Usmanov keen to offer Henry Arsenal's coaching role

Billionaire Alisher Usmanov has stirred up more trouble for Arsene Wenger by claiming Thierry Henry should join Arsenal's coaching staff.

Arsenal shareholder Usmanov, who owns a 29 per cent stake in the club, says Henry has a “more important role” than just to return as a player and his comments are likely to be popular among fans.

And the ongoing power struggle at Arsenal also took another bizarre twist as honorary vice-president Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith - who sold her 15 per cent stake to majority shareholder Stan Kroenke - took to Twitter to question the US tycoon’s “passion” for the club.

Bracewell-Smith, who claims Kroenke has left her feeling like an “outsider”, said: “If making money was motivating factor, surely better ways. Football is a business of passion and SK (Stan Kroenke) has no passion for AFC.”

Gunners legend Henry, 35, and his agent Darren Dein - son of former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein - have been invited to Moscow as a guest of Usmanov, as the Uzbekistan tycoon is still trying to launch a takeover of the club.

It comes just 24 hours after it emerged that Wenger’s professional relationship with his No2 Steve Bould is under strain.

Bould is frustrated, as he wants to do more coaching work.

Usmanov, who has been battling for a place on the board, said: “I don’t have any powers in terms of decisions at the club but there are a few players with whom I am in contact. My favourite is probably Thierry Henry.

“Thierry should be involved at the club but not as a player. He has another role to play, a more important role.

“Take the example of Patrick Vieira at Manchester City. He is also a symbol of Arsenal but he is helping another club. We have to avoid that with Thierry.

“The presence of a champion can radically change the soul of a team. That’s what Thierry showed last year when he came back to Arsenal but I think that comebacks only succeed once. That’s why I think the decision to come back belongs only to Thierry Henry.”

Henry is set to rejoin Arsenal for a third time next month on a short term loan deal from New York Red Bulls.

-->

-->

Source: DailyMirror