Max Dowman's father Robert called out Temisan Williams on social media after the youth coach appeared on a radio talk show to discuss his role in the Arsenal star's journey
Max Dowman of Arsenal
Max Dowman made headlines on the weekend(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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A coach who was accused of cashing in on Max Dowman's success has apologised after being called out by the Arsenal star's father. Dowman's story has been thrust into the spotlight after he became the Premier League's youngest goalscorer on the weekend.
The 16-year-old scored a breakaway goal to seal Arsenal's 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday. While the exciting winger has featured on several occasions for Mikel Arteta's side this season, his goal took things to another level.
In the excitement over Dowman's achievement, Temisan Williams was invited to appear on talkSPORT, where he was billed as "Dowman's former coach". And while he only claimed to have been "a small part of his journey", Williams' appearance on the radio station annoyed the youngster's father.
Robert Dowman wrote on X: "Listening to this guy Temisan Williams claiming he was any part of Max’s journey is a really a sad piece of attempted self promotion. I have asked him previously to refrain from doing so but still he pops up on Talk Sport this morning…
"I remember him putting the cones out at training a few times but that’s about it. We have so many fabulous coaches who we are so grateful to. He is certainly not one of them……"
Williams has now responded with his own statement. He posted on X: "Following Rob Dowman’s comments today: I have spoken with Rob Dowman and apologised to him and his family. Going forward, I will not be discussing Max Dowman’s development. I wish Rob Dowman and his family nothing but continued success."
Dowman was mobbed by his team-mates after showing great composure to beat two Everton players and score into an empty net after Jordan Pickford had gone up for a corner late on. By scoring he broke James Vaughan's record from 2005 as the youngest player to score in the Premier League.
Max Dowman celebrates
Max Dowman is the Premier League's youngest ever goalscorer(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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Williams, whose social media profile says he has coached at Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham, appeared on talkSPORT with Ally McCoist and Gabby Agbonlahor on Monday morning to give insight into Dowman's rise.
"It's an incredible thing that Max has done, it's brilliant for his family, the academy, the club, and the fans. He should just enjoy the moment, which I know he did," he said.
"I should start by saying, scouts have done a fantastic job. I was the Under-12s assistant coach. I was also able to see Max for two years, so a small part of his journey, but Max has always had that super strength of being able to carry the ball. That's always been something he's enjoyed, something he's strong at and something we saw in training."
A previous post on Robert Dowman's X account makes clear who he does regard as being key to his son's development at Arsenal: the club's academy scout Johnny Knight.
"Proud day for us. Nothing would of been possible without this guy. Thank you Johnny Knight," he wrote. "Spotted Max as a four year old and took him into Arsenal. Best scout in the business and and even better person. Johnny Knight."
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