Arsenal Annual Report 2008

CONTENTS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS & ADVISERS page 2
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS page 3
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT page 4-9
FINANCIAL REVIEW page 10-16
REVIEW OF THE 2007/2008 SEASON page 17-19
CHARITY OF THE SEASON page 20
ARSENAL IN THE COMMUNITY page 21-23
DIRECTORS’ REPORT page 24-25
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Corporate Governance page 26
Remuneration Report page 27
Independent Auditors’ Report page 28
Consolidated Profit and Loss Account page 29
Balance Sheets page 30
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement page 31
Notes to the Accounts page 32-53
FIVE YEAR SUMMARY page 54

DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND ADVISERS
LIFE VICE PRESIDENT

C E B L Carr
DIRECTORS
P.D. Hill-Wood Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith Lord Harris of Peckham Sir Chips Keswick
D.D. Fiszman R.C.L. Carr K.J. Friar OBE
MANAGER SECRETARY GROUP CHIEF ACCOUNTANT

A. Wenger OBE D. Miles S W Wisely ACA
REGISTERED OFFICE SOLICITORS AUDITORS

Highbury House Slaughter & May Deloitte & Touche LLP
75 Drayton Park One Bunhill Row Chartered Accountants
London London London
N5 1BU EC1Y 8YY EC4A 3BZ
FINANCIAL ADVISERS REGISTRARS BANKERS

N M Rothschild Capita IRG plc Barclays Bank plc
New Court The Registry 1 Churchill Place
St. Swithin’s Lane 34 Beckenham Road London
London Beckenham E14 5HP
EC4P 4DU Kent
BR3 4TU COMPANY REG.
NO. 4250459 ENGLAND
2
ARSENAL HOLDINGS PLC
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND ADVISERS
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
2008 2007
Group turnover £m 223.0 200.8
Group operating profit before player trading and depreciation £m 59.6 51.2
Profit before taxation £m 36.7 5.6
Earnings per share £ 413.49 45.26
Earnings per share (adjusted to exclude exceptional costs) £ 413.49 286.05
Group Turnover Group profit before exceptional items and taxation
£m £m
240 40
220 35
30
200
25
180
20
160
15
140
10
120 5
100 0
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Wage Costs Net debt

£m £m
110 350
100 300
90 250
80 200
70 150
60 100
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
3
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
I am pleased to report another year of Emirates Stadium has become a serious

satisfactory progress against our key contender for the staging of major non-
objectives of delivering long-term stability football events and the proof of this potential
and success through the operation of the has been a string of new awards including
Club as a business which is self-sustaining. Business Venue of the Year (2007 Visit
The annual accounts, which show a pre-tax London Awards), Best Major Project (2007
profit of £36.7 million (2007 - £5.6 million), British Construction Industry Awards) and the
clearly confirm the strength of the Group’s Tourism Gold Award from Meet Britain’s
financial position following the move to Business (2008). The stadium’s standing as a
Emirates Stadium. Your Board strongly first class venue was further enhanced in
believes this financial strength establishes March when it played host to a summit
the best possible foundation from which the between Gordon Brown and French president
Club can achieve footballing success long Nicolas Sarkozy; the two political leaders
into the future. held a joint press conference with the world’s
media in attendance.
During the 2007/08 season, the team played
some highly entertaining and stylish football. At the end of May music legend Bruce
The Club made a strong challenge for the Springsteen played to two nights of sell-out
Barclays Premier League title but eventually audiences immediately establishing a
finished the season, just four points behind reputation for Emirates Stadium as a non-
the winners, in a respectable third place. In football entertainment venue. Although the
addition, the Club reached the quarter-final window between the end of the playing
stage of the UEFA Champions League and the season and the start of work on renovating
semi-final stage of the Carling Cup. the pitch for the new season is relatively
short, the staging of music events is certainly
It was disappointing to see honours elude us something we will consider again for the
last season, particularly by such a narrow future. We have now successfully staged two
margin. However, we have every confidence Emirates Cups, in pre-season 2007 and 2008,
in the playing squad and we are optimistic of and in March 2008 we played host to a third
the prospects for the 2008/09 campaign. international friendly - Brazil v Sweden. We
Clearly, the level of competition both hope to continue with both the Emirates Cup
domestically and in Europe will once again be and high quality non-Arsenal fixtures as
very high, but we are ambitious for success regular features in the Emirates Stadium
and keen to see the Club add to the seven calendar.
major trophies it has so far won during
Arsène Wenger’s term as manager. Following We recognise that the Club’s operations have
our victory over FC Twente in the third an impact on the local, national and global
qualifying round, we have now reached the environment and during the year we have
Group Stage of the UEFA Champions League introduced a number of initiatives in order to
for the 11th consecutive year – a record of try and operate as a more environmentally
which we are very proud. friendly organisation. We now have a
dedicated recycling area in the stadium’s
Our successful leverage of Emirates underground car park and on average we are
Stadium’s facilities is providing opportunities recycling 10 tonnes per month of glass,
for the Group over and above those derived cardboard and plastic which would previously
from the core business of staging the Club’s have been sent to landfill. Other new
competitive fixtures. There is no doubt that initiatives in the year included progression of
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
our supporter Contact Centre project. This down" arrangement, which was announced in
brings together box office, home shopping, October 2007, enables the continued stability
tours, travel and Junior Gunners operations of ownership for the Club at least to the date
for both telephone and e-mail handling and is of its expiry in 2012.
designed to ensure an enhanced level of
service is available to all of our supporters. I am delighted to confirm that E. Stanley
The initial responses to the roll-out of this Kroenke has accepted the Board’s invitation
project have been encouraging. to become a non-executive director of
Arsenal. Mr Kroenke fully supports the
On the property side of the business, the approach the Board has taken in setting the
year has seen significant progress and direction of the Club and we believe his
investment in the Highbury Square experience in sports team commercial
development where the construction work is management, sports marketing, media and
now moving toward its final stages. We are, new media rights as well as real estate
of course, paying close attention to the development will be of great value. Mr
conditions in the property and mortgage Kroenke is not a party to the “lock-down”
markets but we remain confident that arrangement entered into by the other
Highbury Square represents a genuinely members of the Board.
unique residential scheme in an excellent
location. This view is supported by the sales Mr Kroenke is the shareholder in Kroenke
position to date which continues to be Sports Enterprises (KSE), the leading live
positive. We have so far marketed 655 of the sports and entertainment group based in
development’s 680 private residential Denver, Colorado. In April this year KSE
apartments and 598 of these are the subject acquired from ITV plc a 50% share in Arsenal
of exchanged sale contracts. We have also Broadband Limited and at the same time
completed the sale of all of the social entered into a strategic partnership with the
housing elements of the development. The Club through Colorado Rapids, the KSE
first wave of 65 finished apartments in the franchise.
South Stand were released on schedule at
the end of July. Given the strong football The year saw the departure of managing
memories we all have of Highbury it is director Keith Edelman and, once again, I
remarkable to consider the transformation would like to express our thanks for his
which means that our former home now has contribution over the last eight years. We are
its first new owners in residence. actively engaged in seeking a replacement
and will make an announcement in due
Our other major remaining property course.
development site is at Queensland Road and
we have formulated and recently submitted On the Field
planning applications for the redevelopment A look back at the first team’s 2007/08
of this site which are currently being season elicits mixed emotions. There is no
reviewed by Islington Council. doubt that the football played by Arsène
Wenger’s side was often at a truly exceptional
The two new major shareholders which I level, however, despite winning many
mentioned in my report at this time last year plaudits, trophies were again to prove elusive.
– Red and White Securities Limited and KSE
UK Inc. - have both increased their The Premier League campaign yielded 83
shareholdings. However, the Board’s "lock- points, some 15 points more than the
5
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
previous season, and only three defeats yet denying that progress was made in 2007/08.
only a third-placed finish. A fine ‘double’ over It is notable that Emirates Stadium is proving
Tottenham Hotspur and an emphatic away to be a significant factor in the team’s
win against Everton were particular success - we remained unbeaten in all the 28
highlights. home matches played last season and, in
fact, only one competitive game has been
International call-ups and injuries – not least lost of the 58 played at our new home.
that which was suffered by our Croatian
forward Eduardo at, perhaps, a pivotal point Congratulations are again due to Vic Akers
of his debut season – depleted the squad in and his Arsenal Ladies side, who continued
the new year and this proved telling in the their remarkable record in recent years with a
months of February and March when four League and FA Women’s Cup ‘double’.
consecutive draws considerably hampered
the title challenge. Despite taking the lead in Pages 17 to 19 contain a full review of the
both games, the team then slipped to narrow 2007/08 season for Arsenal’s first team,
defeats at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford reserves, youth and ladies teams.
which confirmed that the championship
would not be heading to Emirates Stadium. Player Transfers
During the close season, the Club welcomed
In the UEFA Champions League, a relatively four new players to its first team squad.
straightforward Group Stage was followed by Wales Under-21 international Aaron Ramsey
the glamour of a tie with reigning holders AC joined on a long-term contract from
Milan. The excitement and pride felt by Championship side Cardiff City. 17 year-old
everybody connected with the Club following midfielder Ramsey became the youngest
a famous 2-0 win at the San Siro, which player ever to represent Wales at Under-21
secured progress to the quarter-finals, was level in August 2007 and he has also already
considerable. However, domestic rivals been called up to the full Welsh squad.
Liverpool put an end to the European
campaign on a dramatic night at Anfield in Ramsey progressed through the youth ranks
which a late Emmanuel Adebayor goal at Cardiff City and also became the youngest
seemed to have earned us a place in the last ever player to represent the Bluebirds,
four, only for two further strikes by the hosts coming on as a substitute in a league match
to decide otherwise. against Hull City on 28th April 2007, at just
16 years 124 days, breaking the previous
There were mixed fortunes in the domestic record set by John Toshack. Since making his
cups. Another fine Carling Cup run emphasized debut for Cardiff City, Ramsey went on to
again the quality and depth of young talent make a total of 22 appearances for the Welsh
which the Club is developing. The semi-finals side, including a substitute appearance in
were reached in some style although last season’s FA Cup Final.
Tottenham Hotspur then prevailed through to
the final. Early FA Cup successes against The Club was also delighted to secure the
Burnley and Newcastle United were offset signing of French international Samir Nasri
when a weakened side was beaten at Old who joined us from Olympique de Marseille
Trafford in the fifth round of the competition. on a long-term contract. 21 year-old Nasri,
who appeared for his country in Euro 2008,
Despite the disappointment felt at a season was voted the French Ligue 1 ‘Young Player of
without winning a trophy, there can be no the Year’ for 2006/07 and was also
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Olympique de Marseille’s Player of the Year appearances for the Club, scoring 8 times,
for 2007. and won an FA Cup Winner’s medal in 2005.
He played at full back in the team’s run to the
As an attacking midfielder, he made 145 UEFA Champions League Final in 2006.
appearances (scoring 11 goals) for Olympique
de Marseille, during which time they won the The summer also saw Jens Lehmann depart
UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2005, were French Cup Arsenal and join German Bundesliga side VfB
runners-up in 2006 and 2007 and secured Stuttgart on a free transfer. Lehmann joined
third place in Ligue 1 in the 2007/08 season. from Borussia Dortmund in 2003 and went on
His first Arsenal goal was scored just 4 to make a total of 199 appearances for the
minutes from the start of his debut Premier Club. Lehmann is a UEFA Champions League
League appearance. record holder after 853 minutes without
conceding a goal in the tournament during
The Club also completed the signing of the team’s run to the 2006 final in Paris.
midfielder Amaury Bischoff. The French-born
Portugal Under-21 international was a Lehmann was part of the ‘Invincibles’ squad
youngster with French clubs SR Colmar and which completed an unbeaten Premier
RC Strasbourg before moving to Werder League title season in 2003/04 and was the
Bremen in 2005. Bischoff, who is 21 years Club’s hero at the 2005 FA Cup Final, saving
old, was a regular at youth levels for Werder Paul Scholes’ penalty in a shoot-out win over
Bremen. His one senior appearance for the Manchester United.
Bundesliga club came against Celta Vigo in
the UEFA Cup in 2007. He has played for Another leaver during the close season, was
France's Under-18 team, however, in 2007 he Alexander Hleb, who joined Barcelona. Hleb
elected to train with Portugal and to date has signed for Arsenal from German side VfB
appeared for their Under-21 side. Stuttgart in June 2005 and made a total of
129 appearances during his time with the
French International Mikael Silvestre joined Club, scoring 11 goals. Hleb became the first
the club from Manchester United on a two Belarusian to appear in a UEFA Champions
year contract. Sivestre spent nine seasons League Final when he played for the Club
with Manchester United, winning six against Barcelona in the 2006 final. Alex was
domestic trophies. He has also made forty voted Belarusian footballer of the year in
international appearances for France, winning 2005 and 2006.
two Confederation Cups and reaching the
World Cup final in 2006. Over the summer long-serving midfielder
Gilberto left the Club to join Greek side
The Club extends a warm welcome to Aaron, Panathinaikos. Gilberto spent a total of six
Samir, Amaury and Mikael, together with all seasons with the Club, after joining in the
the ‘First Year Scholars’ joining our Youth summer of 2002 from Brazilian side Atletico
Development programme this summer. We Mineiro. During his time with Arsenal,
wish them all the best of luck during their Gilberto made a total of 244 appearances in
Arsenal careers. all competitions, scoring 24 goals and he was
an integral part of the ‘Invincibles’ squad
The close season saw the departure of five which completed the entire 2003/04 Premier
first team squad players. Mathieu Flamini left League campaign unbeaten. In addition to his
the Club to join Italian Serie A side AC Milan League Championship winner’s medal in
on a free transfer. Flamini made a total of 153 2004, the Brazilian also won the FA Cup twice
7
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
– in 2003 and 2005 and the Community club merchandise in other territories in the
Shield in 2002 and 2004. coming financial year.
Justin Hoyte also left the club during the Arsenal has been involved in other
summer to join Middlesbrough FC. The former international activity which both improves the
England U-21 International joined the club at profile of the Club and drives revenues. Tiger
the age of 9 and after making his debut in Beer will continue to be Arsenal’s Official
2003, went on to make 68 first team Beer in South East Asia for another three
appearances. years. In Vietnam, the Club has secured
sponsorship with Vinamilk, Gree Electrics and
We wish Mathieu, Jens, Alexander, Gilberto ICP which will positively impact on the Club’s
and Justin well for their future careers and local profile. Financial service partnerships
thank them all for the major contribution they have been secured in Indonesia and Nigeria
made to Arsenal Football Club. with Bank Danamon and UBA respectively.
Local language official Arsenal websites in
Commercial Partners China, Korea, and Thailand continue to be
Arsenal has continued to develop its used by over 300,000 local fans each month.
commercial partner programme over the
2007/08 season. From a sponsorship The international Arsenal Soccer Schools
perspective we are fortunate to be in a programme continues to advance. High quality
position where we are working closely with facilities have opened in Bangkok, Thailand
many high profile brands. During the year, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and represent
Ebel joined our partner programme as official further grassroots investment. Arsenal now
timing partner and we are also delighted to has sixteen affiliated Soccer Schools abroad.
welcome Citroën, as the Club’s official car The Club has made its first major entry into
partner, for the start of the 2008/09 season. India with a high profile Arsenal football
roadshow supported by Tata Tea.
We delivered our most successful
merchandise figures ever during the 2007/08 Closer to home, Emirates Stadium has hosted
season on the back of new second and third a wide range of organisations for a variety of
choice Nike kits and continuing excellence in conference, banqueting and meeting events.
own brand apparel, gifts and souvenirs The stadium provides a flexible and unique
delivered by S’porter, our retail partner. venue and along with our catering partner
These results were assisted by a temporary Delaware North we have become expert in
store established in Enfield for the period hosting high quality functions. In addition,
ahead of Christmas 2007. A major overhaul of Emirates Stadium welcomed over 80,000
our Finsbury Park shop has been undertaken visitors on a variety of stadium tours during
and a new store has recently been opened in the 2007/08 season.
St Albans. Further off-site stores are planned
for the future. Emirates Stadium also hosts the production
facility and studio used to broadcast Arsenal
Internationally, our merchandise business is TV, which was successfully launched in
also growing. Our Thai partner BEC Tero now January. The channel is part of the Setanta
has fourteen retail outlets for Arsenal Sports package of channels and is also
merchandise, including a new flagship store available through Virgin Media reaching
in Phuket, Thailand. More distribution approximately 5 million homes in the UK and
partnerships will be established for official Eire. We are extremely pleased with the quality
8
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
of the programming and presentation, with Over 2008/09 the proceeds of Highbury
much credit going to our production partner Square sales will largely be used for the
Input Media. Feedback from fans has been repayment of the related bank loans,
positive and consequently broadcasting hours consequently reducing the Group’s net debt
have been increased for the 2008/09 season. from its current peak level.
The two sides of the Group’s business are
Our joint venture partner in the Arsenal.com financed independently of each other and
website business changed, following ITV’s both the property and football business
sale of their 50% shareholding to KSE, and segments start the year from very sound
we now look forward to further developing financial bases.
this already successful website operation
alongside KSE. On the field the new season has got off to a
promising start. We have successfully
During the year we also ended our own negotiated the qualification round of the
commercial relationship with ITV. All 2008/09 UEFA Champions League to ensure
commercial development, including the participation in the Group Stage and this is
Arsenal licensing programme, is now important to the Club both in competitive and
undertaken in house. We would like to thank financial terms.
ITV for all the hard work expended on the
Club’s commercial programme and their This Club is ambitious for success and as
contribution to our commercial success over always, at the start of the season, our
the last few years. expectations are high. We look forward to
supporting the team, as it challenges for
Charity of the Season trophies, throughout the course of the season.
Treehouse, the national charity for autism
education, became Arsenal’s nominated In closing, I would like to pay tribute to my
charity for season 2007/08 taking over from fellow directors, our management team and
The Willow Foundation. Treehouse was our entire staff for all of their hard work and
established in 1997 by a group of parents of dedication over the last year. I would also like
autistic children and it aims to transform the to thank our Highbury Square project team
lives of all children with autism and the lives and all of our other professional advisers for
of their families, by increasing the quantity the support they have provided.
and quality of autism education. The Club’s
partnership with Treehouse, more details of Finally thank you for the fantastic support
which are given on page 20, was a great given to the Club by all of our shareholders,
success raising a record breaking £519,000 supporters, sponsors and commercial
for the charity. partners. I look forward to welcoming you all
again to Emirates Stadium over the course of
Prospects the new season.
The property side of the business will
inevitably be of considerable significance to
the Group over the next year, with a large
number of apartment sales scheduled to
complete at Highbury Square and progression
of the redevelopment plans for Queensland P D Hill-Wood
Road. We will be closely monitoring all stages Chairman
of the sales completion process. 18 September 2008
9
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The results for the year show a very The Group’s overall net debt position rose to
satisfactory outcome and provide a further £318.1 million (2007 - £268.2 million). This
confirmation of the strong financial position increase in debt, which was anticipated both
which the Group occupies following its move in last year’s annual report and this year’s
to Emirates Stadium. interim statement, reflects the loans drawn
down in funding the Highbury Square
Overall the Group increased its turnover from construction works. This level of net debt is
£200.8 million to £223.0 million and recorded expected to represent a peak for the Group
a profit before taxation for the year of £36.7 with the level diminishing throughout
million compared with £5.6 million (stated 2008/09 as sale completions occur at
after exceptional charges of £21.4 million) in Highbury Square.
the previous year.
The Highbury Square bank loan is included,
2008 2007 on the basis of its projected repayment profile
£m £m from receipts of sale completions, as part of
Group turnover 223.0 200.8 creditors falling due within one year although
Operating profit before the actual term date for the repayment of this
depreciation and player loan facility extends to April 2010.
trading 59.6 51.2
Player trading 5.2 0.2
Segmental Operating Results
Depreciation ( 11.6 ) ( 9.6 )
Joint venture 0.5 0.4
2008 2007
Ordinary finance charges ( 17.0 ) ( 15.3 )
£m £m
Profit before tax and Football
exceptional items 36.7 26.9 Turnover 207.7 177.0
Profit before tax after Operating profit* 59.6 42.2
exceptional items 36.7 5.6 Profit before tax and
exceptional items 39.7 20.8
Continued growth in revenue and profit in our Property development

core football business, including the benefit Turnover 15.3 23.8
of the new Premier League TV contracts for Operating profit* - 9.0
season 2007/08, was balanced by a year of (Loss) / profit before tax and
lower sales activity and a break-even exceptional items (3.0) 6.1
operating return in the Group’s property
development business. The results of the Group
football and property development segments Turnover 223.0 200.8
will be considered in more detail later in this Operating profit* 59.6 51.2
review. Profit before tax and
exceptional items 36.7 26.9
In terms of the Group’s balance sheet, the
most significant change reflects the progress *= operating profit before
made toward completion of the Highbury depreciation and player trading costs
Square residential development and the
investment in this project was the main Football segment
reason that the carrying value of development The football business increased its turnover
property stocks increased during the year to to £207.7 million (2007 - £177.0 million).
£188.0 million (2007 - £100.1 million).
10
FINANCIAL REVIEW
FINANCIAL REVIEW
This increase was mainly driven by the new Commercial Partners section of the
Premier League domestic and overseas TV Chairman’s Report.
deals. The uplift in the value of these
contracts, together with the levels of live We remain firmly committed to sustained
coverage associated with our prominent investment in the development of the playing
challenge for the title and favourable squad in a market-place where the income
exchange rates on £:_ conversion of UEFA from the new Premier League TV contracts has
Champions League distributions to the inevitably created a significant upward
quarter final stage, meant that total pressure on both transfer prices and players’
broadcasting revenues rose by some £24 wage expectations. During the year we have
million to in excess of £68 million. improved and extended the contract terms of
a large number of first team players and, of
course, of Arsène Wenger himself. As a result,
100
2007 for the first time, the Group’s wage bill has
90
80 2008 exceeded nine figures at £101.3 million (2007
70 - £89.7 million). The wage/turnover ratio for
Turnover £m
60
50
the year, on a football segment basis,
40 remained broadly stable at 48.8% (2007 –
30 50.6%) and continues to fall within our target
20 range.
10
0
Commercial
Retail
Taking into account these changes in

Broadcasting
Gate
revenues and operating costs the operating

profit (before depreciation and player trading)
from football increased to £59.6 million (2007
The main component of our turnover - £42.2 million).
continues to be gate and match day revenue
which at £94.6 million (2007 - £90.6 million) Property Segment
represents some 45% of total football Revenue in the property segment fell to £15.3
revenues and 42% of the Group’s total million (2007 - £23.8 million) as sales activity
revenues. There were 28 first team home was limited to the granting of certain
fixtures in season 2007/08 which is one more leasehold interests and contracting work
than in the previous year and the average within the social housing element of the
attendance was 59,720 (2007 - 59,850). We Highbury Square development. The previous
have been very successful in generating event year contained the sale of a major
income from our new home outside of the development site at Drayton Park.
competitive first team fixture list; during the
year Emirates Stadium hosted the inaugural Profit from this Highbury Square sales activity
Emirates Cup pre-season tournament which was balanced by the carrying costs of our
generated more than £4 million of ticket sales development site at Queensland Road such
over two days, an international friendly fixture that the overall operating result from property
between Brazil and Sweden and two Bruce was break-even (2007 – profit of £9.0 million).
Springsteen concerts.
We have now secured all of the land interests
The continued growth in our retail turnover to in the Queensland Road site, which lies to the
£13.1 million (2007 - £ 12.1 million) and south of Emirates Stadium, and we continue
commercial revenues to £31.3 million (2007 - to progress the design of an appropriate
£29.5 million) has been referred to in the redevelopment scheme and detailed planning
11
FINANCIAL REVIEW
FINANCIAL REVIEW
permission for the site. This is proving to be a additional fees as a number of former players,
complex process - blending a mix of such as Fabrice Muamba and David Bentley,
residential, commercial and regenerative achieve success in their post-Arsenal careers.
elements - and we will not be able to finalise
an on-sale of the site until it is complete. The Board’s policy continues to be that the
proceeds of any player sales are always made
Construction work at the Group’s main available for re-investment back into the
development site, Highbury Square, has development of the team.
continued at an intensive level throughout the
year and remains very much on a schedule Finance Charges
which will see the completion of the majority The net interest charge for the year was £17.0
of the residential units over the next year. We million (2007 - £15.3 million of ordinary
are, of course, mindful and vigilant of the charges and £21.4 million of exceptional
difficult conditions which currently exist in the charges). The increase reflects a full year’s
property and mortgage markets in general. charge on the stadium financing bonds,
That said, we remain confident that Highbury whereas in the previous year interest costs on
Square represents a genuinely unique this debt were capitalised up to the date of
residential scheme in an excellent location. Emirates Stadium’s opening.
This view is supported by the sales position
to date which continues to be positive. We Finance costs of £5.0 million attributable to
have so far marketed 655 of the bank loans drawn specifically to fund property
development’s 680 private residential development expenditure during the year
apartments and 598 of these are the subject were capitalised within property development
of exchanged sale contracts. The first wave of stocks.
65 finished apartments in the South Stand
was released at the end of July and sales have Profit after tax
so far completed on apartments having a The tax charge for the period was £10.9
revenue value of £18.7 million. Sales as million (2007 - £2.8 million). The effective rate
achieved will be included in the Group’s of tax at 29.8% is impacted by the change in
2008/09 financial results. the rate of corporation tax from 30% to 28%
for the last two months of the financial year
Player Trading and the conversion of the Group’s deferred
A profit of £26.5 million (2007 – £18.5 million) tax provisions to this new rate of tax.
from the sale of player registrations means
that overall player trading produced a surplus The retained profit for the year of £25.7
of £5.2 million for the year (2007 - £0.2 million (2007 - £2.8 million) was the Group’s
million). second best ever financial result, bettered
only by 2000/01 which was the year in which
The main contributions to the disposal profit the Group reported exceptional profits from
came from the sales of Thierry Henry, Freddie the part sale of Arsenal.com.
Ljungberg, Jose Antonio Reyes, Jeremie
Aliadiere and Lassana Diarra which I believe
highlights the fact that selling players at a
profit is a by-product of Arsène Wenger’s
astute management of the long-term
development of the playing squad rather than
an objective in itself. The terms of certain past
sales mean that we continue to gain
12
FINANCIAL REVIEW
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Cash Flow and Treasury bonds and the use of these deposits is
In order to properly review the Group’s cash restricted.
flow for the year it is necessary to separate
out the investment in property development As mentioned above the Group’s overall net
and the related bank funding. debt position rose to an overall £318.1 million
(2007 - £268.2 million) and this was an
£m expected increase given the use of bank debt
Cash from operations to fund the construction works at Highbury
before property stock 61.9 Square. The main elements of this net debt
Investment in property stock ( 82.9 ) are shown in the table below.
Bank loan funding of property stock 74.9
( 8.0 ) The largest part of the Group’s debt is £250.2
Net receipt from sale of players 4.0 million of long-term bonds with fixed rates of
Payment of taxation ( 4.2 ) interest which have been in place since the
Investment in fixed assets ( 6.9 ) refinancing exercise completed in the summer
Net interest payments ( 19.7 ) of 2006. A repayment of £5.0 million was
Repayment of debt ( 7.7 ) made during the year in accordance with the
( 27.4 ) terms of the bonds. The annual debt service
costs for these bonds, including repayment of
Increase in year-end cash 19.4
capital, is approximately £20 million and this
figure must always be considered in the
context of the significantly increased levels of
The positive cash flow for the year means that
football operating profit which the Group is
the Group had total cash balances of £93.3
achieving following the move to Emirates
million at 31 May 2008 (2007 - £73.9 million).
Stadium.
Whilst this is clearly a very healthy position it
should be remembered that there is a strong
The main element of property development
element of seasonality to the Group’s
financing is the Highbury Square loan balance
operational cash flow with season ticket
which was £133.5 million at the balance sheet
renewals during May having a positive
date (2007 - £62.9 million). This loan, which is
impact. In addition, balances of £31.5 million
repayable from the sale proceeds of the
(2007 - £32.9 million) within the total cash
development, is ring-fenced from the Group’s
position are debt service bank deposits which
football activities and the related financing
form part of the security for the Group’s listed
Emirates Property
Stadium Development Debenture Cash
Financing Financing Loans Reserves
£m £m £m £m
Start of year ( 255.2 ) ( 64.4 ) ( 25.8 ) 73.9
Movement in year 5.0 ( 74.9 ) ( 0.3 ) 19.4
End of year ( 250.2 ) ( 139.3 ) ( 26.1 ) 93.3
Term 21-23 yrs 2 years 20-134 yrs N/A

Weighted average rate 5.3% 6.6% 0-2.75% N/A
Guarantee fee 0.5% - - N/A
0.65%
13
FINANCIAL REVIEW
FINANCIAL REVIEW
arrangements. Some 73% of this loan The Club currently has in excess of 47,000
balance is at fixed rate by virtue of interest supporters on its waiting list for season
rate swaps in place for that purpose. tickets.
The Group’s debt facilities are expected to The first team’s success is significantly
be sufficient to fund the completion of its influenced by the performance of members
property development projects for the of the playing staff and the performance of
foreseeable future and its operations the football management team and,
generally for the long-term. These facilities accordingly, the ability to attract and retain
were put in place before the start of the the highest quality coaching and playing
2007/08 financial year and, accordingly, the staff is important to the Group’s business
Group has not, to date, experienced any prospects. The Group insures the members
significant direct adverse impact on its of its first team squad but such insurances
financing arrangements as a result of the may not be sufficient to mitigate all financial
"credit crunch" and the related turbulence loss, such as fees from a potential transfer,
in the financial markets. in the event of a serious injury. The Group
enters into employment contracts with
Risks and uncertainties each of its key personnel with a view to
There are a number of potential risks securing their services for the term of the
and uncertainties which could have a contract. However, the Group operates in
material impact on the Group’s long term a highly competitive market in both
performance. These risks and uncertainties domestic and European competition and
are monitored by the Board on a regular retention of personnel cannot be
basis. guaranteed. In addition, the activities of the
Group’s main competitors can determine
Football trends for market rates for transfers and
The Group’s income is affected by the wages that the Group may be required to
performance and popularity of the first follow in order to maintain the strength of
team. Significant sources of revenue are its first team squad.
derived from strong performances in the
Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA The Club is regulated by the rules of the FA,
Champions League (or UEFA Cup) and the Premier League, UEFA and FIFA. Any change
level of income will vary dependent upon to FA, Premier League, UEFA and FIFA
the team’s participation and performance in regulations in future could have an impact
these competitions. A significant amount of on the Group as the regulations cover areas
the Group’s income is derived from ticket such as: the format of competitions, the
sales to individual and corporate supporters division of broadcasting income, the
who attend matches involving the first team eligibility of players and the operation of the
at Emirates Stadium and elsewhere. The transfer market. The Group monitors its
level of attendance may be influenced by a compliance with all applicable rules and
number of factors including the level of regulations on a continuous basis and also
success of the team, admission prices, monitors and considers the impact of any
broadcasting coverage and general potential changes.
economic conditions. Demand for tickets is
currently very high and all season tickets, Commercial relationships
including approximately 7,000 premium The Group derives a significant amount of
Club Level seats and 150 executive boxes revenue from sponsorship and other
have been sold out for the 2008/09 season. commercial relationships. The Group aims to
14
FINANCIAL REVIEW
FINANCIAL REVIEW
enter into long term arrangements with its terms of the applicable bank / debt finance
key commercial partners thus securing arrangements. In addition, certain minimum
certainty over the main components of its bank deposits are required to be maintained
commercial income in the medium term. The as part of the security for the Group’s bank /
Group’s most important commercial debt finance balances. The Group monitors
contracts are: naming rights and shirt its compliance with the applicable terms of
sponsorship contracts with Emirates Airline its bank / debt finance arrangements on a
which expire in 2021 and 2014 respectively, continuous basis and regularly reviews its
a kit sponsorship contract with Nike which forecast cash flow to ensure that both its
expires in 2011 and a catering contract with business segments hold an appropriate
Delaware North which expires in 2026. level of bank funds at all times.
Broadcasting and certain other revenues are Where income from commercial contracts or
derived from contracts which are currently other material transactions, such as player
centrally negotiated by the Premier League transfers, is receivable on an instalment
and, in respect of European competition, by basis then the Group will usually seek to
UEFA ; the Group does not have any direct obtain an appropriate bank or similar
influence, alone, on the outcome of the guarantee.
relevant contract negotiations. The Premier
League currently sells its TV rights on a 3 Property
year contract basis and 2007/08 was the The Group expects to derive income from the
first year of a new contract. sale of certain property development sites
over the next two years - the main element of
Foreign exchange and treasury this being the sale of some 680 private
The Group enters into a number of residential apartments at Highbury Square.
transactions, relating mainly to its The achievement of these sales may be
participation in European competition and affected by the current downturn in the UK
player transfers, which create exposure to property market and the difficult conditions
movements in foreign exchange. The Group in the mortgage lending sector. The Group is
monitors this foreign exchange exposure on monitoring the position closely.
a continuous basis and has facilities in place
to hedge any significant exposure in its The bank facilities which the Group has used
currency receivables and payables. to fund the Highbury Square development
are ring-fenced from the financing of the
The Group’s policy is to eliminate, as far as football segment of the business. The final
possible, all of the interest rate risk which profits and cash to be released to the Club
attaches to its outstanding debt finance on completion of these property
balances. Where debt balances are subject developments has not been budgeted by the
to floating rates of interest the Group enters Club and will be treated as a "bonus" when
into interest rate swaps which serve to fix received – accordingly, there is no
the rate of interest. commitment to use any such profits and
cash at any specific time for any specific
The financing arrangements for the Group’s purpose.
football and property business segments
operate independently of each other. As a
consequence, the transfer of cash between
the two business segments can, in general,
only occur in circumstances governed by the
15
FINANCIAL REVIEW
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Outlook
The Group has made a sound start to the new
financial year. We have made a modest ticket
price increase for season 2008/09 (2.8% on a
weighted average basis) following which
general admission and Club Tier season ticket
renewals have once again been at the
maximum level.
The second staging of the Emirates Cup has

again proved to be a great commercial
success with near capacity attendances to
both days of the competition.
The sales of Alexander Hleb, Justin Hoyte and

a sell-on share receivable on David Bentley’s
transfer from Blackburn will make a
significant contribution to the profits to be
reported on the sale of player registrations.
The most significant aspect of the 2008/09

results will be the sale completions to be
reported on Highbury Square. Legal
completions from the first phase of 65
apartments, released at the end of July, have
so far generated sales proceeds of £18.7
million. We will continue to monitor sales
closely over the coming months as the
construction of more units is completed ready
for release. The sales proceeds will be used
to fund construction costs to complete and to
repay the Highbury Square loan facility and
this will result in a reduction in the Group’s
overall net debt.
In conclusion, both the property and football

business segments start the 2008/09 year in
a strong financial position, providing the
sound financial platform which underpins our
long-term strategy for the Club.
K J Friar
Managing Director
18 September 2008
16
FINANCIAL REVIEW
REVIEW OF THE 2007/2008 SEASON
First Team
Arsenal’s second season at Emirates Stadium saw the side remain unbeaten in 28 home
games, but again silverware proved to be elusive.
A fine start to the season saw Arsène Wenger’s team lead the Premier League for long
periods, playing some excellent football. A difficult late February and early March saw the team
drop points and ultimately finish four points behind Manchester United in third place. This was
an improvement on the previous year where we finished fourth, twenty one points behind the
leaders. The third place finish led to UEFA Champions League qualification for the eleventh
successive season.
Qualification from the Group Stage of the UEFA Champions League was comfortably achieved,
setting up a last-16 tie with reigning champions AC Milan. After a 0-0 draw at Emirates Stadium,
an excellent performance in the second leg saw a 2-0 win for the team, the first time an English
side had beaten the hosts at the San Siro. Unfortunately, two late goals in the quarter-final
sent Liverpool through in a tie that Arsenal had largely dominated.
Once again there were impressive performances by young Arsenal sides in the Carling Cup with
Newcastle United, Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers being beaten before Tottenham
Hotspur won the semi-final over two legs. In the FA Cup, Manchester United ended an injury-hit
Arsenal side’s interest at the fifth round stage.
There were many fine personal achievements over the season including Cesc Fabregas being
named as the PFA Young Player of the Year and four Arsenal players - Bacary Sagna, Gael
Clichy, Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor - all being named in the PFA Premier League
team of the year. Several Arsenal players also represented their countries in the Euro 2008
championship including Cesc Fabregas, Robin Van Persie, William Gallas, Philippe Senderos,
Johann Djourou, Lukasz Fabianski and Jens Lehmann.
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE 2007/2008 FINAL TABLE

HOME AWAY
P W D L F A W D L F A Pts GD
Manchester United 38 17 1 1 47 7 10 5 4 33 15 +58 87
Chelsea 38 12 7 0 36 13 13 3 3 29 13 +39 85
Arsenal 38 14 5 0 37 11 10 6 3 38 20 +44 83
Liverpool 38 12 6 1 43 13 9 7 3 24 15 +39 76
Everton 38 11 4 4 34 17 8 4 7 21 16 +22 65
Aston Villa 38 10 3 6 34 22 6 9 4 37 29 +20 60
Blackburn Rovers 38 8 7 4 26 19 7 6 6 24 29 +2 58
Portsmouth 38 7 8 4 24 14 9 1 9 24 26 +8 57
Manchester City 38 11 4 4 28 20 4 6 9 17 33 -8 55
West Ham United 38 7 7 5 24 24 6 3 10 18 26 -8 49
Tottenham Hotspur 38 8 5 6 46 34 3 8 8 20 27 +5 46
Newcastle United 38 8 5 6 25 26 3 5 11 20 39 -20 43
Middlesbrough 38 7 5 7 27 23 3 7 9 16 30 -10 42
Wigan Athletic 38 8 5 6 21 17 2 5 12 13 34 -17 40
Sunderland 38 9 3 7 23 22 2 3 14 13 38 -24 39
Bolton Wanderers 38 7 5 7 23 18 2 5 12 13 36 -18 37
Fulham 38 5 5 9 22 31 3 7 9 16 29 -22 36
Reading 38 8 2 9 19 25 2 4 13 22 41 -25 36
Birmingham City 38 6 8 5 30 23 2 3 14 16 39 -16 35
Derby County 38 1 5 13 12 43 0 3 16 8 46 -69 11
17
Reserves
Neil Banfield’s Reserves side enjoyed a good season, finishing fourth in their division with a
younger side than many of their rivals.
A seven-game unbeaten run at the end of the season highlighted the growing confidence
and maturity of the side. At this level performances are as important as results, as it is an
environment where many of the Club’s younger players are taking their first steps outside of
Academy football. Impressive results included a 5-1 win over Derby County and a draw with
ten men against a strong Aston Villa outfit in the final game of the season.
Several youngsters progressed from the Reserves to the first-team squad at various points
in the campaign - Kieran Gibbs, Fran Merida, Henri Lansbury, Mark Randall and Nacer
Barazite all made Carling Cup appearances – and 16 year-old Jack Wilshere’s late-season
form ensured that he was among the youngsters named in Arsène Wenger’s squad for pre-
season games.
FA BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP RESERVE LEAGUE SOUTH 2007/2008 FINAL TABLE

HOME AWAY
P W D L F A W D L F A GD Pts
Aston Villa 18 7 2 0 24 6 3 3 3 14 11 +21 35
Reading 18 4 4 1 18 8 4 3 2 14 8 +16 31
West Ham United 18 6 2 1 16 8 3 2 4 16 13 +11 31
Arsenal 18 4 2 3 14 9 4 4 1 12 8 +9 30
Fulham 18 6 2 1 17 7 2 2 5 10 18 +2 28
Chelsea 18 2 4 3 11 10 3 3 3 12 11 +2 22
Birmingham City 18 4 3 2 16 16 2 1 6 9 17 -8 22
Tottenham Hotspur 18 5 1 3 12 9 0 5 4 10 15 -2 21
Portsmouth 18 4 2 3 8 11 1 2 6 4 14 -13 19
Derby County 18 1 3 5 6 24 0 0 9 7 27 -38 6
Youth
Steve Bould’s Under-18 side had another fine season, winning their league group with a
series of impressive, and often high-scoring, performances.
FA PREMIER ACADEMY LEAGUE U18 GROUP A 2007/2008 FINAL TABLE
P W D L F A Pts
Arsenal 28 17 5 6 74 31 56
West Ham United 28 16 3 9 63 38 51
Fulham 28 14 7 7 39 28 49
Portsmouth 28 15 4 9 44 44 49
Crystal Palace 28 14 5 9 59 41 47
Southampton 28 13 4 11 43 52 43
Chelsea 28 11 6 11 58 52 39
Charlton Athletic 28 9 8 11 47 51 35
Ipswich Town 28 9 5 14 39 53 32
Norwich City 28 6 9 13 45 56 27
Millwall 28 4 6 18 30 64 18
18
Youth (continued)
As a result of finishing top, they progressed into the Academy League Play-offs, in which the
top teams from all of the regionalised groups are drawn. They narrowly lost 1-0 to Aston
Villa in their semi-final, but this did not detract from a campaign in which they hit five goals
or more on six separate occasions, often fielding a very young side.
There was to be no long FA Youth Cup run in 2007/08; Burnley were beaten 5-1 in the third
round, but Liverpool narrowly beat the Under-18s 1-0 at Anfield at the next stage.
Several players made the step up to reserve-team football successfully during the season –
in turn giving some of the Academy’s schoolboys the chance of an early taste of Under-18
football, which can only benefit them in the future.
Ladies
Arsenal Ladies maintained their position at the fore-front of the English game with a fine
Premier League and FA Cup double in the 2007/08 season.
It was also a season of records. By the time Arsenal Ladies had lost 1-0 to Everton in the League
Cup Final, they had won an amazing 58 consecutive matches in all domestic competitions.
When the two sides met for a 0-0 draw in the league six weeks later, it also spelt the end of
another fantastic achievement, 51 straight league wins.
The league was ultimately won by five points, from Everton, while a 4-1 win against Leeds
United – in front of a record 24,582 crowd at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground – secured the FA
Cup. Among the scorers in that game was Lianne Sanderson, whose goal was her 51st of a
remarkable season. It proved to be her last for the Club, as both she and defender Anita Asante
joined Premier League rivals Chelsea during the close-season.
Relatively straightforward progression from a UEFA Cup group that the Club hosted resulted in
a tie with French champions Olympique Lyonnais. After a 0-0 draw away from home, Arsenal
Ladies exited the competition, losing 3-2 in the second leg.
FA WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE 2007/2008 FINAL TABLE
P W D L F A Pts GD
Arsenal 22 20 2 0 85 15 70 62
Everton 22 18 3 1 69 14 55 57
Leeds United 22 12 4 6 45 33 12 40
Bristol Academy 22 10 4 8 45 35 10 34
Chelsea 22 9 5 8 40 35 5 32
Doncaster Belles 22 8 5 9 44 42 2 29
Watford 22 9 2 11 53 52 1 29
Blackburn Rovers 22 8 4 10 50 45 5 28
Birmingham City 22 7 4 11 34 39 -5 25
Liverpool 22 6 4 12 31 51 -20 22
Cardiff City 22 3 3 16 19 69 -50 12
Charlton Athletic 22 0 4 18 6 91 -85 4
19
CHARITY OF THE SEASON 2007/2008
TreeHouse became Arsenal’s nominated children lucky enough to attend the school;
Charity of the Season last year taking over from this year, Arsenal has been a huge part of
The Willow Foundation. The partnership with that."
TreeHouse, the national charity for autism In pioneering spirit, the partnership saw many
education, has been a huge success raising a
‘firsts’ for Arsenal’s charitable involvement
record-breaking £519,000 for the charity during
including the launch of the ‘Be A Gooner. Be A
the year.
Giver.’ campaign. The initiative saw the Arsenal
TreeHouse was established in 1997 by a group first team and many staff members donating a
of parents of autistic children including Fever day’s wages to TreeHouse. Supporters were
Pitch author Nick Hornby. TreeHouse aims to
encouraged to do the same at the charity’s
transform the lives of all children with autism,
dedicated matchday, Arsenal v Chelsea, in
and the lives of their families, by increasing the
December 2007. The campaign raised
quantity and quality of autism education
£140,000 in just one day, a magnificent
provision across the country.
achievement on behalf of the Club and its
The aim of this year’s partnership was to raise
supporters from all over the world.
£250,000 for sports facilities at the charity’s
new National Centre for Autism Education. Arsenal in the Community coaches were closely
Construction began on the new building involved in the partnership and had the
located in north London, just three miles from opportunity to learn new skills when they
Emirates Stadium, in April 2007 and when the hosted a football activity day with TreeHouse
new school year commences, in September at the Club’s Hale End training ground. It is
2008, TreeHouse will have moved into their hoped that, a further legacy of the partnership,
new state-of-the art home. will see Arsenal in the Community staff
Speaking about the partnership, Arsène continue to coach TreeHouse pupils in their
Wenger said: "We are delighted to have new sports facilities.
smashed our target of raising £250,000 for Several players, including William Gallas and
TreeHouse as well as building awareness and Cesc Fabregas, along with Arsène Wenger
understanding of autism education. The visited TreeHouse’s school for autistic
dedication of the parents and staff of youngsters. They joined Nick Hornby, Little
TreeHouse has been phenomenal and all Britain star Matt Lucas and TreeHouse pupils in
should be proud of the amazing work I have taking part in ‘Fantastic Feet’, an activity which
seen this ambitious charity do. The supporters
involved creating artwork with their feet and
have been fantastic with their involvement and
paint. Some of the artworks created on the day
generosity, it is thanks to them that TreeHouse
will find a home within the new building while
can enjoy brand new sports facilities within
others were auctioned at the Club’s annual
their new home. On behalf of Arsenal, I wish
charity ball, The Ambition Ball, in May 2008
the children, staff and parents of TreeHouse all
the best in their new building.” raising £5,000. The Ambition Ball was attended
by the first team and a host of celebrity guests
TreeHouse founder Nick Hornby said: "There
who helped raise over £228,000 for the charity,
have been times during this partnership when
with another £57,000 going to the Arsenal
we have had to pinch ourselves. I never
Charitable Trust which itself helps worthy local
thought I would see my son Danny, who is a
pupil at TreeHouse, up on the big screens at and charitable causes.
Emirates Stadium. I certainly never thought I Following this successful year, the Club
would get used to seeing him up there. welcomes Teenage Cancer Trust as its new
TreeHouse has changed the lives of all of the Charity of the Season for 2008/09.
20
CHARITY OF THE SEASON 2007/2008
ARSENAL IN THE COMMUNITY
Now in its 24th year, Arsenal in the Arsenal Entry 2 Employment
Community continues to expand its Entry 2 Employment targets young people
initiatives and projects with the department between 16 and 19 years who are not in
remaining at the forefront of innovative education training or employment. The 16
community development within the Club’s week course offers valuable skills and
local, regional and global community, opportunities in literacy, numeracy, key
providing a wide range of sport, education, skills and personal and social development.
social inclusion and diversity programmes.
Arsenal Gap Year Programme
This programme gives young people aged 18
Education and Training or over the opportunity to combine their
passion for football with the chance to live,
Arsenal in the Community recognised its work, train and coach in London and other
ability to contribute to this area over 20 exciting destinations around the globe
years ago when the Club took on board the where Arsenal Soccer Schools are located.
Government’s ‘Action Sport Scheme’ aimed
at engaging young people through sport Arsenal Double Club
and education. Today the Club’s work with An innovative education and football
education and training complements a programme offering a range of curriculum
number of Government targets around subjects, together with football coaching.
health, education, social inclusion and The programme is currently running in more
regeneration. than 70 schools. Arsenal Double Clubs
usually run as after-school clubs but the
Arsenal Youth Training modules are increasingly used during lesson
Programme time. They are also being used in weekend
This is one of the department’s most clubs, holiday programmes, prisons and as
established projects which prepares 16 to 18 part of alternative education schemes such
year-olds for employment within the sports as pupil referral units. The aim is to raise
industry. Along with Club partners, pupils’ confidence and ability levels through
Springboard Islington, Arsenal Football Club teaching resources themed around Arsenal
has contributed to the development of over and football. These sessions are combined
350 young people to date. with a parallel programme of football
coaching. In July 2008, Arsenal Double
Arsenal BTEC National Club’s European language modules were
Certificate in Sport presented a prestigious award from the
In partnership with City of Westminster National Centre for Languages, CILT.
College, this two year course offers
students the chance to gain qualifications Arsenal Study Support Centre
and hands-on experience with a focus on The Centre, based at Holloway School, is
development, fitness and sports coaching. part of the national ‘Playing for Success’
scheme offering after-school courses in
Arsenal Sport and Learning literacy, numeracy and ICT skills for local
This project offers year 11 students a full- primary and secondary schools. Over 7,000
time alternative to mainstream education. It children have attended the centre since it
is aimed at young people who have become opened its doors in May 2000. Each term a
disengaged with the traditional school player joins the young participants to
setting. Pupils are introduced to a range of recognise their achievements. This year
academic and sporting qualifications. Arsenal first team defender Bacary Sagna
21
and former Arsenal Ladies star Lianne which sees Arsenal in the Community
Sanderson attended end of term events. coaches delivering football sessions five
times a week, has been a catalyst for
Arsenal Learning Centre regeneration. Dennis Bergkamp donated
Located on the Emirates Stadium site, the £80,000 from his testimonial fund to this
learning centre provides a range of project which was supported by a further
education activities and courses to local £170,000 from Islington Council to provide
adults, children and young people. The much needed upgrades to the facilities in
Club provides free computer training to the park and a dedicated Dennis Bergkamp
around 450 people each year, helping pitch.
students gain qualifications, improve their
confidence in IT and have fun whilst Sport
learning new skills.
Arsenal Soccer Schools
Social Inclusion www.playthearsenalway.com/Arsenal
Soccer Schools have been running for over
Using the Arsenal brand and the power of 20 years giving boys and girls aged
sport has proven to be an effective between 5 and 15 years old a chance to get
combination in addressing many of the active, have fun and improve soccer skills.
challenges young people face when Arsenal Soccer Schools operate across the
growing up in an inner-city area. UK and we also have overseas schools in 16
countries. Many of the Club’s domestic and
Arsenal Positive Futures international soccer schools come together
The Positive Futures programme sees at the Annual International Soccer Festival.
Arsenal in the Community sports officers The event is now firmly established as the
coaching football up to five nights a week top event of its kind in the south of England
as well as engaging young people in a and involves around 150 teams.
wider range of activities such as DJ
workshops, basketball, cricket and Disability Sports Programme
recreational trips. The scheme operates on The Club continues to run monthly
nine local estates and the Club also works coaching sessions for visually impaired
with various agencies in order to reach children and adults with learning
more young people who could benefit from difficulties. Working in partnership with
the programme. During the 2007/08 The National Deaf Children’s Society
season, both Tomas Rosicky and Armand (NDCS) the Club also makes football more
Traore met Positive Futures participants to accessible to deaf children. The Club holds
reward them for their hard work with the weekly coaching sessions for the
scheme. youngsters on top of its links with St John’s
Arsenal Deaf FC.
Arsenal Kickz
This initiative is a national programme that Arsenal Hockey
brings together the football industry with A unique programme that began 19 years
the police and other partners to help young ago, Arsenal Hockey is an inner-city hockey
people realise their potential. Arsenal Kickz project that covers the whole range of the
has rapidly evolved since it began in sports development pathway from
Islington in 2006 and now delivers the participation to elite performers. From the
project across three London boroughs. introductory sessions at primary schools,
The project at Elthorne Park in Islington, players are encouraged to attend after-
22
school clubs from which junior teams are Arsenal Charitable Trust
established. As a progression from these Since its formation in 1992, the Arsenal
teams, players are selected to play for the Charitable Trust has raised more than £2
Gunners Hockey Team that represents Old million. Each year around £50,000 is
Loughtonians Hockey Club based in Essex. distributed in small amounts to worthy
causes. Hospitals, disability groups,
Hertsmere Borough Council’s charities for young children and young
Community Sports Programme people feature prominently amongst the
Launched in 2007 with the help of Theo donations made by the Trust.
Walcott, the Community Sports Programme
sees Hertsmere Borough Council working in Last season, some of the organisations
partnership with Arsenal Football Club over which benefited from donations were The
the next five years in a range of exciting Whittington Hospital’s ‘Building for Babies’
initiatives including the delivery of the appeal, Teenage Cancer Trust, St John’s
Arsenal Double Club, school holiday Arsenal Deaf Football Club and The London
activities, a diversionary project and girls’ Playing Fields Foundation.
football. The scheme is funded by the Club Over the years, an emphasis on fun and
and sees the training ground open its enjoyment has driven the Trust’s
indoor sports facility for weekly Double fundraising efforts. For over 16 years, ex-
Club sessions for participating youngsters. professional footballers, sports
personalities and celebrity supporters have
Diversity been playing regularly for the Arsenal Ex-
Pro and Celebrity Charity XI team to raise
Arsenal for Everyone money for the Trust and other worthwhile
Launched in September 2007, Arsenal For causes.
Everyone is an initiative which aims to
celebrate diversity at the Club. The
initiative has been set up as part of the
Club’s work towards achieving the
intermediate level of the ‘Racial Equality
Standard’ in conjunction with Kick It Out.
World on our Doorstep

‘World on our Doorstep’ sees Arsenal in the
Community staff celebrating
multiculturalism with local school children.
The initiative aims to highlight and
embrace the many different cultures and
nationalities which make up Islington and
parallels are drawn with the Arsenal team.
An Arsenal player joins the youngsters for a
special event at Emirates Stadium each
year and this year’s event was hosted by
Gael Clichy.
23
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
The directors present their annual report and the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2008.
Principal activities
The principal activity of the Group is that of a professional football club and the related commercial activities. The Group
is also engaged in a number of property developments associated with its relocation to Emirates Stadium.
Profits and dividends

The results for the year are set out on page 29 and are considered, together with a review of the Group’s business
performance for the year and its future prospects, in the Financial Review section of the Annual Report.
The directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend (2007 - £Nil).
Directors and their interests

The directors of the company, all of whom served throughout the year, together with details of their interests in the
company’s share capital are set out below:
Ordinary shares of £1 each
2008 2007
P.D. Hill-Wood 500 500
Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith 9,893 9,893
R.C.L. Carr 2,722 2,722
D.D. Fiszman 15,000 15,000
K.J. Friar OBE 47 47
Lord Harris of Peckham 53 53
Sir Chips Keswick 40 40
In addition K.G. Edelman served as a director until 1 May 2008.
In accordance with the provisions of Article 88 of the Articles of Association P.D. Hill-Wood, Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith and
R.C.L. Carr retire by rotation and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election at the company’s Annual General Meeting.
Substantial shareholdings
In addition to the directors’ interests set out above the Company has been notified of the following interests in over
3 per cent of its issued share capital at 15 September 2008:
Shares %
Red and White Securities Limited 14,948 24.0
KSE UK Inc. 7,701 12.4
Political and charitable contributions

During the year the Group made donations for charitable purposes amounting to £44,466 (2007 - £55,985).
Creditor payment policy

The Group’s policy is to pay all creditors in accordance with contractual and other legal obligations. Advantage is taken
of available discounts for prompt payment whenever possible.
The rate, expressed in days, between the amounts invoiced to the Group by its suppliers in the year and the amount
owing to trade and other creditors at the year end was 45 days (2007 - 46 days).
24
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
Employees
Within the bounds of commercial confidentiality, the Group endeavours to keep staff at all levels informed of matters that affect
the progress of the Group and are of interest to them as employees.
The Group operates an equal opportunities policy. The aim of this policy is to ensure that there should be equal opportunity for
all and this applies to external recruitment, internal appointments, terms of employment, conditions of service and opportunity
for training and promotion regardless of gender, ethnic origin or disability.
Disabled persons are given full and fair consideration for all types of vacancy in as much as the opportunities available are
constrained by the practical limitations of the disability. Should, for whatever reason, an employee of the Group become
disabled whilst in employment, every step, where appropriate will be taken to assist with rehabilitation and suitable re-training.
The Group maintains its own health, safety and environmental policies covering all aspect of its operations. Regular meetings
and inspections take place to ensure all legal requirements are adhered to and that the Group is responsive to the needs of the
employees and the environment.
Directors’ responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements. The directors have chosen to
prepare the financial statements for the company and the Group in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice (UK GAAP). Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year
which give a true and fair view, in accordance with UK GAAP, of the state of affairs of the company and the Group as at the
end of the financial year and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period and which comply with UK GAAP and the
Companies Act 1985. In preparing those financial statements, the directors are required to:
■ select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

■ make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
■ state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed; and
■ prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will
continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the
financial position of the company and the Group and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the
Companies Act 1985. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and the Group and hence for
taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Disclosure of information to auditors

In the case of each of the persons who are directors of the company at the date when this report was approved:
■ so far as each of the directors is aware, there is no relevant audit information (as defined in the Companies Act 1985)
of which the company’s auditors are unaware; and
■ each of the directors has taken all the steps that he/she ought to have taken as a director to make himself/herself aware of
any relevant audit information (as defined) and to establish that the company’s auditors are aware of that information.
Auditors
A resolution to re-appoint Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s auditors will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual
General Meeting.
Approved by the Board of Directors and signed on behalf of the Board
Registered office:
Highbury House
75 Drayton Park
D Miles
London.
Secretary
N5 1BU
18 September 2008
25
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The directors acknowledge the importance of the Combined Code and have complied with its requirements so far as is
appropriate to a Group of the size and nature of Arsenal Holdings Plc.
Going concern
The directors have satisfied themselves that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for
the foreseeable future, and for this reason the financial statements continue to be prepared on the going concern basis.
Directors
The Board currently consists of one executive director and six non-executive directors. The Group is currently in the
process of recruiting a new managing director. The Board meets on a monthly basis to review the performance of the
Group and to determine long term objectives and strategies and is supplied with management accounts and other
relevant information. Each of the directors is subject to re-election at least every three years.
Internal control
The Board is responsible for ensuring that the Group maintains a system of internal controls, including suitable
monitoring procedures, and for reviewing its effectiveness. Such a system is designed to manage rather than eliminate
the risk of failure to achieve business objectives, and can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against
material misstatements or loss.
The Board continuously reviews the effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal controls. The Board’s monitoring
covers all controls, including financial, operational and compliance controls and risk management. It is based principally
on reviewing reports from management to consider whether significant risks are identified, evaluated, managed and
controlled and whether any significant weaknesses are promptly remedied and indicate a need for more extensive
monitoring. The Audit Committee assists the Board in discharging its review responsibilities.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee consists of four non-executive directors, Sir Chips Keswick (Chairman), D.D. Fiszman, Lord Harris of
Peckham and Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith.
The Committee considers matters relating to the financial accounting controls, the reporting of results and the
effectiveness and cost of the audit. It meets at least twice a year with the Group’s auditors.
Nominations Committee
The Nominations Committee is chaired by Lord Harris of Peckham and its other members are Sir Chips Keswick and Lady
Nina Bracewell-Smith.
The Nominations Committee reviews the composition of and succession to the Board and senior management, within
agreed terms of reference, and recommends to the Board appointments of executive and non-executive directors
following a formal and rigorous review process. This involves an ongoing assessment of the overall balance and
performance of the Board and its individual members ensuring a strong executive and independent non-executive team.
The Committee in particular considers the experience and skills of individuals who may be suitable as directors. The
Committee considers and takes accounts of existing and proposed corporate governance requirements.
Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Report is set out on page 27.
26
THE REMUNERATION REPORT
The Remuneration Committee
The Committee consists of three non-executive directors, P.D. Hill-Wood (Chairman), Lord Harris of Peckham, and R.C.L.
Carr.
Policy on remuneration of executive directors

The purpose of the Remuneration Committee is to consider all aspects of executive directors’ remuneration and to
determine the specific remuneration packages of each of the executive directors and, as appropriate, other senior
executives, ensuring that the remuneration packages are competitive within the industry in which the Group operates
and reflect both Group and personal performance during the year.
The present opinion of the Committee is that the Group’s executives are best remunerated by a salary, discretionary
bonus and pension contributions the aggregate of which is intended to reflect market conditions and the performance of
the Group and of the individual.
Policy on remuneration of the non-executive directors

The Board as a whole sets the remuneration of the non-executive directors.
Directors’ remuneration
A full analysis of the directors’ remuneration is set out in note 7 to the financial statements.
P.D. Hill-Wood
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
18 September 2008
27
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
We have audited the group and individual company financial statements (the "financial statements") of Arsenal Holdings
Plc for the year ended 31 May 2008 which comprise the consolidated profit and loss account, the consolidated and
individual company balance sheets, the consolidated cash flow statement and the related notes 1 to 30. These financial
statements have been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein.
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with section 235 of the Companies Act
1985. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are
required to state to them in an auditors’ report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do
not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our
audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors

The directors' responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable
law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) are set out in
the statement of directors' responsibilities.
Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with relevant United Kingdom legal and regulatory
requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).
We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and are properly prepared
in accordance with the Companies Act 1985. We also report to you whether in our opinion the information given in the
directors’ report is consistent with the financial statements. In addition we report to you if, in our opinion, the company
has not kept proper accounting records, if we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our
audit, or if information specified by law regarding directors' remuneration and other transactions is not disclosed.
We read the other information contained in the Annual Report as described in the contents section and consider whether
it is consistent with the audited financial statements. We consider the implications for our report if we become aware of
any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial statements. Our responsibilities do not extend
to any further information outside the Annual Report.
Basis of audit opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing
Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the
directors in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the
circumstances of the company and the group, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.
We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary
in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from
material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated
the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements.
Opinion
In our opinion:
■ the financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting
Practice, of the state of the Group’s and the individual company's affairs as at 31 May 2008 and of the group’s profit for
the year then ended;
■ the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985; and
■ the information given in the directors’ report is consistent with the financial statements.
Deloitte & Touche LLP

Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors, London
18 September 2008
28
CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
For the year ended 31 May 2008
2008 2007
Operations Operations
excluding excluding
player Player player Player
trading trading Total trading trading Total
Note £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s
Turnover of the group including
its share of joint ventures 224,541 472 225,013 201,443 544 201,987
Share of turnover of joint venture ( 2,043 ) - ( 2,043 ) ( 1,144 ) - ( 1,144 )
Group turnover 3 222,498 472 222,970 200,299 544 200,843
Operating expenses 4 ( 174,480 ) ( 21,757 ) ( 196,237 ) ( 158,685 ) ( 18,782 ) ( 177,467 )
Operating profit/(loss) 48,018 ( 21,285 ) 26,733 41,614 ( 18,238 ) 23,376
Share of joint venture operating result 469 - 469 435 - 435
Profit on disposal of player registrations - 26,458 26,458 - 18,467 18,467
Profit on ordinary activities
before finance charges 48,487 5,173 53,660 42,049 229 42,278
Net finance charges - ordinary 5 ( 16,992 ) ( 15,304 )

Net finance charges - exceptional 5 - ( 21,401 )
Net finance charges ( 16,992 ) ( 36,705 )
Profit on ordinary activities
before taxation 36,668 5,573
Taxation 8 ( 10,942 ) ( 2,757 )
Profit after taxation retained for
the financial year 25,726 2,816
Earnings per share
From operationss excluding
exceptional charges
Basic and diluted 9 £413.49 £286.05
From operations after
exceptional charges
Basic and diluted 9 £413.49 £45.26
Player trading consists primarily of the amortisation of the costs of acquiring player registrations, any impairment charges
and profit on disposal of player registrations.
All trading resulted from continuing operations.
There are no recognised gains or losses in the current or previous year other than those recorded in the consolidated
profit and loss account and, accordingly, no statement of total recognised gains and losses is presented.
29
BALANCE SHEET
At 31 May 2008
Group Group Company Company

2008 2007 2008 2007
Note £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets 10 449,517 455,300 - -
Intangible fixed assets 11 55,665 64,671 - -
Investments 12 406 76 30,059 30,059
505,588 520,047 30,059 30,059
Current assets
Stock – development properties 13 187,964 100,080 - -
Stock – retail merchandise 1,218 1,166 - -
Debtors - due within one year 14 32,340 31,028 28 -
- due after one year 14 13,939 5,117 101,186 114,904
Cash at bank and in hand 15 93,264 73,857 14,758 433
328,725 211,248 115,972 115,337
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year 16 ( 334,252 ) ( 150,017 ) ( 458 ) ( 439 )
Net current (liabilities)/assets ( 5,527 ) 61,231 115,514 114,898
Total assets less current liabilities 500,061 581,278 145,573 144,957
Creditors: amounts falling due
after more than one year 17 ( 310,203 ) ( 416,120 ) ( 13,130 ) ( 11,031 )
Provisions for liabilities and charges 19 ( 30,758 ) ( 31,784 ) - -
Net assets 159,100 133,374 132,443 133,926
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 20 62 62 62 62
Share premium 21 29,997 29,997 29,997 29,997
Merger reserve 22 26,699 26,699 - -
Profit and loss account 23 102,342 76,616 102,384 103,867
Shareholders’ funds 159,100 133,374 132,443 133,926
These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 18 September 2008.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors
P.D. Hill-Wood
Director
30
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
2008 2007
Note £000’s £000’s
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities 25a ( 21,013 ) 77,332

Player registrations 25d 4,010 ( 8,009 )
Returns on investment and servicing of finance 25d ( 19,655 ) ( 24,603 )
Taxation ( 4,177 ) ( 54 )
Capital expenditure 25d ( 6,944 ) ( 37,949 )
Net cash (outflow)/inflow before financing ( 47,779 ) 6,717
Financing 25d 67,186 31,542
Increase in cash in the year 19,407 38,259
31
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
1. Principal accounting policies
(a) Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with
applicable United Kingdom law and accounting standards. The particular accounting policies adopted are
described below and have been consistently applied throughout the year and preceding year.
(b) Basis of preparation of Group financial statements

The Group financial statements consolidate the assets, liabilities and results of the Company and its subsidiary
undertakings made up to 31 May 2008.
Assets and liabilities held in the Group’s employee benefit trusts are included in the consolidation in accordance
with the requirements of UITF 32. Long term receivables included in the trust’s balance sheet have been
discounted to their net present value by applying a discount rate of 5%.
As permitted by Section 230 of the Companies Act 1985 the profit and loss account of the parent company is not
presented as part of these financial statements. The parent company’s retained loss for the year was £1.5 million
(2007 – profit of £0.4 million).
(c) Joint venture

The joint venture is an undertaking in which the Group holds an interest on a long term basis and which is jointly
controlled by the Group, which holds 50% of the voting rights, and another party under a contractual
arrangement.
The Group’s share of the results of its joint venture is included in the consolidated profit and loss account on the
basis of audited financial statements. The Group’s share of the results and net assets of the joint venture is
included under the gross equity method and stated after adjustment to eliminate the Group’s share of profits
resulting from transactions between the Group and the joint venture which are included in the carrying amount of
assets reported in the joint venture’s balance sheet.
(d) Turnover and income recognition

Turnover represents income receivable, net of VAT, from football and related commercial activities and income
from the sale of development properties completed in the year. The Group has two classes of business - the
principal activity of operating a professional football club and property development - both businesses are carried
out principally within the United Kingdom.
Gate and other match/event day revenue is recognised over the period of the football season as games are
played and events are staged. Sponsorship and similar commercial income is recognised over the duration of the
respective contracts. The fixed element of broadcasting revenues is recognised over the duration of the football
season whilst facility fees for live coverage or highlights are taken when earned. Merit awards are accounted for
only when known at the end of the financial period. UEFA pool distributions relating to participation in the
Champions League are spread over the matches played in the competition whilst distributions relating to match
performance are taken when earned; these distributions are classified as broadcasting revenues. Fees receivable
in respect of the loan of players are included in turnover over the period of the loan.
Income from the sale of development properties is recognised on completion of the relevant sale contract. Where
elements of the sale price are subject to retentions by the purchaser the retained element of the sale price is not
recognised until such time as all of the conditions relating to the retention have been satisfied. Where
contracting work is undertaken for a third party and the outcome of the construction contract can be estimated
reliably, revenue and costs are recognised by reference to the degree of completion of the contract activity at the
balance sheet date.
32
1. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
(e) Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated to reduce the cost of buildings, plant, equipment and motor vehicles to the anticipated
residual value of the assets concerned in equal annual instalments over their estimated useful lives as follows:
Freehold buildings 2% per annum

Leasehold properties Over the period of the lease
Plant and equipment 5% to 20% per annum
Motor vehicles 25% per annum
Freehold land is not depreciated.
(f) Debt
Debt is initially stated at the amount of the net proceeds after deduction of the costs of obtaining the finance. The
carrying amount is increased by the finance cost in respect of the accounting period and reduced by payments made
in the period. The carrying value of long term debt is not discounted.
(g) Finance costs

Finance costs of debt, in the form of bonds or bank loans, (including the costs directly attributable to obtaining the
debt finance) are recognised in the profit and loss account over the term of the debt at a constant rate on the
carrying amount.
Up to the date of sale finance costs directly attributable to the funding of property development projects are
included within stocks.
(h) Derivative financial instruments

The Group uses derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure to interest rate and foreign exchange
movements. The Group does not hold derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
The Group’s interest rate swaps are treated as hedges because the instruments relate to actual liabilities and
change the nature of the interest rate by converting variable rates into fixed rates. Interest differentials under the
swaps are recognised by adjusting net interest payable over the period of the contracts.
(i) Stocks
Stocks comprise retail merchandise and development property for onward sale and are stated at the lower of cost
and net realisable value.
Where properties which are intended to be sold have been acquired they have been included in stock as
development properties. Development property comprises freehold land inclusive of the direct cost of acquisition
and other directly attributable property development costs including interest costs.
(j) Grants
Grants received in respect of tangible fixed assets are credited to the profit and loss account over the expected
useful economic lives of the assets to which they relate. Grants received but not yet released to the profit and
loss account are included in the balance sheet as deferred income.
33
(k) Player costs

The costs associated with acquiring players’ registrations or extending their contracts, including agents’ fees, are
capitalised and amortised, in equal instalments, over the period of the respective players’ contracts. Where a contract
life is renegotiated the unamortised costs, together with the new costs relating to the contract extension, are amortised
over the term of the new contract. Where the acquisition of a player registration involves a non-cash consideration,
such as an exchange for another player registration, the transaction is accounted for using an estimate of the market
value for the non-cash consideration. Provision is made for any impairment and player registrations are written down
for impairment when the carrying amount exceeds the amount recoverable through use or sale.
Under the conditions of certain transfer agreements or contract renegotiations, further fees will be payable in the event
of the players concerned making a certain number of First Team appearances or on the occurrence of certain other
specified future events. Liabilities in respect of these additional fees are accounted for, as provisions, when it becomes
probable that the number of appearances will be achieved or the specified future events will occur.
Profits or losses on the sale of players represent the transfer fee receivable, net of any transaction costs, less the
unamortised cost of the player’s registration.
Remuneration of players is charged in accordance with the terms of the applicable contractual arrangements and any
discretionary bonuses when there is a legal or constructive obligation.
(l) Foreign currencies

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.
Foreign currency assets and liabilities held at the year end are translated at year-end exchange rates or the exchange
rate of a related forward exchange contract where appropriate. Exchange gains or losses are dealt with in the profit and
loss account.
(m) Deferred income

Deferred income represents income from sponsorship agreements and other contractual agreements which will be
credited to the profit and loss account over the period of the agreements, season ticket renewals for the 2008/09
season and advance income from executive boxes and Club Tier seats at Emirates Stadium. Deferred income also
includes income from the pre-sale of residential properties at Highbury Square which will be credited to the profit and
loss account on completion of the sale contracts.
(n) Leases
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the profit and loss account in the period in which they fall due.
(o) Pensions
The Group makes contributions on behalf of employees and directors to a number of independently controlled defined
contribution and money purchase schemes including The Football League Pension and Life Assurance Scheme.
Contributions are charged to the profit and loss account over the period to which they relate.
In addition the Group is making contributions in respect of its share of the deficit of the defined benefit section of The
Football League Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (the "Scheme"). A provision has been established for the Group’s
share of the deficit which exists in this section of the scheme and this additional contribution is being charged to the
profit and loss account over the remaining service life of those Arsenal employees who are members of the Scheme.
The amount attributable to employees who have already retired or who have left the Group has been charged to the
profit and loss account.
34

(o) Pensions (continued)
Under the provisions of FRS 17 - Retirement Benefits - the Scheme would be treated as a defined benefit multi-employer
scheme. The Scheme’s actuary has advised that the participating employers’ share of the underlying assets and
liabilities cannot be identified on a reasonable and consistent basis and accordingly no disclosures are made under the
provisions of FRS 17.
The assets of all schemes are held in funds independent from the Group.
(p) Taxation
Current tax, including UK corporation tax is provided at amounts expected to be paid (or recovered) using the tax
rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance
sheet date where transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in the future or a right to pay
less tax in the future have occurred at the balance sheet date. Timing differences are differences between the
Group’s taxable profits and its results as stated in the financial statements that arise from the inclusion of gains
and losses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in the financial
statements.
Deferred tax is measured at the average tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the timing
differences are expected to reverse, based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted
by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is measured on a non-discounted basis.
A deferred tax asset is recognised only when, on the basis of available evidence, it can be regarded as more likely
than not that the reversal of underlying timing differences will result in a reduction in future tax payments.
2. Segmental analysis
Class of business: Football Property development Group
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
£000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s
Turnover 207,723 177,051 15,247 23,792 222,970 200,843
Segment operating
profit 26,719 14,408 14 8,968 26,733 23,376
Share of operating profit
of joint venture 469 435 - - 469 435
Profit on disposal of
player registrations 26,458 18,467 - - 26,458 18,467
Net finance income
charges ( 13,947 ) ( 33,854 ) ( 3,045 ) ( 2,851 ) ( 16,992 ) ( 36,705 )
Profit/(Loss) on ordinary
activities before taxation 39,699 ( 544 ) ( 3,031 ) 6,117 36,668 5,573
Segment net
assets/(liabilities) 162,138 135,065 ( 3,038 ) ( 1,691 ) 159,100 133,374
35
3. Turnover
2008 2007
Turnover, all of which originates in the UK, comprises the following: £000’s £000’s
Gate and other match day revenues 94,580 90,613
Broadcasting 68,360 44,312
Retail 13,052 12,064
Commercial 31,259 29,518
Property development 15,247 23,792
Player trading 472 544
222,970 200,843
4. Operating expenses
2008 2007
Operating expenses comprise: £000’s £000’s
Amortisation of player registrations 21,757 18,782
Depreciation (less amortisation of grants) 11,553 9,623
Total depreciation and amortisation 33,310 28,405
Staff costs (see note 6) 101,302 89,703
Cost of property sales 15,022 14,682
Other operating charges 46,603 44,677
Total operating expenses 196,237 177,467
Other operating charges include:

Auditors’ remuneration
- audit 155 142
- non-audit services 452 415
Operating lease payments
- plant and machinery 152 158
- other 761 737
Profit on disposal of subsidiary company - ( 200 )
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets ( 19 ) ( 836 )
Included in the above are audit fees of £21,275 (2007 - £15,000) in respect of the company.
The fees for non-audit services in the table above primarily relate to advice for corporate and employee taxation. In
addition to the amounts disclosed above the Group incurred non-audit services fees payable to the company’s
auditors in relation to its ongoing property developments of £28,800 (2007 - £1,900) (included in development
property stocks). Further non-audit fees of £Nil (2007 - £75,100), relating to the refinancing of the Group’s bank
debts, are included in costs of raising finance and £60,000 (2007 - £Nil), relating to software development, is
included within additions to tangible fixed assets.
36
5. Net finance charges

2008 2007
Interest payable and similar charges: £000’s £000’s
Bank loans and overdrafts ( 7,307 ) ( 5,723 )
Fixed/floating rate bonds (14,637 ) ( 12,761 )
Other ( 1,844 ) ( 505 )
Costs of raising long term finance ( 2,219 ) ( 2,816 )
( 26,007 ) ( 21,805 )
Finance costs capitalised 4,978 3,813
Total interest payable and similar charges (21,029 ) ( 17,992 )
Interest receivable 4,037 2,688
Net finance charges - ordinary ( 16,992 ) ( 15,304 )
Finance charges - exceptional - ( 21,401 )
( 16,992 ) ( 36,705 )
Of the interest capitalised £Nil (2007 - £2,960,000) is included in tangible fixed assets and £4,978,000 (2007 -
£853,000) is included in stock development properties.
The exceptional charge in the prior year related to the refinancing of the project finance bank loans which the Group
had used to fund the development of Emirates Stadium.
6. Employees
2008 2007
The average number of persons employed by the Group during the year was: Number Number
Playing staff 54 52
Training staff 31 31
Administrative staff 197 206
Ground staff 97 85
379 374
In addition the Group employs on average 902 temporary staff on match days (2007 – 879).
£000’s £000’s
Staff costs:
Wages and salaries 88,258 77,650
Social security costs 10,238 9,501
Other pension costs 2,806 2,552
101,302 89,703
37
7. Directors’ emoluments
2008 2007
Salary/fees Bonus Benefits Sub total Pension Total Total
£000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s
PD Hill Wood 65 - 10 75 - 75 76
RCL Carr 25 - - 25 - 25 25
Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith 25 - - 25 - 25 25
KJ Friar OBE 275 - 23 298 - 298 576
DD Fiszman 25 - - 25 - 25 25
Sir Chips Keswick 25 - - 25 - 25 25
Lord Harris of Peckham - - - - - - -
KG Edelman 684 367 5 1,056 - 1,056 1,162
DB Dein - - - - - - 315
1,124 367 38 1,529 - 1,529 2,229
Lord Harris of Peckham waived director’s fees of £25,000 and the Group donated the amount waived to an
appropriate charity.
In addition to the amounts disclosed above £1,667,500 was receivable by K.G. Edelman, following his resignation as
a director, as compensation for his loss of office and for consultancy services.
8. Tax on profit on ordinary activities 2008 2007

£000’s £000’s
UK Corporation tax charge at 29.67% (2007 – 30%) 11,828 151
(Over)/under provision in respect of prior years - -
Total current taxation 11,828 151

Deferred taxation (see note 19)
Origination and reversal of timing differences 1,298 2,707
Impact of change in tax rate ( 1,274 ) -
Over provision in respect of prior years ( 910 ) ( 101 )
Total tax on profit on ordinary activities 10,942 2,757
The rate of corporation tax changed from 30% to 28% on 1 April 2008.
38
8. Tax on profit on ordinary activities (continued)

2008 2007
£000’s £000’s
The differences between the total current tax shown above and
the amount calculated by applying the standard rate of UK corporation
tax to the profit before tax is as follows:
Group profit on ordinary activities before tax 36,668 5,573
Tax on Group profit on ordinary activities before tax at standard UK
corporation tax rate of 29.67% (2007 – 30%) 10,880 1,672
Effects of:
Capital allowances in excess of depreciation ( 3,287 ) ( 1,823 )
Other timing differences 1,989 ( 884 )
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 2,246 1,186
Adjustments to tax charge in respect of prior years - -
Group current tax for the year 11,828 151
The Group tax charge in future years may be affected by:

■ the amount of capital investment which is expected to be maintained at a level such that in the short term the
Group expects to be able to claim capital allowances in excess of depreciation; and
■ the legislation relating to taxation of profits on disposal of intangible assets, including player registrations, and
rollover relief thereon.
9. Earnings per share

Earnings per share (basic and diluted) are based on the weighted average number of ordinary shares of the
Company in issue - 62,217 shares (2007 - 62,217 shares).
The calculation of earnings per share (basic and diluted) is based on the following data:-
2008 2007
£000’s £000’s
Earnings attributable to equity shareholders (retained profit) 25,726 2,816

Adjustment to exclude exceptional charges net of tax relief - 14,981
Earnings for the purpose of earnings per share excluding exceptional charges 25,726 17,797
39
10. Tangible fixed assets
Freehold Leasehold Plant and

properties properties equipment Total
£000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s
Group
Cost
At 1 June 2007 385,956 6,456 78,978 471,390
Additions 3,332 78 2,495 5,905
Disposals - - ( 564 ) ( 564 )
At 31 May 2008 389,288 6,534 80,909 476,731
Depreciation
At 1 June 2007 6,961 1,950 7,179 16,090
Charge for the year 5,429 412 5,847 11,688
Disposals - - ( 564 ) ( 564 )
At 31 May 2008 12,390 2,362 12,462 27,214
Net book value

At 31 May 2008 376,898 4,172 68,447 449,517
At 31 May 2007 378,995 4,506 71,799 455,300
At 31 May 2008 the Group had contracted capital commitments of £4.5 million (2007 - £6.3 million).
Cost includes a cumulative amount of £38.6 million ( 2007 - £38.6 million ) of finance charges capitalised during the
period in which certain tangible fixed assets were constructed.
40
11. Intangible fixed assets

Cost of player registrations £000’s
At 1 June 2007 122,215
Additions 27,490
Disposals ( 39,785 )
At 31 May 2008 109,920
Amortisation of player registrations
At 1 June 2007 57,544
Charge for the year 21,757
Disposals ( 25,046 )
At 31 May 2008 54,255
Net book value
At 31 May 2008 55,665
At 31 May 2007 64,671
The figures for cost of player registrations are historic cost figures for purchased players only. Accordingly, the net
book amount of player registrations will not reflect, nor is it intended to, the current market value of these players nor
does it take any account of players developed through the Group’s youth system. The directors consider the net
realisable value of intangible fixed assets to be signicantly greater than their book value.
12. Investments
Group
Investment in joint venture 2008 2007
£000’s £000’s
Investments at cost 20,000 20,000

Accumulated share of profit of joint venture 406 76
Adjustment to eliminate unrealised profit on sale of intangible assets ( 20,000 ) ( 20,000 )
Share of joint venture 406 76
The joint venture represents an interest in Arsenal Broadband Limited, a company incorporated in Great Britain and
engaged in running the official Arsenal Football Club internet portal. The Group owns all of the 20,000,001 Ordinary
"A" shares of £1 each and the one "C" share of £1 issued by Arsenal Broadband and controls 50 per cent of the
voting rights. The Group’s share of the assets included in the unaudited balance sheet of Arsenal Broadband Limited
for the year ended 31 May 2008 is as follows:
2008 2007
£000’s £000’s
Fixed assets 303 17
Current assets 1,312 1,232
Liabilities ( 1,209 ) ( 1,173 )
406 76
41
12. Investments (continued)

Investments in subsidiary undertakings Company
£000’s
Balance at 1 June 2007 and 31 May 2008 30,059
The Company has the following principal subsidiary companies (of which those marked * are indirectly held):
Country of Proportion of
incorporation shares owned Principal activity
Arsenal (AFC Holdings) Limited Great Britain 100% Share holding
Arsenal Football Club plc* Great Britain 100% Professional football club
Arsenal (Emirates Stadium) Limited* Great Britain 100% Property development
Arsenal Overseas Limited* Jersey 100% Retail operations
Arsenal Securities plc* Great Britain 100% Financing
Arsenal Stadium Management Company Limited* Great Britain 100% Stadium operations
ATL (Holdings) Limited Great Britain 100% Share holding
Ashburton Trading Limited* Great Britain 100% Property development
HHL Holding Company Limited Great Britain 100% Share holding
Highbury Holdings Limited* Great Britain 100% Property holding
Ashburton Properties (Northern Triangle) Limited* Great Britain 100% Property development
Gillespie (Jersey) Limited* Jersey 100% Property holding
Gillespie Holding Company (Jersey) Limited* Jersey 100% Property holding
13. Stocks - development properties

Properties are held for resale and are recorded at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The directors consider
the net realisable value of development property stocks to be greater than their book value.
14. Debtors
Group Company
2008 2007 2008 2007
£000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s
Amounts recoverable within one year:
Trade debtors 9,624 10,115 - -
Other debtors 10,555 7,642 - -
Prepayments and accrued income 12,161 13,271 28 -
32,340 31,028 28 -
Amounts recoverable in more than one year:

Trade debtors 2,500 2,500 - -
Amount due from group undertakings - - 101,186 114,904
Other debtors 8,845 1,778 - -
Prepayments and accrued income 2,594 839 - -
13,939 5,117 101,186 114,904
Other debtors, of £19.40 million, include £18.13 million in respect of player transfers (2007 - £9.0 million) of which
£8.71 million is recoverable in more than one year.
42
15. Cash at bank and in hand

Group Company
2008 2007 2008 2007
£000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s
Debt service reserve accounts 31,553 32,952 - -
Other accounts 61,711 40,905 14,758 433
93,264 73,857 14,758 433
The Group is required under the terms of its fixed rate bonds and floating rate bonds to maintain specified amounts on
bank deposit as security against future payments of interest and principal. Accordingly the use of these debt service
reserve accounts is restricted to that purpose.
16. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Group Company
2008 2007 2008 2007
£000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s
Fixed rate bonds – secured 4,381 4,122 - -
Bank loans and overdrafts – secured 138,454 - - -
Trade creditors 7,844 15,723 - -
Amounts due to group undertakings - - - 2
Corporation tax 12,142 4,629 437 437
Other tax and social security 15,922 12,425 - -
Other creditors and loans 13,464 12,185 - -
Accruals and deferred income 142,045 100,933 21 -
334,252 150,017 458 439
Bank loans of £133.5 million are categorised as creditors falling due within one year on the basis of their expected
repayment profile. The actual term date for repayment of the loan concerned is April 2010.
Other creditors, above and as disclosed in note 17, include £15.98 million (2007 - £16.5 million) in respect of player
transfers.
17. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Group Company
2008 2007 2008 2007
£000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s
Fixed rate bonds - secured 186,662 191,569 - -
Floating rate bonds - secured 56,064 56,179 - -
Bank loans - secured - 62,879 - -
Debenture loans 25,776 25,463 11,344 11,031
Amounts due to group undertakings - - 1,786 -
Other creditors 5,340 6,638 - -
Grants 4,579 4,712 - -
Deferred income 31,782 68,680 - -
310,203 416,120 13,130 11,031
43
17. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year (continued)
Group Company
2008 2007 2008 2007
£000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s
Debenture loans comprise:
Par value of debentures plus accumulated interest 26,087 25,774 11,655 11,342
Costs of raising finance (311) (311) (311) (311 )
25,776 25,463 11,344 11,031
Under the issue terms debentures with a par value of £14,438,000 are repayable at par after 134 years and these
debentures are interest free. Debentures with a par value of £10,224,000 are repayable at the option of the debenture
holders in 20 years and carry cumulative compound interest at 2.75% per annum.
Group
The bank loans above and disclosed in note 16 comprise: 2008 2007
£’000 £’000
Bank loans 139,346 64,469
Costs of raising finance ( 892 ) ( 1,590 )
138,454 62,879
Due within one year 138,454 -

Due after more than one year - 62,879
138,454 62,879
The costs of raising bank loan finance are amortised to the profit and loss account over the term of the loan. The
amortisation charge for the year was £1,090,000 (2007 - £959,000).
The fixed rate bonds above and disclosed in note 16 comprise:

2008 2007
£’000 £’000
Fixed rate bonds 200,204 205,231
Costs of raising finance ( 9,161 ) ( 9,540 )
191,043 195,691
Due within one year 4,381 4,122

Due after more than one year 186,662 191,569
191,043 195,691
The fixed rate bonds bear interest at 5.1418% per annum.
44
17. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year (continued)
The floating rate bonds above comprise:

2008 2007
£’000 £’000
Floating rate bonds 50,000 50,000
Interest rate swap 6,485 6,765
Costs of raising finance ( 421 ) ( 586 )
56,064 56,179
Due within one year - -

Due after more than one year 56,064 56,179
56,064 56,179
The floating rate bonds bear interest at LIBOR for three month deposits plus a margin of 0.22% and the Group has
entered into interest rate swaps which fix the LIBOR element of this cost at 5.75%.
The costs of raising debt finance, in the form of fixed and floating rate bonds, are amortised to the profit and loss
account over the term of the bonds. The amortisation charge for the year was £975,000 (2007 - £785,000).
The fixed rate bonds and floating rate bonds are guaranteed as to scheduled payments of principal and interest by
certain members of the Group and by Ambac Assurance UK Limited. The Group pays Ambac Assurance UK Limited
annual guarantee fees at a rate of 0.50% of fixed rate bond principal outstanding and 0.65% of the floating rate
bond principal outstanding.
The Group’s fixed rate bonds, floating rate bonds and bank loans are secured by a mixture of legal mortgages and
fixed charges on certain freehold and leasehold property and certain plant and machinery owned by the Group, by
fixed charges over certain of the Group’s trade debtors and the related bank guarantees, by fixed charges over £53.2
million (2007 - £45.5 million) of the Group’s bank deposits, by legal mortgages or fixed charges over the share
capital and intellectual property rights of certain subsidiary companies and fixed and floating charges over the other
assets of certain subsidiary companies.
The Group’s financial liabilities/debt is repayable as follows:
2008 2007
£’000 £’000
Between one and two years 5,587 5,300

Between two and five years 18,644 82,155
After five years 246,760 252,992
270,991 340,447
Within one year 144,646 5,027
Total debt 415,637 345,474
45
18. Derivative financial instruments
The Group’s financial instruments comprise mainly of cash and bank balances, fixed and floating rate bonds, bank
loans, debentures and various items, such as trade debtors and trade creditors, that arise directly from its operations.
The main purpose of these financial instruments is to provide finance for the Group’s operations. The main risks arising
from the Group’s financial instruments are interest rate, liquidity and foreign currency risks and the Board reviews and
agrees its policy for managing these risks.
The Group has entered into interest rate swaps the purpose of which is to minimise its exposure to interest rate risk.
The Group has entered into forward exchange contracts the purpose of which is to minimise its exposure to exchange
rate risk in relation to certain _ denominated receivables. The Group does not hold or issue derivative financial
instruments for speculative purposes.
The numerical disclosures in this note deal with financial assets and liabilities as defined in Financial Reporting
Standard 13 "Derivatives and other financial instruments: Disclosures" ("FRS 13"). As permitted by FRS 13, short term
debtors and creditors have been excluded from the disclosures (other than the currency disclosures).
Interest rate profile

After taking into account these interest rate swaps, the interest rate profile of the Group’s financial liabilities at 31 May
2008 was as follows:
Weighted
Fixed Floating Interest Weighted average period
rate rate free Total average for which rate
2008 2008 2008 2008 fixed rate is fixed
£000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s % yrs
Bonds – fixed rate 200,204 - - 200,204 5.6 21
Bonds – floating rate 50,000 - - 50,000 6.6 23
Bank loans 98,460 40,886 - 139,346 6.6 1
Debenture loans 11,655 - 14,432 26,087 2.8 20
360,319 40,886 14,432 415,637
46
18. Derivative financial instruments (continued)

The interest rate profile at 31 May 2007 for comparative purposes was:-
Weighted
Fixed Floating Interest Weighted average period
rate rate free Total average for which rate
2007 2007 2007 2007 fixed rate is fixed
£000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s % yrs
Bonds - fixed rate 205,231 - - 205,231 5.8 23
Bonds - floating rate 50,000 - - 50,000 6.6 25
Bank Loans 50,156 14,313 - 64,469 6.6 3
Debenture Loans 11,342 - 14,432 25,774 2.8 21
316,729 14,313 14,432 345,474
The interest rate on the floating rate element of bank loans is currently set at LIBOR plus margins ranging from 1.4% to
1.7% (2007 - 1.4%). The Group’s bank deposits earn interest at rates linked to LIBOR. The Group’s other financial assets,
comprising mainly debtor balances, do not earn interest.
In addition to the above, the Group has commitments under letters of credit, as disclosed in note 27, of £6.3 million
(2007 - £7.7 million) on which interest is currently paid at a fixed rate of 2%.
Borrowing facilities
The Group had undrawn committed borrowing facilities at the balance sheet date as follows:
2008 2007
£000’s £000’s
Expiring in:
One year or less 62,654 50,000
Over two years - 72,531
62,564 122,531
Fair values
The fair value of all financial instruments at 31 May 2007 and 2008, other than interest rate swaps as disclosed below,
was not materially different from their book value.
2008 2007
Book value Fair value Book value Fair value
£000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s
Derivative financial instruments held to manage the
Group’s interest rate profile:
Interest rate swaps - ( 4,750 ) - ( 3,287 )
The fair value of interest rate swaps have been determined by reference to relevant market data and the discounted
value of expected cash flows arising from the transactions.
Changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps, which are used as hedges, are not recognised in the financial
statements until the hedged position matures.
47
18. Derivative financial instruments (continued)

Group
An analysis of these unrecognised gains and losses is as follows: 2008 2007
£000’s £000’s
Unrecognised losses at start of year ( 3,287 ) ( 7,440 )
Unrecognised (losses)/gains arising in year (1,463 ) 4,153
Unrecognised losses at end of year ( 4,750 ) ( 3,287 )
Of which:
Gains and losses expected to be recognised in 2008/09 ( 4,750 ) (3,287 )
Gains and losses expected to be recognised later than 2008/09 - -
Foreign currencies
Included in other debtors are amounts of £9.5 million (2007 - £3.4 million) denominated in Euros.
Included in prepayments and accrued income are amounts of £4.5 million (2007 - £4.1 million) denominated in
Euros.
Included in other creditors are amounts of £0.5 million (2007 - £4.6 million) denominated in Euros and £0.2 million
(2007 - £0.9 million) denominated in US dollars. Included in provisions are amounts of £4.7 million (2007 - £3.7
million) denominated in Euros and £1.3 million (2007 - £1.0) denominated in US dollars.
19. Provisions for liabilities and charges

Group
2008 2007
£000’s £000’s
Pensions provision (see note 29 (b)) 576 705
Deferred taxation 18,066 18,953
Transfers 12,116 12,126
30,758 31,784
The transfers provision relates to the probable additional transfer fees payable based on the players concerned
achieving a specified number of appearances. In this respect, new provisions of £5.8 million were made during the
year, £2.7 million of provisions were reclassified as creditors and £3.1 million of provisions were cancelled as no
longer required.
The deferred tax credit for the year was £0.88 million (see note 8) (2007 – charge of £2.60 million).
Group
Deferred tax provision 2008 2007
£000’s £000’s
Corporation tax deferred by accelerated capital allowances 9,662 7,938
Interest capitalised and other timing differences 8,404 11,015
Total provision for deferred taxation 18,066 18,953
48
20. Called up share capital

2008 2007
Authorised Number Number
Ordinary shares of £1 each 62,217 62,217
Subscriber Ordinary shares of £1 each 2 2
Redeemable preference shares 49,998 49,998
Allotted, issued and fully paid £ £

Subscriber Ordinary shares of £1 2 2
Ordinary shares of £1 each 62,217 62,217
The two Subscriber Ordinary shares carry no right to vote or to income and a deferred right to a return of capital paid up.
21. Share premium

Group Company
£000’s £000’s
Balance at 1 June 2007 and 31 May 2008 29,997 29,997
22. Other reserves Merger reserve

£000’s
Group
Balance at 1 June 2007 and 31 May 2008 26,699
23. Profit and loss account

Group Company
Profit and Profit and
loss account loss account
£000’s £000’s
Balance at 31 May 2007 76,616 103,867
Profit / (loss) for the year 25,726 (1,483 )
Balance at 31 May 2008 102,342 102,384
24. Reconciliation of movement in shareholders' funds

2008 2007
£000’s £000’s
Profit for the year 25,726 2,816
Opening shareholders’ funds 133,374 130,558
Closing shareholders' funds 159,100 133,374
49
25. Notes to the consolidated cash flow statement
(a) Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities
2008 2007
£000’s £000’s
Operating profit 26,733 23,376
Amortisation of player registrations 21,757 18,782
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets ( 19 ) ( 1,036 )
Depreciation 11,555 9,698
Increase in stock ( 82,958 ) ( 34,783 )
(Increase)/decrease in debtors ( 1,172 ) 13,792
Increase in creditors 3,091 47,503
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities ( 21,013 ) 77,332
(b) Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt

2008 2007
£000’s £000’s
Increase in cash for the period 19,407 38,259
Cash inflow from increase in debt ( 67,186 ) (31,542 )
Change in net debt resulting from cash flows ( 47,779 ) 6,717

Change in debt resulting from non cash changes ( 2,097 ) ( 12,770 )
Net debt at start of year ( 268,197 ) ( 262,144 )
Net debt at end of year ( 318,073 ) ( 268,197 )
Bank balances, included in net debt, of £307,000 (2007 - £239,000) are held in an employee benefit trust at the
discretion of the trustees.
(c) Analysis of changes in net debt At 1 June Non cash Cash At 31 May
2007 changes flows 2008
£000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s
Cash at bank and in hand 73,857 - 19,407 93,264
73,857 - 19,407 93,264
Debt due within one year - (bank and other loans/bonds) ( 5,964 ) - ( 136,871 ) ( 142,835 )
Debt due after more than one year - (bank loans/bonds) ( 310,627 ) (1,784 ) 69,685 ( 242,726 )
Debt due after more than one year - (debentures) ( 25,463 ) ( 313 ) - ( 25,776 )
Net debt ( 268,197 ) ( 2,097 ) ( 47,779 ) ( 318,073 )
Non cash changes represent £2,064,000 in respect of the amortisation of costs of raising finance, £313,000 in
respect of rolled up, unpaid debenture interest and £280,000 in respect of amortisation of the premium on certain of
the Group’s interest rate swaps.
50
25. Notes to the consolidated cash flow statement (continued)

(d) Gross cash flows
2008 2007
£000’s £000’s
Player registrations:
Payments for purchase of players ( 28,027 ) ( 21,878 )
Receipts from sale of players 32,037 13,869
4,010 ( 8,009 )
Returns on investment and servicing of finance:

Interest received 4,131 2,389
Finance charges paid ( 23,786 ) ( 26,992 )
( 19,655 ) ( 24,603 )
Capital expenditure:
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets ( 6,963 ) ( 38,985 )
Receipts from sale of tangible fixed assets 19 1,036
( 6,944 ) ( 37,949 )
Financing:
Repayment of borrowings ( 6,869 ) ( 265,074 )
Increase in short term borrowings 74,877 309,579
Costs of raising finance ( 822 ) ( 12,958 )
Total debt financing 67,186 31,547
Debenture repayments - (5)
67,186 31,542
26. Leasing commitments
Commitments due under operating leases for the period to 31 May 2009 are in respect of:
2008 2007
Land and Land and
buildings Other buildings Other
£000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s
Leases expiring in:
Within one year - - - 1
Two to five years - 151 143 138
Over five years 625 - 608 -
625 151 751 139
51
27. Commitments and contingent liabilities

Under the conditions of certain transfer agreements in respect of players purchased, further transfer fees will be
payable to the vendors in the event of the players concerned making a certain number of First Team appearances or
in the event of certain other future events specified in the transfer agreements. In accordance with the Group’s
accounting policy for transfer fees, any additional fees which may be payable under these agreements, will be
accounted for in the year that it becomes probable that the number of appearances will be achieved or the specified
future events will occur. The maximum potential liability is £12.3 million (2007 - £9.4 million).
The Group has commitments outstanding under letters of credit, issued to guarantee its performance of certain
future contractual obligations in relation to its new stadium and property development projects, of £6.3 million (2007
- £7.7 million). Provision has been made in the accounts for those costs incurred under these contractual obligations
by the balance sheet date. When these liabilities are paid the commitment outstanding under letters of credit will be
reduced accordingly.
28. Related party transactions

The Group had the following transactions with Arsenal Broadband Limited in the year:-
2008 2007
Income/ Income/
(charge) (charge)
£000’s £000’s
Provision of office services 124 107
Merchandising and advertising sales ( 587 ) ( 751 )
At 31 May 2008 the balance owing from the Group to Arsenal Broadband Limited was £337,000 (2007 - £582,000).
52
29.Pensions
a) Defined contribution schemes
Total contributions charged to the profit and loss account during the year amounted to £2,782,215 (2007 -
£2,467,972).
b) Defined benefit scheme
2008 2007
£000’s £000’s
Provision at start of year 705 834
Payments in year ( 129 ) ( 129 )
Provision at end of year 576 705
The Group is advised of its share of the deficit in the Scheme. The most recent actuarial valuation of the
Scheme was as at 31 August 2005 and indicated that the contribution required from the Group towards making
good this deficit was £0.87 million at 1 April 2007 (the total deficit in the Scheme at this date was £8.8 million).
Additional contributions are being charged to the profit and loss account over the remaining service life of
those Arsenal employees who are members of the Scheme. The amount attributable to employees who have
already retired or who have left the Group has been charged in full to the profit and loss account.
The agreed revised deficit is being paid off over a period of 10 years commencing May 2006. Payments for the
year amounted to £128,916 and the profit and loss account charge was £24,000 (2007 - £84,000).
30. Post balance sheet events

Player transactions
Since the end of the financial year a subsidiary company, Arsenal Football Club plc, has contracted for the purchase
and sale of various players. The net income resulting from these transfers, taking into account the applicable levies,
is £1.5 million. These transfers will be accounted for in the year ending 31 May 2009.
53
FIVE YEAR SUMMARY
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Profit and Loss Account £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s £000’s
Group Turnover 156,887 138,395 137,237 200,843 222,970
Operating profit before player trading
and exceptional costs 36,162 32,631 11,323 41,614 48,018
Operating expenses - player registrations ( 19,637 ) ( 14,993 ) ( 15,262 ) ( 18,238 ) ( 21,285 )
Operating expenses - exceptional ( 6,269 ) - - - -
Operating profit /(loss) 10,256 17,638 ( 3,939 ) 23,376 26,733
Share of results of joint venture ( 67 ) 204 499 435 469

Profit on disposal of player registrations 2,282 2,894 19,150 18,467 26,458
Net interest - ordinary ( 1,894 ) ( 1,471 ) 175 ( 15,304 ) ( 16,992 )
Net interest - exceptional - - - ( 21,401 ) -
Profit before tax 10,577 19,265 15,885 5,573 36,668
Profit after tax 8,152 8,293 7,902 2,816 25,726
Earnings per share £138.29 £138.91 £127.01 £45.26 £413.49
Earnings per share
(excluding exceptional items) £138.29 £138.91 £127.01 £286.05 £413.49
Balance Sheet
Tangible fixed assets 209,615 314,822 451,501 455,376 449,923
Intangible fixed assets 34,989 28,983 66,555 64,671 55,665
Net current assets / (liabilities) ( 7,479 ) 28,149 (38,166) 61,231 ( 5,527 )
Long term creditors and provisions ( 152,762 ) ( 249,298 ) ( 349,332 ) ( 447,904 ) ( 340,961 )
Net assets 84,363 122,656 130,558 133,374 159,100
Share capital 59 62 62 62 62
Share premium - 29,997 29,997 29,997 29,997
Reserves 84,304 92,597 100,499 103,315 129,041
Shareholders’ funds 84,363 122,656 130,558 133,374 159,100
Net assets per share £1,431.17 £1,971.45 £2,098.46 £2,143.69 £2,557.18
Playing record
FA Premier League Champions 2nd 4th 4th 3rd
FA Challenge Cup Semi-finalists Winners 4th round 5th round 5th round
Europe Quarter finals 1st K/O round Finalist 1st K/O round Quarter finals
Champions Champions Champions Champions Champions
League League League League League
54
FIVE YEAR SUMMARY

Arsenal Annual Report 2008

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CONTENTS

DIRECTORS, OFFICERS & ADVISERS page 2

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS page 3

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT page 4-9

FINANCIAL REVIEW page 10-16

REVIEW OF THE 2007/2008 SEASON page 17-19

CHARITY OF THE SEASON page 20

ARSENAL IN THE COMMUNITY page 21-23

DIRECTORS’ REPORT page 24-25

Corporate Governance page 26

Remuneration Report page 27

Independent Auditors’ Report page 28

Consolidated Profit and Loss Account page 29

Balance Sheets page 30

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement page 31

Notes to the Accounts page 32-53

FIVE YEAR SUMMARY page 54

LIFE VICE PRESIDENT

D.D. Fiszman R.C.L. Carr K.J. Friar OBE

MANAGER SECRETARY GROUP CHIEF ACCOUNTANT

REGISTERED OFFICE SOLICITORS AUDITORS

FINANCIAL ADVISERS REGISTRARS BANKERS

Group Turnover Group profit before exceptional items and taxation

Wage Costs Net debt

I am pleased to report another year of Emirates Stadium has become a serious

Continued growth in revenue and profit in our Property development

Taking into account these changes in

revenues and operating costs the operating

Term 21-23 yrs 2 years 20-134 yrs N/A

The second staging of the Emirates Cup has

The sales of Alexander Hleb, Justin Hoyte and

The most significant aspect of the 2008/09

In conclusion, both the property and football

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE 2007/2008 FINAL TABLE

FA BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP RESERVE LEAGUE SOUTH 2007/2008 FINAL TABLE

World on our Doorstep

Profits and dividends

The directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend (2007 - £Nil).

Directors and their interests

In addition K.G. Edelman served as a director until 1 May 2008.

Political and charitable contributions

Creditor payment policy

■ select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

Disclosure of information to auditors

Approved by the Board of Directors and signed on behalf of the Board

Policy on remuneration of executive directors

Policy on remuneration of the non-executive directors

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors

Basis of audit opinion

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Net finance charges - ordinary 5 ( 16,992 ) ( 15,304 )

Group Group Company Company

Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities 25a ( 21,013 ) 77,332

1. Principal accounting policies

(a) Basis of accounting

(b) Basis of preparation of Group financial statements

(c) Joint venture

(d) Turnover and income recognition