Arsenal Got Rid Of Me In Three-Minute Meeting – Former Chief

Former Arsenal co-owner David Dein has revealed the brutal circumstances surrounding his shocking departure from the club in 2007, claiming he was dismissed in a meeting that lasted just three minutes.

Speaking on the High Performance podcast, the 82-year-old detailed how he was summarily removed from his position after 24 years of service to the north London side, despite playing a crucial role in the formation of the Premier League and being present during the Invincibles campaign.

The Three-Minute Exit

Dein described the callous nature of his dismissal on April 18th, 2007, when he was confronted by chairman Pete Hillwood, a colleague, and a lawyer.

“‘The board unanimously decided that you should leave now.’ And that was it,” Dein recalled. “And then when I got into my car, my mobile phone wasn’t working. It was my own personal number, [it] was taken from me.”

The former vice-chairman was left to drive home without means of communication, describing the experience as “brutal” and feeling like he was “cut limb by limb.”

Jealousy And Fear Behind The Decision

Reflecting on the reasons behind his sudden exit, Dein believes personal motivations played a significant role in the board’s decision.

“When I analyse it, I think it was a combination of jealousy and fear. Perhaps because I was seen as the face of the club,” he explained.

Dein suggested his vision for bringing external investment to compete with the rising financial power of Manchester City and Chelsea made other board members uncomfortable. He felt the existing board lacked the “financial muscle” to take Arsenal to the next level, prompting him to explore outside funding options.

The former co-owner believed the board “wanted to keep a bit of a cartel going there amongst themselves” rather than embrace the changes he felt were necessary for the club’s future.

Impact On Arsenal’s Future

Dein’s primary concern following his departure was the effect on his relationship with manager Arsène Wenger, with whom he had developed what he described as a “very precious relationship.”

“We were already talking about bringing new players in for the summer. This was in April now,” Dein said, highlighting the timing’s impact on transfer planning.

Following Dein’s exit, Red and White Securities acquired his shares, though Stan Kroenke would eventually become the largest shareholder in 2011. The American businessman completed a full takeover in 2018, now owning more than 90 percent of the club after buying out Alisher Usmanov for £550million.

Dein’s revelations provide insight into the power struggles that shaped Arsenal’s ownership structure during a pivotal period in the club’s modern history.