Product Description

Based on unprecedented access granted to the authors, including exclusive interviews with Arsene Wenger, "Arsenal" looks in detail at the club's transformation into a global super-power. From 'boring, boring Arsenal' to the most exciting young team on the planet, the third richest football club in the world playing in a brand new and invariably sold-out state-of-the-art stadium - it's largely down to one man. Set during a season when the club has dazzled on the pitch and announced a turnover of GBP200 million off it, football guru Alex Fynn and "The Gooner" editor Kevin Whitcher dissect the events that led to Wenger's arrival and his 11 years at the club to reveal just how extensively his influence, from the training ground to the boardroom, has shaped the modern Arsenal.As close to Wenger as anyone outside the club, they examine his footballing philosophy, his training methods, his hopes, fears and aspirations for his team and his club - not to mention his failings - as no-one has ever done before. "Alex Fynn is a football guru, and I'm always interested to hear what he has to say." - Arsene Wenger.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1870 in Books
• Published on: 2008-08-16
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 288 pages

The Guardian, August 12, 2008
"A shrewd and well-informed book about the challenges and terrors of club still in the throes of transformation."

Arsenal World
"Any Arsenal fan with an interest beyond just the football will enjoy it and many a Club Chairman and Director will find it seriously enlightening."

A Cultured Left Foot
"This book should definitely be read by all Arsenal fans; it is a clear and concisely explained journey that sits comfortably alongside the best books about the club."

Customer Reviews

from a source close to Arsene....
This is a good, informative read from authors who know Arsenal well from different perspectives - Kevin Whitcher from the fan's viewpoint, Alex Fynn from that of a football marketing expert. The great value is that Alex knows Arsene Wenger - indeed lives nearby so he can pop in to chat. This means that the book is an inside story like no other written about Arsenal. Indeed I can only envy the access Alex got, officially denied to me and my co-author Matt Simmons when we were writing our book Great Brand Stories: Winning TogetherGreat Brand Stories Arsenal: Winning together -The story of the Arsenal brand But that is in itself an example of the truth of Alex's observations on the lack of real marketing expertise at even the most 'sophisticated' of football clubs. This book should be required reading in the commercial and marketing departments of all Premier League clubs but more importantly is a great read for Arsenal fans.

A compelling read for Arsenal and non-Arsenal fans alike
Arsènal is certainly a must-read for all Gooners - and all football fans that have an interest in the direction the modern game is going, off the field.

The book flows through almost seamlessly: following the teams' successes and disappointments on the pitch, investigating what happens off it, and taking a real nose around behind the scenes in the boardroom. It was interesting, insightful and so easy to read - I completed it in days, mainly because I couldn't resist reading `just one more chapter'.

What helps is it is not just mere speculation about events, but the authors were allowed to speak directly to the people that mattered - Dein, Hill-Wood and Arsene Wenger. Despite this, Arsènal is no PR exercise. Fynn and Whitcher are quite unequivocal when it comes to levelling criticisism.

The authors endeavour to uncover the redevelopment process from conception to completion and the role of money and investment at the club. Fynn is not backwards in coming forwards when it comes to criticising the business acumen of the Arsenal board, highlighting errors of judgement and `hind sighting' what should have been. It makes for some real thinking for Arsenal fans, and gives a heads-up to any clubs making similar commercial plans.

Away from the off-field saga's, Arsènal offers some particularly fascinating chapters about Wenger's training methods and the workings of the Arsenal scouting and youth systems.

In a climate of foreign investments, Fynn and Whitcher uncover the current state of the Arsenal shares, addressing what happened to David Dein and Edelman, and where Kroenke and Usmanov stand in terms of investing into the club - an issue that concerns many traditionalist Gunners, seemingly including the Arsenal board.

So non-Gooners, don't be put off by the title. This book should make an intriguing and enlightening read for those without a red and white allegiance - but it is a gripping must for those with one.

judge the book by the cover
From the moment you see the cover you know this will be an arresting and stimulating read ,and just for once you CAN judge the book by the cover.
The amount of detailed information, presented in a very readable style, makes it a book you can't easily put down because at each chapter end, you want to know what happens next.The story of Arsenal football club is a bit of a thriller in itself,and this book at times reads like one ,especially the intrigue of the 'business end 'of the story.
In these strange times when we might expect a troupe of camels parading around football pitches at half-time,(where we once had marching bands)
it is encouraging to think that the guardians of the Arsenal heritage are meeting the needs of the 21st.century whilst protecting the future of the club for the fans,as best they can. As the authors suggest,
despite the obvious financial pressures,what a pity these guardians weren't able to extract a more rewarding price for the sale of the crown jewel name in English football.
Whether you're a fan or just plain interested in the making of a very modern football club, this book delivers all the promise of a stunning cover and will hold your attention till the end,which by the way takes an intriguing and cheeky look into the future.