I regret selling Arsenal stake to Stan Kroenke, says Bracewell-Smith

 
Tom Dutton19 August 2013

Arsenal’s honorary vice-president Lady Bracewell-Smith has spoken of her ‘deep regrets’ after allowing Stan Kroenke to gain a controlling stake in the club.

Bracewell-Smith sold her shares to Kroenke in 2011, helping the 66-year-old become Arsenal’s majority shareholder.

And the former Gunners director (above) took to twitter to declare her unrest, following the opening-day defeat at home to Aston Villa.

She tweeted: “What a shame the board recommended a Kroenke takeover and paid Rothchilds 3m fee, and how deeply I regret selling to Kroenke.”

The American businessman secured Bracewell-Smith’s 15.9 per cent stake before promising an influx of silverware at the Emirates, but two years down the line and Arsenal’s pursuit of trophies remains fruitless.

The 57-year-old followed up her rant on the social media platform, calling for a shake-up at the top.

“Bring David Dein and give Usmanov representation on the board if we are to have success going forward.”

Bracewell-Smith, who has since deleted her tweets, has not shied away from demonstrating her opinion in the past.

Following Arsenal’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Bradford City in December, the outspoken businesswoman splayed her feelings on twitter once more.

“If making money was the motivating factor, surely there are better ways,” she said.

“Football is a business of passion and Stan Kroenke has no passion for AFC.

“(Kroenke) shows he cares very little. Why he wanted to be part of AFC I do not know.”

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