15 March 2023 , 14:13
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Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke issued a statement as he confirmed a number of amendments to the club's board. Kroenke is now the club's co-chair alongside his son Josh with fellow chief Tim Lewis promoted to executive vice-chair.
The Kroenke's tend to keep a low profile when it comes to discussing matters at the club. However, Arsenal's owners have tried to be more transparent with supporters since the failed European Super League plot in April 2021, which aimed to create a closed shop of so-called elite clubs.
Arsenal were one of 12 clubs involved in the plan, which imploded within 48 hours of its launch. That encouraged Gunners fans to launch yet another protest against Kroenke, which he dismissed by insisting he was "100 per cent committed to Arsenal".
Stan Kroenke and his son Josh are Arsenal's new co-chairs (Getty Images)Kroenke remained quiet after that but broke his silence by commenting on his amendments to the board this week. That is intriguing because few fans would have raised an eyebrow had he chosen not to comment on the matter.
After all, fans are not that concerned by such changes to the board. Kroenke's statement suggests Arsenal's divisive owner is taking a greater interest in Mikel Arteta's side, who sit five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
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Kroenke has tried to shake his 'Silent Stan' tag since he first bought a stake in the Gunners in April 2007. He has spoken exclusively to the Mirror on a number of occasions - including a passionate message to the Gunners' "wonderfully rabid" fans back in 2017 as he outlined his passion to bring trophies back to the Emirates. A few years on, those glory days could soon return with his club flying high.
Paul Andrews, who was viewed as Kroenke's right-hand man, pleaded with Arsenal supporters to drop the nickname in November 2009 and he has since strived to speak more frequently.
Stan Kroenke rarely issues statements to Arsenal fans (Getty Images)Do you think Stan Kroenke should sell Arsenal? Let us know in the comments below!
"If he was sitting in here today, [he] would be very eloquent and very respectful of you and the rest of the media," Andrews told reporters in 2009. "He is always respectful.
"But there are certain times that I don't believe it's right for an owner to be commenting. So we advise him on times when we think it's appropriate for him to be in the media, or not in the media, and that's what we talk about as an executive group.
"But any moniker placed on him, such as 'Silent Stan', is very unfair and really should not be used in any form in the media because he is a brilliant man."
His latest statement reads, "This is a simple evolution as part of us all driving Arsenal forward and further reaffirms our family’s long-standing commitment to this great club.
"Stability in football has never been more important as we move past the pandemic, and we believe this is the perfect time to formalise these roles. Our objectives and ambition will never waver - to field teams that compete for trophies at the highest level and lead our club in a way that inspires our passionate supporters around the world.
"Supported by our director, Phil Harris, and together with our executive team and all our wonderful people, we have an incredible opportunity to build on the values and traditions of Arsenal Football Club."