Whether you judge successful youth development on the quality of talent coming through the system or their ability to consistently win and claim trophies, Arsenal have it all.
Arsène Wenger has a wide selection of emerging young talent at his disposal, and the majority have been a part of The Gunners’ trophy laden Under 18’s. Last season they retained their league title, hammering Nottingham Forest in the final. The players who made up that side are now looking to make their way in the professional game, but not all of them are doing so at London Colney.
Goalkeeper James Dunn, drafted in from Southend United during the season to cover for injuries, is one of those. He proved a popular figure in North London and pulled off a number of important stops on route to the final. Now with non-league Dulwich Hamlet, he spoke to Young Guns this week about life past and present.
Dunn kicked things off by explaining his current position and how the club have helped him since being released this summer;
“I’m currently at Dulwich Hamlet in the Ryman South Division. Obviously dropping out the full time game was a massive blow but you have to handle knock-backs in football and its how you respond. I had a couple of trials at clubs but all of them were looking for experience rather than ability. It’s all about getting that experience.”
“Arsenal have been very good for me, helping me sort out some of my college stuff, for example, and have been in contact to see how am I doing. There’s not a bad thing I can say since I’ve left Arsenal.”
The name Arsenal on any CV is always something a footballer can be proud of, and sometimes it can open doors. James looks back fondly on his time with the club;
“I have to say that Arsenal was one of the best times I have had in my footballing career. The facilities, coaching and support you get there is second to none. There isn’t anywhere better in the country a youngster could be. Just having the experience is a bonus for me, but as well, not a lot of players can say they have been on Arsenal’s books.”
“I enjoyed my whole time at Arsenal, and I don’t have a bad word to say about any players, staff or the club itself. The setup is fantastic and it gives you the best chance to get a future at the club or even somewhere in the footballing world. I wish the club and the players all the best for future.”
Arsenal’s goalkeeping training and development is something much maligned and discussed. Questions have been raised over the quality and whether the ‘keepers actually improve their game. For Dunn, their is no need for such debate;
“When I trained under Tony Roberts and on certain occasions David Seaman, I feel I improved dramatically. Just having someone that is still in the current game is fantastic and the experience of the coaches will help you improve as they pass their knowledge on.”
Finally, what of his former rivals? how does James rate the likes of Shea, McDermott, Martinez and Charles-Cook as stoppers?
“The current crop off ‘keepers at Arsenal have a fantastic chance of fulfilling their potential. If they all do this, they have a big future in the game and I wish them all the best in doing this. I still speak to James Shea every now and again just to check how everything is going.”
“But as I said, there isn’t anywhere better in the country a youngster could be.”
