A former Arsenal academy coach has apologised after being accused by Max Dowman’s dad of cashing in on the youngster’s success.
Dowman is widely regarded as one of the country’s brightest up-and-coming talents and rubber stamped his potential with a game-changing performance off the bench during Arsenal’s crucial 2-0 win against Everton.
The 16-year-old was introduced by Mikel Arteta with the score deadlocked at 0-0 and it was Dowman’s whipped cross that allowed Viktor Gyokeres to open the scoring following a mistake by Jordan Pickford. Dowman sealed the deal for the Gunners with a breakaway goal late on to become the youngest ever goalscorer in Premier League history.
His performance ensured his name dominated the headlines and ex-Arsenal coach Temisan Williams was invited onto talkSPORT to talk about his rapid rise through the youth ranks to the first team.
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However, his comments were slammed by Dowman’s father Robert who claims talking about his son was a ‘sad piece of self promotion’.
He wrote on X: “Listening to this guy Temisan Williams claiming he was any part of Max’s journey is a really a sad piece of attempted self promotion. I have asked him previously to refrain from doing so but still he pops up on talkSPORT this morning…
“I remember him putting the cones out at training a few times but that’s about it. We have so many fabulous coaches who we are so grateful to. He is certainly not one of them…”
Williams has now responded with his own statement, apologising to the Dowman family and vowing to refrain from speaking about the Arsenal man ever again.
He also wrote on X: “Following Rob Dowman’s comments today: I have spoken with Rob Dowman and apologised to him and his family. Going forward, I will not be discussing Max Dowman’s development. I wish Rob Dowman and his family nothing but continued success.”
Williams claims to have coached at Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham and spoke with Ally McCoist and Gabriel Agbonlahor about his role in Dowman’s development.
Williams said: “It's a fantastic thing, incredible thing that Max has done.
“It's brilliant for his family, the academy, club, fans, and it's always a bit of a surprise as the journey can have so many ups and downs. He should just enjoy that moment.
“Scouts have done a fantastic job. I was the Under 12s assistant coach and was able to see Max for two years, a small part of his journey.”
Robert Dowman’s father has previously credited a different Arsenal coach for playing a key role in his son’s progress - the club’s academy scout Johnny Knight.
“Proud day for us. Nothing would of been possible without this guy. Thank you Johnny Knight. Spotted Max as a four year old and took him into Arsenal. Best scout in the business and and even better person. Johnny Knight,” he wrote in an old social media post.
Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, Football
Marcus Banks