Wenger pledges to see out contract

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger pledged yesterday to complete his contract to the end of next season and to continue to develop the young Arsenal team he and David Dein had created.

Former vice-chairman David Dein quit the club on Wednesday after 24 years because of "irreconcilable differences" with the rest of the board over the involvement of American tycoon Stan Kroenke, who has bought an 11 per cent stake in the club.

Wenger paid a warm tribute to Dein. "We have lost a man of class, intelligence and competence who made a great contribution to this club," he said.

Wenger said he was aware of Arsenal fans' concerns following Dein's departure. He said: "I will complete my contract so I am going to stay here until 2008."

Wenger said he had spoken to Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood and that the appointment of a football director was likely as a replacement for Dein.