Arsenal have appointed Ken Gillard as their permanent u18s coach.
The appointment means that Arsenal have now filled all roles in the academy.
Arsenal Academy coaches
- U23s: Freddie Ljungberg; assistant: Ryan Garry
- U18s: Ken Gillard; assistant: Greg Lincoln
- U16s: Trevor Bumstead
- U15s: Dan Micciche
- U14s: Simon Copley
- U12s: Adam Birchall
- U11s: Josh Smith
- U10s: Paul Barry
- U9s: Lewis Goater
- Head of Goalkeeping: Andy Woodman
- U15-U18 goalkeeping: Chris Terpcou
- U9-U14 goalkeeping: Seb Barton
Gillard’s permanent reign did not get off to the best start when Arsenal lost 5-2 at Derby in the u18 Premier League playoff final on Tuesday night.
Two goals from Bukayo Saka were not enough to see Arsenal crowned overall Premier League champions after securing the Southern Division title thanks to a run of 12 consecutive runs.
Arsenal u18s take the lead in the final! Lovely near-post finish from Saka, who continues to have a great season. pic.twitter.com/rDIkv0DHKs
— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) May 7, 2019
Saka has scored his second. Arsenal have had a bad game and been extremely unlucky with Derby’s goals but Saka is still showing his worth. pic.twitter.com/pG4rUb3mjG
— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) May 7, 2019
Bukayo Saka completes a fantastic campaign with the academy, probably the Youth Player of the Season for Arsenal.
• 30 games
• 14 goals
• 10 assists
• 2 penalties wonGoal contribution every 86 minutes from the wing. pic.twitter.com/7chRCWjMkB
— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) May 7, 2019
Speaking after collecting the Southern Division title, Gillard said, “It feels fantastic.
“It’s been a long season and the boys have worked very, very hard, so I’m delighted thy finished it off, especially with the way we’ve been playing this season. We’ve had to be patient, but it’s very, very pleasing.
“I know it’s not all about winning games, but the boys have improved in their performances in almost every game they’ve played in. They’ve kept going and going so all in all it’s been really pleasing.
“To win every game at home is fantastic and only losing two games all season is brilliant, especially with the amount of goals we’ve scored and the football we’ve played. We’ve also got a decent defensive record as well, so it’s really pleasing for the boys.”
Derby won the Northern Division and a hattrick from Archie Brown and a brace from Morgan Whittaker saw the Rams collect the title with a thumping win.
Saka is expected to be promoted to the first team next season as Arsenal look to their youth ranks. He could be one of five players promoted from the youth/reserves.
