Jack Wilshere and Alex Iwobi call him a “father figure” and many more Premier League stars have benefited from the work first put in place by Roy Massey 25 years ago.
Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith-Rowe and Joe Willock are among the others to have appreciated Massey’s guidance since he began helping Arsenal legend Liam Brady mould the Gunners’ academy in 1998.
“I regarded the academy as my family,” said Wilshere. “Roy was the one who drove things forward and he had a strong work ethic.”
Iwobi, who joined when he was in primary school and played 100 Premier League games before joining Everton in 2019, says Massey was “respected, loved and adored” and always a “perfect gentleman”.
“He has an infectious laugh and made everyone feel welcome,” added Iwobi. “He gave all of us equal opportunities to get on to the pitch during matches. He gave us belief and…