Arsenal assistant coach Leanne Hall has announced that she is leaving her role after five years with the club “to rest, recover and recharge”.
Taking to social media, the former England goalkeeper said that the decision was “the hardest” she has ever made but the energy exerted across her five years, first as a goalkeeper coach and now as the assistant coach, had “taken its toll”.
Hall played a crucial role in the Gunners’ title-winning season of 2018/19, with the club ending the season boasting the best defensive record in the league on their way to glory and conceding just 13 goals. The former Leeds United, Fulham and Birmingham City player is considered one of the most qualified coaches in the country and one of the most qualified female goalkeeping coaches in the world.
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Her departure arrives as Arsenal embark on an incredibly busy fixture schedule while fighting on all fronts. The club currently sit third in the league but just three points behind league leaders Manchester United and with a game in hand. Arsenal are through to the fifth round of the FA Cup and the quarter-finals of the Champions League, while a semi-final clash with WSL side Manchester City in the FA WSL Cup awaits.
And Arsenal star Beth Mead has already issued her warm wishes to her former coach. In response to Hall's post, the Euro2022 Golden Boot winner wrote: 'Will miss you legend. The best' followed by a red heart emoji.
Caitlin Foord added a frowning emoji with the words 'we miss you already'.
And Spurs assistant coach Vicky Jepsen also offered her best regards, writing: 'Legend. Best wishes with your next chapter. x'.
Hall’s message in full reads:
“There are times in life where you have to make hard decisions. Having coached and built life-long relationships with so many players over the last five years, leaving Arsenal is the hardest decision I’ve ever made.
“My philosophy in life and coaching is to take a person/player to a place they can’t take themselves. Positively impacting people is my passion and I take great pride that I have used every ounce of energy to do my absolute best to achieve this with so many elite, world-class players. I am fortunate and eternally grateful to have worked with players that inspired and challenged me every day…while at the same time winding me up!
“These players are extraordinary people. Every day they fight for what is right using humility, character, intelligence and also their platform to inspire and create change in the game and society. I arrived as a GK coach and depart as an assistant coach, but most importantly a better person because of them.
“The energy used has taken its toll, so I will use the next few months, to take a break to rest, recover and recharge.
“Thank you and all the best.”
Arsenal return to WSL action this Sunday when they travel to the Chigwell Construction Stadium to take on seventh-place Aston Villa.
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