Arsenal make Bould move

Arsenal have confirmed that Steve Bould will be Arsene Wenger's number two next season following the departure of Pat Rice.

The Gunners have confirmed that Rice will step down after Sunday's final game against West Brom following 44 years of service to the club as player and coach. Wenger paid tribute to the 63-year-old and says he will go down as a Gunners legend. "Pat is a true Arsenal legend and has committed almost his whole life to Arsenal football club, which shows huge loyalty and devotion to this club," he told the club's website. "Pat has been amazing for me over the past 16 years. When I first arrived at Arsenal, Pat was always there and taught me so much about this great club." Bould will now step up from his position as youth team coach and Wenger believes the former Gunners defender will be the perfect replacement. "I always want to give a chance to people who know how we coach," the Frenchman added. "Steve is a very good coach and brings a continuation of our philosophy."