"For too long you have sat here"

So it has happened.

The only leader that most of the "come-lately" fans have ever known at the Arsenal Football Club shall step down at the end of the season.

22 years as manager, a time in which the role of the "traditional gaffer" has radically changed, the last five of which I have loudly (though mostly unheard) called for his dismissal from that post. Unlike almost all American Arsenal supporters, I started following the club before Wenger arrived. My slavish devotion to the red and white, to "High and I," was not simply about Wenger. It was never a cult of the man for me, it was and remains the cult of the club. Of North London, of players like Alex James and Charlie George and our man McLintock and Bob Wilson. No, I'm not old enough to have watched Alex James play, although at times I feel as though I am.

My loyalty being to Arsenal, and not one man, has often set me at odds with those who have never known another manager. I respect and understand that from their side. Fear of the unknown, or clinging to a glorious past, happens in petty dictatorships as it always has. Yes, Wenger became no better than a banana republic generalissimo, telling people about record harvests, chickens in every pot, conspiracies against his glorious reign, and "Remain calm, all is well, spirit, quality, determination, and a little bit handbrake." Our friends in North Korea know what I mean.

Did Arsene Wenger win 3 league titles in 22 years? He did.

Did Arsene Wenger win 7 FA Cups in 22 years? He did.

Did Arsene Wenger manage the club during a time when "sugar daddy" owners (you know, ones not named Jack Walker) made football clubs their personal playtoys? He did.

Did Arsene Wenger manage the club as it moved from Highbury to Ashburton Grove? He did.

Were Arsene Wenger's teams set out to play a style of football that reflected his spending budget given to him by his parsimonious billionaire owner? No.

Did Arsene Wenger's tactics often reflect those of a man who, instead of drilling his charges to win no matter what, would instead draw a picture of a wolf on the whiteboard? You can decide that for yourself.

This parade went on for far too long.

I celebrate the good, I rail against the bad, I see the man in full. Thank you for the three league titles in 22 years. You stayed too long. Stanley Krankey is shit. God speed.