Arsenal have unveiled Renee Slegers as their next permanent manager.
The 35-year-old has penned a deal that will see him lead the team until the end of the 2025/26 season. Slegers first arrived in north London as assistant manager in September 2023, but had previous links to the club, having played in Arsenal academy during the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
She jumped in temporary posting at short notice last October, following Resignation of Jonas Eidevall. Since then, she has led the Gunners on a remarkable run. Under her leadership the team has remained unbeaten, winning 10 games and drawing only one.
The club were said to have carried out a very thorough search process in search of a new manager, interviewing several candidates from around the world.
Director of Women's Football, Clare Wheatley, said: “Renee was the standout candidate throughout the process and we are thrilled to be continuing our journey with her as our permanent coach.
“Renee understands the values and ambitions of our club, with experience representing Arsenal as a young player and now as a coach. We have every confidence that she is the best person to take us forward as we compete for trophies this season and beyond.”
Despite Arsenal's intention to make sure Slegers was the right man for the job, fans already had their hearts set on a 3-2 triumph over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Women's Champions League at the end of December. The North Shore at Meadow Park roared as the red and white faithful chanted, “We've got super Renee Slegers, she knows exactly what we need!”
“I am very excited to continue our journey together,” Slegers told Arsenal fans. “It's a great honor to represent this club as head coach and I'm very confident in what we can all achieve together.
“It means a lot to me that the world feels the closeness and passion of our supporters during this process and I want to thank you all for that. We want to offer something beautiful that is inspiring and leads to winning trophies. We all have a big role to play in achieving this,” Slegers added.
Confirmation of the appointment will mean Arsenal are given clarity on the return of Barclays Women's Super League this weekend as the team prepare to host Crystal Palace at Meadow Park.