Is Wenger preparing Steve Bould to be his replacement?

After Pat Rice stepped down as Arsene Wenger’s assistant after 44 years with the Gunners, Arsenal kept to their ideals of promoting from within the club. Another former player who has since been working behind the scenes at the Emirates is Steve Bould. He told Arsenal Player about his delight in stepping up from the youth team to become Wenger’s new assistant.

“It is more than excitement. It is an absolute privilege and an honour. I know I have some big boots to fill with Pat having spent 44 years at the club and that is going to be the hard part.”

Arsene Wenger highlighted the club’s intentions by saying “I have always felt it is important to have people around who understand what this great club is all about.” And on the promotion of reserve coach to first team coach of Neil Bamfield, he added “With Steve and Neil joining the first team staff, it ensures we carry forward our traditions and approach in a consistent way.”

We wish them both well and hope that they can help get Arsenal back to winning ways, and perhaps Wenger has decided to prepare Bould to take over when he retires?