Explaining the key role The Arsenal Supporters Trust (AST) played in securing yesterdays statement from Red and White that they would extend their formal commitment to the Takeover Panel not to make a bid for Arsenal in the next six months:

The initial commitment by Red and White that they would not bid for Arsenal was due to run out on 1 March 2008, six months after the purchase of David Deins shares. The AST was concerned that if this statement was not renewed, there would have been heightened takeover speculation surrounding the club just as we enter the final vital weeks of the season.

We are also against a hostile takeover as we believe the club is well run both on and off the field.

The AST therefore contacted Red and White to urge them to renew their statement. We welcomed their verbal clarification that they did not plan to bid and support the work of the current Board. However we remained concerned that they had no plans to extend the formal statement, which provides more certainty and reassurance.

We also responded to two journalists, seasoned Arsenal watchers, who called us on these issues, with the following statements that we hoped would encourage Red and White to change their policy.

The Guardian Usmanov back in market as rule stopping Arsenal takeover expires football.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,,2260395,00.html
“The AST has always opposed a hostile takeover. We are firmly of the view that Red & White ought to renew its statement [of August 2007]. By doing so they would ensure absolute clarity around their stated position as long-term investors. This would provide reassurance to our members.”

The Telegraph – Pressure mounts on Alisher Usmanov www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml

“The AST welcomed Red and White’s formal statement at the time of their investment that they would not make a bid for Arsenal.

All the major shareholders in Arsenal should work together and this would best be achieved by Red and White renewing their formal commitment not to bid.

While we note and welcome recent comments by Alisher Usmanov that there are no plans to bid, the certainty of a formal statement would provide further reassurance. The final weeks of the season should see everyone involved with Arsenal concentrating fully on playing matters.”

At the same time, the Trust contacted David Dein, the Chairman of Red and White. We told him our views on the uncertainty this was creating and that a formal statement was needed. He understood our concerns and the strength of feeling there was amongst Arsenal supporters on this. We were therefore encouraged when Red and White subsequently updated their position on Thursday lunchtime by announcing formally to the Takeover Panel that they would not launch a hostile bid.

Red and Whites statement reflected the very points we had made to them, stating that they were delighted with the excellent results of the Club on the field and would encourage all parties to focus on a trophy winning conclusion to the domestic and European campaigns.

The AST will continue to engage in a dialogue with all major shareholders in Arsenal, and acknowledge David Deins role in taking on board supporters views and subsequently clarifying Red and Whites position.

The AST calls upon all major shareholders in the club to work together in the best interests of Arsenal.

We will always put the interests of the club and its supporters first and will not shirk from challenging anyone who we believe is acting against the interests of the club. All the major shareholders in the club should ensure their actions reflect this.

We thank all members for their on-going support. You ensure that we have the infrastructure and resources to campaign on these issues. If you are not yet a member, please join up so that even more fans have a share, and a say, in the future of the club.