Arsenal confirm new u21 head coach

Arsenal have officially confirmed that Max Porter is the club’s new u21 head coach, with the former interim coach now taking on the job full-time.

Photo via Arsenal.com

Arsenal have officially announced that Max Porter will be the club’s new permanent head coach, with the manager previously taking charge of the club’s u9s, u13s, u17s, u19s, and most recently the u21s on an interim basis.

Following the departure of Mehmet Ali to Brentford’s first-team staff this summer, the u21 job was up for grabs.

Arsenal held talks with Jack Wilshere over a potential return to the club, but Wilshere ultimately turned down the option of joining in a supporting role. The former Gunner is instead looking to pursue a job in senior football management.

Photo via Norwich City FC on Twitter

On Porter, academy manager Per Mertesacker said: “Max has got the qualities needed to be a successful leader and coach.

“The environment he creates for staff and young players is always one of high challenge and ultimate care. Max is driving the highest standards and is a brilliant colleague and coach.

“We are all looking forward to supporting Max as he continues to develop in this role, and thank him for all his hard work and commitment so far.”

Photo via Football.London

As per recent reports, the job that Wilshere had been offered was to take charge of the u19s in the UEFA Youth League, the u21s in the EFL Trophy, and then to act as an assistant to Porter in the Premier League 2.

Arsenal have now confirmed that Ken Gillard will support Porter this season, so presumably he’ll take that on that same task of leading the team in the u19 and EFL Trophy matches.

The u21 season kicks off on Friday night with Arsenal’s game against Fulham in the Premier League 2, with all league matches to be streamed on Arsenal.com this season.