Arsenal have finally confirmed that Gary Lewin has returned to the club to work with the Arsenal ladies, clarifying that it is a short-term post for maternity cover.

We first reported on his return to the club almost exactly one month ago so it’s not clear why Arsenal took so long to make the announcement. This is, as we know, their way.

Speaking to Arsenal.com, Lewin said, “It’s a pleasure to join the team at Arsenal Ladies and see how much the women’s game has come on since I was here with the men’s team from 1986 until 2008. With the upcoming SSE Women’s FA Cup rounds and the Spring Series, it’s a very exciting time to be part of this club.”

Lewin left Arsenal nine years ago to work with England. Leaving the England set-up after a poor Euro 2016, Lewin now runs a number of surgeries across the country and will combine this new role with his current commitments.

He previously spent 22 years with Arsenal and his cousin, Colin, is the current head of Arsenal’s medical services. Gary is widely credited as being the man who saved John Terry’s life when the defender swallowed his tongue after Abou Diaby kicked him in the head during the League Cup final.

He was also one of the main reasons Eduardo did not lose his foot after Martin Taylor’s challenge in 2008.

Arsenal ladies, meanwhile, returned to competitive action in the FA Cup this weekend against Tottenham. They thrashed them 10-nil with many Arsenal fans demanding that they play against City instead of the men when the international break is over.