Arsenal technical director confirms his exit | OneFootball

Former Arsenal technical director James Ellis has confirmed his departure from the club, wishing them the best for the future.

Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images

Over a month after reports broke the news that Arsenal technical director James Ellis was set to leave the club, the man himself has now confirmed his departure on social media.

“I recently departed Arsenal Football Club, where in nearly 5 years I gave my all in an attempt to help contribute to supporting the development of elite level club and its high performance environment,” Ellis wrote on LinkedIn.

“The most notable memory of my time there, was coming across a number of wonderful people who (from various backgrounds and various levels of expertise), saw the world of opportunity, responsibility, custodianship and contribution the same as I do.

“I would like to wish the Club the very best for the future. Thank you to everyone who has so far in my career, helped shape me, learn so much from and help me find a course that supports my desire to support others fulfil their potential and support organisations achieve their ambitions.

“I look forward to the next opportunity to continue to do so.”

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Ellis had only been promoted to the position of technical director eight months ago, with the intention that he would provide support to new sporting director Andrea Berta.

More recently, he’d played a key role in Arsenal’s academy recruitment, credited with a role in signing Victor Ozhianvuna, Edwin and Holger Quintero, and in extending Max Dowman’s contract.

The expectation was that Ellis would be significantly involved in the process of appointing Per Mertesacker’s successor as academy manager, with Mertesacker also due to leave the club this summer.

Photo via Arsenal Academy on Twitter

There was speculation at the time of those initial reports that perhaps Arsenal were using Mertesacker’s exit as an opportunity to evolve the structure of the club’s hierarchy, leading to Ellis’ departure.

Arsenal will presumably now look to replace the pair, though whether that will involve external appointments or internal promotions remains to be seen.