It has certainly been a few interesting weeks for Arsenal fans. With Stan Kroenke coming in as the majority shareholder after buying shares from other board members. Then there was late drama in the recent match against Liverpool and another disappointing draw for the Gunners against arch rivals Spurs. We have also seen comment from Wenger suggesting that second place is some level of success. But with the news that Pat Rice may be set to step down as Wenger’s assistant, at the end of the season, after 15 years in charge, is it time for Arsenal to look to the future, with the next appointment and groom a future Arsenal manager?

Potential options could be some of the recent great Arsenal players. Names such as; Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Tony Adams, Steve Bould or Martin Keown spring to mind. The concept is simple bring one of the aforementioned names in as a No2 to Wenger. That way they can learn from one of the truly great managers of our time and work with the players and surely any Arsenal player would love to have one of these Arsenal legends around the place.

The concept is one that Arsene Wenger would probably be keen on. After all, we know that his transfer policy is all about growing and developing players and living within the clubs means. So it stands to reason that he would want to do the same with his eventual successor. When Wenger does move on the new manager will already be a legend due to his playing days, but will also get to know the current players. Therefore, it will seem a very organic move and just the natural progression of the future for the club.

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However, it would be wrong to say there was no level of risk involved. Our game is littered with examples of great assistants that failed to make the grade as a manager. This is something Arsenal must consider and decide if their choice needs to have previous management experience?

If experience is required then Tony Adams is an obvious candidate. Adams has already managed Wycombe, Portsmouth and is currently in charge of Gabala FC in Azerbaijan. However, it’s debatable if Adams would be prepared to return as an assistant after experiencing life as a manager. The real question here though is, should the next manager of Arsenal be grown and developed in this way? Or would it be better to bring an outsider in?

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