Wenger statue

[Lanesra]

A bronze bust of Arsene Wenger was unveiled by the board at todays Agm

Must say he looked pleasantly suprised

[Skizz]

It's waiting to be coated in bronze then it will be put up. I wonder where they will put it, next to Chapman or elsewhere?

[mintone]

Ricks front yard?

[HomeatHighbury]

Ricks front yard?

I think you mean that they will put Rick's bust in Wenger's front yard.;)

[DougG_ATL]

What an outstanding, classy move by the club. I heavily prefer honoring someone while they're alive and still playing a part than memorializing them after they are gone or deceased. Wenger is undoubtably as important as Chapman in the canon of Arsenal history. His bust is to The Grove as Chapman's was to Highbury.

Now, the club needs to figure out a great way to display all of the AFC busts in a safe, preservative way that is accessible to every fan entering the gates.

[canadagooner]

What an outstanding, classy move by the club. I heavily prefer honoring someone while they're alive and still playing a part than memorializing them after they are gone or deceased. Wenger is undoubtably as important as Chapman in the canon of Arsenal history. His bust is to The Grove as Chapman's was to Highbury.

Now, the club needs to figure out a great way to display all of the AFC busts in a safe, preservative way that is accessible to every fan entering the gates.

That's gonna be tough with all those gates. I'm afraid as at Highbury the only way for a common supporter to see it will be a tour.

[CTGooner]

I had been thinking about what they were going to do for Wenger, and thought a bust like Chapman's would be the only appropriate way. Kudos to the board for doing the classy thing.

[DougG_ATL]

That's gonna be tough with all those gates. I'm afraid as at Highbury the only way for a common supporter to see it will be a tour.

Most of the newer sports stadiums in the US have a 'Hall of Fame' exhibit that opens in time for thousands of fans to come through. It's completely possible at The Grove. The way to regulate? Allow Gold members initial access for the first weeks, then Silver. Slowly open it to Red members and ultimately make it open to all supporters. Over time, your regulars will have seen the exhibit and the primary traffic will be first and second-time visitors to the stadium.

[Lanesra]

http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=483062&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Arsenal+commission+bust+of+Ars%26egrave;ne+Wenger

[TheImposter]

This is cool, I only hope I can see it one day. I'm surprised that no one has mentioned PH-W's comments (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=473499&cc=5901) about Arsene possibly becoming chairman someday. I like that idea. Someday. Not anytime soon.

[KirbyNYC]

A bronze bust of Arsene Wenger was unveiled by the board at todays Agm

Must say he looked pleasantly suprised

Pshhh...only now?! I've had one in my make-shift temple/shrine/sacrifice pit since the 98 Double. :p

[Darth Norteño]

Damn, and I was gonna start a thread called "Wenger Got Busted"...oh well.

That is awesome, and well-deserved. As for its final placement, it should definitely sit close to the bust of Herbert Chapman. What better way to enter Ashburton Grove than under the watchful eyes of our two most influential managers?

[arsenalgirl30016]

Did anyone watch Wenger's speech after he was presented with the statue?

Hilarious. He talked about developing English talent and that the future looks good. Then he said that after last nights results (obviously referring to the England v.Russia match) you could use it.......that got a good laugh from the board.

:D

[Gunners11]

Classy move by the board, he deserves it without a doubt. Hopefully he can add a lot more silverware to his coaching resume before he's done.

[surfcam]

A bronze bust of Arsene Wenger was unveiled by the board at todays Agm

Must say he looked pleasantly suprised

Why would they make the bust look pleasantly suprised? Seems like a stoic look would be better suited.

[Miles Brasher]

Why would they make the bust look pleasantly suprised? Seems like a stoic look would be better suited.

Thats truly terrible ;)

Must Spread etc.etc.

[DoctorK]

New meaning to Wenger's famous "everybody thinks they have the prettiest wife" comment.

The look of pride on his face as the bust is unveiled is priceless.

It should be in the same space as the Chapman bust.

Gooners, we're living in days of wonder.
:D

[GoonerMan]

real classy move by the board, this was always on the cards. i cant help thinking maybe it would have been better to give him the honour once he has retired as arsenal manager i dont no why? any views?

[DoctorK]

I was shocked it happened while he's managing. I'm sure it was all the more of a surprise to him for just that reason.

But its well deserved, and rewards him for what he's done and doing.

[NorthBank74]

OK now enough about Wenger... how about the sculptor... look at the list of people he's "busted" before...

Etienne Millner’s previous commissions are wide ranging and have included monumental portraiture, figure groups, busts of politicians, writers and musicians. Among them are Sir Lennox Berkeley, Lord and Lady Harris of Peckham, Toyah Willcox, Adrian Daintrey, Viscount Whitelaw, Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck, Lord Thurlow, Rumer Godden, Sir Derek Alun-Jones, Lord Allenby, Lord Balfour of Inchrye, Count Jules Dembinski and Alexander Wyndham.
Yes I live on the left side of the pond, but this hardly seems like a who's who of truly great politicians, writers & musicians. :p

Of course I'd say Arsene jumps to the very top of that list of important people!