Arsenal are prepared for not qualifying for the Champions League, says chairman Peter Hill-Wood

The 75-year-old says it would not be a disaster if the Gunners missed out on Europe's premier club competition, but concedes it would be 'very nice' if they could

Jan 18, 2012 3:13:00 PM

By Ross Jackson

More On :  Arsenal
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood (Getty Images)

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood claims it would not be a disaster if the club fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.

Arsene Wenger’s men currently sit in fifth position in the Premier League, four points off fourth placed Chelsea with a considerably worse goal difference, while Newcastle United are currently level on points with the north Londoners.

Don't Miss

Although Hill-Wood concedes it would be nice if the Gunners did finish in the top four of the Premier League this season, he says the club have always been prepared for the eventuality of not qualifying for Europe’s major club competition.

When asked about the Gunners Champions League hopes, Hill-Wood told the Daily Star: "We are hanging on in there, no more."

Manchester United visit the Emirates this Sunday, with defeat meaning Arsenal could potentially find themselves in seventh spot by the end of the weekend's fixtures.

Although the chairman concedes Champions League revenue is a big boost to the side's finances, he insists the club are in a secure enough position to deal with not qualifying.

"From a financial point of view, not qualifying for the Champions League is quite a blow,” he added.

"We have been planning for not qualifying every year, so it's not a disaster, but it would be nice if we could."

How do you stay up with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com – your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook
 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. Discover football's best & worst pledges Discover football's best & worst pledges

    Goal.com takes a look back at some of the best and worst promises made by members of the football fraternity over the years

  2. Spain's Euro 2012 hopes hit hard by Villa blow Spain's Euro 2012 hopes hit hard by Villa blow

    The Barcelona striker will be out of the continental competition after failing to fully recover from a broken tibia sustained in December's Club World Cup. He will be sorely missed

  3. Cartoon: Drogba waves goodbye to Chelsea Cartoon: Drogba waves goodbye to Chelsea

    The Ivorian confirmed his intention to leave Stamford Bridge on Tuesday after eight years at the club, meaning his final kick for the Blues sealed Champions League glory

  4. Conte claims Serie A Coach of the Season award Conte claims Serie A Coach of the Season award

    The Italian led Juventus to the Scudetto with an unbeaten record and is deemed the best trainer on the peninsula by the readers in our end-of-term vote

  5. All the players available for free in England All the players available for free in England

    A host of big-name Premier League stars are out of contract at the end of the season and Goal.com gives you the top five bargains who will be snapped up for absolutely nothing