Arsène Wenger
The day Arsenal turned down Arsène Wenger
- International Watch: Ryo makes Japan debut
- Vermaelen - I enjoy the responsibility here
- Campbell - I can offer a lot to Arsenal
- Pictures of the Season 2011/12 - Part Three
- 'Premier League is as good as it's ever been'
- Top 20 Most Liked
By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger admits that Bruce Rioch was probably the better candidate when he missed out on the Arsenal job in the summer of 1995.
The Frenchman was interviewed to take over from Stewart Houston, who had been in caretaker-charge since the departure of George Graham the previous February. However the Board decided to give the position to Rioch, who had built-up a solid CV at Bolton Wanderers.
However the Scot would only last a season and, after a spell in Japan at Grampus Eight, Wenger returned to take over the reins at Highbury on October 1, 1996.
On Thursday, the 13th anniversary of his first day in charge, Wenger becomes Arsenal’s longest-serving manager. But he remembers his initial rejection.
"I believe they had already made up their mind when they interviewed me the first time,” he said. “They gave the job to Bruce Rioch and maybe he was a better candidate than I was at the time.
"I went to Japan and I was not disappointed at all because I had a fantastic time there. I decided to only come back to Europe for a big club.
"But I still had good relations with Arsenal, I was friends with the Board, so I had no problem with that. I understood their position at the time.”
[Tuesday, September 29, 2009]
More Arsenal News
-
Thu, May 24, 2012
Season Review 2011/12 - FA Cup -
Wed, May 23, 2012
'Premier League is as good as it's ever been' -
Wed, May 23, 2012
International Watch: Ryo makes Japan debut -
Wed, May 23, 2012
Pictures of the Season 2011/12 - Part Three -
Wed, May 23, 2012
Vermaelen - I enjoy the responsibility here -
Wed, May 23, 2012
Season Review 2011/12 - Champions League -
Wed, May 23, 2012
Campbell - I can offer a lot to Arsenal -
Tue, May 22, 2012
Arsenal release seven players -
Tue, May 22, 2012
Wilshere has successful minor knee procedure -
Tue, May 22, 2012
Emirates Stadium pitch renovation - Pictures
