It looks like Kroenke is serious about putting in a takeover bid for the club. His new shares take him up to 28.9% of the club - less than 1.1% away from the required amount for a takeover.
There is speculation that he is merely trying to fend off interest from Usmanov on behalf of the entire board. If this is the case, I would commend him. Usmanov is the absolute worst thing that could happen to Arsenal right now - we're playing well, we've developed a good culture at the club and a great vibe in the dressing room by selling our troublemaker to the new moneybags team in Manchester. I would much rather keep faith in what we have (the odd signing here and there to reinforce the first team) than to let him splash his cash, jeapordise Wenger's position at the club and sign expensive players who don't fit in... like Barndoor.
However, I think this is a genuine attempt at a takeover. And while the rules don't allow another bid for 12 months if he reaches the threshold and fails, this can be overturned by the board who, at the moment at least, appear to be in favour of Kroenke ownership. His transformation from small shareowner to boardmember has been too smooth (and kept too quiet) for a future takeover attempt to be perceived as hostile or destructive by the rest of the board.
Anyway, some entertainment for the interlull. There's a Spurs blogger who has been making animated shorts about the Scum on YouTube, and the best is undoubtedly the one he made a few weeks ago in anticipation of the North London Derby:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHk1_C53d1s
There's a few little digs at us but nothing too harsh, and it's had a good response from Gooners. Much to my chagrin, I think it's brilliant.
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