Confirmed: David Horseman appointed as new Arsenal U21 head coach

David Horseman has been named as the new Arsenal U21 head coach, as confirmed by the club’s official website.

Horseman, who joined the club’s academy coaching staff last year and oversaw some matches in the UEFA Youth League, replaces Max Porter who is now working with Stoke City’s first-team.

An experienced coach at academy level, Horseman had a brief spell at Manchester United and also previously coached Southampton U23s and Watford U21s. Prior to that he worked for Bristol City’s academy.

Horseman managed Forest Green at senior level in 2023.

It is anticipated that with Horseman in charge there will be greater defensive structure to the team, with the hope being that results will improve in comparison to last season.

Arsenal U21s get their season underway tomorrow night as they face Barnet away in the EFL Trophy.

Horseman becomes the sixth U21 coach that Arsenal have appointed since 2018, following on from Porter, Mehmet Ali, Kevin Betsy, Steve Bould and Freddie Ljungberg.