Arsenal may not appoint director of football
Wenger says he may not look to replace David Dein
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Wednesday, 22, Aug 2007 09:38
Arsene Wenger says Arsenal may not appoint a director of football as he is happy with the job director Ken Friar is currently doing.
Friar has been performing the role on an interim basis since former vice chairman David Dein left the club in April citing "irreconcilable differences" with the board.
Wenger felt that a director of football would be needed to replace Dein to formally introduce the system that is widely used by most European clubs.
Friar has been involved in negotiating the financial details of Arsenal transfers this summer and Wenger feels comfortable with him doing the job on a full-time basis.
He said: "At the moment Ken Friar does this job and he does it very well.
"I have known him since I have been here and, as long as he does that, we will not change now. We might look to employ somebody still but not necessarily someone to be involved in the deals for the transfers."
Wenger may now look to employ someone to take care of the football side of the job which would largely entail scouting.
Former player Gilles Grimandi is one of the Gunners most trusted scouts and could be brought in to perform that job in conjunction with his current post for the club scrutinizing France's top talent.
Wenger is yet to commit his long term future to the club and is currently in talks over a new contract as his current deal expires at the end of this season.
The uncertainty over the director of football role was believed to be concerning the Frenchman but his contentment with Friar may move him at step closer to signing a new deal at the club.