Arsenal confirm exit as U21s head coach completes Stoke move | OneFootball

Arsenal must now begin process to appoint a new U21s boss

Arsenal’s under-21 head coach Max Porter is leaving to join Stoke as Mark Robins’ assistant manager.

Porter has been at Arsenal since July 2017, joining the club as a coach for the under-9's side and has slowly progressed up the ranks.

Porter was appointed Arsenal under-21 head coach ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, succeeding Mehmet Ali after he had departed for Brentford last summer.

However, Wilshere decided against a return, instead pursuing his coaching career in senior football as he took over at Luton during the season and Porter got the job instead.

Porter led Arsenal’s Under-21s to a 14th-place finish in Premier League 2 this season, with his final game in charge being the 3-1 loss to Manchester City at the end of April.

Porter has worked with a number of Arsenal’s top youngsters during his time at the club, including Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman.

Porter will now be part of Robins' backroom staff at Stoke, which also includes James Rowberry, Ryan Shawcross and Darren Behcet ahead of the new Championship season.

Exit: Max Porter

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Stoke sporting director Jonathan Walters said: “Max arrives from one of the most elite and successful environments in the country, and we’re delighted to welcome him to Stoke City.

“He has built a reputation as one of the brightest young coaches in the game and has played an important role in the development of a number of exceptional young players during his time at Arsenal.

“What stood out to us was Max’s drive, energy and ambition. He is constantly looking to improve, challenge and develop those around him, and we believe he will be a tremendous addition to our environment.

“As we continue to strengthen and add quality to our backroom staff, Max is another important appointment for the club, and we’re excited to see the impact he can make as we prepare for the season ahead.”