Bould and Banfield join first-team staff

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to confirm that Steve Bould and Neil Banfield will be joining the first-team staff after Pat Rice’s departure at the end of the season. Bould will become the Club’s new Assistant Manager, moving from his position as the Club’s Under-18 Academy Coach, with former Reserve Team Coach Banfield becoming First Team Coach. Bould, who made 372 appearances for Arsenal during his playing career and won seven major honours with the Club, has been coaching Arsenal’s young players since 2001. During his time as a youth coach, the 49-year-old has presided over considerable success, winning consecutive FA Academy Premier League titles in 2009 and 2010, along with an FA Youth Cup triumph in 2009. Banfield has been a coach at Arsenal for nearly 15 years, eight of which have been spent as Reserve Team Coach. He also spent a number of years working in the Arsenal Academy, during which time the Club won two FA Youth Cups, a national Academy Under-17 league title and a regional Under-19 title. Before joining Arsenal, Banfield was a coach at Charlton Athletic. As a player he was a centre back at Crystal Palace, Adelaide City and Leyton Orient. Arsène Wenger said: “I have always felt it is important to have people around who understand what this great Club is all about. With Steve and Neil joining the first-team staff, it ensures we carry forward our traditions and approach in a consistent way. I am looking forward to working closely with Steve and Neil and wish them every success.” The recruitment process for Bould and Banfield’s previous roles at the Club is now underway and announcements on the new appointments will be made in due course.