Horseman promoted to U21s Head Coach by Arsenal

He replaces Porter, who left the Gunners after nine years at the end of last season to become Assistant to Mark Robins at Championship side Stoke.

Horseman is a hugely-experienced coach. He started his career with eight years at Bristol City’s Academy (2006 to 2014), worked at Southampton for four years (2019 to 2023), becoming their U21s Lead, and was a PDP coach at Manchester United for four months last season.

The UEFA Pro Licence coach has also been a First Team Head Coach, leading Forest Green Rovers for the first half of the 2023 League Two season before being sacked.

Arsenal Academy Director Pascal de Maesschalck said: “We are extremely pleased to appoint David as our U21s Head Coach. He has consistently demonstrated a clear understanding of how to manage our talented young players, both as individuals and as a team.

“With his experience, positive mindset and drive, he will continue to help create the perfect environment to realise our objectives and help our young players to succeed.”

Horseman added: “I’m absolutely delighted and privileged to be appointed Arsenal U21s head coach, following in the footsteps of so many outstanding coaches who have held this position before me.

“It’s a huge honour to contribute to the continued success of an academy with such a proud history of developing players for our first team and the wider game. I’m incredibly grateful and excited for what lies ahead.”

The U21s get their season underway against Barnet in the EFL Trophy this evening (Tuesday August 18).