven't lost our minds, mortgaged our futures, or stepped too far in to the circus that is modern day football media.

There is only one thing to say now. C'MON YOU REDS!