Steve Bould returned to the touchline on Saturday, guiding an Arsenal XI to a 3-3 draw with Boreham Wood.
It was a frustrating first half as the National League side showed their experience - but our youngsters stepped up in the second 45 to score twice and salvage a draw.
We spoke to Bould after the final whistle and this is what he said:
on how he’s settled into his new role at the club…
I’m really enjoying being back out on the grass and coaching, so I’m really happy.
on the performance…
The first half was difficult for us physically and losing a goal so early on in the way we did was frustrating, but I half expected it. That’s the experience these kids don’t get very often so it’s a massive learning curve for them and I was delighted with the way we played in the second half. Our work on the ball was superb so I’m delighted.
on facing senior opposition…
Some of the lads are only 17 and they’re really good players. We’ve got some good players coming through and there’s an awful long way to go, but that’s the joy of the job I’ve got. I really enjoy working with them so I’m looking forward to helping some good players come through.
on what pleased him most about the performance…
I think the fact that they stood up to a very physical side. Boreham Wood did well last season at their level so it’s a learning curve for them. Most of these lads have rarely encountered adults on the pitch so it’s a completely different outlook for them in terms of any game that they’ve played. I think the boys will learn something from this.
on what’s next in pre-season...
We need to get fit, maintain that fitness and keep playing football because we have a style at the club that they need to adhere to. They’ve got to enjoy their football too.
on what he wants to achieve this season…
The only interest I have is development and I mean that. That’s not necessarily winning games, it’s about players learning the next step, the next level and improving themselves tactically, technically, mentally and physically. The question after that is whether they can go and grab themselves a career - and hopefully we can have one or two come through our system and play for us. But if we don’t, we try to produce well-mannered and respectful men who can go and get a good career in football.
Copyright 2024 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.
