How Arsenal staff feel about 'power-hungry' Tim Lewis after surprise board exit
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(Credit: Getty Images/Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Alex Oakhill
Wed 24 September 2025 16:00, UK
Arsenal staff’s true feelings about Tim Lewis have been revealed after a major shakeup behind the scenes.
Lewis’ departure at the Emirates was officially confirmed on Wednesday (24 September), as he leaves his current position on the board.
He had worked closely with Arsenal shareholder Stan Kroenke since 2007, before officially becoming a director at the club in 2020.
The 62-year-old then moved up into the executive vice-chair role in 2023, where he remained until his exit.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – revealed that Lewis was a divisive figure at Arsenal, and many behind the scenes are relieved that he has gone.
Credit: Imago
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that it is a very good move for the Gunners to get rid of Lewis, as he loved power and failed to adapt to a more collaborative approach.
Continuing their boardroom reshuffle, Arsenal confirmed that Richard Garlick had been promoted from managing director to chief executive last week.
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Wyness added that it was another good move from the North London side to move Garlick up.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I think that’s a good move to get Richard Garlick there.
I also think it’s a very good move to get rid of Tim Lewis.
“I’ve talked to a number of staff who have been there and have left, and they did not like his style, didn’t really think he was that good on the football side.
“I think Lewis certainly had views on certain things that were probably from his own financial business and career, that for me, shouldn’t be the real fundamentals behind making decisions.
“It’s good for Arsenal that he’s gone.
People have told me that there’s a fair bit of relief around the Emirates that he’s gone.”
The newly reshuffled board has an immediate problem on its hands, as Arsenal are reportedly close to breaching UEFA financial regulations.
Credit: Imago
That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who claims that the Gunners must be careful regarding their squad cost.
Clubs in European competitions are required to keep spending on player wages and fees to 70 per cent of revenue.
However, Arsenal could improve their squad cost ratio if they win all of their Champions League games before the end of this calendar year, due to the prize money they would receive.
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