Martin Keown had defended ex-Arsenal teammate Jens Lehmann’s recent purchase of branding rights to the ‘Invincibles’ name.
Lehmann, who was part of the Invincibles team that went the entire 2003/04 Premier League season unbeaten as they won the title, splashed out £30,000 on the trademark ahead of the 20th anniversary of the feat.
The ex-Arsenal goalkeeper is to set up a company with the support of his former teammates and legendary Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
“I had the idea because the name ‘Invincibles’ becomes more and more popular approaching the 20th anniversary,” Lehmann told the Daily Mail.
“Nobody had it, so I was looking into it. I was ready to get the branding rights for our group, so everybody who’s using it is violating our brand. The club were probably a little surprised because nobody thought about having the brand name registered. At least they know it’s now being controlled.”
Reports have claimed that Arsenal were not made aware of Lehmann’s move and the rights for the Invincibles name has been taken ‘from under the club’s nose’.
Hweover, responding to questions as to whether Lehmann’s venture contained underhand tactics, Keown was keen to set the record straight.
“It’s been a very open process – what Jens has done is taken out a patent on the word ‘Invincibles’ and shared that with all the players and all the staff,” Keown told the White and Jordan show on talkSPORT.
“He’s set up a company where everybody would benefit if anything could be benefited from. It’s not for himself, it’s for the whole group… with our approval.
“Everybody’s been in the WhatsApp group of 40 people – of players and members of staff… lots of people played their part in this incredible success.
“I wouldn’t put a negative on this,” he continued. “I think it’s about unity. The club is completely in tandem with it and we’ll look to do things going forward for charity with the club.
“For me it’s a positive, I don’t see this is as a negative story. Jens has done this for the group, he’s done it for the masseur, the kit man, the people who didn’t really earn the monies.
“Arsene knows and is aware of it, he’s part of that group, as are all the staff members. Jens is not taking this for himself, he’s just making sure it’s protected going forward.”
Keown explained one of the reasons for the new ‘Invincibles’ brand is to stage Arsenal legends games to raise money for charity, having been inspired by Premier League rivals Liverpool.
The Merseysiders hold a number of legends matches at Anfield each year, with club icons Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Ian Rush, Steve McManaman and more taking to the field again in front of a family-friendly crowd – with all proceeds being donated to worthy causes.
The Gunners greats are looking to do the same, starting from next season.
“What they are looking to do is a documentary, they are negotiating with broadcasters, and we’re hoping to hold a game next season.
“There was an opportunity to do a game, the club has offered a date but it clashed with UNICEF’s Soccer Aid on June 9, which is a major event they didn’t want to go up against – but there will be a game and a link with a charity.
“I like what Liverpool have done, I like their legends community matches, that game with Sven [Goran Eriksson] – they’re the pioneers in this, and I’d like Arsenal to follow that in some capacity going forward.”
Keown also revealed that he, along with his former teammates, will be paraded on the pitch at the final home game of the season against Everton later this month, to commemorate the 20-year anniversary of the Invincibles campaign.
“There is no divide between us, the former players, and the club – it’s completely the opposite,” Keown added.
“In fact, we’ve all been invited to the last game of the season.
“The Invincibles will be on the pitch and I hope to be there with a new Premier League success for the current team. That’s all we want, the former generation.”
News Summary:
- ‘It’s not negative’ – Arsenal legend Martin Keown responds to Jens Lehmann buying ‘Invincibles’ trademark
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