ARSENAL HAVE ANNOUNCED Andries Jonker as Liam Brady’s replacement as head of the club’s esteemed academy.

Former Ireland international Brady, who spent 13 years with the Gunners as a player during the 1970s and 80s, has been in charge of youth development since 1996 but revealed last year that he would be stepping down this May.

The 57-year-old will remain on as a club ambassador and has promised to work alongside his successor to ensure a “smooth transition”. Dutchman Jonker is currently assistant manager at German side Wolfsburg but spent seven years working at underage level in the KNVB — the Dutch federation.

“I am very pleased that Andries is joining us,” manager Arsene Wenger told the club’s website.

He has a big reputation in the game and was a key part of the team which developed the structures which are now producing such strong young players in Holland.

“I look forward to working with him. I would also like to thank Liam for his work which has been outstanding over many years.”

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