9 months ago
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VIC AKERS insists Arsenal’s kitman will learn from the sock clash scenario that stalled a televised Women’s Super League duel.
The ex-Gunners Women’s boss was at Stamford Bridge watching the club’s WSL side’s 3-1 loss to Chelsea on Friday night.
Former Arsenal Women’s boss Vic Akers was among the spectators watching Gunners in action against Chelsea at Stamford BridgePA:Press Association
PA
GettyThe duel between the title rivals, aired live on Sky Sports, was pushed back by 30 minutes following a sock colour clash spotted three minutes before kick-off.
It led to Arsenal players changing the white socks they were wearing and putting on black and blue pairs obtained from Chelsea’s club shop.
The FA is reviewing the incident in line with WSL competition rules which state a kit clash may lead to a fine.
Akers, 77, who blazed a trail as Gunners Women’s boss, was once a kitman for Arsene Wenger’s Prem sides.
Reflecting on the kit clash and his memories of managing players’ apparel for more than two decades, he said: “It’s one of those things.
“At the end of the day, having been in that position as a kit manager, the job is not easy, but he will learn from this.
“I was fortunate enough to have been in the job for many years so I know if I went to Chelsea, I would take two sets of socks.
“With Chelsea they would either be wearing white, or they may wear a different colour.
“But in general they wear white so that meant you had to take the red ones.
“You get into a rhythm in all fairness as to what clubs (will wear) and how they change and who is doing what (kit-wise).”
Akers, who established Arsenal Women in 1987 and led them to 32 major trophy wins including the Champions League, has been following the Gunners’ WSL stars progress this season.
The former head coach, who managed the side for 22 years, hoped to see the team maintain the form that led them to beat Aston Villa 4-0 in the Conti Cup semis.
But goals from Sjoeke Nusken and Lauren James dented Arsenal’s title charge leaving them six-points behind Emma Hayes’ Chelsea.
And James’ opening goal and player of the match shift in attack is among the Chelsea performances that impressed Akers on Friday.
The ex-Gunners Women’s chief, who led Arsenal to a 2007 quadruple with Hayes as his assistant, said: “Emma is on the charge at the moment so good luck to her
“Lauren James was outstanding and Chelsea were the better side and much of that was down to her.
“She was on our (Arsenal’s) books as a youngster but was let go, which was quite incredible. But this happens, and she’s had a couple of clubs since.
“Now she is at a club where she is most wanted, and that bears out in her game.”
Getty“Chelsea’s win against Arsenal saw Hayes oversee her last WSL match at Stamford Bridge at the Blues’ helm.
The Camden-born gaffer will take charge of the United States women’s team later this year ending a 14-year reign which includes six WSL title wins.
And Akers hopes to see Hayes depart her current role on a high.
He added: “There’s one part of me that wants Arsenal to win (the title) because I’m an Arsenal man.
“But there’s another part saying, ‘Emma, you’re still on for this quadruple the same as what we did before’.
“It would be lovely as well for her to go to America on the strength of that. But there is still a lot of football to play.
“Emma is Emma and I think she will get bigger and better and be a success in America.
Getty“I would have loved to have seen her in the England job in the past, but it’s America’s gain.
“It will be a tough job but it’s something that Emma will love, and she’s got the same assistant from club who will go with her.
“She will give it her best shot and she’s excellent at what she does. I’m sure the girls in America will respond to that.”
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