Black Scarf Movement
2012-13 End of season survey
Arsenal fans behind the Manager but have little faith in the Board
1 July 2013
Our end of season survey for 2012-13 was sent to all members of the Black Scarf Movement. There were 3,471 responses in total; an increase of nearly 50% over our mid-season survey, and we believe this represents the largest published survey response from an Arsenal supporters’ group. A wide range of supporters took part in the survey, from Shareholders to Season Ticket holders, and overseas members.
Overall the response rate to the survey was more than 74%. We feel this is a terrific response, and demonstrates the level of passion from BSM members for their club.
Highlights
The issue of Arsene Wenger as Arsenal Manager is hotly contested among Arsenal fans, but the results of this survey show that many are indeed still behind him. This coming summer (following Ivan Gazidis’s comments around our new spending power) we feel will be Mr Wenger’s most vital since taking over the reins in 1996.
However, it is clear from these survey results that most football fans value success on the pitch and silverware more than a place in the top four, and the riches brought by the Champions League. The success of any football club will always be measured by trophies won, and football fans will always want to see their team lifting silverware at the end of each season.
Our mid-season survey results were not favourable towards the Board of Arsenal and this latest survey is no different. The vast majority of fans say they have no idea about Stan Kroenke’s vision for Arsenal (he has consistently remained silent on this) and almost 90% believe his ownership won’t be beneficial for the club.
Since we started as a group in late 2009 we have always voiced concerns over the ageing Board of Arsenal and its reluctance to embrace change. Supporters taking part in this survey share these concerns, with almost 90% stating that the current Board is out of touch with the feeling among fans. A similar number also feel that a refresh is needed at Boardroom level, with “football men” and/or “Arsenal men” being the most popular choice.
The full survey also details the feeling of fans who attend matches at Emirates Stadium, as well as our initiatives we have put to the club in attempt to make things better for fans of The Arsenal.
In May when we spoke to the club, they expressed their interest in sitting down with us and discussing the results of this survey, so we will do so and report back on any views or future progress.
To read the full survey results, click here.
Up The Gunners.
1 July 2013
Our end of season survey for 2012-13 was sent to all members of the Black Scarf Movement. There were 3,471 responses in total; an increase of nearly 50% over our mid-season survey, and we believe this represents the largest published survey response from an Arsenal supporters’ group. A wide range of supporters took part in the survey, from Shareholders to Season Ticket holders, and overseas members.
Overall the response rate to the survey was more than 74%. We feel this is a terrific response, and demonstrates the level of passion from BSM members for their club.
Highlights
- The highest percentage of respondents feel Arsene Wenger is still the best man for the Manager’s job at Arsenal.
- Fans feel Arsene Wenger has too much control over transfers and that his wage policy for players needs change.
- Most fans value silverware over Champions League qualification.
- Very little faith shown in Stan Kroenke and the Board of Arsenal.
- The vast majority of respondents feel less valued by the club, since we moved stadium.
The issue of Arsene Wenger as Arsenal Manager is hotly contested among Arsenal fans, but the results of this survey show that many are indeed still behind him. This coming summer (following Ivan Gazidis’s comments around our new spending power) we feel will be Mr Wenger’s most vital since taking over the reins in 1996.
However, it is clear from these survey results that most football fans value success on the pitch and silverware more than a place in the top four, and the riches brought by the Champions League. The success of any football club will always be measured by trophies won, and football fans will always want to see their team lifting silverware at the end of each season.
Our mid-season survey results were not favourable towards the Board of Arsenal and this latest survey is no different. The vast majority of fans say they have no idea about Stan Kroenke’s vision for Arsenal (he has consistently remained silent on this) and almost 90% believe his ownership won’t be beneficial for the club.
Since we started as a group in late 2009 we have always voiced concerns over the ageing Board of Arsenal and its reluctance to embrace change. Supporters taking part in this survey share these concerns, with almost 90% stating that the current Board is out of touch with the feeling among fans. A similar number also feel that a refresh is needed at Boardroom level, with “football men” and/or “Arsenal men” being the most popular choice.
The full survey also details the feeling of fans who attend matches at Emirates Stadium, as well as our initiatives we have put to the club in attempt to make things better for fans of The Arsenal.
In May when we spoke to the club, they expressed their interest in sitting down with us and discussing the results of this survey, so we will do so and report back on any views or future progress.
To read the full survey results, click here.
Up The Gunners.
