Arsenal have appointed David Horseman as the new manager of their under-21 side. The Gunners needed to fill the vacancy after Max Porter left the club in June earlier this year. Porter, who began his playing career in Tottenham’s youth setup before playing for the likes of AFC Wimbledon, Barnet and Bromley, has now become the assistant manager to Mark Robins at Stoke City.
Promotion from within
Now, he has been replaced by Horseman, who has moved up from his position as an elite player development coach. Horseman arrived in north London in 2025, having managed Southampton’s B side for four years, before moving to Forest Green Rovers for his first senior job in July 2023. He lasted just five months, sacked in December that year. He had won just two of his opening seven matches.
Coaching journey
He was then a first-team coach at Bristol Rovers and became the Gas’ interim head coach in 2024 alongside former Sunderland manager Lee Cattermole, after Matt Taylor had been dismissed. After the club were relegated to League Two, he departed before making the move back into youth football.
Reaction to appointment
On his arrival at Arsenal, Horseman said: "I’m absolutely delighted and privileged to be appointed Arsenal under-21s head coach, following in the footsteps of so many outstanding coaches who have held this position before me. It’s a huge honour to contribute to the continued success of an academy with such a proud history of developing players for our first team and the wider game."
