A visionary who built Arsenal

In future years football historians will list Fiszman among the most influential and important figures in the history of one of the world's great football clubs.

His death last night at the age of 66, following a protracted battle with throat cancer, robs Arsenal of a wise and visionary powerbroker who, with Ken Friar, was chiefly responsible for the club's historic move down the road from Highbury to the state-of-the-art Emirates Stadium.

I first met Danny shortly after he joined the Arsenal board in 1992. George Graham was the manager of a club steeped in tradition, but the professional game, still clinging to the values of the previous 50 years, was about to re-invent itself.

Fiszman, who bought his original eight per cent of the club from David Dein, became one of the most significant figures in propelling Arsenal into the modern era. His foresight and energy influenced all areas of the club but relocating to a new home at Ashburton Grove was his greatest single triumph.

He identified the new site and, while options were seriously considered at Wembley, Kings Cross and around the M25, argued strongly that Arsenal should remain in their north London homeland.

He had grown up in Willesden and as a kid used to stand on the Clock End at Highbury. Unlike so many in the modern game, he was a director with a genuine affinity to the club.

He was involved in bringing many of football's big-name players to Arsenal but when I once asked him to name his favourite Gunner he replied without hesitation: "Danny Clapton. I liked his energy and commitment."

Those were the qualities that underpinned Fiszman's 20 years on the Arsenal board. The son of Jewish parents who fled the Nazi invasion of Belgium, he became one of London's leading diamond traders and his work ethic produced a personal fortune of more than £200million.

He sold his business for £150m in 2007 and in recent years lived as a tax exile on the banks of Lake Geneva. A fully qualified commercial airline pilot, he flew his own private jet - call sign Delta Fox - and often ferried Arsenal players to and from international matches.

Four years ago he sold some of his shares to Stan Kroenke, forming an alliance with the American billionaire that stalled the plans of the Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov. Then, on Monday, just days before he died, Fiszman sold his remaining 10,025 shares - 16.1 per cent of the club - to Kroenke for around £115m.

Chairman Peter Hill-Wood paid tribute to Fiszman last night and said: "We are all deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend Danny.

"His voice, wisdom and presence around the football club he so dearly loved and will be sorely missed.

"Arsenal will forever be indebted to Danny for his invaluable foresight and contribution during the move from Highbury to our new stadium.

"Our thoughts at this time are with Danny's wife Sally, family and friends. We have lost a much loved husband, father and grandfather and friend."

An affable, humorous, courteous man, he shunned publicity but will be fondly remembered by Arsenal fans for his huge input behind the scenes.