Ivan Gazidis: Arsenal need some fresh blood on the board

Kroenke has been nicknamed ‘Silent Stan’ due to his lack of interaction with fans since he first bought a stake in the club in 2008, becoming majority shareholder three years later.

But Gazidis believes Arsenal should be grateful for the American’s hands-off approach, with the Glazer family coming in for sustained criticism for loading debt from their 2005 purchase of Manchester United on to the club.

“What Stan Kroenke has not done is put debt on the club, taken any dividends or management fees out of the club,” Gazidis told a meeting of supporters groups at Emirates Stadium last night

“We are fortunate in that he has not treated the club as his own personal fiefdom, as a reflection of his ego and as a personal playground. We haven’t seen a lot of the negatives that come with much of the ownership around the world. We feel our ownership situation is healthy and sustainable.”

However, if you exclude 48-year-old Gazidis, the Arsenal board has an average age of 72.6.

Peter Hill-Wood, chairman since 1982 and on the board for 51 years, is said to be considering his position after various health issues including a heart attack and pneumonia. Hill-Wood, Ken Friar, Sir John ‘Chips’ Keswick and Phillip Harris, Baron Harris of Peckham, are all over 70.

“We know the suggestions around governance,” said Gazidis when asked if he had read a report by the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust that recommends changes at board level.

“It is not a secret that we have an ageing board that will need refreshing. The board acknowledges and understands that, and board succession is something we are looking and thinking about.

“It will be done the same way as Arsene Wenger’s contract — quietly, and at the right time we will make announcements.”