Arsenal Supporters' Trust to vote against re-election of chairman Sir Chips Keswick and Stan Kroenke's son Josh at AGM

  • Arsenal Supporters' Trust have demanded answers at Annual General Meeting
  • Trust want majority shareholder Stan Kroenke to address 'governance failings'
  • Kroenke is expected to once again reiterate his support of boss Arsene Wenger

Arsenal Supporters' Trust (AST) have demanded that Stan Kroenke's son, Josh, and chairman Sir Chips Keswick are not reappointed to the board of directors. 

The AST have revealed their intent to vote against the re-election of the pair ahead of Thursday's Annual General Meeting. 

Keswick has come under fire for playing a role in a frustrating spell in the London club's history while majority shareholder Kroenke's son, a non-executive director, is also on the the trust's agenda.  


Stan Kroenke, pictured at Twickenham on Sunday, will attend Arsenal's AGM on Thursday 

Stan Kroenke, pictured at Twickenham on Sunday, will attend Arsenal's AGM on Thursday 

Arsenal Supporters' Trust said they will vote against the re-appointment of chairman Sir Chips Keswick (left) and Kroenke's son Josh (centre)

The statement read: 'We will vote against the resolutions at the AGM to re-appoint Sir Chips Keswick and Josh Kroenke to the board of directors.

'The AST urges all of its members who are individual shareholders, and other shareholders, to do the same.

'The reason for this course of action is to demonstrate dissatisfaction at the current ownership and governance arrangements at Arsenal. 

'In particular we feel that the present directors are not acting with sufficient independence, or representing the interests of the small shareholders, or the future custodianship of the Club.

'In 2013, the AST commissioned an independent review of corporate governance at Arsenal. This report, and the failings it identified, have been well-publicised.

'In particular it identified an ageing board lacking in diversity without the breadth of skills required to run a modern professional football club. All of the non-executive directors have been in office for far too long and are not regarded as independent under the corporate governance code. 

'There is therefore no independence from the controlling shareholder, no one free of conflict of interest, and not enough diversity on the board or people with relevant professional skills, such as football expertise.

'Our action and vote is a statement that we believe significant corporate governance change is needed. Whatever the outcome of tomorrow's AGM we call upon the directors at Arsenal to address these significant corporate governance failings.'  

Majority shareholder  has been urged by the Arsenal Supporters' Trust to clarify board's vision

Majority shareholder has been urged by the Arsenal Supporters' Trust to clarify board's vision

Kroenke has also been urged by the Arsenal Supporters' Trust to clarify the board's vision at Thursday's Annual General Meeting.

In a letter sent to the American businessman, who holds a 67 per cent stake, the AST have asked for answers following a frustrating spell in the London club's history.

The note, which was sent last Thursday, has also demanded Kroenke to honour the commitment he made after taking over the Premier League club in 2011. 

It read: 'You made the following commitment in the formal Takeover document.  

Kroenke is expected to once again reiterate his support of Arsene Wenger at annual meeting

Kroenke is expected to once again reiterate his support of Arsene Wenger at annual meeting

"Mr Kroenke has made it a priority to meet with supporters and fan groups in formal and informal settings. He recognises that fans are at the heart of the club.

"Their opinions and involvement are important to him. Mr Kroenke fully expects himself, the Arsenal directors and club executives to continue to engage with supporters for the long-term good of the club."

'Sadly, it is a commitment that has not been effectively fulfilled even once. Addressing shareholders at the meeting, many of whom are custodian supporters, would be a positive step. 

'Should you decide to not address the meeting, then we would request as a priority a meeting after the AGM where you can convey your current approach and priorities for the club.' 

Wenger's side needed extra time on Tuesday night to overcome Norwich in the Carabao Cup

Wenger's side needed extra time on Tuesday night to overcome Norwich in the Carabao Cup

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