It went somewhat under the radar, but there was a departure from the Arsenal academy this week, with Stan Flaherty’s time at the club coming to an end.
Flaherty was nearing the end of his scholarship deal and had been informed that he wasn’t guaranteed to be offered a professional contract.
The midfielder spent time on trial at West Ham United and Newcastle United earlier this season and it is now anticipated that he could join the latter, where he would go into the U23 squad for next season.
A product of the Hale End academy, Flaherty produced some encouraging performances for the U18s last season but wasn’t given many chances.
Another second year scholar could follow Flaherty out of the exit door, with Alfie Matthews reportedly in talks with Newcastle.
Matthews, a striker, is in the same situation that Flaherty was in that he isn’t guaranteed a professional deal.
This season Matthews has scored three goals in nine appearances for Arsenal at U18 level and also received a callup to the U23 squad.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
When we said we wanted ‘Stan Out’, this isn’t who we meant…..
I’m fairly certain Alfie Matthews was the kid described as a genius by one of our coaches when he was 10. Could be wrong though.
I feel the Arseblog Gent will be saddened by this news. Stan Flaherty and Alfie Matthews are names, that to me anyhow, feel like they would be right at home on a 1920’s team sheet.
Could we combine them both and make a new Stanley Matthews?