The Premier League assistant managers: from Arsenal to Chelsea and Leeds

Some Premier League assistants have worked with their manager counterparts a decade or more. One set met at Liverpool. Another was at Chelsea.

ARSENAL – Albert Stuivenberg

Joined from

In: December 2019

Previous experience: Genk, Manchester United, Netherlands

How he met the manager: Through former technical director of the Welsh FA, Osian Roberts, who was Arteta’s Pro Licence course mentor. What the manager has said: “I met him a few years ago through another coach, but obviously he’s a coach I knew before because of his reputation and who he’s been working under. We have a really good connection, we have the same beliefs, we see the game in the same way, we share all of the values that we believe have to be installed at the club and he’s someone that is very close to me, he’s more than capable” – Mikel Arteta.

ASTON VILLA – Neil Critchley

Joined from

In: June 2022

Previous experience: Blackpool, Liverpool

How he met the manager: In the Liverpool academy set-up. When Critchley took over the club’s U23s in April 2017, Gerrard replaced him as U18’s manager.

What the manager has said: “Neil was my number one choice when looking for a new assistant head coach. He is a fantastic coach who I have obviously worked with before and know his qualities. We look forward to welcoming him to Aston Villa” – Steven Gerrard.

BOURNEMOUTH – Matt Wells

Joined from: Fulham

In: June 2021

Previous experience: Tottenham

How he met the manager: The pair worked together in the Tottenham academy set-up, then linked up when Parker went on to manage Fulham and now Bournemouth.

What the manager has said: “He’s massive. Without him I would be half of the person I am. That’s part and parcel of having teams and I am fortunate enough that I