After Arsenal announced a radical new change to their ownership structure last week a new theory has emerged as to what Stan Kroenke is planning at the club. The statement from the Gunners said: "We are pleased to announce Stan Kroenke and Josh Kroenke have become our Co-Chairs while Tim Lewis becomes our Executive Vice-Chair."
It was a change from before whereby Josh, Stan's son, was working as a non-executive director, a role he has been in since 2013. Lewis had been an advisor for Stan for over 11 years, working through the process of buying the club outright for Kroenke Sports and Entertainment in 2018.
The change has come at a prosperous time for the club on and off the field with Mikel Arteta's side topping the league table, transfers and decisions from key director and former player Edu Gaspar coming off and pressure on KSE easing. Just over 12 months ago, there had been major backlash continuing towards the owners following the Super League debacle and on-field struggles.
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That now seems a long way off though with Josh Kroenke becoming a more public figure after his visible role in the All or Nothing Amazon documentary covering last season. Now, his new role as co-chair "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," explained his father.
"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."
Behind the scenes there may well be something deeper at stake though with football finance expert Kieran Maguire saying: "“Future planning and handing over the keys to a successor does take place on a slow and steady basis. I think this is what is happening as far as the Kroenke family is concerned."
Maguire further explained: “It also suggests that the Kroenkes are in it for the long haul, with Josh appearing to have a much more emotional investment in Arsenal compared to his father, whose relationship can at best be described at arm’s length.
“So with both now being confirmed as co-chairs, I think it’s the first step in the eventual transition of power to the younger Kroenke.“
Stan, 75, is also owner of LA Rams and has stakes in six other US-based sports teams. Throughout the 2010s he was criticised for lack of investment and direction for the club. Those rumblings have disappeared somewhat with the success of the team on the field but many would put that down to the emergence of Josh Kroenke as a more important figure.
The new direction is exciting, though, and has brought together older fans and the new generation in one. The latest announcement is only extra reason for that positivity to continue with commitment coming from the owners.
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