Young Guns – Arsenal Reserves & Youth News

Gavin Hoyte returned to Arsenal in the summer of 2009 following a three-month stint on loan with Championship side Watford.

Gavin is the second Hoyte to play for Arsenal in recent years, after his brother, Justin, came through the Hale End system but has since joined Middlesbrough. On lookers have always suggested that Hoyte junior would be better than Hoyte senior and based on what we’ve seen so far, that looks like an accurate statement.

An athletic and versatile defender blessed with tremendous energy and speed, the Waltham Forest born youngster has captained both the Under 18′s and Reserves in the last few campaigns. However, last year he made the significant step up to the first team where he played the second half against Barnet and then made two consecutive starts in Austria versus Szombathelyi Haladás and a Burgenland XI.

A late substitute appearance against VfB Stuttgart showed how highly he is regarded by Arsène Wenger, and he would go on to play a key part as the Gunners beat Huddersfield to win the Herbert Chapman Trophy.

It quickly became clear that he would be called on throughout the season, and he was. He made the right back slot his own during Arsenal’s Carling Cup run which unfortunately ended at the Quarter-Final stage. Wenger also selected the quick-silver centre back for the Premier League game with Manchester City where he was forced to mark Brazilian striker Robinho. It was a real character building experience for the defender who sealed a move to Watford in January 2009.

He turned out just 7 times in a mixed loan spell but did play against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the F.A Cup. Gavin also earned international recognition at Under 19 level during his time away and returns aiming for more first team football.

Name: Gavin Hoyte
Nickname: ‘Gav’
Age: 19
Nationality: English
International: Yes (Under 19)
Position: Centre Back/Right Back
Height: 183cm
Previous Clubs: Watford (Loan)
Contract : Professional