I should never have sold my shares to Kroenke! Former Arsenal director Bracewell-Smith reveals 'deep regret'

By John Drayton

Published: 01:45, 19 August 2013 | Updated: 11:14, 20 August 2013

Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke has faced fresh criticism from former director Lady Bracewell-Smith, who tonight claimed she 'deeply regrets' allowing the American to take control of the club.

Bracewell-Smith, who remains an honorary vice-president at the club, sold her shares in Arsenal to Kroenke in 2011 which helped to give the 66-year-old a controlling stake.

Bracewell-Smith has, however, now twice publicly admitted it was a decision she wished she had not made.

Regret: Lady Bracewell-Smith (right) claimed Stan Kroenke (left) had no passion for the club

Last December she claimed Kroenke had no passion for the club and following Saturday’s shock opening-day 3-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa she has reiterated her dissatisfaction with Kroenke on Twitter tonight.

Kroenke had pledged to bring silverware back to the Emirates Stadium after his arrival but the Gunners' wait for a title has stretched to eight years amid increased criticism over their spending in the transfer market.

'What a shame the board recommended a Kroenke takeover and paid Rothchilds 3m fee,' Bracewell-Smith wrote.

'And how deeply I regret selling to Kroenke. #AFC'

Arsenal suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa on the opening day of the new Premier League season

Bracewell-Smith also called on former vice-president David Dein to return and for Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, who has a significant stake, to be given a seat on the board.

'Bring David Dein and give Usmanov representation on the board if we are to have success going forward. #AFC,' she added.

Bracewell-Smith was equally as forthright in her comments in December - shortly after the Gunners were dumped out of the League Cup by League Two Bradford - claiming Kroenke did not have the best interests of the club at heart.

Bracewell-Smith wants David Dein to return to the Emirates

'If making money was the motivating factor, surely there are better ways,' she wrote at the time.

'Football is a business of passion and SK has no passion for AFC.

'(Kroenke) shows he cares very little. Why he wanted to be part of AFC I do not know.'