Morrow first out as Arsenal prepare cull
Steve Morrow is the highest-profile casualty of the decision to restructure Arsenal’s academy recruitment department.
The former defender, who famously scored Arsenal’s winning goal in the 1993 League Cup final before being dropped by Tony Adams and injuring a shoulder in the post-match celebrations, has been relieved of his duties as head of youth scouting.
Arsenal are yet to announce Morrow’s departure or news of the shake-up, as the process is in the hands of the club’s human resources department. But it is believed that as many as seven other members of staff could follow Morrow out, including former Chelsea forward Dave Lee, Kevin Beadell, Dan Rice, Joe Sutton and Jay Leffe, who all hold recruitment positions.
It is unclear who has decided effectively to sack Morrow, but the Northern Irishman was a contender for a promotion following last season’s departure of former head of recruitment Sven Mislintat.
Former Arsenal midfielder Edu has since rejoined the club as technical director and some sources see the restructuring of the academy recruitment department as the Brazilian flexing his muscles.
Although restructuring at academy level is in no way connected to the first team, Morrow’s departure comes at a time when manager Unai Emery is under increasing pressure.
Arsenal would ideally like Emery to see out the season, but a defeat at Leicester City on Saturday could prompt questions internally, amid fears over the futures of star players, doubts over the Spaniard’s approach and instructions, and uncertainty over Granit Xhaka after his recent outburst against supporters.