Supremo admits Arsenal stadium saga was 'crazy'

Influential Arsenal director Danny Fiszman has admitted the Gunners’ eagerly-anticipated move to the Emirates Stadium would not have happened if the club had foreseen the problems they would encounter.

The north London giants will move into their plush, 60,000-capacity new home at the start of next season after overcoming all the obstacles placed on the short road from Highbury.

Arsenal first announced their intention to quit their current home for a new site at Ashburton Grove in November 1999. Since then, they have been forced to confront opposition to their plans through the courts and then struggled to generate the £357m (€523m) required to pay for construction.

And although the Emirates Stadium will stand comparison with any in Europe when it throws open its doors in 12 months, Fiszman accepts the benefit of foresight would probably have seen Arsenal look for alternative accommodation outside Islington.

“It has to be said we went through some difficult times,” said Fiszman, who together with fellow board member Ken Friar has been an instrumental figure in the move.

“Had we known all the difficulties we would have to overcome, I doubt very much whether we would have gone ahead.

“We knew we had to move, it was a question of whether we would stay in Islington or relocate to an M25 site.

“Looking back we were probably crazy but we know this stadium will put us on a par with all the strongest clubs who are self-sustaining.

“Over the past few years we have always punched above our weight. Now we will be able to compete with everyone off the pitch and that will help us compete on the pitch.”

Arsenal expect sponsorship revenues to rise as the club’s profile increases and with the higher ticket prices they can charge in the capital, think they have a realistic chance of ousting Manchester United from heir position as the Premiership’s biggest earners.

Before that lofty hope can be fulfilled, Arsenal first have to juggle with the hefty debts taken on to fund the development.

Manager Arsene Wenger is already aware his transfer budget could be cut as the Gunners’ hierarchy look to balance the books as soon as they can.

Yet despite the obvious convenience to his own work, Wenger agrees the move from Highbury was a necessity if Arsenal are to continue challenging for major honours.

“The project was vital,” he said.

“It was that or die over the longer term at the top level. It is as simple as that.

“Maybe I will have gone by the time the money has been paid back but that is part of the destiny. I will feel very happy when I do go knowing I have left the club in good hands, with a good team and a fantastic structure.”