End of an era as Brady to step down as Arsenal academy chief next summer

Ireland and Arsenal legend Liam Brady will step down as head of Arsenal’s youth academy next summer, a role he has held since 1996.

For the last 17 years, Brady has overseen the development of a host of Arsenal youngsters who have made the step up to the first-team – Jack Wilshere and Keiran Gibbs are two of the most recent examples – but he has given early notification of his desire to leave the role to ensure that there is plenty of time to appoint a successor in the role and that the transition period is a smooth one.

Worshipped by Gunners because of his exploits during his playing days and that sweet left foot of his, Brady is very highly regarded at the club for what he done as academy chief and it appears as if he will remain involved with the club in some capacity when he does step down next May.

Commenting on Brady’s announcement, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said: “Liam has a deep understanding of what it takes to discover and develop a talented youngster into someone who can perform at the highest level.

“He has made a massive contribution to Arsenal Football Club. It will be difficult to find a worthy successor but we will be looking for someone who can build on what Liam and his team have created.”

Brady looks set to have more time on his hands even if he does remain involved with Arsenal in some capacity, which could lead to more time in the RTE studio and more healthy debates like this...