Highly-rated coach Max Porter has departed Arsenal to take on the role of assistant manager at Stoke City. The 38-year-old, who spent nine years at the north London club, will work alongside experienced manager Mark Robins at the Championship side.
Porter, a former lower-league player for AFC Wimbledon, Newport County, and Barnet, retired early from playing to pursue coaching. He joined Arsenal in 2017 and progressed through the ranks, starting with the Under-9s and eventually becoming the Under-21s head coach.
Stoke City sporting director Jonathan Walters expressed his delight at the appointment, stating: '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.'
Walters highlighted Porter's attributes: '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.'
Arsenal issued a statement thanking Porter for his contributions: 'During his time with us, Max helped provide a strong foundation for many of our young players as they prepared for their futures in senior football, alongside competing regularly in Premier League 2. Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Max for his contribution to the club and wish him and his family all the best for the future.'
Stoke City finished 17th in the Championship last season, leading to some uncertainty over Robins' future. However, the former Coventry and Barnsley boss now appears set to remain at the helm. Speaking at the end of the season, Robins said: 'We're in next week, we'll have meetings no doubt, and we'll speak with the hierarchy and see what happens from there. A lot of things are up in the air, not least the financial rules for the league and things like that. I think that will certainly have a bearing on what we eventually do or can do. But in the meantime, we'll just get on and do what we can at this point.'
