Arsenal coach joins Birmingham City | OneFootball

Arsenal‘s youth development setup has suffered a loss with the departure of Under-18s assistant coach, Julian Gray.

The former Gunner has accepted the position of lead under-15s academy coach at Birmingham City, marking a return to the club where he enjoyed a successful spell as a player.

Gray’s time at Arsenal as a first-team player was brief, making a single senior appearance as a substitute in 2000 but his connection to the club runs deep. He came through the ranks of Arsenal’s academy, joining at the age of seven and honing his skills under the watchful eye of legendary manager Arsene Wenger.

His impact on the club’s academy has been significant, particularly in his three-year stint as assistant coach to the under-18s.

In his own words, Gray credits Wenger for shaping his analytical and strategic thinking: “It was at Arsenal FC, under the guidance of Arsene Wenger where my ability to think analytically and perform strategically was recognised, refined and further developed.”

This experience, coupled with his extensive playing career, has equipped Gray with a unique perspective that he will undoubtedly bring to his new role at Birmingham.

Gray’s move to Birmingham highlights the club’s ambition to regain Category One Academy status. His UEFA A licence qualification, essential for coaching at a professional level, underscores his commitment to a career in coaching after a playing career that also took him to Crystal Palace, Walsall, Coventry, Cardiff, Barnsley and Fulham.

Birmingham‘s head of academy coaching, Mike Scott, is enthusiastic about Gray’s arrival. He emphasised Gray’s coaching abilities, mentorship skills, and understanding of the game from a player’s perspective.

Scott’s comments to the official Birmingham website also highlight the club’s broader strategy of bringing back former players with Premier League experience to inspire and guide the next generation. Gray’s appointment follows similar moves for Jonathan Grounds and Maik Taylor, creating a strong network of ex-players dedicated to the club’s future.

While Gray’s departure represents a gain for Birmingham, it’s undoubtedly a loss for Arsenal. His experience and understanding of the club’s philosophy will be missed.

However, it also speaks to the quality of coaches being developed within Arsenal’s academy system. Gray’s move is a testament to the club’s commitment to nurturing not only young players but also the coaches who guide them.

As Gray embarks on this new chapter, Arsenal will undoubtedly be watching his progress with interest, knowing that they played a crucial role in shaping his coaching journey that could well benefit them again in the future.