Wenger "disappointed" by Dein departure
Wenger has been with Arsenal for eleven seasons
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Thursday, 19, Apr 2007 10:48
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that the resignation of the club's vice-chairman David Dein has been a "huge disappointment" to him.
Dein was instrumental in bringing the Frenchman to north London in 1996 and the pair are known to have enjoyed an excellent personal and working relationship ever since.
"It is a huge disappointment because we worked very closely together," Wenger told the club's official website.
"David has contributed highly to the success of the club in the last ten years and even before that as well. Red and white are the colours of his heart."
Newspaper speculation had suggested that Dein's sudden departure over "irreconcible differences" with the rest of the board could lead to Wenger following him out of the club.
But the former Monaco manager has dampened any such fears amongst the club's fans with a reiteration of his determination to rebuild a title-winning side.
"My position is that I am linked with the club very strongly. The relationship with the rest [of the board] has always been very good and we try always to have a good understanding."
It is understood that Dein's support for American billionaire Stan Kroenke's recent purchase of a 9.99 per cent stake in the club is at the root of his dispute with chairman Peter Hill-Wood.