Hill-Wood backs Gallas decision

Gunners chairman happy to see defender reprimanded

Last updated: 23rd November 2008

Kolo Toure William Gallas Arsenal

Gallas: Could be replaced by Toure as captain

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Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has backed Arsene Wenger's call to take the club's captaincy off William Gallas.

The France international remained in the capital on Saturday, while the rest of his Arsenal team-mates were in Manchester falling to a 3-0 defeat at Eastlands.

Gallas did not travel after making a series of critical comments about his team-mates while on international duty in midweek.

After the loss at Manchester City, Arsene Wenger refused to comment on the situation and insisted no club statement would be forthcoming.

However, speaking to the Sunday Mirror, Hill-Wood declared: "This issue has shown that Arsene can be ruthless. He has to be otherwise people can run all over you.

"As for whether Gallas has a future at the club, that will be up to Arsene. But I think Gallas has got a problem. Arsene will advise the board over that and we will support him no matter what.

"We will all be at The Emirates on Tuesday [for the Champions League fixture with Dynamo Kiev] and I am sure the matter will be discussed with Arsene. And 100 per cent we will endorse what he decides about Gallas."

Comments

Gregory Turner (Crystal Palace fan) says...

William Gallas only confirms what everyone ( including Darren Bent ) already knew. There is something rotten at the Emirates. Arsene Wenger's refusal to hang out the dirty linen for all to see is indicative of his refusal to come to terms with reality. We don't need to see your dirty linen , Arsene Wenger, we can smell it.

Posted 12:52 23rd November 2008

David Smithy (Gateshead fan) says...

Gallas has never been captain material. Simple as that.

Posted 12:43 23rd November 2008

Braggy Man says...

I think W Gallas was absolutely right to express his frustration on what has been going on behind the scene which is demoralising the team spirit of almost all the players and fans as well. Arsenal is not a mafia and folks should understand that without the fans the team would mean nothing. We may see more to come. Again, I think the press must have added more honey and suger to gallas comments, as ussual...

Posted 12:25 23rd November 2008

Martin Durnell (Arsenal fan) says...

I agree with Callum. Fabregas would be a good choice but there are a few players worthy of the armband. Gallas' comments just goes to show the level of fustration at the moment. Arsenal need to win silverware this season or i think a couple of big names will be heading for the door. Our youth structure is amazing but we cannot rely on the 'future' players to save face. Inconsistancy at Arsenal's level is dangerous. Losing to the lesser sides cannot go on. One week beating Man Utd in an awsome display and previously losing to teams like Hull etc is beyond comprehension. Come on Arsenal, pull your socks up.

Posted 12:22 23rd November 2008

Gary Bull says...

I personally think this sacking of Gallas has come nearly a year to late. He should have had the armband taken from him after that childish tantrum against Birmingham last season. Could you ever imagine Tony Adams, or Patrick Vieira doing that. Now that Gallas is no longer Captain it is time to look forward, stop worrying about the prem cos thats gone, and start thinking possitively about winning the Champions League. We can do it. The European game suits our style. Come on The Gunners

Posted 12:19 23rd November 2008

Calum Roberts (Arsenal fan) says...

well yes he is right because hes come out and publicly said theres been arguing and trouble behind the scenes i mean surely you have got to keep that private.he is not a true leader and is right to have the captaincy taken off him give it to toure or fabregas

Posted 10:58 23rd November 2008

Alex Onyeocha (Arsenal fan) says...

I am still in awe, i've still got my mouth wide-open, i'm still in shock, still wondering what happened on saturday. It ruined my entire weekend and probably week ahead is in a mess already. I have always been a fan of Gallas, i think his outbursts were out of frustration, and i feel some pity for him but there again, a worthy captain cannot crack under the pressure and from that point of view we need someone who can control the pressure, we need a player who is influential in the team, i would prefer the captain to go to a player - not because of his age but influence on team mates. Ideally, an attacker or forward should get the armband, that will create some responsibility for the front men. As for Gallas, i dont see him playing under any other captain in the team so please sell him in january, but dont replace him with djurou - that would be a case of shooting yourself in the foot!

Posted 10:41 23rd November 2008

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