A little over a week ago Head of Youth Development officers Liam Brady and David Court met with Arsenal’s latest crop of Under 16 talent to reveal who would make the list of scholars for the coming campaign and who would be released. One of the big surprises was that goalkeeper Luke Chambers was not awarded a contract. The Welsh youth international has since given an exclusive interview with Young Guns.
Chambers joined the Gunners from Derby County last summer but among a clutch of promising young goalkeepers, he has consistently had to rotate with the likes of Yilmaz Aksoy and Reice Charles-Cook as Steve Gatting looks to give everyone a fair chance. However, when he did get game time, he impressed. A solid, hard working and agile shot stopper, Luke was called up to the Welsh Under 16 team for the SkySports Victory Shield late last year. Following his release, he has penned a four-year-deal with Southend United after interest from around 27 different clubs.
You can read the interview in full below.
Hi Luke, thanks for the taking the time to talk to Young Guns. Firstly how does it feel a week after you’ve left Arsenal?
“To be honest I haven’t really had time yet to reflect on how I actually feel about Arsenal not renewing my contract. Mainly because I was very lucky to be in a position where the phone started to ring as soon as it became common knowledge that I was available.”
For sure. Moving on as quickly as possible is probably best. So what was your first reaction when you were told you wouldn’t be kept on? were you angry or disappointed? what did Liam Brady tell you and how quickly did it take before you were looking for another club? why move to Southend too?
“Liam Bady had requested a meeting with my Dad and myself at Hale End on a Monday, but unfortunately Liam couldn’t make it. My dad then asked whether we could have the meeting over the phone which is when Liam told my Dad that they wouldn’t be renewing my contract. I felt empty when my Dad told me because although I didn’t have a great start to the season, I felt I definitely turned it around by the second half of the season – especially when i became a Welsh international.”
“So yeah resentment and a little bitterness started to creep in, but in the cold light of day once I had sat down with my family and we aired our views – I now realise that Liam and his staff have some very tough decisions to make. They’re sometimes not always the right ones but that’s history and I hold no ill feelings against any one now. As I have mentioned earlier, as soon as it was common knowledge that I was available, the phone never stopped ringing. People do not realise the full extent of how big and powerful the name of Arsenal is in the footballing world.”
“I had enquiries from 27 clubs from Manchester City, Liverpool, Millwall and Leyton Orient. The reason why I chose Southend was partly down to Liam and Steve Leonard – they mentioned that Southend were intrested in taking me to a tournament in Germany as their goalkeeper had been injured and were looking for a replacement. With hind sight now it was a blessing in disguise because it was there I met the men behind Southend youth. Ricky Duncan, Luke Hobbs and soon to be my new goalkeeping mentor Terry Mason. Then once I had met the players of Southend youth, I knew this was it. If i could offer one piece of advice to anyone looking for a new club it would be forget the size of the club – you must be happy and feel at home where ever you decide to go.”
Very interesting. It’s important to say positive. What’s the most important thing that the coaching staff teach goalkeepers and what do you think they could emphases more on?
“I think the most important thing that goalkeeping coaches can teach young ‘keepers is to have a strong mind and a lot of self belief. You could have all the ability in the world but if your head is not right – its useless. What I would like to see goalkepping coaches put more emphases on is working of your own initiative. Don’t get me wrong, very young keepers need basics and guide lines to work to, but I mean as they get older, telling them this is what I want and what I require, then let them stamp their own unique way on doing it or whats comfortable for that individual.”
Sound advice. Especially at your age you’re seeking independence and looking to build on your talents. Obviously Reice Charles-Cook got the nod above you and Yilmaz Aksoy, how highly do you rate him and what are his best qualities?
“To get a scholarship at a club like Arsenal you have to be highly rated – they don’t grow on trees and they certainly don’t hand them out ‘willy nilly’. So I would like to thank ‘Cookie’ as I think we had a good relationship and we share a lot of respect for each other. I wouldn’t like to go as far as to say the best man won (laughs) but I would certainly wish him all the best and definitely say he deserves this opportunity and its my belief he will do a very professional job for the youth team next season. I would say his best attribute is his awareness to make quick decisions whilst under pressure but also manage to make the right choice.”
The goalkeeping position is known to be a difficult place in the team to fight for. It’s not like you can be versatile and operate in another position to get game time, so is there a certain rivalry between goalkeepers or do you all get on well?
“There is always an element of rivalry at any club it’s a case of survival of the fittest but there is also a lot of mutual respect to play at this level and standard of football you know that the other man has earned the right to wear the shirt as well as yourself.”
From the Under 16’s that you’ve played with, who do you tip to really break through and make the first team? is there another Jack Wilshere waiting in the wings or is he a one of?
“This is the toughest question of the lot because as I just mentioned above, contracts at Arsenal don’t grow on trees so I believe that any one of my former team mates could quite easily make a full debut for the Arsenal first-team some where in the near future.”
Finally, what does the future hold for Luke Chambers?
“Well I have had a fantastic 18 months at Arsenal but the plan now is to come back down to earth, plant my feet firmly on the ground and get back to basics and work hard. My aim is to continue playing for the Welsh Under 17’s next season, have an impressive year with Southend as the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle have all expressed a keen interest in myself, and lastly aim to break into the Southend first team in the next 2-3 years. So there’s definitely life after Arsenal.”
“Last but not least I would like to leave Arsenal on a high note and wish all my ex-collegues all the best for the future and for the whole Arsenal experience – I am forever grateful.”
What an excellent attitude. He has got a great deal of maturity and handles himself very graciously. I hope he goes on to great things.
This was a really good insight, great piece of journalism. Do you plan to do more
Very mature from a 15yr old, I would’ve been calling Brady a **** lol
Good article as always J
Criminal that they chose to release him,shame on you arsenal….other keepers like almoonia,fabianski and mannone playing for arsenal,luke could easily play ahead of them now.
Was this interview conducted via phone or email? Chambers seems unsure himself lol…bizarre that he would say “as I just mentioned above” if this was indeed a phone interview, and equally bizarre that he would write “(laughs)” if this was an email interview…most perplexing.
Maybe (laughs) is the formal equivalent of ‘lol’, much as ‘yeah, whatever’ is the colloquial translation of ‘I feel nothing but supreme indifference to what you just said’
Very good, J! Wonderful to see exclusive material in here.
Great article but that as I just mentioned above comment is abit confusing.
Great interview, but sorry to see Luke go. J, do you think that the decision to offload him is due to the fact that there are many promising, young keepers in the club and maybe Liam and Court are trying to avoid a flood? May sound silly, but I really do not understand how we can release a youth international. I would also like to congratulate you on your superb blog and recent anniversary. Cheers and keep it up.
stella art whar: do you really think so? Really? Anyway Arsenal do have a lot of young goalkeepers in the youth squad, just this season another 2 were signed so some had to go. I’d rather trust the judgement of the men behind the scenes rather than a random fan.
Anyway a good article J, a very interesting read indeed.
Wow, this boy seems to have a fantastic attitude. Very level headed and positive, not bitter at all. Very impressive.
Weird choice of club though, but wish him the best of luck in his footballing career.
I like his attitude. It is really good. This kid will go far. He will have a great career. He is raised right by his parents.
Its sad to a young person with Luke’s attitude and profesionalism leave, I hope he goes on to great things and who knows if Sol can find his way back anything is possible. Good Luck to him.
Excellent article and it reflects well on Chambers and his parents.
Very good interview.
J.Sanderson, do you know the player kevin kwarteng, edi kavan and vlada veselinovic?
http://www.fussball-talente.com/Naechste_Spieler_suche–VEREIN,Arsenal%20London-3_7-50-1.html
Sounds very mature. Best of luck in your career, Luke.
Wish him the best of luck and hope he goes on to do fantastic things in the world of football. Very classy.
Seems a nice boy, wish him well, hope he does well at Southend, and maybe one day hell come back to Arsenal?
what is he doing in tht picture btw? looks to be facing the wrong way :S
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/jack-wilshere-joins-bolton-wanderers-on-loan
Jack Wilshere joins Bolton Wanderers on loan
“I think the most important thing that goalkeeping coaches can teach young ‘keepers is to have a strong mind and a lot of self belief. You could have all the ability in the world but if your head is not right – its useless.”
Fabiansky definitely should read this.. LOL
What is Southends gain is Arsenal Loss. A very silly decision on Arsnal behalve. Luke has done amazing while at Arsenal, getting into the Wales squad and playing very well also. (on more than one occasion) I know i shouldnt say this but does he need to be french or cost silly money to be good……NO!. Here is a keeper that came on to the scene late but impressed right from the beginning. going from local youth football, then to Derby and then picked up by Arsenal, then playing internatonal football all within 12 months. A 2 years contract looked the obvious option. But Yeah Luke im sure you can one day make them wonder why they let you go. Dont take this as a negative let this give you more power to suceed. Good look luke !!! See ya soon mate !!!!!!!
best of luck luke but if your good enough to play for your country your good enough to play for any team time will tell
I have known Luke for many years as he used to play with my son for a local team in Lincoln. It is a shame Luke was released as I feel we need more British players in the Prem and Championship leagues. I am not saying Luke can make that grade but more British lads should be given a better chance. I wish Luke all the best and I hope Arsenal will one day say we made a mistake, only time will tell. All the best Luke we will pop down soon now you are in Essex teritory
I have known Luke and his family since he was a young keeper in the local youth leagues in the Lincoln area. Luke has always been totally focused on his football and as a gooner I was over the moon when he joined Arsenal. I have watched his development with great interest and know how hard the recent news from Arsenal will have been for him to take. However I know how determined he is to make the grade and with the backing of his family I’am sure will come back stronger from this experience. Southend have got themselves a keeper full of potential. I will continue to follow his progress.
Good luck for the future Luke Maybe one day you’ll play for Fulham!!
This is a big mistake. Why are we letting him go when there are keepers still at Arsenal with nowhere near his potential. He’s an International already, we cannot afford to let top quality go! Think Chris Smalling. released by Millwall for nothing, sold by Fulham for £12,000,000!! Heads are gonna roll one day, probably Brady himself! This is gonna badly come back on us one day, maybe when he’s on the winning team against us in a cup final!
Jamie,excellant blog obviously this young man has had some form of media coaching, but still a very intriguing insight into the mind of a young Arsenal academy player. i have read and re-read all the comments and the one to me that clearly sums up what the entirety of this blog is all about comes from big mike. Clearly this lad is held in very high regard solely from the number of responses and the size of the indepth interview. As you can appreciate over the years mistakes have been made and young players have been released, only to go on and prove everyone wrong and as big mike has commented the perfect recent example is Chris Smalling, released by Millwall, went on to play for Woking and Maidstone, then picked up by Fulham, then finally bought by Man Utd for undisclosed sum. Surley there must be questions to answer at Millwall as to who authiurised the release of this player and maybe the same questions will one day get asked at Arsenal not to far into the future of this young man. As Luke Chambers has stated himself, scholarships do not get handed out “Willy Nilly” but i ask, can Arsenal offord to let go of International players so Willy Nilly.
hi Luke all the best m8 where ever you go, you wil succeed whichever team signs you up. Arsenal’s loss southends gain you will prove that in the near future. We all miss you in the north see you soon.
Raheem Sterling was on Skill Skool on Soccer AM, some good skills, I thought QPR were trying to protect him?
all the best luke at southend mate [cant understand why you turned down the mighty reds though ]i introduced to luke and his dad nige to ruston sports jfc in lincoln so i have followed his progress with interest.its a shame about arsenal[there loss] but im sure with his determination and hard work and backing of his family he will make the grade at southend .
it seems to me that there is a pattern forming around releasing good quality goalkeepers last year we released charlie mann who i thought was good enough for a scholarship and now luke chambers do you think there is a conspiracy or something going on
Hi – although this must be disappointing for young Luke he clearly has dealt with the experience with great maturity. I must say having watched this young man play a few times and on TV for Wales I wonder if Arsenal are making a big mistake letting him go? However this is a great opportunity for Luke at Southend who clearly believe he is going to make the grade by offering him a 4 year deal and no doubt the clubs who have shown interest in him will be keeping an eye out for him.
Academy staff opinions I hope they never lose the means to talk. This situation over Luke a Local settled London boy still very young and developing at a very substantial rate and being released from Arsenal just shows how much pressure is in the game at this level to produce instant super talent. If Luke was a London boy living in Italy/Germany or Holland doing the same for one of their academies I am sure they would not be releasing him.Just something to ponder over when you consider is how many times we have won internation tournaments in the last 20 years.We need to be more patient before pushing settled talented young players out into the adult world of football.
I know some of the coaching satff at Arsenal and they say Liam is not a very good judge of young players any way, so i would not worry about been let go from the academy. Apparentley he’s got some of the worst employees in academy Football working for him, so that would tell you something. Good luck in the future Like.
I’ve heard the place has gone down hill, he we are falling behind other clubs especially Chelsea. Lets hope thats not the case.
dear JS i read your website all the time but very rarely leave a comment but i have just got back from the match today and i am f****** furious and need to let off steam to somebody i have been a arsenal fan for 38 years and i think today was one of the lowest points of my life supporting them to start with if any one thinks that almunia is capable of his role as goalkeeper they must be deluded we havent had what i would call a world class keeper since seaman and that brings me to my point. I read this article the other day and i thought then that the problem with us is there is too many forgeiners in our team and not enough british input. they just havent got the same fighting spirit as us every great team needs a backbone SEAMAN, ADAMS, PARLOUR AND WRIGHT for instance, all had the bulldog spirit. if wrighty was up front for us today he would have had a hatrick by half time. instead we came off 2-0 down theo walcott a excellent player but is a isolated case and i now think his performances are starting to suffer because of the lack of other british players. bentiez has gone spanish but fergouson and chelsea have got the correct balance my beef is this i dont know who this chambers lad is but im not stupid if so much fuss is being made about him he must have something so why the hell are we getting rid of good english lads when surley we need to be nurturing them and bringing them into the first team to regain that bulldog spirit . for the first time i actually belive that it might be time for wenger and brady to go please could you give me your opnion as i feel so disillusioned as like alot of other arsenal fans do
I watched the match on tv and I was pretty angry myself. I flipped over a chair…but the chair is fine. The same can’t be said for Arsenal’s first team RIGHT NOW. I have been reticent to say anything regarding the make-up of the team so far as birth places are concerned because there would be a good argument that I would be a racist. I am Canadian so from just an Arsenal fan’s viewpoint, I’ll say this: SOMETHING IS MISSING. I don’t know exactly what or why, but these past few years, with the players we have brought in and developed, something IS missing. We have plenty of promising young British talent in the youth ranks so IF that is a problem, it COULD be solved within the next few years. But I think it is more than just that. MENTAL WEAKNESS can be found in every person in every country and it seems like, on the biggest of occasions, the Arsenal are NOT mentally strong enough to cope. Inexperience plays a part, but still, these players have been around long enough to know what is what so to speak. I’ll say that Shane was right about Wenger not taking the F.A. cup seriously. You need to WIN SOMETHING TO CREATE A WINNING CULTURE. And this particular set of players has not won anything WITH ARSENAL. Gallas and Sylvestre were not the MOST CRUCIAL players in the teams that they one the premiership with. Clichy didn’t play many games in 2004 either. So there is a distinct abscense of players knowing how and what to do, to go about winning, at least for me.
I might was a little harsh in what I said before, and I can still see the big picture in what Wenger is trying to do and what his plan is all about. But still like I said in the big post above…THERE IS STILL SOMETHING MISSING. And I do think our mental strength has improved with the likes of Vermaelen, Song and Robin Van Perise coming to the fore. I think Wenger is on the right track in recruiting these types of players. This may be part of the reason for his caution in the transfer windows. He wants quality players who also have a strong and winning mentality. Vermaelen has this, Song has shown this as well as Robin Van Persie. It is still coming together, but I think he is on the right track with regards to mending and strengthening the mentality of this team.
milo great comments mate and what i am thinking you are saying but just in a more cultured and refined way but stating the bleeding obvious your right we are definately lacking a vital ingrediant and i still think its a slice of the old bulldog spirit we need to bring in more british players or if we are going to have all foreign players a few more veira’s also like yourself i think wenger needs to start taking the domestic cups more seriously winning is a habit so lets get back to winning ways even if it is only the carling cup wenger and brady if ever you read this you are both brilliant men but this is not all about your egos there are loyal fans feelings to consider in all this but i honestly feel if we all pull together we can get through this COME ON THE ARSENAL and js i know you are busy but i would love to here what you have to say ps GOOD LUCK LUKE CHAMBERS
The club is in turmoil, I can assure you that. Wenger is showing his credentials as he showed at Monoco, where if you did’nt know he got the sack. For me wenger is a quality fraud, he’s making out he’s the messiah, bringing in young talent nurturing it and been the hero. Where all you blinded arsenal fans dont relie he’s suppost to be mananging the Arsenal first taem not the youth. And in any case the last Arsenal youth player to make any impression at the cub was Ashly Cole, so that will tell you something. Te club is run my idiots from first team down to youth level, and this is what happens when you let people who are not ood enough to do the job.
ACID! We love you.
What did l tell you last Friday – ‘this is a big mistake’. Well point proved. Lets hope the academy managers watched Almunia’s awful display on Sunday. Letting a proven future goalkeeper like Luke go is boardering on reckless. Perhaps someone could explain to us how these decisions are made!!
I have some very good info on the acdemy and the first taem which might e of interest to alot of arsenal fans. From a very good source down at the academy I have heard taht Arsenae does’nt even speak to liam, and theres’ unrest between the two camps. It seems there’s individuals at arsenal that like creating seperation between departments, and working against each other. Apparently they have such big EGO’s they are not interested in the academy only themselves.