talkingOfArsenal.com

In the last week or so, I've heard a couple of so-called Gooners make quite surprising comments regarding Wenger and his tenure at Arsenal, and if I don't admit to being surprised, then I would be telling a lie.

The first I heard of this nonsense was when, driving home after the recent Champions League first leg game against Liverpool, a so-called Arsenal fan called talkSport to say that after two years of winning nothing, Wenger should go and give someone else a chance.

When asked who he thought should replace Wenger, he said "Mourinho". Mourinho!? Need I say more?

Then, at the last game against Liverpool (this time in the premier league) a steward that I usually share a word or two regarding the home games said to me he thought that "...Wenger has lost it up here..." pointing to his head, and using his finger to do a circling motion.

Now it's one thing some idiot calling up talkSport to request that Mourinho take over Wenger, but that steward is someone I'd spoke to on many occasions, and had come to expect better of.

I've shared the same frustration as other Gooners have over the last two trophy-less seasons, however to even contemplate letting Wenger go is unbelievably short-sighted.

Worse, it shows a lack of appreciation of where Arsenal as a club have come from, displays an ignorance about where Arsenal Football Club is going to, and is very much symptomatic of the 24-hour TV, quick-fix society that we live in today.

First of all, there is only one manager on this planet, that can take a club like Arsenal, a mid-table, well-supported local club, and turn it into a top-four, globally recognisable brand in the space of 10 years, whilst navigating that most difficult journey that is the premiership, and at the same time playing a key role in a management team that built what is arguably the most beautiful stadium in the United Kingdom if not Europe.

That manager is already in situ at Ashburton Grove, and his name is Arséne Wenger.

I know that as fans, we are the ones that will have to deal with the bragging rights from other teams if we don't win the league, and God knows we've had to do that for two seasons now, but personally, bearing in mind where our beloved club has come from, I would take long term stability over short-term success any day of the week.

Last year, the papers announced that Arséne Wenger had a £70million warchest to spend on the coming season. Earlier that year, it was reported that at an Arsenal dinner one of the clubs directors asked Arséne what he would do if he were given £100million to spend - Le Boss replied "I would give it back".

Combining the so-called £70million warchest with the reported £120million income from the sale of the Highbury flats, could be used to pay off around half of the club's current debt. In the current climate of financial uncertainty and increased cost of borrowing due to the credit crunch, clubs like Manchester Utd and Liverpool with their high levels of leveraged debt are sailing close to the wind.

And although we are not 100% out of the woods yet, we are in a somewhat better position, with Arsenal Football Club's management doing their best to cut our coat according to our size.

Bearing this in mind, I for one could live with another year or two in the top four without winning a trophy, if it meant we got rid of our debt, which in turn would release more funds for Wenger to play with down the line.

Of course, I appreciate that I may well find myself in the minority here, but what's the point of being a football supporter if you're not in it for the long term?

Whichever way you cut it, the success of a football club must not be measured solely in terms of success on the pitch. It must be tempered with the sustainability of the institution going forward. For this reason, Wenger must be allowed to continue his project at Arsenal.

In a few years time, when the clubs debt has been reduced if not completely paid off, and Wenger is allowed to combine his knack of finding young talent, with true financial clout to make bold purchases, our beloved club will have achieved real, long-term sustainability, and guaranteed success will follow.

Until then, I strongly advise that no-one pay any attention to the naysayers calling for Wengers head.

They truly do not know what they're asking for.