Arsenal have confirmed that under-23s coach Kevin Betsy will leave the club along with under-18s boss Dan Micciche. Betsy will take up the position of first-team manager at League One side Crawley Town ahead of the upcoming season, with Micciche set to join him as his assistant at The Broadfield Stadium.
Betsy - who previously worked with the England under-15s, 16s, 17s and 18s - joined the Gunners last summer as a replacement for Steve Bould who was sacked after a two-year stint in charge of the under-23s. Having taken over a side that only just avoided relegation on the final day of last season Betsy guided his side to third in Premier League 2 this campaign. The 44-year-also saw his side to the quarter-finals in the Papa John's Trophy this season, which was the furthest of any Premier League academy side this campaign and the longest run Arsenal have had in the competition's history.
Micciche meanwhile helped Arsenal to finish fourth in the under-18 Premier League south. He was also responsible for helping impressive talents like Marcelo Flores and Khayon Edwards make their step up to 23s level.
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“We’re grateful for the work Kevin and Dan have done to manage and develop our under-23s and under-18s," said academy manager Per Mertesacker. "Both have shown outstanding coaching ability so it’s no surprise they’re heading into first-team management in the EFL.
"This is a great opportunity for them, and on behalf of everyone at Arsenal, I’d like to thank them for their service and wish them the very best of luck in the future.”
Betsy will replace John Yems, who left Crawley last month by what the club described as mutual consent after originally being suspended following allegations of discriminatory language and conduct.
The 44-year-old said: “I am joining a club that has a great history that we should no doubt embrace, and we are also looking at an exciting new beginning on many levels both on and off the pitch.
“I was very impressed with Eben (Smith) and Preston (Johnson)’s vision for the club. Following discussions, l knew I would be working for bright and genuine people that share the positivity and energy to take this club forward. I will work extremely hard and put my heart and soul into every single day to help make us successful.
“I am grateful for the opportunity and faith shown in me by Eben, Preston and the others I have spoken with. I am very much looking forward to meeting everyone at the club. Together, we can look to Crawley Town to be a club that people enjoy coming to watch and that players and staff love coming to work every day. Crawley will be a positive place to bring our local community together and attract the next generation of supporters globally to the club.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Arsenal, all of the staff and players for a wonderful time at the club. The club has been first class in how things have been conducted and allowing me to take this chance to progress myself with the opportunity at Crawley Town.”
