According to The Independent, Arsene Wenger has opted against a pointless phone call to Michel Platini’s minions and accepted a three game touchline ban and £33,000 fine after being charged with misconduct by UEFA.

Found guilty of swearing at Slovenian referee, Damir Skomina, after our 3-0 win over AC Milan, it is the second year in succession the Frenchman has felt the full force of Nyon’s clipboard Nazis with the boss also receiving a suspension for complaining about Robin van Persie’s red card in the Nou Camp in 2011.

With Pat Rice due to retire, and assuming we make at least the Europa League, the ban throws up the very real prospect of a new man taking charge in the Arsenal dugout for the first time since Arsene joined the club in 1996.

While speculation mounts as to who Wenger will select as the Northern Irishman’s successor, it appears several old boys have had their names thrown into the hat by expectant fans.

Steve Bould, Martin Keown, Tony Adams, Dennis Bergkamp, Gilles Grimandi and Patrick Vieira have all been tipped while Reserve team coach Neil Banfield is another who could be promoted from inside the club.

Even Pep Guardiola’s name has been whispered by a few supporters, presumably ones who smoke a good deal of crack during work hours, although insiders say there’s no way the Spaniard will wear Pat’s old shorts and transition lenses combination.