There is a well-known divide between Arsenal fans when it comes to Arsene Wenger’s decision to leave Arsenal.
At least once in a season the Wenger Out Brigade (WOB’s) will be heard the loudest – it usually arrives in line with a long list of injuries and on the back of a defeat to a title rival and a humiliation in Europe. They think he should go soon.
There will also, without fail, be a moment when the Gunners string together a series of back-to-back wins or an unbeaten period of 10 games, and with it the expectation of a title challenge and a wave of support for the great man – the Arsene Knows Best (AKB’s). They want Wenger to stay for another 10 years.
The fact is, fans are split and are going to speak out as suits Arsenal’s position in the league and Europe or even after transfer activity; when the fluctuations and unpredictability of the Premier League take effect and delivers moments of unadulterated joy and agonising misery.
I must be mindful of the Wenger realists – those who recognise his achievements and failings in equal measure and compromise on a fair middle ground of reasoned criticism and rational praise. They believe Wenger should probably see out his contract.
Yet, whichever band can drum up the strongest hullabaloo for their disposition on #WengerOut or #WengerIn, there will come a time when the tenure of the greatest manager in the clubs history will end.
The likelihood is it will be soon. Within five years, possibly at the end of this season, maybe the one after when his contract ends. That time will come and the Arsenal board need to be prepared.
So we have given them a head-start.
