How Arsene Wenger’s players have faired as managers

Remi Garde, who is set to become Aston Villa’s new manager, is a protege of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, having enjoyed a modest playing stint with the Gunners in the late 1990s. Unlike Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, though, Wenger is not famed for mentoring a host of players who have gone on to enjoy successful coaching careers. Nevertheless, Press Association Sport we take a quick look at a few of Wenger’s ‘alumni’:

Tony Adams

Arsenal’s ‘double double’-winning captain was seen by many at the club as a future Gunners boss. However, he lasted just a year in his first role at Wycombe, who were relegated. A spell in charge at Portsmouth spanned 16 games from which they picked up only 10 points, before a stint with Azerbaijani club Gabala FC.

Paul Merson

Of the 200-plus players used by Wenger, lovable rogue ‘The Merse’ appeared one of the least suited to stepping up into management. And so it proved during a spell as player-boss at Walsall, who were staring at back-to-back relegations by the time he was sacked. Now a staple of Sky Sports’ Saturday afternoon results program.

David Platt

A cultured midfielder and former England captain who had a stellar playing career at home and abroad, Platt looked cut out to succeed in the dug-out. But he left his first job at Sampdoria just before they were relegated and an ill-fated spell at Nottingham Forest is still seen by many fans as the reason for the club’s subsequent decline.

Steve Bould

Adams’ central defensive partner has yet to cut his teeth in management but is currently Wenger’s assistant and seen as a potential replacement when the Frenchman calls it a day. Impressed as Gunners’ Under-18s chief, leading them to back-to-back Premier Academy League titles and the FA Youth Cup.

Dennis Bergkamp

Another of Arsenal’s greats, Bergkamp had said upon his retirement that he had no interest in coaching. However, the Dutch maestro eventually returned to his former club Ajax where he has been assistant to Frank de Boer for more than four years.

Stefan Malz

Remember him? The German midfielder who spent two years with the Gunners and made a total of six Premier League appearances. Well, his coaching career has been no less forgettable following a spell in charge of German second division women’s side Niederkirchen.