Review of “Arsènal: The Making of a Modern Superclub” by Alex Fynn and Kevin Whitcher
In a balanced analysis of on- and off-the-field developments at Arsenal Football Club, the book tells the story how the ground for the appointment of Arsène Wenger was prepared and, subsequently, the Project Wenger of steering the club through troubled waters was implemented. It is written by two club insiders who collate Arsenal’s footballing performance with the power struggle in the boardroom during the transition period of moving to a new ground and setting the club’s new philosophy of the game.
The book is extremely balanced and fair – there is no blame game over the developments in the boardroom, a recent lack of trophies or the successes of the club’s academy. The authors precisely analyse every chain of events that led to crucial developments at Arsenal over the last twenty-or-so years and every conclusion is based on carefully researched facts.
Most importantly, the story of “the Making of a Modern Superclub” is about aspiration and ambition that have ironically resulted in putting financial stability first, over sporting achievements. “Achievements”, in fact, is one of the essential terms here. Wenger is one of the world’s greatest managers not necessarily because of his trophies but achievements, as Fynn and Whitcher argue.
Steering the club through the transition period when the Emirates Stadium was still under construction is the most important of all of them. Securing the project and financing it is described in great detail with hard work of each and every director and individuals involved carefully credited. Nonetheless, the authors spotted some mistakes made in the process of providing much needed funds that eventually put Arsenal in a disadvantaged position until the current sponsorship deals expire.
It’s a fluid read with a good pace. Although written thematically, not chronologically, it offers some interesting information from private lives of the manager, some players and the boardroom actors. My two favourite stories from the book: the impact of the break-up of Yugoslavia on the appointment of Wenger and Dennis Bergkamp asking his agent about a possibility of signing for Tottenham just minutes before completing his transfer to Arsenal.
Interestingly, the authors argue that the main reason behind the current run of trophy-less seasons is Wenger’s and his players’ self-confidence that often leads to collective trauma: the environment does not offer any chances to regroup when a defeat happens as no-one seemed prepared for it. Effectively, there is no space to move and learn from defeats.
In a way, although the title (Arsènal) and cover may not suggest so, the book is more about the role of David Dein than Arsène Wenger’s. The duo naturally plays a pivotal role but the story begins with Dein’s arrival and technically could end with his departure. The authors do not advocate that he should return but it is quite clear that Dein was the spiritus movens of pushing Arsenal forward. No surprised then that since he left the boardroom, the club is more focused on stability than challenging for trophies.
Although the 3rd edition of the book is up-dated till the summer of 2011, the newest chapters have a different pace and are written in more post scriptum style rather than a continuation of the same story.
Alongside “Fever Pitch”, “Arsènal: The Making of a Modern Superclub” presents a new perspective on following the story of Arsenal. To complete a trilogy of “supporter – manager/boardroom – footballer”, an honest, insightful and critical autobiography of a former Arsenal player would fit in nicely. Cesc, perhaps?
Fynn and Whitcher’s book should be also of an interest to those looking for a blueprint of running the club through a challenging period. It was not luck but vision, ambition and determination that have prepared Arsenal for the new century.
The book is available on Amazon and the publisher's website.
You can also follow one of the authors, Alex Fynn, on Twitter: @alexfynn1
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