Arsenal have concluded the process of appointing a new under-21 head coach to replace Mehmet Ali.
The club have opted to continue their history of promoting from within, by announcing Max Porter has taken the role as Arsenal under-21s’s new head coach ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Porter worked as an assistant to Ali last season and also took charge of the Under-19s during their UEFA Youth League games.
An Arsenal statement reads: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Max Porter as our new under-21s head coach.
“Max joined us in July 2017 as our under-9s coach and has since taken on the role of head coach for numerous age levels, including under-13s, under-17s and under-19s, as well as being our youth development phase lead coach.
“Max becomes our under-21s head coach ahead of the 2025/26 campaign following the departure of Mehmet Ali, who joined Brentford's first team coaching staff this summer.
“Max will be supported by Ken Gillard, our professional development phase lead coach.”
Max has got the qualities needed to be a successful leader and coach. The environment he creates for staff and young players is always one of high challenge and ultimate care
Arsenal Academy manager, Per Mertesacker, added: "Max has got the qualities needed to be a successful leader and coach. The environment he creates for staff and young players is always one of high challenge and ultimate care.
“Max is driving the highest standards and is a brilliant colleague and coach. We are all looking forward to supporting Max as he continues to develop in this role, and thank him for all his hard work and commitment so far.”
Standard Sport understands Jack Wilshere was a strong candidate to replace Ali - who joined Brentford’s first-team coaching staff last month - during Arsenal’s recruitment process.
However, as reported elsewhere Wilshere decided against a return and is now expected to pursue his coaching career in senior football.
Porter’s first game in charge of the u21’s will be against Fulham tonight, kick-off is at 7pm BST at Meadow Park.
