Arsene Wenger is set to bring in a new goalkeeping coach, as the Gunners continue their revamp of backroom staff.
This is according to reports in the Mirror, who state that Arsenal are making significant changes behind-the-scenes this summer.
Andy Woodman, previously coach at Crystal Palace and Newcastle, will join up as part of the club’s u23 set-up but is still nonetheless classed as a part of their backroom staff revamp.
Woodman, whose son Freddie achieved heroic status as part of England u20s World Cup-winning squad, managed to earn the job ahead of a number of candidates.
Among them on Arsenal’s reported shortlist was Perry Suckling, 51-year-old former Crystal Palace goalkeeper. He has since signed a deal to join north London rivals Tottenham as their new u23s coach.
Woodman’s arrival will strengthen the club’s coaching line-up, after news confirmed the fact that senior keeper coach Gerry Peyton has recently also signed a new deal.
Best friends with current England boss Gareth Southgate, the 45-year-old quit his job as Whitehawk (National League) manager at the end of last season.
Who else has been affected by the backroom reshuffle?
Tony Colbert, one of the club’s fitness coaches, is set to now take up a technical role within the coaching team. This follows the arrival of Darren Burgess, who was previously head of fitness at Liverpool.
Burgess has been appointed as the club’s director of high performance, having agreed a move from Port Adelaide where he will oversee the club’s entire medical set-up.
Highly-rated fitness guru Shad Forsythe is the club’s existing head of athletic performance enhancement and although he remains under contract, the club were keen to make a shake-up behind the scenes and Burgess’ arrival was strongly recommended to Wenger.
Still on the lookout for further appointments, they have already agreed a deal with Team Sky’s legal and commercial expert Huss Fahmy.
They are also searching for an academy director, which could come in the form of a former player with a good level of coaching experience.