This is what I was driving at, but stand corrected on the precise dates of first involvement.QuartzGooner wrote:Kroenke's football club Colorado Rapids teamed up with Arsenal officially in February 2007, but there had been informal links the previous year.goonersid wrote:Quartz, they both appeared on the scene in 2007 and i may be wrong but i'm pretty sure Usmanov's interest was mooted before Kroenke.QuartzGooner wrote: - Kroenke was on the scene before Usmanov.
It was Dein who was talking to Kroenke prior to Usmanov, with the partnership Arsenal set up with Colorado Rapids.
- There are no dividends issued on Arsenal shares, and to my knowledge never have been.
Usmanov was not linked to us in any way until after Dein was sacked, and then Dein announced in August 2007 that he had sold his shares to Usmanov.
So that is quite different from your saying "Usmanov was on the scene long before Kroenke", though if you meant that Usmanov was publicly linked with a takeover before Kroenke was then that is correct up to a point, in that Usmanov and Dein announed their partnership as a way to influence the club, but stopped short of declaring an intent to take over the club.
It may be that Kroenke was approached to help with a take over, but even on his way to buying about 70% of shares, he said very little.
I think no one has ever doubted that Kroenke is in it for profit.goonersid wrote:
As for dividends, that may be the wrong term, but there must be profits to be had. otherwise why would Kroenke be here? or is he a genuine fan?
It is out of Usmanov's control.goonersid wrote:
Guys, The fact remains, Usmanov could buy and sell Kroenke 5 times over, but yet he sits and lets a disinterested yank hold control of the club he claims he lovesUsmanov is full of shite, as far as I can see, his only interest is profit and until the club can yield him a long term return a buyout would cost him he will do fuck all.
As I and others have said, there is very little that Usmanov can do to force Kroenke to sell his shares. Kroenke is not as rich as Usmanov, but is rich enough not to need Usmanov's money.
Agreed Usmanov can't force a sale, but there is nothing , only his real intentions and desire, stop him making a public offer in an attempt to force Kroenke's hand.
As for Kroenke not needing Usmanov's money, I doubt there is a rich man on the planet who doesn't believe he needs more than he already has.
The irony here though is I'm not questioning Kroenke's "commitment" or intentions, I think we all know what they are, but the commitment and intentions of Usmanov are a lot less clear and only by coming out and showing what they are, can he ever expect to gain support amongst his doubters.
The longer he continues to openly criticise the board or Kroenke, without making any real attempt to change things, the more frustrated fans like myself who want to believe in him will become.
