Ken Friar is to step down as managing director of Arsenal, to be replaced by one Keith Edelman, former chief of Storehouse plc (which includes BHS and Mothercare) - and, to be honest, the man blamed for the recent poor fortunes of those stores.

Edelman, 49, joined Storehouse from a senior position at Carlton Communications in 1993, but was forced out a year ago following a collapse in the company's share price. 'Few in the City cared for Mr Edelman,' one paper wrote at the time. But others blamed his lack of experience in retailing, rather than overall incompetence.

Certainly his media background ought to help, and will undoubtedly raise speculation about a tie-up with Carlton.

Friar is to remain as a director at Highbury, and will be in charge of sorting out the move to Ashburton Grove.

See the official Arsenal statement for more... but a bit less of the negative stuff, obviously.