Arsenal supporters have issued a mixed response as Steve Bould prepares to leave the Premier League club.
The 58-year-old has served the Gunners for the best part of three decades as a player - then stepping into various coaching roles after hanging up his boots in 2000.
An official announcement has yet to be made, but Under-23s manager Bould will depart the Emirates Stadium over the next few days.
As a player, the uncompromising centre-back won three league titles, two FA Cups and the Cup Winners Cup.
Upon stepping onto the other side of the touchline, Bould guided the Under-18s to Premier League Academy titles in 2009 and 2010 - in addition to the FA Youth Cup in 2009
He was promoted to the first-team environment as Arsene Wenger's assistant manager between 2012 and 2019.
Following that, Bould returned to the Academy set-up and has served as Under-23s manager since then. However, on the back of finishing 10th in Premier League 2 this campaign, the Stoke-born former defender is set to see his 30-year association with the Gunners come to an end.
Here are a selection of comments about the news - made by Arsenal fans on social media;
@KennyKen1972 said: "Brutal and evidence that football is a dog-eat dog business."
@dannymdaniel posted: "To be fair, he presided over the defensive coaching of the first team when we were a defensive shambles. Sentiment is all well and good, but not at the expense of quality and results."
@afcjxmes added: "Thanks for all you've done Steve, but it's a good decision by the club."
@khalid4qn said: "Steve will always be a legend, but I feel that there could've been a better way to send him off after 30 years of service. What happened to the classy Arsenal I once knew? What happened to the Arsenal I grew up watching? How they've treated staff has been shocking."
@MagnusLanding posted: "Love him, but the results man... It had to happen. Thanks for everything, Steve."
@MajesticMikel added: "A great servant, but needed a shake-up."
@Jahanzaibfab4 said: "People can't show respect to a guy who's given years of service and commitment to our beautiful club. Imagine yourself working 30 years for a company, giving your all and this the reaction you get at the end of it. It's disgraceful."
@BjornarBjornsen posted: "The very definition of a club legend. Sad to see such a club man go. Best wishes Steve Bould. Another club man gone."
@arsenalmatt1 added: "A great servant to the club, thanks for all you have done for the club. Not sure if this is the right or wrong decision."
