Arsenal appoints Josh Smith as interim head coach of u18 squad

Arsenal has appointed Josh Smith as the interim head coach for its u18 team, following his tenure as an assistant with the academy. The club has not provided an official update regarding the status of the previous head coach, Adam Birchall, who missed significant time last season due to illness. Smith has managed two matches in his new role, recording a 3-3 draw against Blackburn Rovers and a 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Brighton match was impacted by two red cards issued to Emerson Nwaneri and Jack Talbot. Smith is now looking to integrate new talent into the squad, including recent arrival Axel Donczew, as the club works to finalize deals for strikers Vincent Joseph and Mylo Bernard.

• 3:40 PMYahoo Sports — Arsenal name interim u18 head coach