Vicks wrote:It's been claimed the Arsenal players all know who their new manager is.
Lots of websites cclsim former Gers player Mikel Arteta is taking over after lots of other candidates dropped out.
I hope this doesn't turn into another Alex Ferguson/David Moyes carry on.
He was mentioned a while ago even before Wenger had 'put in his notice' Wenger had some faith in him though I don't know if he meant just yet?
He'd be the ideal candidate for the non-footballing executive which is why Ivan Gazidis the CEO backs him as his preferred replacement. He won't cost an arm and a leg or demand a huge transfer budget, he knows the workings of the club and the players and he won't have a ready made entourage he wants to rock up with him. He's definitely the cheap option.
The downside is I don't think he was universally liked by the all players, but that might not be a bad thing, he was known as an authoritarian and some didn't like his attitude. If the board think it will assuage the fans by appointing an ex player, Arteta isn't that man.
Though he spent a fair few years at the club and was team captain, he isn't viewed in the same way as the legends like Viera and Henry etc., he's not regarded as 'a great' by fans. Some reports say that he'd be 'number two'd' by Santi Cazorla who is a fan favourite so maybe that would help.
As the days go on I think it's becoming more likely he'll be the man named so I'd be prepared to give him a fair crack of the whip, hope everyone else does.