Steve Bould to leave Arsenal this summer after 33 years with the club
Bould to leave his role as boss of the U23 side; he won the double as a player and spent six seasons as Arsene Wenger's number two; Per Mertesacker: "Steve will always be an important figure in our history."
Tuesday 22 June 2021 16:21, UK
Arsenal have confirmed that Steve Bould's 33-year association with the club will come to an end this summer.
The double-winning defender, who spent six seasons as Arsene Wenger's number two, is to leave his role as U23s boss.
Academy manager Per Mertesacker told the club's official website: "Steve has been a fantastic servant for us on and off the pitch.
"His record as a player speaks for itself and he has been an inspiration to generations of young players coming through the academy.
"This has been a very hard decision to make. Steve's contribution to the U23s and the club as a whole has been huge and he will always be an important figure in our history."
The 58-year-old Bould, who began his career with home-town club Stoke, made a total of 372 appearances for Arsenal.
He won three league titles, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup, before leaving for Sunderland in July 1999.
He returned to take up a series of academy coaching roles before being elevated to the senior set-up under Wenger.
Technical director Edu said: "We are massively grateful to Steve for everything. He has helped develop so many top professionals and his experience and character has had a huge impact.
"I would like to add my thanks for his contribution and wish him and his family well for the future."
