Arsenal's Director of Football

[antifan]

With Dein's departure, Arsenal is now looking to fill a position as director of Football, and Wenger has declared that the decision will be his.

"There will definitely be a director of football coming and it will definitely be my choice. At present I'm doing both jobs - the one David Dein used to do and my own."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/6581073.stm

I wonder how long it will take to fill the position and who Wenger's choice will be. There is already speculation on possible candidates. The Guardian mentioned former UEFA Chief Executive Lars Christer Olsson, along with Gerard Houllier, and Damien Comolli. I'm sure that further speculation will fuel the gossip pages over the next few weeks.


http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/04/21/arsenal_start_search_for_the_n.html

[FabregasTED]

I heard Wenger's gonna take the job himself, and Arsenal are gonna hire Mourinho to coach :eek:

Seriously though, as much as Dein will be missed the sooner this position is filled the better.

[antifan]

Real Madrid appointed a former player as their Director of Football. I wonder if Wenger will consider any former players? Bergkamp came to mind, but not flying would be a significant liability.

[GoonerMan]

id love to see him get damien commoli back on our books that would be a hilarious and a giant kick in the teeth to sperzzzzzzzz

[antifan]

Wow, this thread has been mostly ignored, i'm kinda embarrassed. Did i mention that Franck R*****y and Yaya Toure have been named as possible candidates for the job. :D

[RealMadGunner]

Guess if Wenger does both the jobs, he'll look much skinny in the coming season ..

Hope he apoints an efficient person ..

[stockholmarse]

My heart says Tony Adams but my brain disagrees.

[antifan]

My heart says Tony Adams but my brain disagrees.
Gilles Grimandi?

[RealMadGunner]

Gilles Grimandi?

Good idea .. The last time i heard, he's pretty good at any position .. :D

[Miles Brasher]

Wenger needs someone for the financial wrangling side of it, so he's likely to have a business background.

[Rungostar]

Wenger needs someone for the financial wrangling side of it, so he's likely to have a business background.

That would be the smart move. Recognizing football talent is only one half of the battle. The Director will need to understand fiscally what works and how to negotiate the right kind of deal that both the player and the club can live with. It's a delicate balance and one that can't be taken for granted.

[deaner1971]

Mr. Charlie George or me.

Then again, I'll just ring Mr. George and ask what I should do so...

[Lanesra]

Wenger needs someone for the financial wrangling side of it, so he's likely to have a business background.

George Graham?

[Naushad78]

With Dein's departure, Arsenal is now looking to fill a position as director of Football, and Wenger has declared that the decision will be his.

"There will definitely be a director of football coming and it will definitely be my choice. At present I'm doing both jobs - the one David Dein used to do and my own."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/6581073.stm

I wonder how long it will take to fill the position and who Wenger's choice will be. There is already speculation on possible candidates. The Guardian mentioned former UEFA Chief Executive Lars Christer Olsson, along with Gerard Houllier, and Damien Comolli. I'm sure that further speculation will fuel the gossip pages over the next few weeks.


http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/04/21/arsenal_start_search_for_the_n.html

I like Houllier for the football side of things but on the financial side, I am clueless. Also, I think Wenger needs to appoint someone with who he shares a very high level of trust but also someone who will keep him honest.

[deaner1971]

George Graham?

Boooo!

Sorry, that was a joke right?

[mpeabody]

I have a hard time believing Houllier would leave Lyon.

I'm sure it will end up being some 17 year old French kid we've never heard of.

[GriffinGunner]

I have a hard time believing Houllier would leave Lyon.

I'm sure it will end up being some 17 year old French kid we've never heard of.

Ha! LOL, that's perfect. :D

Seriously, it has to be a numbers guy and that's why I think it will likely be a name we don't know. Wenger and his staff will do enough of the scouting that the club won't be loking for a judge of talent, just the person who'll bring the talent to the club at the right price. Seemingly, this person will also be helping advise the Board on the overall financial and business dealings of the club. I doubt they'll champion lowering ticket prices or other kickbacks for the fans, but they'll also be shrewed enough to keep the club from coming within a continent of insolvency. Let the manager, players and overall strength of the club drive the actual football. The person that fills this position must essentialy be a CFO that keeps giving wenger the resources he needs to keep up the success.

[goonsquad]

Where do I send my resume?;)

[ASkergonan]

Houllier recently touted to stay:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=421226&cc=5901

He would seem to be an ideal candidate, though, since he has long been involved with UEFA and FIFA, and would be a well-respected and desirable figurehead.

However, I would think that Wenger would want someone who is slightly more ''moldable', and perhaps even disposable in the face of a Dein return.

[goonsquad]

A big NO to Houllier.