Dein speaks out for old friend Wenger
David Dein's decision to enter into the debate surrounding Arsenal, urging the fans to give Arsene Wenger more respect or risk losing their longest-serving manager, is significant.
The former vice-chairman remains close to the man he appointed in 1996.
The pair met when Wenger was manager of Monaco and on a scouting mission at Highbury. Dein invited him for dinner with friends and ended up playing a game of charades with the Frenchman. The pair have been best friends ever since.
When Dein left Arsenal in 2007 having fallen out with the board over his backing of Uzbek steel magnate Alisher Usmanov, Wenger lost his closest ally, but they remain Totteridge neighbours and speak all the time.
I am Dan Roan, and I'm a Correspondent for BBC Sports News. I've been fortunate enough to cover a wide range of sports stories around the world and am passionate about the news, business, politics and social impact of sport. You can follow and get in touch with me on 