Max Porter admits that it was going to take "an incredible opportunity" to lure him away from Arsenal as he takes on a new challenge at Stoke City.
Porter, aged 38, has joined Stoke's first team set-up as an assistant manager to Mark Robins. He will work alongside James Rowberry and Ryan Shawcross to try to help haul the Potters up the Championship table.
He had been under-21s head coach at Arsenal, having worked his way through the coaching ranks since joining after winding up his playing career as a midfielder. He has overseen the development of some eye-catching talent including Max Dowman and Myles Lewis-Skelly and has clearly enjoyed his time at the club.
"All good things come to an end! Nine years in one of the most incredible football clubs in world football was truly a privilege," he wrote on LinkedIn..
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"If you’d told me nine years ago when I joined as a part-time under-9s coach that my journey would lead to becoming a full-time coach and working my way up to under-21s head coach I wouldn’t have believed it possible. That's what the Arsenal academy is about though, developing people and providing opportunities.
"To work with so many talented players and staff has helped me develop so much but the best part is the gratitude I feel for the relationships and memories that I am lucky to take with me. There are too many people to say thank you too but to everyone at Arsenal Football Club who I had the pleasure work alongside, thank you.
"I leave so happy to see the first team win the Premier League after 22 years and with academy graduates earning Premier League winners' medals
"To leave Arsenal academy was always going to take an incredible opportunity of which I’m delighted to join a massive football club in Stoke City Football Club as first team assistant manager."
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