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Arsenal: The Making of a Modern Superclub
A new, updated and expanded edition of the bestselling, seminal book of Arsenal during Arsene Wenger's reign, with four new chapters covering the club's progress up to the end of the 2016 summer transfer window. Described by The Observer as "fascinating" and The Guardian as "shrewd and well-informed", respected football magazine When Saturday Comes said of Arsenal: The Making of a Modern Superclub, "at last a football book that reflects the age".
Based on unprecedented access granted to the authors, including exclusive interviews with Arsene Wenger and key Board members, current and former players, Arsenal looks in detail at the club's transformation into a global superpower under the stewardship of their French manager and what has gone wrong over the last few years. The book analyses the state of the club, both on and off the pitch, and the authors give their opinions on what needs to be done by the Manager and the Board to keep Arsenal at the very top of the sport.
"Alex Fynn is a football guru, and I'm always interested to hear what he has to say." Arsene Wenger
"A shrewd and well-informed book about the challenges and terrors of a club still in the throes of transformation."
Kevin McCarra, The Guardian
"A fascinating new book."
The Observer
"This book should definitely be read by all Arsenal fans; it is a clear and concisely explained journey that sits comfortably alongside the best books about the club."
A Cultured Left Foot
Based on unprecedented access granted to the authors, including exclusive interviews with Arsene Wenger and key Board members, current and former players, Arsenal looks in detail at the club's transformation into a global superpower under the stewardship of their French manager and what has gone wrong over the last few years. The book analyses the state of the club, both on and off the pitch, and the authors give their opinions on what needs to be done by the Manager and the Board to keep Arsenal at the very top of the sport.
"Alex Fynn is a football guru, and I'm always interested to hear what he has to say." Arsene Wenger
"A shrewd and well-informed book about the challenges and terrors of a club still in the throes of transformation."
Kevin McCarra, The Guardian
"A fascinating new book."
The Observer
"This book should definitely be read by all Arsenal fans; it is a clear and concisely explained journey that sits comfortably alongside the best books about the club."
A Cultured Left Foot
318 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2008
31 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 4, 2015
A fascinating look at the evolution of the business of professional football in England.
That this book relates to MY team is essential, whilst it is an interesting read on its own I don't think I am bipartisan enough to have found pleasure in reading about the successes of rival clubs. The fact that it was Arsenal and Arsene Wenger at the forefront of the evolution of football as product leaves me justifiably proud.
Alex Flynn is a media and marketing consultant for professional sports teams, specialising in football, with the help of Arsenal fan and Gooner fanzine editor Kevin Whitcher he has produced an analysis of the past twenty years of business (and to a lesser extent football) dealings at the club with something of an insiders knowledge.
What they achieve is a behind the scenes look at the boardroom shenanigans, the differing of opinions on what made the best business sense versus the best sense footballistically speaking (to coin an Arsene Wengerism) and the mistakes made along the way to becoming a "modern superclub."
Where the book falls down is in the balance of information presented, at times you get the impression that they weren't quite sure whether the book should be about Wenger, football or the business of football. Personally I would have been quite happy if the focus had solely been on the business aspects or a biography of Wenger that lightly touched on his influence in the business sphere but instead it all gets a bit muddled and disjointed, not really providing enough detail on either subject to leave me deeply satisfied.
A worthwhile read for those interested in the club, the man, the sport and sports business however; just don't expect your world to be changed by it.
That this book relates to MY team is essential, whilst it is an interesting read on its own I don't think I am bipartisan enough to have found pleasure in reading about the successes of rival clubs. The fact that it was Arsenal and Arsene Wenger at the forefront of the evolution of football as product leaves me justifiably proud.
Alex Flynn is a media and marketing consultant for professional sports teams, specialising in football, with the help of Arsenal fan and Gooner fanzine editor Kevin Whitcher he has produced an analysis of the past twenty years of business (and to a lesser extent football) dealings at the club with something of an insiders knowledge.
What they achieve is a behind the scenes look at the boardroom shenanigans, the differing of opinions on what made the best business sense versus the best sense footballistically speaking (to coin an Arsene Wengerism) and the mistakes made along the way to becoming a "modern superclub."
Where the book falls down is in the balance of information presented, at times you get the impression that they weren't quite sure whether the book should be about Wenger, football or the business of football. Personally I would have been quite happy if the focus had solely been on the business aspects or a biography of Wenger that lightly touched on his influence in the business sphere but instead it all gets a bit muddled and disjointed, not really providing enough detail on either subject to leave me deeply satisfied.
A worthwhile read for those interested in the club, the man, the sport and sports business however; just don't expect your world to be changed by it.
January 25, 2012
I thought this was an amazing take on the modernization of Arsenal Football Club. I am glad I read Fever Pitch previously to get more of a traditional view on the club. Arsene Wenger is a visionary: so much so that clubs and managers around the world try to emulate his tactics, his dietary techniques, and his prudent financial ways. Now, those who know what they are talking about can mention Arsenal have been trophyless over the past 6 years. It's true, but more than the trophies, Arsenal has instituted a culture, a footballing way of life, that truly transcends. It has been done without plunging into debt buying superstar players either, which in my opinion, will win out in the long run. Great book about a very interesting man and club. Glory to the Arsenal!
July 18, 2011
An insightful read for those who doubt - or are beginning to doubt - Arsene's intentions. Briefly discusses Arsenal's history before Arsene Wenger's appointment as manager before dealing heavily with Arsene's reign, focusing especially on the troubles that accompanied the club while moving from Highbury to Emirates Stadium. There's also quality insight into boardroom dealings and drama; the power struggles b/w Fiszman, Hill-Wood, Dein, et al are utterly fascinating.
That being said, with Arsene still at the club, the book feels utterly incomplete. There's still more story to be told.
That being said, with Arsene still at the club, the book feels utterly incomplete. There's still more story to be told.
November 6, 2013
Let me share with you a brief insight into the thinking of an Arsenal supporter. At Emirates last week (v Norwich) with about ten minutes to go I couldn’t help but overhear a couple of guys behind me talking : #1 “Where will we be in the league after this?” #2 “Well, if we win we’ll be top.”
IF we win!!! Under ten minutes to go, we were 3.1 up and would score once more….IF we win!!
And you know what? I knew exactly what he meant. We’ve experienced disappointment, of our own making so often, in so many stylishly pointless ways, going out of the champions league to Milan, Barcelona and Bayern and haemorrhaging Premier league points at the seasons close to be left empty-handed and crying bitter tears into our flat beer (so I’ve heard…).
Anyway, the book! Brilliant, fascinating.
It’s not just a pro Arsenal PR job book but a serious, often critical, appraisal of the ambitions, management and personnel that have taken AFC (1994/5-2011ish) from being a conservative old boys club,(no coups, no take-overs, no buy out, no relegation) to being hopefully ready to engage and compete seriously as a world Club accessible to its fans from east to west.
The book is about how that leap was envisaged and how that vision was realised in 15 years and it begins just before the arrival of Arsene Wenger in 1996.
Arsene Wenger and his revolutionary ways. The players were about to be dragged kicking and screaming into a new world. Well, they were about to have their beer taken off them anyway. Out went the fish and chips as well (seriously). In came healthy living and training. In came attention to detail, speed, technique and goals, sometimes more than 1 a game! In too came Patrick Vierra and Nicolas Anelka. The book logs the arrivals and departures well.
At the time questions were beginning to be asked and the answers to these questions would help to shape a blueprint that would change the club in every way.
The questions were football questions. How do we win the league? Can we compete with M*nU spending?(this was slightly before MC & Chelsea ) Can Highbury be restructured to hold 60,000?
The answers (no, mostly…) led to AFC becoming the biggest property developer in Islington, as plans, budgets and building debts came into place that would advance the club super structure but curtail on-field expenditure for a decade. It did not curtail AWs ambitions though and he made a virtue out of this necessity and there are lots of great details how:
“What would you do if we gave you £100mill?” Peter hill wood, the chairman, asked his Manager.
“Give it back” said the economics graduate Wenger.
The success of the project, so well told in this book, will be seen in years to come but is already apparent in the Emirates stadium itself and the teams continued presence in the PL top 4 and the CL which is testament to AW ability to succeed within the construction periods constraints.
But these are smart, ambitious people, they aim high and 4th wasn't what all this was about. You also get the impression, the very strong impression, that despite the board manoeuvrings- which is very well represented in the book-they all love the club and respect the game…..Fanciful stuff, you say? Maybe it is, but it’s great to watch and great to read about....TBC
IF we win!!! Under ten minutes to go, we were 3.1 up and would score once more….IF we win!!
And you know what? I knew exactly what he meant. We’ve experienced disappointment, of our own making so often, in so many stylishly pointless ways, going out of the champions league to Milan, Barcelona and Bayern and haemorrhaging Premier league points at the seasons close to be left empty-handed and crying bitter tears into our flat beer (so I’ve heard…).
Anyway, the book! Brilliant, fascinating.
It’s not just a pro Arsenal PR job book but a serious, often critical, appraisal of the ambitions, management and personnel that have taken AFC (1994/5-2011ish) from being a conservative old boys club,(no coups, no take-overs, no buy out, no relegation) to being hopefully ready to engage and compete seriously as a world Club accessible to its fans from east to west.
The book is about how that leap was envisaged and how that vision was realised in 15 years and it begins just before the arrival of Arsene Wenger in 1996.
Arsene Wenger and his revolutionary ways. The players were about to be dragged kicking and screaming into a new world. Well, they were about to have their beer taken off them anyway. Out went the fish and chips as well (seriously). In came healthy living and training. In came attention to detail, speed, technique and goals, sometimes more than 1 a game! In too came Patrick Vierra and Nicolas Anelka. The book logs the arrivals and departures well.
At the time questions were beginning to be asked and the answers to these questions would help to shape a blueprint that would change the club in every way.
The questions were football questions. How do we win the league? Can we compete with M*nU spending?(this was slightly before MC & Chelsea ) Can Highbury be restructured to hold 60,000?
The answers (no, mostly…) led to AFC becoming the biggest property developer in Islington, as plans, budgets and building debts came into place that would advance the club super structure but curtail on-field expenditure for a decade. It did not curtail AWs ambitions though and he made a virtue out of this necessity and there are lots of great details how:
“What would you do if we gave you £100mill?” Peter hill wood, the chairman, asked his Manager.
“Give it back” said the economics graduate Wenger.
The success of the project, so well told in this book, will be seen in years to come but is already apparent in the Emirates stadium itself and the teams continued presence in the PL top 4 and the CL which is testament to AW ability to succeed within the construction periods constraints.
But these are smart, ambitious people, they aim high and 4th wasn't what all this was about. You also get the impression, the very strong impression, that despite the board manoeuvrings- which is very well represented in the book-they all love the club and respect the game…..Fanciful stuff, you say? Maybe it is, but it’s great to watch and great to read about....TBC
April 30, 2012
To become a super football club in the modern era,one must have a playing philosophy, one must qualify in THE elite club competition every year, win trophies, and become self-sustainable. That my folks, is the Arsenal and Arsene Wenger way of managing a football club.
Arsenal plays attacking football (playing philosophy), has been in the UEFA Champions League (Elite Club Competition)for 14 straight seasons since Arsene Wenger took over in 1996, won 4 FA Cups, 3 Premier League titles (One of which came in a season without a defeat), but still operate on a shoestring budget.
This book gives us a sneak peek of what was going on at Arsenal from the start of Arsene Wenger's tenure as manager up to the this day. It features Wenger in his personal moments, the politics behind the board room, the rise and fall of David Dein, the realization of what was improbable (the construction of Ashburton Grove aka Emirates Stadium), and the Arsenal Youth Project.
The books was written as if informing Arsenal fans what was going on the in board rooms of Highbury House, the training ground at London Colney, and the Grove itself. Every Arsenal fan should read this one before having their opinion in the club's policies and politics.
Arsenal plays attacking football (playing philosophy), has been in the UEFA Champions League (Elite Club Competition)for 14 straight seasons since Arsene Wenger took over in 1996, won 4 FA Cups, 3 Premier League titles (One of which came in a season without a defeat), but still operate on a shoestring budget.
This book gives us a sneak peek of what was going on at Arsenal from the start of Arsene Wenger's tenure as manager up to the this day. It features Wenger in his personal moments, the politics behind the board room, the rise and fall of David Dein, the realization of what was improbable (the construction of Ashburton Grove aka Emirates Stadium), and the Arsenal Youth Project.
The books was written as if informing Arsenal fans what was going on the in board rooms of Highbury House, the training ground at London Colney, and the Grove itself. Every Arsenal fan should read this one before having their opinion in the club's policies and politics.
October 23, 2012
A must-read for any Arsenal supporter. Well researched and written, this updated history of the Arsenal is particularly useful for its recap of recent years, up to and including the entrance of American Stan Kroenke as majority owner. The author is quite sympathetic to Arsene Wenger but acknowledges the disapproval he has gained from the fanbase during the current trophy drought. Explains well the extra-football business decisions that have colored the on-pitch performance of the team since its move to the Emirates. Overall an even-handed and enlightening look at one of the few teams striving to win "the right way" in European soccer.
December 3, 2021
Interesting in bits, particularly around how the corporate side of Arsenal changed from 1996-2011 (obvs a bit dated now). The finance side is most interesting- it's doubtful they'd have been able to get such a generous deal on stadium finance after the 2008 crash. A comparison maybe with Spurs 2019 stadium renovation would be instructive.
Also details clearly how Wenger changed e.g. footballers diets, made the Premier League more international in outlook.
And how he was able to compete with Chelsea, Man U etc on much smaller budgets- a far cry from today.
Less so about the football- would be interested to get more of an insider perspective on e.g. the 2003-4 invincible season, the 2006-7 Champions league campaign.
Devolves into a bit of a generic 'muh soul' screed when complaining that the Emirates is worse than Highbury or that Arsenal has sold out to corporate sponsors too much and too cheaply.
Also details clearly how Wenger changed e.g. footballers diets, made the Premier League more international in outlook.
And how he was able to compete with Chelsea, Man U etc on much smaller budgets- a far cry from today.
Less so about the football- would be interested to get more of an insider perspective on e.g. the 2003-4 invincible season, the 2006-7 Champions league campaign.
Devolves into a bit of a generic 'muh soul' screed when complaining that the Emirates is worse than Highbury or that Arsenal has sold out to corporate sponsors too much and too cheaply.
January 17, 2018
Great insight, I wish I had read this book a few years ago. All of the structural change the book discusses doesn't come to pass for another decade+
An update in the modern era would be fascinating: the decline of the club alongside gigantic financial gain across the country, was moving to the emirates right? The imposed austerity wasn't necessary in the end.
I'm so fascinated by the young guns in the emirates era and how the team never fulfilled all the promise it showed in the late 00s. A lot of stories there
An update in the modern era would be fascinating: the decline of the club alongside gigantic financial gain across the country, was moving to the emirates right? The imposed austerity wasn't necessary in the end.
I'm so fascinated by the young guns in the emirates era and how the team never fulfilled all the promise it showed in the late 00s. A lot of stories there
January 4, 2018
A fascinating insight into the world of modern football and the transition of Arsenal into a genuinely big club. More emphasis on Wenger's methods would have been nice as the constant documenting of Kroenke's rise bit become somewhat dull. More business than football but an enjoyable read nonetheless. 4/5.
April 18, 2018
This is a well written history of the club I used to love charting its demise from a football team run by supporters to an international multi million pound brand that does not really care about what happens on the pitch. Tremendously depressing but very enlightening.
October 1, 2023
Very interesting. A great expose of what made Arsenal great then average! Comes down a lot to the business model and economics!
July 23, 2014
A comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at how the Modern Arsenal was built, which puts into light the intricacies, burdens and comlpications of taking a modern football club to the next level to ensure it's legacy and future.
The heritage of Arsene Wenger is presented quite clearly, although i was a little taken aback in the end at the rather damning view the author adopts, that despite all the radical changes and transformation Wenger has brought to the club, his stubboenness has helf the club back in later years. it's as if he's discounting the very arguments he presents in spades beforehand.
Of course, reading even this latest edition (published in 2011) in 2014 affords the reader a comfortable hindisight, what with the silverwear draught and the years of financial caution/restrictions finally over. I'd be curious to know if a revised edition will be published as a complement.
The heritage of Arsene Wenger is presented quite clearly, although i was a little taken aback in the end at the rather damning view the author adopts, that despite all the radical changes and transformation Wenger has brought to the club, his stubboenness has helf the club back in later years. it's as if he's discounting the very arguments he presents in spades beforehand.
Of course, reading even this latest edition (published in 2011) in 2014 affords the reader a comfortable hindisight, what with the silverwear draught and the years of financial caution/restrictions finally over. I'd be curious to know if a revised edition will be published as a complement.
April 7, 2014
I know a lot of the other reviewers already said this, but this book is essential reading if you are an Arsenal fan. You cannot comment on the current sate of the team and the way Wenger manages the team without knowing the information within this book. It is quite amazing that he has managed so much on a shoestring budget throughout the years and he should be lauded for that. It is just as interesting to realize that he is not as tactically astute as most fans believe he is. He isn't much of a coach either, which is easily evidenced by the performance of the teams which he has built from scratch. it is no coincidence that each Arsenal team since 2004 has faltered at some point during the season.
Very good book with lots of recent history. Read it and find out more about what has been happening at AFC in the modern era.
Very good book with lots of recent history. Read it and find out more about what has been happening at AFC in the modern era.
January 4, 2024
Rather disappointed. I was hoping to learn more about one of the more fascinating figures in English football, Arsene Wenger, and thought with his name embedded in the title of the book and his face on the cover, this was the book for me. But no there isn't much insight into Wenger's ways (and actually a surprising amount of criticism about his controlling, frugal manner). There's a lot on Arsenal managers prior to Wenger, and far too much on the politics of the boardroom, the battle for club ownership, and financing of the new stadium. This book is more for those who want to better understand Arsenal the corporation not Arsenal the football club.
April 14, 2013
Quick read on Arsenal's transformation over the past 20 or so years. Arsene Wenger is detailed in his brilliance and glory that brought Arsenal to where it is today and Wenger's obstinate, deteriorating reign over Arsenal in the past few years. You cannot help but be indebted to Wenger and at the same time pained by the missed optys. What Dein, Fizsman, Friar and Hill Wood have accomplished with Arsenal and the new stadium is incredible. Yet, it remains unfinished. This book is hopefully part one of what is to come with the groundwork laid by these characters. As a fan, you have to hope that part 2 see a much brighter end to the story.
March 27, 2014
من الكتب النادرة التي تغطي ارسنال ومراحل تحوله في الثلاثين سنة الاخيرة
هذا الكتاب يغطي فترات مهمة من تاريخ ارسنال ويلقي ضوء اكبر على شخصيات مثل
ديفيد دين , هيل وود وداني فيزمان وايضا ارسن فينغر
متأكد ان المتابع الجيد لأرسنال سيملك كم كافي من المعلومات قبل قراءة هذا الكتاب وفي نفس الوقت لن ينتهي من قرائته بنفس حصيلته السابقة قبله
شخصيا وجدت تغطيته الكتاب لمراحل بناء ملعب الإمارات (مثيرة واكبر مما يعرف عنها) وايضا ما يدور في مجلس إدارة النادي في ذلك الوقت هي الأفضل
وجهة نظر الكاتب كانت مؤثرة فهو جامع للمعلومة لكن ترك حيز مهم يطرح فيه رأيه الشخصي على ما نقله سواء بإعجاب او انتقاد
هذا الكتاب يغطي فترات مهمة من تاريخ ارسنال ويلقي ضوء اكبر على شخصيات مثل
ديفيد دين , هيل وود وداني فيزمان وايضا ارسن فينغر
متأكد ان المتابع الجيد لأرسنال سيملك كم كافي من المعلومات قبل قراءة هذا الكتاب وفي نفس الوقت لن ينتهي من قرائته بنفس حصيلته السابقة قبله
شخصيا وجدت تغطيته الكتاب لمراحل بناء ملعب الإمارات (مثيرة واكبر مما يعرف عنها) وايضا ما يدور في مجلس إدارة النادي في ذلك الوقت هي الأفضل
وجهة نظر الكاتب كانت مؤثرة فهو جامع للمعلومة لكن ترك حيز مهم يطرح فيه رأيه الشخصي على ما نقله سواء بإعجاب او انتقاد
March 31, 2015
A good account of the 20 years at Arsenal surrounding Arsene Wenger's tenure at the club. Even for a supporter like myself who's old enough to have followed since the 1980's and is knowledgeable of Wenger's impact at the club.
For supporter's it gets pretty depressing near the end as the 2011 edition covers the barren spell without silverware and it's clearly affected the Flynn's tone. It's probably best I let it sit on the shelf until after the 2014 FA Cup victory!
For supporter's it gets pretty depressing near the end as the 2011 edition covers the barren spell without silverware and it's clearly affected the Flynn's tone. It's probably best I let it sit on the shelf until after the 2014 FA Cup victory!
September 30, 2012
A very interesting read for any Arsenal fan, or indeed any fan of English football. It describes how Wenger, David Dein, and the board transformed Arsenal into the massive club it is today. It is very interesting to read about the politics that occur inside of Arsenal and how much they affect the club.
Its a good read, i would recommend it to any Arsenal fan.
Its a good read, i would recommend it to any Arsenal fan.
April 15, 2014
A really interesting look at the evolution of Arsenal FC, albeit slightly dated now. My copy goes up to the summer between 2010/11 and 2011/12, so some of the points in it have since been superseded (the purchase of Özil, for example). That being said it is still a really good read. I'd love to know what the authors have made of the last three seasons.
November 28, 2015
I enjoyed the book. A well-written history of growth of a Super Club !
The book really summarised the impact of Arsene Wenger on Arsenal. The book really analysed well the impact of the Invincibles or the tough years of moving to Emirates. This book is a must for fans of Arsene Wenger.
The book really tries hard to be neutral and give viewpoints of David Dein also well.
The book really summarised the impact of Arsene Wenger on Arsenal. The book really analysed well the impact of the Invincibles or the tough years of moving to Emirates. This book is a must for fans of Arsene Wenger.
The book really tries hard to be neutral and give viewpoints of David Dein also well.
August 16, 2016
This is very well researched and contains a lot of background behind the scenes at Arsenal, especially in terms of manoeuvers in the boardroom and who the various major shareholders are. There's a lot of football here as well, but the book covers more than the on-field activities. As a result, parts of the book are more dry than others.
December 26, 2014
It's a very good book for someone like me, a new football fan and who loved arsenal but didn't have much knowledge about its history. It tells about the problems, struggles and philosophy of the board and manager to secure a good future for the club. Definitely worth a read
August 14, 2014
Perspectives from the board members, the managers, players and most importantly fans; but the Professor handled it so subtly that the club modernization wasn't noticeable til I finished reading this book!
January 5, 2015
I read this book in 2 days after sitting on my shelf for 2 years. I loved it, gave good insight to Arsenal and to the dealing that brought Arsene to the club and all the details of the new stadium and betrayal of certain key figures.
September 27, 2015
Interesting read. Gives a good insight to Arsenal, but it does raises more questions than gives answers. I thought it would be a more specific guide on the construction of a modern super club, but in reality it was more of an account of the Arsenal Football Club.
September 23, 2012
Very very insightful. Tells the story of the story behind Arsenal; in the boardroom and on the training ground.
Read
April 8, 2014A top book on how Arsenal operates & the role of Wenger & Dein in making it a completely self sufficient club.
September 3, 2014
Impressive piece of work by a recognized football guru. Unbiased yet detail. Very easy to read and addictive!
December 8, 2023
I do refer back to this book from time to time - to remind me of how it all started (the modern side) - I also have the newer edition.
July 9, 2015
this book give me more perspectife abt arsenal
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews