Newcastle goalkeeper coach Simon Smith has confirmed fellow goalkeeping specialist Chris Terpcou is leaving the club for Arsenal this summer, and had nothing but good things to say about his former colleague.

We covered the rumours of Terpcou’s appointment on Sunday, as he’s reportedly joining new head coach Unai Emery and another former Newcastle man Andy Woodman in North London. He’s set to work with the u18 and u23 goalkeepers at the club.

Now, Smith has confirmed the news on social media, and wished Terpcou well with his new role.

“As reported, my ‘assistant’ Chris Terpcou is leaving Newcastle United to join up with my predecessor at NUFC, Andy Woodman at Arsenal,” he said. “Chris Terpcou is a fantastic guy, excellent coach and the best ‘assistant’ I’ve had! I wish him well in his new venture.”

The Chronicle confirm that the Australian will be part of Unai Emery’s team at second-string level.

Terpcou had a lot of success with Newcastle United youngsters. For example, with the development of Freddie Woodman, who worked his way up into the England u21 side last summer, and who kept three clean sheets in five matches during a short loan spell at Aberdeen.

Arsenal will hope he can do the same with some of their young goalkeepers. Particularly 16-year-old Karl Jakob Hein, after his move to the club this summer, and Joao Virginia, who is looking to make the step up to become a regular for the u23s next season.

We’ll see what the goalkeeping coach can do soon enough.