Phil Haigh
Published June 9, 2026 7:39pm
Updated June 9, 2026 7:40pm
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Max Porter leaves Arsenal after nine years with the Gunners (Picture: Getty Images)
Highly-rated coach Max Porter has left his role at Arsenal to become Stoke City’s assistant manager.
The 38-year-old had a playing career in the lower leagues with the likes of AFC Wimbledon, Newport County and Barnet, but retired early and moved into coaching.
He joined Arsenal in 2017 and worked his way up the age ranges, starting at Under-9s and leaving as Under-21s head coach.
The Englishman now joins Stoke to work as experienced manager Mark Robins’ assistant after a 17th place finish in the Championship last season.
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Stoke sporting director Jonathan Walters said: ‘Max arrives from one of the most elite and successful environments in the country, and we’re delighted to welcome him to Stoke City.
‘He has built a reputation as one of the brightest young coaches in the game and has played an important role in the development of a number of exceptional young players during his time at Arsenal.
‘What stood out to us was Max’s drive, energy and ambition. He is constantly looking to improve, challenge and develop those around him, and we believe he will be a tremendous addition to our environment.
Porter had risen through the Arsenal ranks to Under-21 head coach (Picture: Getty Images)
‘As we continue to strengthen and add quality to our backroom staff, Max is another important appointment for the club, and we’re excited to see the impact he can make as we prepare for the season ahead.’
An Arsenal statement read: ‘During his time with us, Max helped provide a strong foundation for many of our young players as they prepared for their futures in senior football, alongside competing regularly in Premier League 2.
‘Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Max for his contribution to the club and wish him and his family all the best for the future.’
Mark Robins has been in charge of Stoke since January 2025 (Picture: Getty Images)
There was some doubt over Robins’ future at Stoke at the end of last season, but the former Coventry and Barnsley boss now looks set to stay.
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As another underwhelming season in the Championship came to an end in May, Robins said: ‘We’re in next week, we’ll have meetings no doubt, and we’ll speak with the hierarchy and see what happens from there.
‘A lot of things are up in the air, not least the financial rules for the league and things like that. I think that will certainly have a bearing on what we eventually do or can do.
‘But in the meantime, we’ll just get on and do what we can at this point.’
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