Dowie hails Wenger impact
29 Sep 2006 - 08:09:44
Charlton Athletic boss Iain Dowie has paid tribute to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for transforming the face of the game in England.
The Frenchman has just brought up a decade in charge of the Gunners and Dowie says Premiership clubs have a lot to thank Wenger for.
He told reporters: "You have to admire Arsene. He wanted to create a totally professional club.
"It is something English football should have addressed earlier and he has been at the forefront of it.
"People initially don't like it when you change things around and there was a question mark over him for six months.
"The senior players might not have been happy, but they would have seen that he would not be turned.
"He has done a tremendous job. He has been amongst the best, if not the best, in his time here.
"He has a great belief, he has a massive desire to win and to have things done the right way too, which is very important.
"Arsene Wenger is the epitome of what every manager should aspire to be.
"Arsenal are one of the game's major forces and Arsene takes a huge amount of credit.
"Arsenal are a great side and, not only has he won things, but he plays in a certain style and it is entertaining football."